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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 7, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079937, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 8/27/2012, the Dorn VAMC Outpatient Pharmacy inadvertently mailed Veteran A a medication package, which was intended for Veteran B. When Veteran A realized the medication did not belong to him, he immediately contacted the Dorn VAMC Pharmacy Supervisor and reported the incident. The Pharmacy Supervisor apologized and thanked Veteran A for reporting the incident. Veteran A was asked to immediately return the medication package to the Dorn VAMC in a pr-addressed UPS envelope. The Pharmacist mailed Veteran B the correct medication on 9/1/2012. Update: 09/07/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Staff has been re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information and the importance of being vigilant when mailing medications.