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 New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 10, 2012. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000073872, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Bedford, MA
Issue:
Employee A filled out a Report of Contact alleging that Employee B inappropriately asked questions about Employee As brothers inpatient stay to both Employee A and then to Employee As co-workers. Employee As brother is veteran who went through S/A treatment. Employee As brother has a sensitive patient access flag on his medical record and Employee B had accessed his record many times. Employee B's supervisor was provided the veteran's sensitive patient access report to discuss with the Employee B and document if the access was part of his official duties. Update: 05/15/12:Employee B inappropriately accessed Employee A's brother's electronic medical record. The individual will be sent a HIPAA letter of notification.
Outcome:
Privacy violation findings sent to Supervisor and HR. Employee must retake Privacy and Information Security training at a minimum. HR to provide Supervisor guidance on any disciplinary action. Quarterly medical record access report review offered to Veteran. PO sent all hospital employees a privacy reminder to help prevent future incidents.