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 October 17, 2013. Also cited in 102 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000095914, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: PHOENIX AZ - 644
Issue:
Today, 10/17/13, Pharmacy Supervisor reports a call by Veteran A describing receipt of a medication for Veteran B. Upon review, it was the same medication, same dose and strength for each Veteran. Medication was provided to each Veteran on 09/17/13. Veteran A did not realize bottle was labeled for Veteran B until medication completed. Supervisor called Veteran B, who had also completed medication and thrown away the bottle. UPS recovery bag sent to Veteran A for bottle, no contents. No information on Veteran specific medication instruction received. Medication label included the Veterans' name, prescription number, drug name, prescribing physician, medication number, expiration date, fill date, and warnings/contraindications. Primary exposure to each Veteran is other Veterans full name. Root cause: final mislabeling of UPS medication package. Corrective action: Supervisor will re-educate staff regarding identity check prior to prescriptions being mailed outs. Notification assessment, pending.
Outcome:
10/17/13: HIPAA notification letters will be sent to two Veterans.