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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.
Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 6, 2011. Also cited in 141 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000063313, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 21 San Francisco, CA
Issue:
A Claims file was sent to this facility and a Veteran underwent three exams. The last exam occurred on 05/11/11. According to the clerk, the file was placed in a rack outside of the Fellow's door. According to the Attending MD (based on conversation with the Fellow), the file was on the table in a conference room where staff keep personal items (e.g., purses). The file was discovered missing at the end of May. According to the Chief of Compensation and Pension (C&P)/Occupational Medicine, the medical exam was complete therefore they planned to return the file to VBA Regional Office (RO) in Oakland and could not locate the record. According to the C&P tracker system, the file was last assigned to the Women Clinic. The File Room Supervisor was contacted and the file had not been returned. Also, the Chief Business Officer contacted VBA RO Oakland and they do not have the file. Update: 06/06/11: The Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services, as his medical information and date of birth were included in the lost file. NOTE: There were a total of 15 Mis-Handling incidents this reporting period. Because of repetition, the other 14 are not included in this report, but are included in the "Mis-Handling Incidents" count at the end of this report. In all incidents, Veterans will receive a notification letter and/or credit monitoring will be offered if appropriate.
Outcome:
On 6/29/11, PO met with the lead receptionist for the clinic to review their procedures for securing C&P files. She explained after the patient checks in for their appointment, their file is placed in the 'conference room' for review by the provider before the exam. Effectively immediately, the procedure will be changed: they will keep the files in the receptionist's office (which is controlled and locked when not occupied) and hand to the provider when they are ready to review. This will allow a chain of custody and should prevent loss of files. On 8/1/11, D. Uldricks (VBARO Oakland) was contacted and said the file was located in their offsite storage facility however the actual claim was missing. Therefore, on 8/15/11 a credit monitoring letter was sent to the Veteran.