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 January 30, 2012. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071165, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Butler, PA
Issue:
A patient had an appointment at one of our facilities outpatient clinics. The patient has a medical diagnoses listed under U.S. code 7332. Staff thought the patient may have been under the influence of a substance. Staff called the local police department to go to patients home to make sure the patient made it home. The VA did not have a standing letter with the local police department that gave them the right to disclose this information. Update: 01/30/12:The patient will be sent a notification letter, since his diagnosis was disclosed inappropriately..
Outcome:
The Privacy Officers have scheduled U.S. C. 7332 training to various staff throughout the Butler VA Healthcare System to make them more aware of the regulations. This will hopefully eliminate or at least reduce information being released that should not be.