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 Heart of Texas Health Care Network (VISN 17)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 21, 2011. Also cited in 122 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000064945, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 17 Temple, TX
Issue:
Patient Representative received a call this morning from the wife of Patient A. Patient A had a medical issue yesterday 7-20-11 and came back into the Emergency Room (ER) last night. Patient A was treated and released. This morning the wife looked at discharge paperwork and determined that they had been given the paperwork for another patient that was also in the ER last night. The other patient was Patient B. Patient now concerned that the other patient has his SSN and also the wrong discharge instructions. Update: 07/22/11:Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
The entire department received education on the importance of validating patient identity. Written counseling for the employee was recommended by the Supervisor. HR is currently involved with the corrective action recommendation.