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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 18, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000080239, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Walla Walla, WA
Issue:
The Veteran called the Executive Offices at 8:00 AM stating that his privacy had been violated. The Executive Secretary transferred the call to the Privacy Officer (PO). The Veteran stated that a nurse on his Patient-Aligned Care Teams (PACT) broke his confidentiality by calling his parents. The below is redacted of personally identifiable information (PII) but is from the nursing note. "Phone calls from Veteran stating he needs to be in nursing home or die. States he broke his toilet seat again and is incontinent and not able to care for himself. He needs some help. He needs to be in nursing home or die. Attempted multiple return calls. Veteran would pick up phone and then a hang up. Phoned Veteran's next of kin, Dad. Veteran's Dad lives close to Veteran and the Dad went to Veteran's house to check on him. Veteran's Dad returned call and states Veteran is walking around in home and making food to eat. Veteran's father will continue to check on him. Information given to Primary Care Physician and social work. " Update: 09/24/12:The Veteran will be sent a notification letter due to protected health information (PHI) being discussed with someone not authorized to receive the PHI.
Outcome:
Spoke with PACT team member and educated her on checking the medical record for a POA prior to discussing any health care issues with anyone other than the Veteran.