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 NY/NJ Veterans Healthcare Network (VISN 3)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 28, 2012. Also cited in 59 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077277, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 03 New York, NY
Issue:
An employee needed to disclose information pertaining to a state law under a standing request. In addition the employee needed to disclose 7332 information so the employee had the Veteran sign an authorization (10-5345). In the information to be disclosed box it was specified that the VA can share the name, address, substance abuse treatment, housing progress, mental health treatment, however, in addition to that statement the employee did not ensure the patient marked off drug and alcohol treatment box under Veterans request. Therefore the facility is being told by VHACO Privacy Issues group the facility needs to put in a ticket since the agency was notified verbally that alcohol was used. The employee that reported it will not release hard copies as requested until the Veteran signs a new forms. Update: 06/28/12:The information was released verbally without the patients authorization. Ove Veteran will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
The privacy officer met with the employee who reported event. Employee is well aware of the error made and will not make the mistake again.