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.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 7, 2014. Also cited in 26 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000106208, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: BIRMINGHAM AL - 521
Issue:
The Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) Privacy Officer (PO) was notified by a BVAMC Pharmacy employee that on 06/05/04, a medication error took place at the Pharmacy window. Veteran/Patient A received medication belonging to Veteran/Patient B. The medication label contained Veteran/Patient A's name and address. Veteran/Patient A did not discover the error until attempt was made to refill the prescription. Veteran/Patient A immediately notified the BVAMC Pharmacy. BVAMC Pharmacy reviewed camera to determine the employee responsible for the error. BVAMC Pharmacy notified BVAMC Quality Management Service and entered an incident report of the medication error in EPIR. BVAMC Pharmacy has replaced the medications for Veteran/Patient B and is taking the necessary administrative actions to prevent future reoccurrences. BVAMC Pharmacy supervisor has counseled the Pharmacy employee responsible for the error.
Outcome:
07/07/14: The Incident Resolution Service Team determined that Veteran/Patient B will receive a HIPAA letter of notification.