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.
Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 24, 2011. Also cited in 133 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000064108, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 19 Fort Harrison, MT
Issue:
A two sided document containing personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information ( PH) for 13 patients was found outside the facility on the grass between the stairwells. An IT Specialist immediately gave it to the Information Security Officer (ISO). The ISO contacted medical personnel to identify the service department of origin; then followed up with nurse managers. All Nurse Managers will counsel all nursing staff regarding the policy that sensitive information must not be removed from VA protective custody. The information on the document included the name, partial SSN and diagnosis. Update: 06/27/11:The thirteen patients will receive a letter of notification..
Outcome:
Education given to nursing staff regarding proper disposition of the nursing census report-- shred at end of the tour of duty.