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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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 25, 2011. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065030, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
On 07/25/11, a charge nurse reported a missing audiotape and a handheld recording unit used for nursing shift report on 07/22/11. The missing recorder was last seen 07/22/11 at 8:30 PM in the nursing report room. Day shift reports the audiotape contained 17 patients. The recording included Veteran last names, diagnoses, current vitals, and problems occurring on the prior shift.The unit was not put away into a locked area and the room door was both locked and unlocked during the shift. The charge nurse left the recorder on the table after report. There were four staff present in the 8:30 PM report. A search of the area was conducted by subsequent charge nurses without locating tape or recording unit prior to reporting loss. Appropriate notifications and investigation to ensue. Update: 07/26/11:The 17 patients will be sent letters of notification.
Outcome:
Nursing to implement storage of recorder in locked med room immediately with staff education. Further security issues were addressed by nursing protocols for hand-offs for this device. HIPAA Notification letters signed by Director and sent to Veterans.