[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 82 (Friday, April 30, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23048-23052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09069]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs 
(VA).

ACTION: Notice of a modified system of records.

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SUMMARY: As required by the Privacy Act of 1974, notice is hereby given 
that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending the system of 
records entitled, ``Ionizing Radiation Registry-VA'' (69VA131). VA is 
amending the system of records by revising the System Number; System 
Location; System Manager; Authority for Maintenance of the System; 
Routine Uses of Records Maintained in the System; Policies and 
Practices for Storage of Records; Policies and Practices for Retention 
and Disposal of Records; Physical, Procedural and Administrative 
Safeguards; Record Access Procedures; and Notification Procedure. VA is 
republishing the system notice in its entirety.

DATES: Comments on this amended system of records must be received no 
later than June 1, 2021. If no public comment is received during the 
period allowed for comment or unless otherwise published in the Federal 
Register by the VA, the modified system will become effective June 1, 
2021. If VA receives public comments, VA shall review the comments to 
determine whether any changes to the notice are necessary.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted through www.Regulations.gov or 
mailed to VA Privacy Service, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, (005R1A), 
Washington, DC 20420. Comments should indicate that they are submitted 
in response to ``Ionizing Radiation Registry-VA (69VA131)''. Comments 
received will be available at regulations.gov for public viewing, 
inspection or copies.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephania Griffin, Veterans Health 
Administration (VHA) Privacy Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone (704) 245-2492 
(Note: not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The System Number will be changed from 
69VA131 to 69VA10 to reflect the current VHA organizational routing 
symbol.
    The System Location is being updated to replace Austin Automation 
Center (AAC) with Austin Information Technology Center (AITC). 
Environmental Agents Service (131) is being replaced with Post 
Deployment Health Services (10P4Q). Also, since optic readers, paper, 
or disk copies are no longer used or maintained, this section is being 
updated to remove, ``The secure web-based data entry system is 
maintained by the AAC and provides retrievable images to users. The 
optical disk system is currently being utilized where there is no 
access to the secure web-based system. However, the optical disk system 
is scheduled to be discontinued in 2004 and all access to the Ionizing 
Radiation Registry (IRR) system will be through the secure web-based 
data entry system.''
    The System Manager, Record Access Procedures, and Notification 
Procedure are being updated to replace, ``Program Chief for Clinical 
Matters, Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards (13) (for 
clinical issues) and Management/Program Analyst, Environmental Agents 
Service (131) (for administrative issues)'' with Deputy Chief 
Consultant, Post Deployment Health Services (10P4Q). Telephone number 
(202) 266-4511 (Note: this is not a toll-free number).
    Authority for Maintenance of the System is being amended to include 
Title 38, United States Code 527, 1116, Public Law 102-585 Section 703, 
and Public Law 100-687.
    The Routine Uses of Records Maintained in the System is being 
updated to replace Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare 
Organizations (JCAHO) to The Joint Commission in Routine use #10.
    The language in Routine Use #11 is being amended which states that 
disclosure of the records to the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) is a 
use of the information contained in the records that is compatible with 
the purpose for which VA collected the records. VA may disclose records 
in this system of records in legal proceedings before a court or 
administrative body after determining that the disclosure of the 
records to the court or administrative body is a use of the information 
contained in the records that is compatible with the purpose for which 
VA collected the records. This routine use will now state that VA may 
disclose information to the Department of Justice (DoJ), or in a 
proceeding before a court, adjudicative body, or other administrative 
body before which VA is authorized to appear, when:
    (a) VA or any component thereof;
    (b) Any VA employee in his or her official capacity;
    (c) Any VA employee in his or her official capacity where DoJ has 
agreed to represent the employee; or
    (d) The United States, where VA determines that litigation is 
likely to affect the agency or any of its components,

    is a party to such proceedings or has an interest in such 
proceedings, and VA determines that use of such records is relevant and 
necessary to the proceedings, provided, however, that in each case VA 
determines the disclosure is compatible with the purpose for which the 
records were collected. If the disclosure is in response to a subpoena, 
summons, investigative demand, or similar legal process, the request 
must meet the requirements for a qualifying law enforcement request 
under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(7), or an

