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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 24, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000081571, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Portland, OR
Issue:
A Veteran met with and notified the facility Privacy Officer (PO) that the Release of Information (ROI) office responded to a medical records request authorizing the disclosure of Urinary Analysis (UA) drug screen results to an attorney and an additional VA provider progress note was released with it. The release authorization did not include disclosure of any notes. The note released indicated that the UA showed the Veteran had used methamphetamine. This note was presented in court and the Veteran lost custody of her children. The VA Provider created a later note explaining that the test results showed a false positive due to other medication the Veteran was taking, but this note was not able to be submitted to the court in time. The Veteran was informed that the incident would be investigated at a facility level and she may file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services as well. She met with the Patient Advocate to discuss filing a tort claim. Update: 11/01/12:Veteran A will receive a notification letter.
Outcome:
The employee who disclosed the information is aware of the complaint by the Veteran and is aware of the need to clearly understand what documents are being authorized for release. Since the incident the employee has taken a position in another department where they do not have access to Veteran patient information.