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 April 10, 2013. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000087787, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
Today , 04/10/13, a nurse manager reports that personal health information (PHI) of a staff clinician was known by another clinicians Veterans. This was discovered while recently covering Veteran encounters. The employee had previously suffered a significant health concern in mid-February 2013 at work. She was assisted by another VA employee to another medical center and stayed during treatment. Clinician notified supervisor, who notified timekeeper. However, by the next morning, it was reported that all other employees had in-depth knowledge of treatment and conditions. A short time later, the employee asked for confidential treatment of PHI and event. Due to the widespread knowledge of the clinicians new medical conditions, the nurse manager sent educational privacy materials to the staff. However, when taking over the Veteran case load last week, it was apparent that Veterans also had knowledge of medical diagnosis, treatment, and medical center utilized by clinician. The Privacy Officer (PO) will provide supplementary privacy in-service to staff groups. Additional investigation and notification to ensue Update: 04/11/13:The clinician will be sent a general notification letter.
Outcome:
NA