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.
New Mexico VA Health Care System
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 29, 2014. Also cited in 43 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000111028, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: NEW MEXICO HCS - 501
Issue:
Chief Cardiology Resident reported to facility Privacy Officer (PO) that he was just made aware of privacy issue/loss as follows: On or about 10/24/14, a third year cardiology fellow was presented with the ECGs. They were contained in a manila folder. This cardiology fellow took these tracings home with him to review and they were left in his vehicle. On Sunday morning 10/26/14 at 8:41 AM, physician/fellow was contacted via mobile phone by Albuquerque Police Officer inquiring about the loss of personal property. Physician/fellow's car had been entered (no sign of forceful entry) and several items were removed. This included 2 sleeping bags, a pulse oximeter, his white coat, and some flares. In addition, the manila folder containing the ECGs was also removed. The Police had found several items strewn about on the ground approximately 5 houses down from the physician's residence. The Police had been notified of the items, found the physician's ID badge and contacted him via mobile phone. Chief Cardiology Resident was notified this morning at about 10:30 AM about the lost ECGs and then contacted his Chief and the PO. The specific names of the Veterans are not known. A Police report has been filed with the Albuquerque Police Department -(#14-98998). PSETS ticket entered and leadership notified; to address fact-finding and determine corrective action.
Outcome:
10/30/14: These ECGs were not pulled or created from a list. They were randomly chosen for teaching/clinical relevance and placed in folder which was for use by residents/fellows as examples of specific types of tracings/indicators. In clarifying the situation with physicians involved, the PO states the physicians do not remember the names and have no way of recreating a listing of names. The PO also asked the staff in the Cardiology, secretaries, PSAs if any of them remember any names or were aware of folder to try to recollect any of the names. At this time, all have reported back to the PO and all state they have no knowledge, nor idea of any of the names. 11/10/14: The DBCT reviewed the incident further and based on the the review determined that the 11 identifiable patients whose EKGs are missing will receive letters offering credit protection services. The 9 rhythm strips, while missing, would be a low risk of harm of compromise of the information.