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.
Phoenix VA Health Care System
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 6, 2013. Also cited in 102 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000096684, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: PHOENIX AZ - 644
Issue:
Today, 11/06/13, the Patient Advocate provided a delayed privacy complaint from a Veteran. The Veteran complained that a pharmacist discussed Veterans medical status with PCP by speaker phone while husband was standing in hallway. He overhead the conversation and complained that members of the public in the waiting room also heard some negative comments regarding the Veteran. Regional Counsel and Risk Management contacted the Privacy Officer (PO) also. Additional notification and investigation, pending.
Outcome:
02/03/14: Pharmacy Supervisor had previously discussed this with clinic manager and Veteran(s). She confirmed that they had told her that they recorded her call at the end of the call and wanted further action regarding several complaints. Investigation of complaint does indicate that an auditory privacy breach occured without any Veteran identification. However, because the encounter had happened the day prior, the husand overheard the pharmacist discussing the case history with the practioner, recognizing that they were discussing his wife, a Veteran also. This is now determined to be an incident. Additional reports of contact were provided by the supervisor to the Patient Advocate. Requested that all actions to-date be provided to PO for any additional action and subsequent letter to Veteran. Veteran A will receive a notification letter.