VA Southeast Network (VISN 7)

Report ID: SPE000000076180, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Reported Entity: VISN 07 Montgomery, AL

Issue:

Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) Privacy Officer (PO) was advised by the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) PO that Veteran A reported to a CAVHCS social worker that he received a CD belonging to Veteran B from a physician at the BVAMC. Veteran A turned the CD over to the social worker who gave the CD to her supervisor. The supervisor then turned the CD over to the CAVHCS PO who reported to the BVAMC PO that it does contain Veteran B's personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI). The CAVHCS PO currently has possession of the CD. Therefore, BVAMC PO cannot determine what PII/PHI the CD contains. CAVHCS PO reports that social worker is preparing a Report of Contact. Update: 06/04/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.NOTE: There were a total of 40 Mis-Handling incidents this reporting period. Because of repetition, the other 39 are not included in this report, but are included in the "Mis-Handling Incidents" count at the end of this report. In all incidents, Veterans will receive a notification letter and/or credit monitoring will be offered if appropriate.

Outcome:

Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) Privacy Officer (PO) is preparing a Postmaster and presentation for Target Vision to address this issue. BVAMC PO will also discuss with Patient Care Services Education Administrator the need for this to be addressed during PCS staff meetings and possibly at New Employee Orientation.