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.
VA Healthcare System (VISN 10)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 12, 2012. Also cited in 119 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077748, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 10 Dayton, OH
Issue:
Without a written authorization from a Veteran/patient, a Release of Information (ROI) staff person released to an ambulance driver a document that contained the following: Veteran/patient's full name and NOK information, home addresss, telephone number, full social security number, date of birth, disability information, insurance information, future appointment information. Currently, it doesn't appear to have been for continuity of care. Pendng investigation. Update: 07/12/12:The ambulance company driver was trying to retrieve the patient's insurance information for payment. The patient shared with the driver that the VA takes care of the payments. The driver tried to retrieve the information from several places and eventually received the information from the Release of Information office.
Outcome:
Privacy Officer contacted the ROI clerk and was provided a response statement as to her reason for releasing the information to the ambulance driver. In her statement she stated that she thought it was for continuity of care. Privacy Officer has requested a meeting with the clerk, with Union representation if desired. Findings, so far, from the privacy investigation indicates that this was an improper disclosure. After meeting with clerk and representative, the findings will be forwarded to supervisor and Human Resources for appropriate disciplinary action.