Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records, 17639-17643 [2023-05925]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 56 / Thursday, March 23, 2023 / Notices
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. Kurt D. DelBene,
Assistant Secretary for Information and
Technology and Chief Information
Officer, approved this document on
March 18, 2023 for publication.
Dated: March 20, 2023.
Amy L. Rose,
Program Analyst, VA Privacy Service, Office
of Information Security, Office of Information
and Technology, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER:
‘‘Customer User Provisioning SystemVA’’ (87VA005OP).
HISTORY:
81 FR 3862 January 22, 2016.
[FR Doc. 2023–05960 Filed 3–22–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
Privacy Act of 1974; System of
Records
Veterans Health
Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA).
ACTION: Notice of a modified system of
records.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to the Privacy Act of
1974, notice is hereby given that the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is
modifying the system of records
entitled, ‘‘Income Verification RecordsVA’’ (89VA10NB). This system is used
to verify the household income of
certain Veterans and, if relevant, their
spouses or dependents receiving VA
health care benefits. The information in
this system of records is also used to
validate Veterans’ and their spouses’
Social Security numbers; provide
educational materials related to income
verification; respond to Veteran and
non-Veteran inquiries related to income
verification; and compile management
reports.
SUMMARY:
Comments on this amended
system of records must be received no
later than 30 days after date of
publication in the Federal Register. 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 of records will become
effective a minimum of 30 days after
date of publication in the Federal
Register. If VA receives public
comments, VA shall review the
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DATES:
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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 ‘‘Income Verification
Records-VA’’ (89VA10NB). Comments
received will be available at
regulations.gov for public viewing,
inspection or copies.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephania Griffin, Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) Chief Privacy
Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs,
810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20420; telephone (704) 245–2492
(Note: this is not a toll-free number).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VA is
amending the system of records by
revising the System Number; System
Location; System Manager; Categories of
Records in the System; Records Source
Categories; Routine Uses of Records
Maintained in the System; and Policies
and Practices for Retention and Disposal
of Records. VA is republishing the
system notice in its entirety.
The System Number is being updated
from 89VA10NB to 89VA10 to reflect
the current VHA organizational routing
symbol.
The System Location is being updated
to remove language that shows that
records are also stored at contracted
locations in McLean, Virginia and
Atlanta, Georgia. This section will now
include language that shows that
backup records are also stored at
Disaster Recovery sites located in Hines,
Illinois and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The System Manager is being updated
to remove the following language:
Official responsible for policies and
procedures: Chief Business Office
(10NB2A), VA Central Office, 810
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20420. Official maintaining the system:
Director, Health Eligibility Center, 2957
Clairmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.
Telephone number 202–461–4239. This
section will now reflect the following
language: VHA Member Services, Health
Eligibility Center, Income Verification
Division Program Office. Questions
related to the Income Verification
program may be referred to the Health
Eligibility Center Income Verification
Division by telephone at 1–800–929–
8387 (this is not a toll-free number), by
email at VHAHECIVDMgmt@va.gov, or
postal service at Department of Veterans
Affairs, Health Eligibility Center Income
Verification Division, 2957 Clairmont
Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia
30329–1647.
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17639
The Categories of Records in the
System is being updated to include
demographics on individuals, such as
name, address, date of birth and Internal
Control Number (ICN).
The Records Source Categories is
being updated to replace 24VA10P2
with 24VA10A7, and 147VA16 with
147VA10. Veterans and Beneficiaries
Identification and Records Location
Subsystem-VA’’ (38VA23) is being
removed from this section. This section
will include Internal Revenue Services
(IRS) and Social Security
Administration (SSA).
The language in Routine Use #7 is
being updated. It previously reflected
the following language: VA may
disclose information in this system of
records to the Department of Justice
(DOJ), either on VA’s initiative or in
response to DOJ’s request for the
information, after either VA or DOJ
determines that such information is
relevant to DOJ’s representation of the
United States or any of its components
in legal proceedings before a court or
adjudicative body, provided that, in
each case, the agency also determines
prior to disclosure that disclosure of the
records to DOJ is a use of the
information contained in the records
that is compatible with the purpose for
which VA collected the records. VA, on
its own initiative, 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.
Routine Use #7 will now read as
follows: DOJ, Litigation, Administrative
Proceeding: 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.
