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.
South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 22, 2013. Also cited in 317 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000087123, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 16 Little Rock, AR
Issue:
CAVHS Alternate Privacy Officer was notified today that a Veteran seen in the Emergency Department was given another patients medication. The medication was dropped from the Pharmacy by secure carrier as appropriate. The medication bottle was bagged in a brown bag with a printed label including the patients full name, date of birth and address. The patient that the medication actually belonged to was in the waiting area and after some time he came and questioned if his medication was ready. The nurse then realized the wrong patient had signed for, and was given the other patients medication. Attempts have been made to contact the patient that received the medication to recover it but we have not been able to speak to him yet. Update: 03/22/13:One patient will be sent a HIPAA notification letter.
Outcome:
Staff were unable to determine who gave the wrong meds to the individual. Staff have been reminded of the importance of double checking before ever providing anyone with any type of meds, documents, etc.