[[Page 23049]]

order from a court of competent jurisdiction under 552a(b)(11).
    Routine Use #13 has been updated by clarifying the language to 
state, ``VA may disclose any information or records to appropriate 
agencies, entities, and persons when (1) VA suspects or has confirmed 
that there has been a breach of the system of records; (2) VA has 
determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed breach there 
is a risk to individuals, VA (including its information systems, 
programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national 
security; and (3) the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, or 
persons is reasonably necessary to assist in connection with VA efforts 
to respond to the suspected or confirmed breach or to prevent, 
minimize, or remedy such harm.''
    Routine use #14 is being added to state, ``VA may disclose 
information from this system of records to another Federal agency or 
Federal entity, when VA determines that information from this system of 
records is reasonably necessary to assist the recipient agency or 
entity in (1) responding to a suspected or confirmed breach or (2) 
preventing, minimizing, or remedying the risk of harm to individuals, 
the recipient agency or entity (including its information systems, 
programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national 
security, resulting from a suspected or confirmed breach.''
    Policies and Practices for Storage of Records is updated to remove 
``In 2003, the data collection process moved to a secure web-based 
system. Data previously recorded manually and converted to electronic 
format is now input through the secure VA Intranet system. Data is 
stored on a web server hosted by the AAC and is retrievable by the 
facility. Three levels of access are provided for the data that is 
input, using password security linked to the AAC Top Secret Security 
system, with mandated changes every 90 days. Data from individual 
facilities is uploaded nightly and stored on Direct Access Storage 
Devices at the AAC, Austin, Texas, and on optical disks at VA Central 
Office, Washington, DC. AAC stores registry tapes for disaster back up 
at an off-site location. VA Central Office also has back-up optical 
disks stored off-site. In addition to electronic data, registry reports 
are maintained on paper documents and microfiche. The optical disk 
system is currently being utilized where there is no access to the 
secure web- based system. The optical disk system is scheduled to be 
discontinued in 2004 and all access to the IRR system will be through 
the secure web-based data entry system. Records will be maintained and 
disposed of in accordance with records disposition authority approved 
by the Archivist of the United States.'' This section is updated to 
state that all registry data is stored electronically in the registry 
database.
    Policies and Practices for Retention and Disposal of Records is 
being updated to remove Records will be maintained and disposed of in 
accordance with records disposition authority approved by the Archivist 
of the United States. This section is updated to state that currently 
these records are maintained as a permanent record, pending approval of 
a new records schedule by the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). These permanent records will transfer to NARA in 
5-year blocks, until scheduled.
    The Physical, Procedural and Administrative Safeguards section is 
being updated to remove, ``Data is securely located behind the VA 
firewall and only accessible from the VA Local Area Network (LAN) 
through the VA Intranet. Read access to the data is granted through a 
telecommunications network to authorized VA Central Office personnel. 
AAC reports are also accessible through a telecommunications network on 
a read-only basis to the owner (VA facility) of the data. Access is 
limited to authorized employees by individually unique access codes 
which are changed periodically. Physical access to the AAC is generally 
restricted to AAC staff, VA Central Office, custodial personnel, 
Federal Protective Service and authorized operational personnel through 
electronic locking devices. All other persons gaining access to the 
computer rooms are escorted. Backup records stored off-site for both 
the AAC and VA Central Office are safeguarded in secured storage areas. 
A disaster recovery plan is in place and system recovery is tested at 
an off-site facility in accordance with established schedules. This 
section is updated to state that there are multiple levels of security 
to ensure the confidentiality of all data stored within the IRR. The 
registry is stored on a password protected system located in a locked 
room. Registry application is web-based and accessible behind the VA 
firewall. Access to the facility is limited by Personal Identity 
Verification (PIV) access, security card, metal scanners at the 
entrance, and security guards.
    The Report of Intent to Amend a System of Records Notice and an 
advance copy of the system notice have been sent to the appropriate 
Congressional committees and to the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) (Privacy 
Act) and guidelines issued by OMB (65 FR 77677), December 12, 2000.

Signing Authority

    The Senior Agency Official for Privacy, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dominic A. 
Cussatt, Acting Assistant Secretary of Information and Technology and 
Chief Information Officer, approved this document on March 26, 2021 for 
publication.

