VA Heartland Network (VISN 15)

Report ID: SPE000000056991, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Reported Entity: VISN 15 Kansas City, MO

Issue:

Veteran A believes that an unauthorized disclosure of his information (which he feels was inaccurate in addition to being disclosed without his authorization) resulted in his social security benefits being suspended. Documentation in the medical record does not support Veteran A's allegation of an unauthorized disclosure by the individual (addiction therapist) whom he initially identified as the possible violator of his privacy. However further investigation resulted in Veteran A's former parole officer locating 2009 notes that identify a different therapist (former VA employee) as the individual who called her on the phone and advised her that Veteran A did not complete the Substance Abuse program. Veteran A states he never authorized the disclosure. The parole board states they routinely obtain an authorization, however after extensive searching, no signed authorization could be located. Update: 04/07/11:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter. also OIG should be notified since 7332 information was released by an ex-VA employee.

Outcome:

The individual alleged responsible for this breach left VA employment sometime ago. "prior" to this incident being reported. Supervisor of dept. however has reiterated to staff in department, the need for patient privacy and the fact that it everyone's responsibility. The PO has provided privacy training in this dept. in the past and is more than willing and happy to do so again. (gkg). A notification letter was subsequently sent to the Veteran.per NCOC guidance.