Routine use #20 is being added to
state, ‘‘To another Federal agency or
Federal entity, when VA determines
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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 Retention
and Disposal of Records is being
updated to remove the previous
language in that section and replace it
with: Records in this system are
retained and disposed of in accordance
with the scheduled approved by the
Archivist Records Control Schedule
(RCS) 10–1, Item Numbers 1250.1,
1250.2, 1250.3. (DAA–0015–2018–0001,
items 0001–0003)
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. Kurt D. DelBene,
Assistant Secretary for Information and
Technology and Chief Information
Officer, approved this document on
February 10, 2023 for publication.
Dated: March 17, 2023.
Amy L. Rose,
Program Analyst, VA Privacy Service, Office
of Information Security, Office of Information
and Technology, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER:
‘‘Income Verification Records—VA’’
(89VA10)
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
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Unclassified.
SYSTEM LOCATION:
Records are located at VA’s Health
Eligibility Center (HEC) in Atlanta,
Georgia and the Austin Information
Technology Center (AITC) in Austin,
Texas. Back up records are also stored
at Disaster Recovery sites located in
Hines, Illinois and Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
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SYSTEM MANAGER(S):
Official responsible for policies and
procedures: VHA Member Services,
Health Eligibility Center, Income
Verification Division Program Office.
Questions related to the Income
Verification program may be referred to
the Health Eligibility Center Income
Verification Division by telephone at 1–
800–929–8387 (this is not a toll-free
number), by email at
VHAHECIVDMgmt@va.gov, or postal
service at Department of Veterans
Affairs, Health Eligibility Center Income
Verification Division, 2957 Clairmont
Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia 30329–
1647.
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
38 U.S.C. 501(a), 1705, 1710, 1722,
and 5317.
PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM:
The purpose of these records is to
verify the household income of certain
Veterans and, if relevant, their spouses
or dependents receiving VA health care
benefits. The information in this system
of records is also used to validate
Veterans’ and their spouses’ Social
Security numbers; provide educational
materials related to income verification;
respond to Veteran and non-Veteran
inquiries related to income verification;
and compile management reports.
CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE
SYSTEM:
These records include information on
Veterans who have applied for or have
received VA health care benefits under
38 U.S.C. 17; Veterans’ spouses and
other dependents as provided for in
other provisions of 38 U.S.C.
CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
The category of records in the system
includes:
Federal Tax Information (FTI) and
Social Security information generated as
a result of computer matching activity
with records from the Internal Revenue
Services (IRS) and Social Security
Administration (SSA). The records may
also include, but are not limited to,
demographics on individuals, such as
name, address, date of birth and Internal
Control Number (ICN); correspondence
between HEC, Veterans, their family
members, and Veterans’ representatives
such as Veterans Service Officers (VSO);
copies of death certificates; Notice of
Separation; disability award letters; IRS
documents (e.g., Form 1040s, Form
1099s, W–2s); workers compensation
forms; and various annual earnings
statements, as well as pay stubs and
miscellaneous receipts.
Note: VA may not disclose to any
person in any manner any document
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that contains FTI received from IRS or
SSA in accordance with the Internal
Revenue Code (IRC) 26 U.S.C.
6103(l)(7). In addition, VA may not
allow access to FTI by any contractor or
subcontractor.
RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
Information in this system of records
may be provided by the applicant,
applicant’s spouse or other family
members; accredited representatives or
friends; employers and other payers of
earned income; financial institutions
and other payers of unearned income;
health insurance carriers; other Federal
agencies, such as IRS and SSA; ‘‘Patient
Medical Records—VA’’ (24VA10A7);
‘‘Enrollment and Eligibility Records—
VA’’ (147VA10); and ‘‘VA
Compensation, Pension, Education, and
Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Records—VA’’(58VA21/
22/28)).
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 of VHA or any of its
business associates, 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 both 38 U.S.C.
7332 and 45 CFR parts 160, 161, and
164.
1. Congress: To a Member of Congress
or staff acting upon the Member’s behalf
when the Member or staff requests the
information on behalf of, and at the
request of, the individual who is the
subject of the record.
