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.
South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 31, 2012. Also cited in 317 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071232, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 16 Houston, TX
Issue:
Employee found a piece of plain white paper where a provider had written notes concerning seven (7) Veterans. The note was found near the hallway between PET/CT (radiographic procedures) AND Emergency Room (ER) area. Both patients and employees have access to the area. The notes included only a last name and last four ssn. The notes included diagnosis, physical exam, assessment/plan information. The notes are very hard to read. Looks like notes written in order to document later in CPRS. Update: 01/31/12:Seven (7) Veterans will be sent a notification letter due to PHI being exposed.
Outcome:
Resident required to retake VA10203 Privacy and HIPAA training.