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.
Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 24, 2014. Also cited in 21 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000105752, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: GULF COAST HCS - 520
Issue:
On 6-23-2014, the facility AOD notified the Business Manager, Privacy Officer, and Information Security Officer of a privacy incident involving the inappropriate release of patient effects to the wrong Veteran. The Privacy Officer advised the AOD to contact the NSOC hotline and report the incident. The NSOC was notified 7-23-2014@19:20pm. Reference # 2902505FY14. On 6-23-2014 a friend of Veteran A returned items belonging to Veteran B. The friend of Veteran A indicated the items were given to the caregiver of Veteran A upon their discharge from the facility on 5-6-14. The caregiver was contacted and validated the items were provided to Veteran A upon their discharge by the ER staff. The caregiver intended to return the items to the VA sooner, however, indicated he doesn't get out this way much. The items belonging to Veteran B was a MS Driver's License that included a Photo ID, License #, Birth Date, Weight, Sex, Height, and address; Veteran VIC card to include Photo ID; and two adhesive patches that did not contain any personal identifiers, medical purpose/diagnosis. It is noted Veteran B is deceased as of 6-4-2014.
Outcome:
06/25/14: The Incident Resolution Service Team has determined that the Veteran B's Next of Kin will be sent a notification letter.