    Dated: April 27, 2021.
Amy L. Rose,
Program Analyst, VA Privacy Service, Office of Information Security, 
Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs.

SYSTEM NAME:
    Ionizing Radiation Registry-VA (69VA10).

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
    Unclassified.

SYSTEM LOCATION:
    Character-based data from Ionizing Radiation Code Sheets are 
maintained in a registry data set at the Austin Information Technology 
Center (AITC), 1615 Woodward Street, Austin, Texas 78772. Since the 
data set at the AITC is not all-inclusive, i.e., narratives, 
signatures, etc., noted on the code sheets are not entered into this 
system, images of the code sheets are maintained at the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Post Deployment Health Services (10P4Q), 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420. These are electronic images of paper 
records, i.e., code sheets, medical records, questionnaires and 
correspondence.

SYSTEM MANAGER(S):
    Deputy Chief Consultant, Post Deployment Health Services (10P4Q). 
VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. 
Telephone number (202) 266-4511 (Note: this is not a toll-free number).

AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
    Title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.) 527, 1116, 1710(e)(1)(B) and 
1720E, Public Law 102-585 Section 703, and Public Law 100-687.

[[Page 23050]]

PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM:
    The records will be used for the purpose of providing information 
about Veterans who have had an IRR examination at a VA facility; 
assisting in generating hypotheses for research studies; providing 
management with the capability to track patient demographics, and 
radiogenic related diseases; and planning and delivery of health care 
services and associated costs. The records are used to assist in 
generating hypotheses for research studies. Because of the self-
selected nature of the registry participants, i.e., the individuals 
decide themselves to be part of the registry rather than being 
``chosen'' in a scientific manner, this group cannot be used for 
scientific research. However, the IRR may assist researchers by 
providing clues or suggestions of specific health problems that then 
form the basis for the design and conduct of specific scientific 
studies.

CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:
    Veterans who may have been exposed to ionizing radiation while on 
active military duty and have had an IRR examination at a VA medical 
facility under conditions described in Title 38 United States Code 
(U.S.C.) 1710(e)(1)(B) and 1720E. These conditions include:
    1. On-site participation in a test involving the atmospheric 
detonation of a nuclear device at a nuclear device testing site-the 
Pacific Island, e.g., Bikini, New Mexico, Nevada, etc. (whether or not 
the testing nation was the United States);
    2. Participation in the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, 
from August 6, 1945, through July 1, 1946;
    (a) Internment as a prisoner of war (POW) in Japan during World War 
II which the Secretary of VA determines resulted in an opportunity for 
exposure to ionizing radiation comparable to that of Veterans involved 
in the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan;
    3. Treatment with nasopharyngeal (NP) radium irradiation while in 
the active military, naval or air service; and
    4. Participated in radiation-risk activities at the:
    (a) Department of Energy gaseous diffusion plants at Paducah, KY, 
Portsmouth, OH, or K25 area at Oak Ridge, TN, for at least 250 days 
before February 1, 1992;
    (b) Underground nuclear tests at Amchitka Island, AK, before 
January 1, 1974.

CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
    These records consist of code sheet records containing VA facility 
code identifier where the Veteran was examined or treated; Veteran's 
name; address; Social Security number; military service serial number; 
claim number; date of birth; telephone number; sex; report of birth 
defects among Veteran's children or grandchildren; dates of medical 
examinations; consultations; radiogenic related diseases; and name and 
signature of examiner/physician coordinator.
    In addition, there may be medical records with information relating 
to the examination and/or treatment, including laboratory findings on 
vision, hearing, blood tests, electrocardiograms, chest x-rays, 
urinalysis, laboratory report displays, medical certificates to support 
diagnosis; progress notes; military unit assignments; questionnaires; 
correspondence relating to Veteran's exposure history; personal 
history, e.g., education, marital status, occupational history, family 
history, complaints/symptoms; personal medical history, habits, 
recreation, reproductive and family history, physical measurements; 
military discharge records; and VA claims for compensation.

RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
    VA patient medical records, various automated record systems 
providing clinical and managerial support to VA health care facilities, 
Veteran, family members, and records from Veterans Benefits 
Administration, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, 
Department of the Air Force, Department of the Navy and other Federal 
agencies.

ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES 
OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
    To the extent that records contained in the system include 
information protected by 45 CFR parts 160 and 164, i.e., individually-
identifiable health information, and 38 U.S.C. 7332; i.e., medical 
treatment information related to drug abuse, alcoholism or alcohol 
abuse, sickle cell anemia or infection with the human immunodeficiency 
virus, that information cannot be disclosed under a routine use unless 
there is also specific statutory authority in 38 U.S.C. 7332 and 
regulatory authority in 45 CFR parts 160 and 164 permitting disclosure.
    1. The record of an individual who is covered by this system may be 
disclosed to a member of Congress or staff person acting for the member 
when the member or staff person requests the record on behalf of, and 
at the written request of, that individual.
    2. VA may disclose information relevant to a claim of a veteran or 
beneficiary, such as the name, address, the basis and nature of a 
claim, amount of benefit payment information, medical information, and 
military service and active duty separation information, only at the 
request of the claimant to accredited service organizations, VA-
approved claim agents, and attorneys acting under a declaration of 
representation, so that these individuals can aid claimants in the 
preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under the laws 
administered by VA.
    3. A record containing the name(s) and address(es) of present or 
former members of the armed services and/or their dependents may be 
released from this system of records under certain circumstances:
    (a) To any nonprofit organization if the release is directly 
connected with the conduct of programs and the utilization of benefits 
under Title 38, and
    (b) To any criminal or civil law enforcement governmental agency or 
instrumentality charged under applicable law with the protection of the 
public health or safety if a qualified representative of such 
organization, agency or instrumentality has made a standing written 
request that such name(s) or address(es) be provided for a purpose 
authorized by law; provided, further, that the record(s) will not be 
used for any purpose other than that stated in the request and that the 
organization, agency or instrumentality is aware of the penalty 
provision of 38 U.S.C. 5701(f).
    4. Disclosure may be made to NARA in records management inspections 
conducted under authority of Title 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906, or other 
functions authorized by laws and policies governing NARA operations and 
VA records management responsibilities.
    5. VA may disclose information from this system to epidemiological 
and other research facilities approved by the Under Secretary for 
Health for research purposes determined to be necessary and proper, 
provided that the names and addresses of veterans and their dependents 
will not be disclosed unless those names and addresses are first 
provided to VA by the facilities making the request.
    6. In order to conduct Federal research necessary to accomplish a 
statutory purpose of an agency, at the written request of the head of 
the agency, or designee of the head of that agency, the name(s) and 
address(es) of present or former personnel or the Armed Services and/or 
their dependents may be disclosed

[[Page 23051]]

