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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 5, 2012. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071440, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
A Veteran provided discharge documents to A VA Provider that were not his, the Provider gave the documents to the Privacy Officer (PO). The Veteran received his correct discharge documents but upon discharge also received documents for one other Veteran. The documents received by Veteran A included Veteran B's Medical Form, Your Next Step of Care - totaling 3 pages. Veteran A had these documents in his possession until his next appointment. He explained that he wanted to ensure their safety and did not review them or make any copies. The PO recovered all of the documents from Veteran A ,further investigation and notification to ensue. Update: 02/06/12:Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Nursing supervisor has completed her investigation with ward clerk, nurse and pharmacist. Root cause identified as nurse and possibly ward clerk stapling together wrong patients' materials for discharge. The nursing supervisor counseled both the ward clerk and nurse regarding how to process discharge paperwork appropriately for each patient. Privacy training was emphasized as well as patient care. Investigation completed.