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 Health Care Upstate New York (VISN 2)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 2, 2011. Also cited in 132 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000068269, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 02 Albany, NY
Issue:
Two Veterans were discharged from an inpatient ward by the same RN. Veteran A was given the paperwork of Veteran B by mistake. Veteran B received only his discharge paperwork. Veteran A had problems the next day after discharge and the caregiver of the Veteran pulled out the paperwork and discovered the mix-up of papers. Veteran A went to the ER and then received the correct paperwork. A Nurse went to Veteran A's home and while she was there the papers were shredded. Veteran A and caregiver were well aware of the HIPAA laws and knew they shouldn't have the paperwork in their possession. Update: 11/02/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
The supervisor has met with the employee and educated her on the importance of protecting the Veterans information. Credit monitoring letter signed by Director and mailed to Veteran.