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 Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 21, 2011. Also cited in 187 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000063956, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 06 Richmond, VA
Issue:
A VA employee's supervisor reports that the employee accessed 4 patients' medical records and disclosed information regarding their treatment in a complaint that he filed regarding other employees in his department. The information accessed included full name, full SSN and medical consult information, and the information disclosed included the patients' last name, last 4 digits of the SSN, and medical consult information. The information was forwarded to the Chief of the Service, Union President, and Chief of Staff. The supervisor reports that the employee was not involved in the care of the 4 patients and should not have accessed their medical records. Update: 06/22/11:Four (4) Patients will be sent letters offering credit protection services, due to full name and full SSN being exposed.
Outcome:
The employee was provided education on e-mail communication and the right of access to patient information.