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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.
Albany VA Medical Center: Samuel S. Stratton
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 19, 2013. Also cited in 28 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000090822, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: ALBANY NY - 528A8
Issue:
An employee locked an office door when she left on 06/18/13 at 4:10 PM. When she arrived to work on 06/19/13 around 6:10 AM, the door was shut but unlocked. She noticed a reference book and also a handwritten list containing last name and last 4 of SSN along with the name of an outside hospital where the patients are being treated was missing.
Outcome:
06/19/13: The book was only a reference book for Utilization Management. It didn't contain any information at all about patients. The list however was folded and tacked to a bulletin board over the employee's desk. She apparently writes out information that will be needed for the next morning meeting with the Director. That was pinned on the board. It contained only the last name, last 4 of SSN and the name of the outside hospital where they are being treated. The nurse gave the Privacy Officer (PO) the names of the 4 patients that were on the list. Housekeeping wasn't in there. The VA Police were notified and they are going to do a Uniformed Officers Report (UOR) on the incident also. The 4 patients will receive a HIPAA letter of notification.