employee whistleblower complaint

Date: May 16, 2015
To: All Officials
Sub: VA Whistleblower
Ref: OSC # DI-15-2659
On March 4, 2015, I, as a concerned veteran and employee came forward with information and filed a
claim through the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) under The Whistleblower Protection Act. At this time,
additional information has become available and as such, I am requesting that an addendum to this
claim be filed on my behalf, as my rights continue to be violated at the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
On March 5, 2015, I was interviewed by one of the local news stations (ABC 15), regarding the issues
that I reported in my claim concerning the lack of suicide prevention training as well as unqualified staff
members assisting nursing staff as “patient sitters”.
On March 27, 2015 at approximately 15:20 hours, Linda Wieler, my former nurse manager, approached
me. Ms. Wieler stated”I saw you on television and it was a “crack up”. I was on the telephone with my
son and I had to ask her what she has said. Again, she repeated, “I saw you on the television at it was a
“crack up”. Her manner was disrespectful as well as rude, creating a hostile environment.
In addition to this, I requested a Sensitive Patient Access Report (SPAR) on April 24, 2015, through the
facility Privacy Officer. I did not receive my official copy of the report until May 11, 2015, with an
attached procedural letter from the Privacy Officer. After reviewing this document, I found that my
sensitive patient records were accessed by individuals who had no authority or connections to my
treatment at this facility to view them.
In my initial OSC complaint, I shared my testimony regarding Brandon Coleman. Mr. Coleman is another
VA Whistleblower, and was my therapist in the Motivation 4 Change Program. On August 11, 2014 at
11:10, my patient records were accessed by Penny Miller. I am not receiving nor have I received care
from her at any time at this facility. Coincidentally, this person was the same individual that accessed
the records of my former therapist, Brandon Coleman. I cannot believe that this is an innocent mistake.
In addition to Ms. Miller, my records have been accessed several times since my interview aired with
ABC 15.
Respectfully,
Lisa Tadano
(480) 848-6131