An investigation is underway after VA employees improperly accessed the medical records of vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz.
At a Glance
- The Justice Department is investigating VA employees for accessing health records of VP candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz.
- The breach involved more than a dozen employees, including a physician and a contractor.
- VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the importance of privacy rules and warned of stern disciplinary actions.
- Both Vance and Walz are veterans, with Vance serving in the Marine Corps and Walz in the Army National Guard.
- The records accessed were medical files, excluding disabilities or benefits information.
VA Employees Probed for Unauthorized Access
Investigations have commenced following accusations that over twelve VA employees accessed the health records of vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz. This breach, first reported by Veterans Affairs investigators, has raised concerns about the privacy obligations of the VA. The Justice Department is addressing these serious allegations. Evidence has been provided to federal prosecutors, with a physician and a contractor among those implicated.
The accessed records, reportedly medical files, did not include disability or other benefits information. This distinction underscores VA’s layered approach to data protection, though questions about the motives behind the breach remain unanswered. Candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz have not issued public comments on this significant invasion of privacy.
VA employees improperly accessed JD Vance, Tim Walz's medical records, prompting criminal probe: report https://t.co/hRLoXDkmUJ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 30, 2024
Veterans on the Campaign Trail
Both JD Vance and Tim Walz have notable military backgrounds. Walz spent 24 years in the Army National Guard while Vance had a four-year tenure with the Marine Corps. Their military records have been subjects of discussion and scrutiny throughout their campaigns. This could have fueled the unauthorized access carried out by VA staffers curious about the details.
“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,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized. “Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disciplinary action, including removal, as well as referral to law enforcement for civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
At least a dozen VA employees are under criminal investigation, potentially facing federal health privacy law violations. Investigators are probing whether the accessed information was shared with third parties. This incident is part of a broader issue highlighted by previous unauthorized access incidents involving political figures.
VA’s Response to the Breach
Secretary McDonough issued a memo in August reiterating the critical importance of adherence to privacy rules. He warned employees that unauthorized record access would be met with strict disciplinary measures, including possible termination and legal consequences.
“We take the privacy of the veterans we serve very seriously and have strict policies in place to protect their records,” he said. “Any attempt to improperly access veteran records by VA personnel is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
As the investigation continues, the VA aims to reinforce its commitment to protecting veterans’ privacy. This breach highlights the agency’s need for robust safeguards to prevent the politicization of sensitive veteran records.
