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 Heartland Network (VISN 15)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 9, 2012. Also cited in 149 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000078982, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 15 Marion, IL
Issue:
Blue Clinic: On 08/09/2012, received phone call from a congressional office that Veteran A had reported to them that he had received Veteran B's medical information when leaving his medical appointment on 08/08/2012. Veteran A is concerned that his medical information may have been given to another Veteran. Conference call was attempted by congressional representative with Veteran A and this writer; however, there was no answer.Investigation was immediately initiated by this writer. Per nurse manager, the provider had intended to print Veteran As medication reconciliation sheet, but must have accidentally printed another Veterans sheet. Veteran A was the first patient seen following the providers lunch break. At time of this entry, we have been unable to identify Veteran B to make him aware of the error and to confirm if he received the correct information. Per congressional representative, Veteran A will be returning the mis-handled documents via US Postal Service. Update: 08/09/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
This incident has been thoroughly investigated. Measures have already been taken to lessen the likelihood of future incidents of this nature. Education has been provided to staff. They have been reminded to double-check medication reconciliation forms to ensure they are released to the correct patient.