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.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 18, 2014. Also cited in 26 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000111784, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: BIRMINGHAM AL - 521
Issue:
Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) Privacy Officer (PO) was informed by Nurse Manager that she received notification from a charge nurse that said charge nurse received a phone call from the wife of a Veteran/patient that she was in possession of a document that had another Veteran/patient's full name and full social security number. Both Veteran/patients were seen in Dermatology on November 12, 2014. Nurse Manager called the spouse of the Veteran/patient who confirmed that she did have the document and that she was concerned that her husband's specimen may be incorrectly marked. The Nurse Manager attempted to assure her that the specimens are marked by the provider with specific identifiers and that the Nurse Manager would notify the physicians to ensure they are correct. The spouse stated that she would return the document tomorrow when she returns for another visit, but that she would retain a copy as proof. The Nurse Manager attempted to discourage the spouse from making a copy and assured her that we would be taking necessary corrective actions.
Outcome:
11/19/14: The Incident Resolution Service Team has determined that Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.