2. Claims Representatives: To
accredited service organizations, VAapproved claim agents, and attorneys
acting under a declaration of
representation, except FTI, so that these
individuals can aid claimants in the
preparation, presentation, and
prosecution of claims under the laws
administered by VA upon the request of
the claimant and provided that the
disclosure is limited to information
relevant to a claim, 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.
3. Law Enforcement: To a Federal,
state, local, territorial, tribal, or foreign
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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, except FTI, provided that the
disclosure, is limited to 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.
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.
4. Guardians, Courts, for Incompetent
Veterans: To a court, magistrate, or
administrative tribunal, except FTI, in
matters of guardianship, inquests, and
commitments; to private attorneys
representing Veterans rated incompetent
in conjunction with issuance of
Certificates of Incompetency; or to
probation and parole officers in
connection with court-required duties.
5. Guardians Ad Litem, for
Representation: To a fiduciary or
guardian ad litem in relation to his or
her representation of a claimant in any
legal proceeding as relevant and
necessary, except FTI, to fulfill the
duties of the fiduciary or guardian ad
litem.
6. Attorneys, Insurers, Employers: To
attorneys, insurance companies,
employers, third parties liable or
potentially liable under health plan
contracts, and courts, boards, or
commissions as relevant and necessary,
except FTI, to aid VA in the preparation,
presentation, and prosecution of claims
authorized by law.
7. DOJ, Litigation, Administrative
Proceeding: 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
individual 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.
8. NARA: To the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA),
except FTI, in records management
inspections conducted under 44 U.S.C.
2904 and 2906, or other functions
authorized by laws and policies
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governing NARA operations and VA
records management responsibilities.
9. Consumer Reporting Agencies: To a
consumer reporting agency, except FTI,
for the purpose of locating the
individual, obtaining a consumer report
to determine the ability of the
individual to repay an indebtedness to
the United States, or assisting in the
collection of such indebtedness,
provided that the provisions of 38
U.S.C. 5701(g)(2) and (4) have been met,
provided that the disclosure is limited
to information that is reasonably
necessary to identify such individual or
concerning that individual’s
indebtedness to the United States by
virtue of the person’s participation in a
benefits program administered by the
Department.
10. Treasury, to Report Waived Debt
as Income: To the Department of the
Treasury as a report of income under 26
U.S.C. 61(a)(12), provided that the
disclosure is limited to information
concerning an individual’s indebtedness
that is waived under 38 U.S.C. 3102,
compromised under 4 CFR part 103,
otherwise forgiven, or for which the
applicable statute of limitations for
enforcing collection has expired.
11. Federal Agencies, Security Review
Purposes: To other source Federal
agencies, except FTI, for information
security review purposes who are
parties to computer matching
agreements involving the information
maintained in this system, but only to
the extent that the information is
necessary and relevant to the review.
12. Reported Payers of Earned,
Unearned Income: To reported payers of
earned or unearned income in order to
verify the identifier address, income
paid, period of employment, and health
insurance information provided on the
means test, and to confirm income and
demographic data provided by other
Federal agencies during income
verification computer matching.
13. Federal Agencies, for Computer
Matches: To other Federal agencies,
except FTI, for the purpose of
conducting computer matches to obtain
information, to determine or verify
eligibility of Veterans receiving VA
benefits or medical care under title 38,
U.S.C.
14. SSA, HHS, for SSN Validation: To
the Social Security Administration and
the Department of Health and Human
Services for the purpose of conducting
computer matches to obtain information
to validate the Social Security numbers
maintained in VA records.
15. Contractors: To contractors,
grantees, experts, consultants, students,
and others performing or working on a
contract, service, grant, cooperative
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17641
agreement, or other assignment for VA,
when reasonably necessary to
accomplish an agency function related
to the records. Note: This routine use
does not authorize disclosure of FTI
received from the IRS or the SSA to
contractors or subcontractors.
16. Data Breach Response and
Remediation, for VA: 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.
17. MSPB: To the Merit Systems
Protection Board (MSPB), except FTI, in
connection with appeals, special studies
of the civil service and other merit
systems, review of rules and regulations,
investigation of alleged or possible
prohibited personnel practices, and
such other functions promulgated in 5
U.S.C. 1205 and 1206, or as otherwise
authorized by law.
