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 Mid South Healthcare Network (VISN 9)

VISN 09 Nashville, TN

Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 16, 2011. Also cited in 328 other reports.


Report ID: SPE000000058453, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Reported Entity: VISN 09 Nashville, TN

Issue:

PO was notified of the following privacy issue by BA Program Manager, VHA Health Information Access Office:Patient A (Cookeville CBOC veteran) received lab results for Patient B mailed by CBOC LPN (a contract employee covered by national BAA). Patient A's wife called Cookeville CBOC to report the error and returned the incorrect results.On 2/15/11, incident was reported to Chief, Compliance Officer (national BAA) and CBOC administrator. Per Chief, Compliance Officer (national BAA) , error in mailing appears to be an issue of matching printed laboratory results with pre-addressed envelopes. From this date forward, no diagnostic testing results will be routinely mailed unless specifically requested by patient and printing of results will be accomplished individually- not in batch and immediately matched with envelope before sealing. This function will also be accomplished as a separate activity in a quiet location to avoid interruptions.Staff will be trained on the new process immediately. Competency will be accessed annually. PO confirmed incorrect lab results were returned/received by Cookeville CBOC. Update: 02/16/11:Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.

Outcome:

2/25/11: Per Chief, Compliance Officer (national BAA) , error in mailing appears to be an issue of matching printed laboratory results with pre-addressed envelopes. From this date forward, no diagnostic testing results will be routinely mailed unless specifically requested by patient and printing of results will be accomplished individually- not in batch and immediately matched with envelope before sealing. This function will also be accomplished as a separate activity in a quiet location to avoid interruptions. Staff will be trained on the new process immediately. Competency will be accessed annually. PO confirmed incorrect lab results were returned/received by Cookeville CBOC. PO requests closure. 2/28/11: PO requests closure.

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