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 - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on December 28, 2011. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000070113, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Lebanon, PA
Issue:
A prescription for Veteran A was filled correctly on 12/07/11. It was a refrigerated medication and it was packed and mailed from the medical center on 12/08/11 by UPS. In the packing process, the pharmacy technician selected an incorrect patient name in the UPS database, and the postage label was created for Veteran B. It was mailed out and Veteran B received the package on 12/09/11. Veteran B contacted the Pharmacy Call Center and they forwarded the Call Center the information in a service request. A pharmacy technician contacted Veteran B. Veteran B returned the medication in the original box. Violation of full name, full address, full SSN, and medication name in the mailing process. Update: 12/28/11:Veteran A will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Pharmacy staff were reminded on the importance of ensuring accurate patient identification when filling medications.