Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
VA Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 7, 2013. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000084366, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Butler, PA
Issue:
A domiciliary patient filed a complaint that staff is releasing patient information to the parole office without authorization. Update: 01/14/13:After an investigation the improper disclosure did happen. The patient will be sent a HIPAA notification letter.
Outcome:
Whenever VA staff release information to a patients Parole Officer, they are required to contain an authorization from the patient. If it contains 38 U.S.C. 7332 it must have the extra consent marked. Veterans was admitted to our Domiciliary Program and our staff perform an assessment over the phone. Patient gave the name of his parolo officer. Parole Officer later called into talk to VA staff later. Discussions between VA staff and Parole Officer occured without written authorization of patient. Patient was aware that this discussions were taking place.Corrective action is the Domiciliary staff along with Privacy Officer will hold a class for all domiciliary patients admitted to explain the process pertaining to ROI and authorizations.Will also explain that sign authorization needs to be completed.