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.
Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN 22)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 11, 2012. Also cited in 129 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000080055, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 22 Las Vegas, NV
Issue:
A Veteran reported that while undertaking a liver biopsy with a VA Contractor Steinberg Diagnostic (VISN contract), a contracted nurse shouted out "I gave the HIV patient...his shot" in a room with other patients. Update: 09/12/12:One Veteran will be sent a HIPAA notification due to Protected Health Information being disclosed.
Outcome:
Contractor nurse did make the statement about giving the HIV patient his shot; however she claims she was speaking about the other patient and not the VA Veteran, this could not be confirmed. Regardless who she was speaking about, Veteran or public patient, the statement should not have been made within hearing of the other patient on the other side of the curtain. Contractor changing policy to ensure privacy protocols are in place during recovery, and the specific nurse was counseled, and educated on the proper privacy protocols. Confirmation letter mailed to Veteran apologizing for incident on September 28, 2012.