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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 6, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077571, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
Veteran A was able to view the protected health information (PHI) of Veteran B on the computer monitor as the nurse did not lock her computer when leaving the exam room. The name, DOB, SSN and medical condition was clearly visible. Update: 07/09/12:Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Nurse responsible for this breach has been counseled, retrained and reprimanded per her supervisor. The Service Line Leader is also going to have a private conference with this individual, as this type of incident could have been prevented. The individual will retake their HIPAA Training as well as their Privacy and Information Security Awareness training.