This week it appears that the data breaches are falling from the trees. In this particular case a physicians assistant was alleged to have been collecting data on patients. It was apparently for some unsanctioned study. To make matters worse the data was being stored on an unencrypted laptop.
Now a criminal investigation has begun into the allegations.
From Atlanta Journal Constitution:
The inspector general is investigating a report that a physician assistant stored unauthorized clinical information on her personal laptop regarding veterans who were seen at one of the VA specialty clinics, according to the document.
The document said there are reportedly two sets of patient information involved — one that includes more than 18 years of data, and another that includes up to three years of data.
The agency has yet to determine how many veterans are affected or the degree to which the data contained personal and medical information.
From the article it seems unclear as to whether or not any of the data was compromised beyond this particular individual. These are points that will no doubt be addressed as a part of the investigation.
(Image used under CC from Garrulus)
Haha, great post. Really enjoying the blog! Keep it up, for real.
That’s no good. I used to volunteer there and my uncle goes there since he was a veteran.