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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 31, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000063116, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
A pharmacy package was delivered to the wrong individual. The Veteran no longer resides at the address where the package was delivered. The individual contacted Pharmacy Service staff regarding the misdirected package. The individual who received the package is not a Veteran. The individual has the same last name as the Veteran. The information disclosed included an instruction sheet which included the Veterans full name, name of medication, dosage, and an incorrect address. The UPS and VA Police have been notified. A pharmacist attempted to contact the Veteran by phone, but the phone had been disconnected. UPS has been contacted to arrange for a pick-up of the package. Update: 05/31/11:The Veteran will be sent a notification letter due to name and protected health information (PHI) being exposed.NOTE: There were a total of 90 Mis-Mailed incidents this reporting period. Because of repetition, the other 89 are not included in this report, but are included in the "Mis-Mailed Incidents" count at the end of this report. In all incidents, Veterans will receive a notification letter and/or credit monitoring will be offered if appropriate.
Outcome:
Employees are being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information, and the importance of being vigilant when disbursing medication via the pharmacy window as well as through the mail.