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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 8, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000072634, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 02/14/12, Veteran/Employee A presented to the Dorn VA Medical Center Emergency Care Department for treatment. Prior to being released from the Emergency Care Department, a Nurse provided the Veteran with verbal instructions and a copy of her discharge summary. On 03/07/12, Veteran A contacted the Privacy Officer by phone to report an incident. The Veteran reported that she was inadvertently given a copy of a discharge summary, which was intended for Veteran B on 02/14/12. The information disclosed included Veteran B's full name, full social security number, and Protected Health Information. Update: 03/08/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
To address the human error part of this issue, the ED nursing team has embarked on a detailed re-education campaign that emphasizes proper patient identification, privacy of health information, basic attention to details and patient education at discharge. Start date: 03/15/12 thru 03/22/12. These information sessions will be conducted by the nurse manager during the nursing teams weekday morning meeting.