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 New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 11, 2012. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000076551, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Boston, MA
Issue:
On or about 0930 hrs on 05JUN2012 a call was placed to the MICU staff nurse in Building 1 of the VA BHS West Roxbury, MA. campus. The caller was the spouse of a Veteran located there. The caller asked the staff nurse "How is my husband doing? My friend who works at Brockton told me that he has a fever last night, his temperature was 100, is that right?" The staff nurse responded "I beg your pardon!" The spouse repeated the statement & question. The MICU attending Doctor had received a phone call previously from the spouse & included a friend who she claimed is a trusted medical adviser. The MICU Doctor feels that this may be the same individual who provided the information concerning the Veteran to the spouse. Both the MICU Doctor & Staff Nurse feel that a HIPPA violation occurred and reported it to the MICU Head Nurse. Update: 06/11/12:The Veteran will be sent a HIPAA notification letter.
Outcome:
PO placed sensitive flag on Veteran's medical record. Notification letter sent. HR Labor Relations Chief and Supervisors will be notified when the employee is identified. The employee will be required to recomplete Privacy and Security Training and read the Minimum Necessary Standard and sign VHA Handbook 1605.2.