18. FLRA: To the Federal Labor
Relations Authority (FLRA), except FTI,
in connection with the investigation and
resolution of allegations of unfair labor
practices, the resolution of exceptions to
arbitration awards when a question of
material fact is raised; matters before the
Federal Service Impasses Panel; and the
investigation of representation petitions
and the conduct or supervision of
representation elections.
19. Federal Agencies, Fraud and
Abuse: To other Federal agencies to
assist such agencies in preventing and
detecting possible fraud or abuse by
individuals in their operations and
programs.
20. Data Breach Response and
Remediation, for Another Federal
Agency: 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.
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POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OF
RECORDS:
Records are currently maintained on
magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical
disk, and paper at secure off-site
facilities in Atlanta, Georgia and Austin,
Texas. In January 2013, VA
implemented a new electronic data
transmission process called Direct
Connect, which is a secure VPN tunnel
to transmit and receive Veterans’
household income from IRS. It only
affects the means in which the data is
transmitted; it does not affect the storage
of the data.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF
RECORDS:
Records (or information contained in
records) maintained on paper
documents are indexed and are
retrieved by the applicant’s name,
Social Security number or case number
and filed in case order number.
Automated records are indexed and
retrieved by the Veteran’s name, Social
Security number, Internal Control
Number, or case number. The spouse’s
name or Social Security number may be
retrieved from the automated income
verification record.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETENTION AND
DISPOSAL OF RECORDS:
Records in this system are retained
and disposed of in accordance with the
schedule approved by the Archivist, VA
Records Control Schedule (RCS) 10–1,
Item Numbers 1250.1, 1250.2, 1250.3.
(DAA–0015–2018–0001, items 0001–
0003).
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ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL
SAFEGUARDS:
1. Electronic data transmissions
between VA health care facilities, HEC,
and AITC are safeguarded by using VA’s
secure wide area network. The
transmission of electronic data between
SSA and AITC is safeguarded through
the use of a secured, encrypted
connection. Back-up of magnetic media
containing FTI is transported between
AITC and the off-site location in a
locked storage container by an off-site
vendor. Vendor personnel do not have
key access to the locked container. The
locked storage container is stored in a
safe in a secured room at the off-site
storage location. Access to the secured
room and the safe is limited to
authorized VA Information Technology
staff only.
2. The software programs at HEC,
AITC, and VA health care facilities
automatically flag records or events for
transmission via electronic messages
based upon functionality requirements.
The recipients of the messages are
controlled and/or assigned to the mail
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group based on their role or position.
Server jobs at each facility run
continuously to check for incoming and
outgoing data to be transmitted which
needs to be parsed to files on the
receiving end. All messages containing
data transmissions include header
information that is used for validation
purposes. Consistency checks in the
software are used to validate the
transmission, and electronic
acknowledgment messages are returned
to the sending application. The VA
Office of Cyber Security has oversight
responsibility for planning and
implementing computer security.
3. Working spaces and record storage
areas at the HEC are secured during all
business hours, as well as during nonbusiness hours. All entrance doors
require an electronic pass card, issued
by the HEC Personal Card Issuer, for
entry when unlocked, and entry doors
are locked outside normal business
hours. The card has restricted access
capability, which allows restriction of
unauthorized personnel to secured
areas. Visitors are required to present
identification and sign-in at a specified
location. Visitors are issued a pass card
which allows access to non-sensitive
areas and are escorted by staff through
restricted areas. At the end of the visit,
visitors are required to turn in their
card. The building is equipped with an
intrusion alarm system which is
activated during non-business hours.
This alarm system is monitored by a
private security service vendor. The
HEC office space occupied by
employees with access to Veteran
records is secured with an electronic
locking system, which requires a card
for entry and exit of that office space.
Access to the AITC is generally
restricted to AITC staff, VA
Headquarters employees, custodial
personnel, Federal Protective Service,
and authorized operational personnel
through electronic locking devices. All
other persons gaining access to the
computer rooms are escorted.
4. A number of other security
measures are implemented to enhance
security and safeguard of electronic
records such as automatic timeout after
a short period of inactivity and device
locking after a pre-set number of invalid
logon attempts, for example.
5. Electronic data, except FTI, is
transmitted from HEC and AITC to VA
health care facilities over VA secure
wide area network.
