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.
Phoenix VA Health Care System
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 1, 2013. Also cited in 102 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000088732, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: PHOENIX AZ - 644
Issue:
On 5/01/13, Pharmacy Supervisor informed the Privacy Officer (PO) that Veteran Bs son-in-law called the Helpline to report that Veteran B received 1-2 medications by mail, intended for Veteran A. Both Veterans have the exact same first name and last name. Preliminary investigation indicates that Veteran A did re-order these medications. Pharmacy data tracked 1-2 medications, mailed by the Consolidated Mail Order Pharmacy (CMOP) on 04/24/13 to Veteran A. However, previously on 4/05/13, due to a facility performed address change for Veteran A to that of Veteran B, 4/05/13, the medications were delivered instead to Veteran B. Veteran Bs family realized that he did not order any medications and alerted the facility. Pharmacy is sending Veteran B a UPS pre-paid return mailer to recover medications. Veteran A is being contacted to obtain correct address and reissue medications by mail. Further notification and investigation pending.
Outcome:
05/01/13: Veteran B will receive a HIPAA letter of notification. 06/05/13: This was determined to be non-HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.