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 December 6, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000083294, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Augusta, GA
Issue:
Veteran A called to report that she received a one page copy of Veteran B's Emergency Department MD Discharge Instructions in her stack of discharge papers. The document contained Veteran B's full name, DOB, full SSN, future appointments, as well as other PHI. Both Veteran A and B received care on the same date and from the same provider. The document has been recovered and given to the Privacy Officer. Update: 12/06/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Document recovered. Incident investigated by PO and Nurse Manager and most likely occurred due to the provider removing the documents from the printer and not reviewing them with the Veteran/patient prior to disclosing. The proper procedures for releasing discharge instructions and PHI for patient education will to be reviewed with the ED staff at their next staff meeting.