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.
Phoenix VA Health Care System
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 16, 2014. Also cited in 102 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000099273, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: PHOENIX AZ - 644
Issue:
Today, 01/16/13, a VA employee and another staff member self-reported to the Privacy Officer (PO) of inadvertent disclosure of Veteran protected health information (PHI), in paper format. Earlier today, the Veteran was provided with his discharge paperwork. Upon review at home, consults or medical records of three (3) different Veterans were seen in his paperwork. He contacted the discharge staff, who requested the documents back. The Veteran could not bring them back in but did mail them back to the department today. Asked staff to self-report to her supervisor promptly. The Veteran did not provide her with the names of the other Veterans as this was already mailed. Staff provided excellent remedial instruction to the Veteran of PHI. Asked for the documents when they arrive or check in within a week. Assured her that both she and the Veteran provided outstanding remediation promptly, and that we will assess the scope of this exposure for necessary actions. Additional notification and investigation, to ensue.
Outcome:
01/21/14: The three Veterans' name, diagnosis and medication information were compromised. The three Veterans will receive a letter offering credit protection services.