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.
South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 25, 2012. Also cited in 317 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077111, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 16 Biloxi, MS
Issue:
Veteran A reported to the Release of Information (ROI) office today and returned medical records belonging to Veteran B. Veteran A received Veteran B's information on 04/25/12. Veteran A became aware of having Veteran B's information during the drive home on 04/25/12, however, neglected to return until today. Veteran A stated the information belonging to Veteran B remained in an envelope in his desk drawer at home until he returned it today. Veteran A states no one saw Veteran B's information. the records contained Veteran B's name, full SSN, date of birth and medical information.The release of information accounting of disclosure reveals Veteran A and B requested and received copies of their medical information on 04/25/12. Veteran B's request was processed first. The ROI clerk who processed the requests neglected to change patient names while retrieving Lab and Radiology reports from VistA. Therefore, Veteran A received Veteran B's labs and x-ray reports. Update: 06/26/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Employee to received appropriate disciplinary action for incident and required to re-take HIPAA Privacy Training TMS course.