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 Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 27, 2012. Also cited in 183 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000080589, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 23 Iowa City, IA
Issue:
A Veteran's wife submitted a complaint through a Senator's Office voicing HIPAA violations within the medical center. The Veteran previously submitted a complaint, and the Privacy Officer (PO) followed up. The Dialysis unit is a large open area with little privacy. The PO discussed with the Dialysis Nurse today on changing procedures for the Dialysis unit to help with privacy:1) All patients will sign a release of information before labs/notes are given to patient or forward them to Release of Information (ROI) to process.2) Patients will be asked up front if they would like to discuss treatment in a separate room.3) Will start the use of privacy curtains.4)Possibly get new chairs to replace the beds in the future and install partial walls in the unit. Update: 10/25/12:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
1) All patients will sign a release of information before labs/notes are given to patient or forward them to Release of Information to process2) Patients will be asked up front if they would like to discuss treatment in a separate room.3) Will start the use of privacy curtains4)Possibly get new chairs to replace the beds in the future and install partial walls in the unit