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 June 10, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000063538, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 06/02/11, Veteran A received a patient data card and a travel voucher, which was intended for Veteran B. The Travel Clerk collected a number of patient data cards to speed up their work process. She held on to Veteran A's card because he was not eligible to receive travel pay. When Veteran A presented to the window she inadvertently gave him Veteran B's card and travel voucher, which he took to the cashiers window and received payment. The Travel Clerk contacted both patients and they were very understanding. Veteran B received the correct travel pay, and Veteran A will receive a bill for the travel pay he received. The Chief of Patient Benefits was notified. A formal letter requesting that Veteran A return Veteran B's data card to the Dorn VAMC is being prepared. This incident was reported to the Privacy Officer on 06/07/11. The information disclosed included Veteran B's name, full social security number, and address. Update: 06/10/11:Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.