    (a) To a Federal department or agency or
    (b) Directly to a contractor of a Federal department or agency. 
When a disclosure of this information is to be made directly to the 
contractor, VA may impose applicable conditions on the department, 
agency, and/or contractor to insure the appropriateness of the 
disclosure to the contractor.
    7. Any information in this system may be disclosed to a Federal 
grand jury, a Federal court or a party in litigation, or a Federal 
agency or party to an administrative proceeding being conducted by a 
Federal agency, in order for VA to respond to and comply with the 
issuance of a Federal subpoena.
    8. Any information in this system may be disclosed to a state or 
municipal grand jury, a state or municipal court or a party in a 
litigation, or to a state or municipal administrative agency 
functioning in a quasi-judicial capacity or a party to a proceeding 
being conducted by such agency, in order for VA to respond to and 
comply with the issuance of a state or municipal subpoena; provided, 
that any disclosure or claimant information made under this routine use 
must comply with the provisions of 38 CFR 1.511.
    9. VA may disclose information that, either alone or in conjunction 
with other information, indicates a violation or potential violation of 
law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature, to a Federal, 
state, local, territorial, tribal, or foreign law enforcement authority 
or other appropriate entity charged with the responsibility of 
investigating or prosecuting such violation or charged with enforcing 
or implementing such law. The disclosure of the names and addresses of 
veterans and their dependents from VA records under this routine use 
must also comply with the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 5701. If the 
disclosure is in response to a request from a law enforcement entity, 
the request must meet the requirements for a qualifying law enforcement 
request under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(7).
    10. VA may disclose information to survey teams of the Joint 
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, College of 
American Pathologists, American Association of Blood Banks, and similar 
national accreditation agencies or boards with which VA has a contract 
or agreement to conduct such reviews, as relevant and necessary for the 
purpose of program review or the seeking of accreditation or 
certification.
    11. VA may disclose information to the DoJ, or in a proceeding 
before a court, adjudicative body, or other administrative body before 
which VA is authorized to appear, when:
    (e) VA or any component thereof;
    (f) Any VA employee in his or her official capacity;
    (g) Any VA employee in his or her official capacity where DoJ has 
agreed to represent the employee; or
    (h) The United States, where VA determines that litigation is 
likely to affect the agency or any of its components, is a party to 
such proceedings or has an interest in such proceedings, and VA 
determines that use of such records is relevant and necessary to the 
proceedings, provided, however, that in each case VA determines the 
disclosure is compatible with the purpose for which the records were 
collected. If the disclosure is in response to a subpoena, summons, 
investigative demand, or similar legal process, the request must meet 
the requirements for a qualifying law enforcement request under the 
Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(7), or an order from a court of competent 
jurisdiction under 552a(b)(11).
    12. Disclosure to other Federal agencies may be made to assist such 
agencies in preventing and detecting possible fraud or abuse by 
individuals in their operations and programs.
    13. VA may disclose any information or records to appropriate 
agencies, entities, and persons when (1) VA suspects or has confirmed 
that there has been a breach of the system of records; (2) VA has 
determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed breach there 
is a risk to individuals, VA (including its information systems, 
programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national 
security; and (3) the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, or 
persons is reasonably necessary to assist in connection with VA efforts 
to respond to the suspected or confirmed breach or to prevent, 
minimize, or remedy such harm.
    14. VA may disclose information from this system to another Federal 
agency or Federal entity, when VA determines that information from this 
system of records is reasonably necessary to assist the recipient 
agency or entity in (1) responding to a suspected or confirmed breach 
or (2) preventing, minimizing, or remedying the risk of harm to 
individuals, the recipient agency or entity (including its information 
systems, programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national 
security, resulting from a suspected or confirmed breach.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OF RECORDS:
    All registry data is stored electronically in the registry 
database.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF RECORDS:
    Documents are retrieved by name of Veteran, Social Security number 
and service serial number.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETENTION AND DISPOSAL OF RECORDS:
    Currently these records are maintained as a permanent record, 
pending approval of a new records schedule by NARA. These permanent 
records will transfer to NARA in 5-year blocks, until scheduled.

ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL SAFEGUARDS:
    Access to electronic and paper records at VA Central Office is only 
authorized to VA personnel on a ``need to know'' basis. Records are 
maintained in manned rooms during working hours. During non-working 
hours, there is limited access to the building with visitor control by 
security personnel. Registry data maintained at the AITC can only be 
updated by authorized AITC personnel.
    There are multiple levels of security to ensure the confidentiality 
of all data stored within the IRR. The registry is stored on a password 
protected system located in a locked room. Registry application is web-
based and accessible behind the VA firewall. Access to the facility is 
limited by Personal Identity Verification (PIV) access, security card, 
metal scanners at the entrance, and security guards.

RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE:
    An individual who seeks access to records maintained under his or 
her name may write or visit the nearest VA facility or write to the 
Deputy Chief Consultant, Post Deployment Health Services (10P4Q), VA 
Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420.

CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:
    (See Record Access Procedures above.)

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:
    An individual who wishes to determine whether a record is being 
maintained in this system under his or her name or other personal 
identifier, or wants to determine the contents of such record, should 
submit a written request or apply in person to the last VA facility 
where medical care was provided or submit a written request to the 
Deputy Chief Consultant, Post Deployment

[[Page 23052]]

Health Services (10P4Q), VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420. Inquiries should include the Veteran's name, 
Social Security number, service serial number, and return address.

EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM:
    None.

HISTORY:
    Last full publication provided in 68 FR 75028.

[FR Doc. 2021-09069 Filed 4-29-21; 8:45 am]
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