Additional Coverage:
- VA employees improperly accessed JD Vance, Tim Walz’s medical records, prompting criminal probe: report (foxnews.com)
VA Staffers Access Vice Presidential Candidates’ Medical Records
Twelve Veterans Affairs (VA) employees accessed the medical records of Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance and Democratic candidate Tim Walz without authorization. The incident is under criminal investigation for possible violations of health privacy laws.
Investigators determined that staffers within the Veterans Health Administration viewed the files. The motive for accessing the records is unknown, and it’s unclear whether the information was shared.
Employees Under Investigation
The employees involved included a physician and a contractor who allegedly spent significant time viewing the records. Some claimed they were curious about the candidates’ military service, which has been a topic of campaign discussion.
VA Response and Policies
VA spokesperson Terrence Hayes condemned the incident, stating that unauthorized access to veterans’ records is unacceptable. The VA has strict policies in place to protect privacy, and those who violate them face disciplinary action or criminal charges.
An internal memo from VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the importance of protecting privacy and prohibited accessing records out of curiosity or for unauthorized purposes. Employees were warned of potential consequences for non-compliance, including removal and criminal prosecution.