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 August 15, 2012. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079192, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
Today, 8/15/2012, the VA Police reported to the Privacy Officer (PO) that printed Veteran materials are visible in a car located in the physician parking area of the facility parking lot. They traced the car to a physician but could not locate contact information for physician in the facility directory. The PO inquiry identified the physician as a contract surgeon. Surgery confirmed that a surgical case is in progress. The office contact phone for the physician is on file but here is no pager available. The PO and VA Police inspected the exterior of the car with a personalized medical license plate. Patient materials were visible on the passenger seat, face up. There was a paper printout of the appointments listing 9 patients on page 1. Page 2 was not visible. The patient data visible of the 9 patients included the full SSN, first and last names, home telephones, follow-up tests, and handwritten clinical notes. ACTIONS: 1) PO and VA Police left the scene to recover Veteran information and contact Surgery. 2) Chief of Surgery and AO notified. 3) Upon surgical case conclusion, they indicated they will recover Veteran materials with contract surgeon. 4) HIPAA Privacy/Security training courses requested. Further notification and remedial actions to ensue. Update: 08/15/12: Nine (9) Veterans will be sent letters offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Physician was counseled by his Compliance manager in his practice. Disciplinary review and actions are pending by Service Chief. Signed letters of Credit monitor offers sent to Veterans today.