Tennessee Valley Healthcare System

Report ID: PSETS0000117734, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Reported Entity: NASHVILLE TN - 626

Issue:

Today, a Veteran's fiance reported the following incident to the Chief, Dental Service: On 04/03/15, a Veteran was seen in the Dental Clinic, Nashville Campus. Later, the Veteran's fiance became upset when she found a text on the Veteran's cell phone from the Dental Hygienist, Nashville Campus. The Veteran denied giving his cell phone number to the Dental Hygienist so the fiance believes the employee accessed the Veteran's records to obtain the information. The Chief, Dental Service questioned the Dental Hygienist regarding the contents of the text message. Per the Employee, the Veteran appeared "down" during his appointment and she sent him a text message with picture of an inspirational poster. The Dental Hygienist showed the text message on the phone to the Chief, Dental Service. For now, the Privacy Officer (PO) will enter this ticket as a complaint until the PO can get specific information as to how the Dental Hygienist obtained the Veteran's phone number.

Outcome:

04/13/15: PO interviewed the Dental Hygienist (DH) who stated the Veteran gave her his phone number. The DH stated the Veteran seemed discouraged so she sent him a picture of an inspirational poster via the text. The DH provided the PO a copy of the text message who confirmed it did not contain patient information. The PO also spoke with the Veteran who denied giving his phone number to the DH. It should be noted the fiancee was listening in on the phone conversation and the PO believes the denial was made under coersion. The PO cannot confirm or deny how the DH obtained the phone number. It is believed the DH did not intend to utilize the phone number for for inappropriate purposes. However, sending the text message was not in the performance of her official duties. There has been a privacy violation and not a security breach.