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 August 28, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079611, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Birmingham, AL
Issue:
Patient A was discharged from the Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) on Sunday, August 26, 2012. When Patient A opened the brown bag of medication at his home, it contained 5 medications and discharge paperwork for he AND Patient B. None of the medication was taken by Patient A and all medications for Patient B were returned to the BVAMC pharmacy on Monday, August 27, 2012. The discharge paperwork included medication information on the 5 medications for Patient B as well as discharge progress notes containing all medications prescribed and Patient B's full social security number and birth date. Update: 08/28/12:Patient B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name, full SSN and DOB being exposed.
Outcome:
All medications were returned to BVAMC Pharmacy. Employee was counseled and trained regarding Privacy issues.