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.
Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 2, 2013. Also cited in 141 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000086319, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 21 San Francisco, CA
Issue:
Veteran alleged he was meeting with a male CBOC employee, and that a SW took the male employee into another office and audibly "blurted out he was not to be seen alone by a female." The Veteran alleged a CBOC receptionist as well as other patients were within earshot. The complainant said a HIPAA violation complaint was filed with the state, that the former HUD VASH supervisor investigated his complaint nine months ago but nothing happened, and that the current HUD VASH supervisor said they would have "all hands privacy training" which has not occurred.I interviewed the male employee who the patient allegedly was meeting with when the incident occurred. The employee stated he neither witnessed nor was involved with the incident. Furthermore, he stated the patient had told him about the incident.Pending is the interview of the current HUD/VASH supervisor and the SW who allegedly breached the patient's privacy. I do not plan to interview the former HUD/VASH supervisor. Update: 04/01/13:The PO interviewed the employees and found that the complaint was substantiated. A HIPAA notification letter will be sent to the Veteran.
Outcome:
1. Subject of the complaint completed TMS Privacy & Information Security & Rules of Behavior (refresher) training.2. All staff reminded of auditory safeguard responsibilities.3. Appropriate disciplinary action taken.