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.
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 28, 2015. Also cited in 104 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000120053, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: NASHVILLE TN - 626
Issue:
Veteran A received a package in the mail, addressed to him, which contained medications belonging to Veteran B. Most of the medications were from a private pharmacy but the package did contain one medication from TVHS. Veteran A realized the error and returned the package to the Business Office, Nashville Campus, who forwarded it to the Privacy Officer (PO), Nashville Campus. The PO, Nashville Campus, interviewed Veterans A and B by phone, investigated the incident, and found the following: On 05/11/15, Veterans A and B were treated in the Emergency Department (ED), Nashville Campus. Veteran B brought his medications to the ED, was later admitted, and gave the medications to the RN who was assisting him. The RN placed the medications in an envelope and told Veteran B they would be mailed to his home address. This same nurse also assisted Veteran A during his ED visit. It is believed the RN, ED inadvertently sent the medications to the wrong Veteran.
Outcome:
05/28/15: The Incident Resolution Service Team has determined that Veteran B will be sent a HIPAA notification letter due to Protected Health Information (PHI) being disclosed.