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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 17, 2011. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000067752, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
A Veteran initiated a privacy complaint in the Patient Advocate's office. He describes that his father received his laboratory results in the mail. After discussion with PO, he provided copies of his lab results and his father's medication consult which were both mailed to his father. He and his father are not on the best of terms but another family member provided both results to the Veteran to show that his results were disclosed. Copies of both documents provided to PO. Investigation and notification to ensue. Update: 10/17/11:The Veteran (son) will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Employee will be more diligent in checking Veteran identity issues for mail out. Unintentional error while covering another clinic in addition to her own. Offered supervisor additional PO education time with staff if needed.