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 Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 27, 2011. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000068089, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Butler, PA
Issue:
EMPLOYEE VETERAN IS AN INPATIENT ON OUR MEDICAL FLOOR. A FORMER NURSE WAS ON THE WARD VISITING HER HUSBAND WHO IS ALSO A PATIENT. SHE LOOKED AND SAW THE EMPLOYEE VETERANS NAME ON THE DOOR AND ASKED A NURSE WHY THE PATIENT WAS IN THE HOSPITAL. THE NURSING STAFF TOLD THE FORMER NURSE THAT HE HAD HIS LEG AMPUTATED. THIS WAS OVERHEARD BY THE NURSE MANAGER. THE EMPLOYEE VETERAN WAS NOT AWARE OF WHAT HAPPENED. Update: 10/27/11:The employee Vereran will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Employee was given a reprimand for this action and was placed in her OPF. She understands the error she made. The PO will also send out an announcement to the entire VA Medical Center as a reminder of the importance of this issue, and the importance of not having verbal communication in hallways, lunchrooms, and other common areas.