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 Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 3, 2011. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000068291, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Wilkes-Barre, PA
Issue:
On 11/02/11, the Alternate Privacy Officer (PO) received a call from Patient A who reported that he received via mail his prescription and the paperwork included in the mailing was for Patient B. Patient A indicated that the prescription itself and the labeling on the prescription was accurate, however the paper insert was not. Patient A, at that time, would not give his name or any other information and was very upset and insisted he would report this incident elsewhere. The Alternate PO placed Patient A on hold and contacted the primary PO who took the call. After a discussion between the primary PO and Patient A, the primary PO was able to get both Patient A's name and Patient B's name in regards to the paperwork sent in error. Patient A also believes that his paperwork may have been released inappropriately to another patient based on the fact that he received information in error. The PO indicated that she would investigate this, but also informed Patient A that this may not be case. The PO asked that Patient A mail back the paper insert to her attention so the information could be validated and Patient A refused. The PO indicated that she would conduct an investigation. Patient A also requested to speak to the Pharmacy Director and the PO followed up accordingly. The PO spoke to the Director of the Pharmacy on 11/02/11, immediately after the call with Patient A. The Pharmacy Director has indicated that he followed up with a call to Patient A immediately after he was notified. During the Pharmacy Director's call with Patient A, he also asked for the paperwork to be returned, indicated that he would investigate the situation and follow-up in regards to whether it was felt his paperwork was incorrectly released. Update: 11/03/11: One Veteran will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
The Chief of Pharmacy will address both the staff that processed this prescription one on one and will also provide education to the entire staff. Resolution Date: Nov. 3, 2011 The Chief of Pharmacy has made a revision to the procedure for processing these prescriptions a few months ago to reduce errors. This has included implementing individualized bins to streamline the workflow and decrease the chance of error. The process again will be re-evaluated. Resolution Date: Nov. 15, 2011