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 Mid South Healthcare Network (VISN 9)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 1, 2011. Also cited in 328 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000066339, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 09 Nashville, TN
Issue:
On 09/01/11, the Privacy Officer was notified of the following incident: On 08/26/11, Veteran A presented to outpatient pharmacy (Nashville campus) to retrieve his medication. Veteran A was informed the medication had been picked up earlier in the day. Upon investigation, the pharmacist found Veteran As medication had been given to Veteran B (who had the same first and last name) at the pharmacy window earlier in the day. It was also learned Veteran A and Bs medications were aligned on the pharmacy shelf (side by side) in alphabetical order. Before issuing the medication to Veteran B, the pharmacy tech confirmed the Veterans first/last name but did not verify the middle initial or Social Security Number (SSN). The drug label was scanned, the name change detected, but the tech declined the name change. To remediate this incident, Veteran A was issued the correct medication. Veteran B was contacted by the pharmacist and arrangements made for him to return the medication to the pharmacy during his next clinic visit. Veteran As personal identifiable information includes medication information, full name, and last four SSN. Update: 09/01/11:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
9/29/11 - Pharmacy tech did not follow protocol for dispensing medication and received a counseling. Arrangements were made to retrieve Veteran A's medications from Veteran B.