6. Employees at the health care
facility level do not have access to FTI,
nor do they have the ability to edit or
view income tests received from HEC as
a result of the income match with IRS.
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7. Only specific key staff and the ISO
are authorized access to the computer
room. Programmer access to AITC and
HEC databases, which contain FTI, is
restricted only to staff whose official
duties require that level of access.
Contractor staff are not authorized
access to the production database.
8. On-line data, including FTI, reside
on magnetic media in AITC computer
room which are highly secured. Backup
media are stored in a combination lock
safe in a secured room within the same
building and access to the safe is
restricted to the IT staff. Backup media
are stored by an off-site media storage
vendor who picks up the media on a
weekly basis from HEC and AITC and
returns the media to the off-site storage
via a locked storage container. Vendor
personnel do not have key access to the
locked container.
9. Any sensitive information that may
be downloaded to a personal computer
or printed to hard copy format is
provided the same level of security as
the electronic records. All paper
documents and informal notations
containing sensitive data are shredded
prior to disposal. All magnetic media
(primary computer system) and personal
computer disks are degaussed prior to
disposal or released off site for repair.
10. HEC and AITC fully comply with
the Tax Information Security Guidelines
for Federal, State and Local Agencies
(Department of Treasury IRS Publication
1075) as it relates to access and
protection of such data. These
guidelines define the management of
magnetic media, paper and electronic
records, and physical and electronic
security of the data.
11. All new HEC employees receive
initial information security and privacy
training and refresher training are
provided to all employees on an annual
basis. HEC’s ISO performs an Annual
Information Security (AIS) audit. This
annual audit includes the primary
computer information system, the
telecommunication system, and local
area networks. Additionally, the IRS
performs periodic on-site inspections to
ensure the appropriate level of security
is maintained for FTI. HEC and AITC’s
ISO and AIS administrator additionally
perform periodic reviews to ensure
security of the system and databases.
12. Identification codes and codes
used to access HEC automated
communications systems and records
systems, as well as security profiles and
possible security violations, are
maintained on magnetic media in a
secure environment by the HEC ISO. For
contingency purposes, database backups on removable magnetic media are
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stored off-site by a licensed and bonded
media storage vendor.
13. VA field facilities do not receive
FTI from AITC or HEC.
14. Contractors and subcontractors are
required to adhere to HEC’s safeguard
and security requirements.
ACCESS:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
1. In accordance with national and
locally established data security
procedures, access to the HEC Legacy
system and the Enrollment Database is
controlled by unique entry codes (access
and verification codes). The user’s
verification code is set to be changed
automatically every 90 days. User access
to data is controlled by role-based
access as determined necessary by
supervisory and information security
staff as well as by management of option
menus available to the employee.
Determination of such access is based
upon the role or position of the
employee and functionality necessary to
perform the employee’s assigned duties.
2. On an annual basis, employees are
required to sign a computer access
agreement acknowledging their
understanding of confidentiality
requirements. In addition, all employees
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:23 Mar 22, 2023
Jkt 259001
receive annual privacy awareness and
information security training. Access to
electronic records is deactivated when
no longer required for official duties.
Recurring monitors are in place to
ensure compliance with nationally and
locally established security measures.
3. Access to the AITC is generally
restricted to AITC staff, VA
Headquarters employees, custodial
personnel, Federal Protective Service,
and authorized operational personnel
through electronic locking devices.
4. Specific key staffs are authorized
access to HEC computer room and all
other persons gaining access to the
computer rooms are escorted.
Programmer access to the information
systems is restricted only to staff whose
official duties require that level of
access.
Individuals seeking information on
the existence and content of records in
this system pertaining to them should
contact the system manager in writing
as indicated above. A request for access
to records must contain the requester’s
full name, address, telephone number,
be signed by the requester, and describe
Frm 00128
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 9990
the records sought in sufficient detail to
enable VA personnel to locate them
with a reasonable amount of effort.
CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:
Individuals seeking to contest or
amend records in this system pertaining
to them should contact the system
manager in writing as indicated above.
A request to contest or amend records
must state clearly and concisely what
record is being contested, the reasons
for contesting it, and the proposed
amendment to the record.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES:
Generalized notice is provided by the
publication of this notice. For specific
notice, see Record Access Procedure,
above.
EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM:
None.
