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.
Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 29, 2014. Also cited in 69 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000104726, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: MILWAUKEE WI - 695
Issue:
VA camera containing pictures of facial scars for at least 8 Veterans was reported to VA Police to be lost/stolen by Supervisor of Compensation and Pension unit on 5-14-14. Supervisor is unsure as to where the camera is, and is not sure as to whether there were additional pictures, as Dermatology clinic has reported to use the camera in the past. Supervisor reports to VA Police that they do not believe that a facial scar alone can identify a Veteran, though it has been confirmed with VA Police that it is frequently used as an identifying measure for their purposes, given that the scar is conspicuous enough. Identification of Veterans whose pictures have been taken has been confirmed through the gathering of the consent forms signed during the course of the day.
Outcome:
05/30/14: The camera did not contain full face pictures. Only pictures of scars. 06/02/14: It was later discovered that the pictures alternated with pics of the 10-3203 consent forms, complete with full name and SSN of the 8 Vets.