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 Heart of Texas Health Care Network (VISN 17)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 18, 2011. Also cited in 122 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000062697, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 17 Harlingen, TX
Issue:
Employee A was picking up information off a printer for Veteran A. Employee A unknowingly also picked up additional information regarding Veteran B from the printer. When Veteran A got home, he discovered the additional information and called the triage phone line to report it. The triage nurse told the supervisor; the supervisor told the Nurse Manager (NM); the NM told the Administrative Officer (AO) who called the Information Security Officer (ISO). Veteran A is returning the printed information on Veteran B through the mail. The AO is collecting additional information for this ticket. Update: 05/19/11:Due to full SSN being disclosed, Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
AO has discussed situation with employee A and explained when retrieving printed information, she must carefully ensure that she takes only the information printed by her. The individual who printed the other information will have a separate printer networked for her use. The employee has been instructed by the AO to retake her privacy and information and security information training. Credit monitoring letter has been sent to patient.