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 January 17, 2013. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000084782, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Bedford, MA
Issue:
Employee requested sensitive patient access report as he believes a colleague was in his medical record. Update: 05/15/13:There was an inappropriate access, though it is not clear if the employee requested the other employee to access the record or not. A HIPAA notification letter will be sent.05/22/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
Strongly recommended that Employee work within her official scope of duties; access medical records on a need-to-know and minimum necessary basis; and re-direct any colleagues (who are VA Employees/VA patients and who work in the same area or work closely with her) to obtain any health-related information from another source. PO will provide guidance to check-in area employees and Veteran/employees re. asking check-in employees to refer Veteran/Employee request for info to someone else not working next to them.