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 Heartland Network (VISN 15)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 12, 2013. Also cited in 149 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000087870, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 15 Topeka, KS
Issue:
A Patient and his wife stopped by the ISO's office on April 1, 2013 to request a listing of staff that has accessed his record. The patients wife returned to the ISO office on April 11, 2013. She stated that she and her husband were only concerned about one particular individual that accessed his record (on 4 separate occasions). The ISO submitted this inquiry to the Supervisor. The Supervisor reported that the individual did not have a reason to access the patients record. Update: 04/12/13:The patient will be sent a HIPAA notification letter.05/22/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
This individual received a written counseling letter and will be meeting with the Privacy Officer for education. Privacy re-training provided one-on-one with individual: provided references; statutes and discussion in order to bring forth better understanding of confidentiality and the importance VA's trust must be shown, in all actions. And thru HR & SL Supervisor other appropriate personnel action was taken.Notification Letter sent & redacted copy uploaded.