(GoRealNewsNow.com) – A criminal investigation is underway after staff at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accessed the medical records of Tim Walz and JD Vance, the vice-presidential nominees for the Democrat and Republican parties.
According to investigators from the department, at least a dozen employees, including a doctor and a contractor, from the department’s administration are suspected of viewing the records without authorization.
The office of the VA inspector, Michael Missal, has turned over evidence to federal prosecutors. The doctor and contractor reportedly viewed the files for an extended period, raising questions about their motives.
Other employees involved said they were merely curious about the personal history of two high-profile politicians who have been under public scrutiny since being named vice-presidential candidates.
Both Walz and Vance, scheduled to debate in New York, are military veterans.
On one hand, Walz served in the national guard for 24 years before leaving in 2005 to run for Congress, while Vance was in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq.
Vance has stated that he received VA medical care after leaving the marines, but it is unclear whether Walz ever used VA services.
Moreover, believed to have occurred shortly after both men were selected as running mates, the breach was discovered recently.
Following the breach, VA Secretary Denis McDonough sent a reminder to the department’s 450,000 employees about the strict rules surrounding veterans’ privacy.
“Viewing a veteran’s records out of curiosity or concern – or for any purpose that is not directly related to officially authorized and assigned duties – is strictly prohibited,” McDonough wrote in an email dated August 30.
Accessing someone’s medical records without permission violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, which can result in fines up to $50,000 or one year in prison.
While healthcare data breaches are increasingly common due to cyberattacks, individual prosecutions are rare.
In turn, VA officials have said those found responsible for violating the privacy of Walz and Vance may face administrative penalties, even if criminal charges are not pursued.
“We take the privacy of the veterans we serve very seriously and have strict policies in place to protect their records,” VA press secretary Terrence Hayes asserted.
He firmly added, “Any attempt to improperly access veteran records by VA personnel is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
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