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 Health Care Upstate New York (VISN 2)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 29, 2011. Also cited in 132 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000067281, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 02 Bath, NY
Issue:
Medical Records Collaborative Review sheets for 15 patients were given to the Union by one employee to assist another employee who has filed a grievance. The sheets contain: patient name (all but one have last name, first initial and middle initial), date of visit, patient age, last four of SSN, and chief complaint/diagnosis. Below that are five quality indicators used to determine if the treating provider met the standard of care. Update: 09/29/11:Fifteen Veterans will be sent a letter of notification.11/15/11:Apparently an appeal was filed and the DBCT denied the appeal. The Privacy Officer (PO) and the Interim Director decided to override the DBCT's decision and entered a memo called "redacted letter" which resulted in the inappropriate closure of this ticket. The ticket was reopened and the PO notified.
Outcome:
Education was provided as to how sensitive information should be sent (i.e. using special attention envelopes). Provider voiced understanding.