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 June 27, 2013. Also cited in 26 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000091231, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: BIRMINGHAM AL - 521
Issue:
Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) patient/employee stated to the Information Security Officer (ISO) and Chief, Health Information Management Service (HIMS), that he requested a CD of the procedure performed on him at the BVAMC on 06/07/13. The patient/employee stated he was provided a CD post-op with a video of his surgery. However, the CD cannot be located. The Ambulatory Surgery Facility (AFS) nurse would not release the CD to the patient/employee at time of discharge stating he would have to obtain it from Release of Information (ROI). The nurse stated the CD was in an envelope with the patient's name on it; however, the CD did not have any identifying information. The BVAMC Privacy Office (PO) discussed the situation with the Operating Room (OR) Charge Nurse who stated the CD did have a label on it containing the patient's full name, SSN, and date of birth. The ASF nurse stated the CD was kept in the ASF paper chart which was locked in a file cabinet. The clerks are responsible for breaking the charts down and removing items not to be scanned. The ASF Nurse Manager met with the clerks and no one has any knowledge of the CD. The ASF Nurse Manager search the ASF area, file cabinets, and holding room and was not successful in locating the CD.
Outcome:
06/27/13: One Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and SSN being unaccounted for.