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:
PO 00000
17643
HISTORY:
59 FR 8677 (February 23, 1994), 66 FR
27752 (May 18, 2001), 73 FR 26192
(May 8, 2008), 78 FR 76897 (December
19, 2013).
[FR Doc. 2023–05925 Filed 3–22–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
E:\FR\FM\23MRN1.SGM
23MRN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 56 (Thursday, March 23, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17639-17643]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05925]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, notice is hereby given
that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is modifying the system of
records entitled, ``Income Verification Records-VA'' (89VA10NB). This
system is used to verify the household income of certain Veterans and,
if relevant, their spouses or dependents receiving VA health care
benefits. The information in this system of records is also used to
validate Veterans' and their spouses' Social Security numbers; provide
educational materials related to income verification; respond to
Veteran and non-Veteran inquiries related to income verification; and
compile management reports.
DATES: Comments on this amended system of records must be received no
later than 30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register.
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 of records will become effective a minimum of 30 days
after date of publication in the Federal Register. 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 ``Income Verification Records-VA'' (89VA10NB). Comments
received will be available at regulations.gov for public viewing,
inspection or copies.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephania Griffin, Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Veterans
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone (704)
245-2492 (Note: this is not a toll-free number).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VA is amending the system of records by
revising the System Number; System Location; System Manager; Categories
of Records in the System; Records Source Categories; Routine Uses of
Records Maintained in the System; and Policies and Practices for
Retention and Disposal of Records. VA is republishing the system notice
in its entirety.
The System Number is being updated from 89VA10NB to 89VA10 to
reflect the current VHA organizational routing symbol.
The System Location is being updated to remove language that shows
that records are also stored at contracted locations in McLean,
Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia. This section will now include language
that shows that backup records are also stored at Disaster Recovery
sites located in Hines, Illinois and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The System Manager is being updated to remove the following
language: Official responsible for policies and procedures: Chief
Business Office (10NB2A), VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20420. Official maintaining the system: Director, Health
Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.
Telephone number 202-461-4239. This section will now reflect the
following language: VHA Member Services, Health Eligibility Center,
Income Verification Division Program Office. Questions related to the
Income Verification program may be referred to the Health Eligibility
Center Income Verification Division by telephone at 1-800-929-8387
(this is not a toll-free number), by email at [email protected], or
postal service at Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Eligibility
Center Income Verification Division, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200,
Atlanta, Georgia 30329-1647.
The Categories of Records in the System is being updated to include
demographics on individuals, such as name, address, date of birth and
Internal Control Number (ICN).
The Records Source Categories is being updated to replace 24VA10P2
with 24VA10A7, and 147VA16 with 147VA10. Veterans and Beneficiaries
Identification and Records Location Subsystem-VA'' (38VA23) is being
removed from this section. This section will include Internal Revenue
Services (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA).
The language in Routine Use #7 is being updated. It previously
reflected the following language: VA may disclose information in this
system of records to the Department of Justice (DOJ), either on VA's
initiative or in response to DOJ's request for the information, after
either VA or DOJ determines that such information is relevant to DOJ's
representation of the United States or any of its components in legal
proceedings before a court or adjudicative body, provided that, in each
case, the agency also determines prior to disclosure that disclosure of
the records to DOJ is a use of the information contained in the records
that is compatible with the purpose for which VA collected the records.
VA, on its own initiative, 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.
Routine Use #7 will now read as follows: DOJ, Litigation,
Administrative Proceeding: 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.
Routine use #20 is being added to state, ``To another Federal
agency or Federal entity, when VA determines
[[Page 17640]]
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 Retention and Disposal of Records is
being updated to remove the previous language in that section and
replace it with: Records in this system are retained and disposed of in
accordance with the scheduled approved by the Archivist Records Control
Schedule (RCS) 10-1, Item Numbers 1250.1, 1250.2, 1250.3. (DAA-0015-
2018-0001, items 0001-0003)
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. Kurt D.
DelBene, Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief
Information Officer, approved this document on February 10, 2023 for
publication.
Dated: March 17, 2023.
Amy L. Rose,
Program Analyst, VA Privacy Service, Office of Information Security,
Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs.
SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER:
``Income Verification Records--VA'' (89VA10)
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
Unclassified.
SYSTEM LOCATION:
Records are located at VA's Health Eligibility Center (HEC) in
Atlanta, Georgia and the Austin Information Technology Center (AITC) in
Austin, Texas. Back up records are also stored at Disaster Recovery
sites located in Hines, Illinois and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
SYSTEM MANAGER(S):
Official responsible for policies and procedures: VHA Member
Services, Health Eligibility Center, Income Verification Division
Program Office. Questions related to the Income Verification program
may be referred to the Health Eligibility Center Income Verification
Division by telephone at 1-800-929-8387 (this is not a toll-free
number), by email at [email protected], or postal service at
Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Eligibility Center Income
Verification Division, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia
30329-1647.
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
38 U.S.C. 501(a), 1705, 1710, 1722, and 5317.
PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM:
The purpose of these records is to verify the household income of
certain Veterans and, if relevant, their spouses or dependents
receiving VA health care benefits. The information in this system of
records is also used to validate Veterans' and their spouses' Social
Security numbers; provide educational materials related to income
verification; respond to Veteran and non-Veteran inquiries related to
income verification; and compile management reports.
CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:
These records include information on Veterans who have applied for
or have received VA health care benefits under 38 U.S.C. 17; Veterans'
spouses and other dependents as provided for in other provisions of 38
U.S.C.
CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
The category of records in the system includes:
Federal Tax Information (FTI) and Social Security information
generated as a result of computer matching activity with records from
the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) and Social Security Administration
(SSA). The records may also include, but are not limited to,
demographics on individuals, such as name, address, date of birth and
Internal Control Number (ICN); correspondence between HEC, Veterans,
their family members, and Veterans' representatives such as Veterans
Service Officers (VSO); copies of death certificates; Notice of
Separation; disability award letters; IRS documents (e.g., Form 1040s,
Form 1099s, W-2s); workers compensation forms; and various annual
earnings statements, as well as pay stubs and miscellaneous receipts.
Note: VA may not disclose to any person in any manner any document
that contains FTI received from IRS or SSA in accordance with the
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 26 U.S.C. 6103(l)(7). In addition, VA may
not allow access to FTI by any contractor or subcontractor.
RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
Information in this system of records may be provided by the
applicant, applicant's spouse or other family members; accredited
representatives or friends; employers and other payers of earned
income; financial institutions and other payers of unearned income;
health insurance carriers; other Federal agencies, such as IRS and SSA;
``Patient Medical Records--VA'' (24VA10A7); ``Enrollment and
Eligibility Records--VA'' (147VA10); and ``VA Compensation, Pension,
Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Records--
VA''(58VA21/22/28)).
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 of VHA or any of its business
associates, 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 both 38 U.S.C. 7332 and 45 CFR parts 160, 161,
and 164.
1. Congress: To a Member of Congress or staff acting upon the
Member's behalf when the Member or staff requests the information on
behalf of, and at the request of, the individual who is the subject of
the record.
2. Claims Representatives: To accredited service organizations, VA-
approved claim agents, and attorneys acting under a declaration of
representation, except FTI, so that these individuals can aid claimants
in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under the
laws administered by VA upon the request of the claimant and provided
that the disclosure is limited to information relevant to a claim, 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.
3. Law Enforcement: To a Federal, state, local, territorial,
tribal, or foreign
[[Page 17641]]
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, except FTI, provided
that the disclosure, is limited to 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. 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.
4. Guardians, Courts, for Incompetent Veterans: To a court,
magistrate, or administrative tribunal, except FTI, in matters of
guardianship, inquests, and commitments; to private attorneys
representing Veterans rated incompetent in conjunction with issuance of
Certificates of Incompetency; or to probation and parole officers in
connection with court-required duties.
5. Guardians Ad Litem, for Representation: To a fiduciary or
guardian ad litem in relation to his or her representation of a
claimant in any legal proceeding as relevant and necessary, except FTI,
to fulfill the duties of the fiduciary or guardian ad litem.
6. Attorneys, Insurers, Employers: To attorneys, insurance
companies, employers, third parties liable or potentially liable under
health plan contracts, and courts, boards, or commissions as relevant
and necessary, except FTI, to aid VA in the preparation, presentation,
and prosecution of claims authorized by law.
7. DOJ, Litigation, Administrative Proceeding: 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 individual 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.
8. NARA: To the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA), except FTI, in records management inspections conducted under
44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906, or other functions authorized by laws and
policies governing NARA operations and VA records management
responsibilities.
9. Consumer Reporting Agencies: To a consumer reporting agency,
except FTI, for the purpose of locating the individual, obtaining a
consumer report to determine the ability of the individual to repay an
indebtedness to the United States, or assisting in the collection of
such indebtedness, provided that the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 5701(g)(2)
and (4) have been met, provided that the disclosure is limited to
information that is reasonably necessary to identify such individual or
concerning that individual's indebtedness to the United States by
virtue of the person's participation in a benefits program administered
by the Department.
10. Treasury, to Report Waived Debt as Income: To the Department of
the Treasury as a report of income under 26 U.S.C. 61(a)(12), provided
that the disclosure is limited to information concerning an
individual's indebtedness that is waived under 38 U.S.C. 3102,
compromised under 4 CFR part 103, otherwise forgiven, or for which the
applicable statute of limitations for enforcing collection has expired.
11. Federal Agencies, Security Review Purposes: To other source
Federal agencies, except FTI, for information security review purposes
who are parties to computer matching agreements involving the
information maintained in this system, but only to the extent that the
information is necessary and relevant to the review.
12. Reported Payers of Earned, Unearned Income: To reported payers
of earned or unearned income in order to verify the identifier address,
income paid, period of employment, and health insurance information
provided on the means test, and to confirm income and demographic data
provided by other Federal agencies during income verification computer
matching.
13. Federal Agencies, for Computer Matches: To other Federal
agencies, except FTI, for the purpose of conducting computer matches to
obtain information, to determine or verify eligibility of Veterans
receiving VA benefits or medical care under title 38, U.S.C.
14. SSA, HHS, for SSN Validation: To the Social Security
Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services for the
purpose of conducting computer matches to obtain information to
validate the Social Security numbers maintained in VA records.
15. Contractors: To contractors, grantees, experts, consultants,
students, and others performing or working on a contract, service,
grant, cooperative agreement, or other assignment for VA, when
reasonably necessary to accomplish an agency function related to the
records. Note: This routine use does not authorize disclosure of FTI
received from the IRS or the SSA to contractors or subcontractors.
16. Data Breach Response and Remediation, for VA: 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.
17. MSPB: To the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), except FTI,
in connection with appeals, special studies of the civil service and
other merit systems, review of rules and regulations, investigation of
alleged or possible prohibited personnel practices, and such other
functions promulgated in 5 U.S.C. 1205 and 1206, or as otherwise
authorized by law.
18. FLRA: To the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), except
FTI, in connection with the investigation and resolution of allegations
of unfair labor practices, the resolution of exceptions to arbitration
awards when a question of material fact is raised; matters before the
Federal Service Impasses Panel; and the investigation of representation
petitions and the conduct or supervision of representation elections.
19. Federal Agencies, Fraud and Abuse: To other Federal agencies to
assist such agencies in preventing and detecting possible fraud or
abuse by individuals in their operations and programs.
20. Data Breach Response and Remediation, for Another Federal
Agency: 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.
[[Page 17642]]
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OF RECORDS:
Records are currently maintained on magnetic tape, magnetic disk,
optical disk, and paper at secure off-site facilities in Atlanta,
Georgia and Austin, Texas. In January 2013, VA implemented a new
electronic data transmission process called Direct Connect, which is a
secure VPN tunnel to transmit and receive Veterans' household income
from IRS. It only affects the means in which the data is transmitted;
it does not affect the storage of the data.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF RECORDS:
Records (or information contained in records) maintained on paper
documents are indexed and are retrieved by the applicant's name, Social
Security number or case number and filed in case order number.
Automated records are indexed and retrieved by the Veteran's name,
Social Security number, Internal Control Number, or case number. The
spouse's name or Social Security number may be retrieved from the
automated income verification record.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETENTION AND DISPOSAL OF RECORDS:
Records in this system are retained and disposed of in accordance
with the schedule approved by the Archivist, VA Records Control
Schedule (RCS) 10-1, Item Numbers 1250.1, 1250.2, 1250.3. (DAA-0015-
2018-0001, items 0001-0003).
ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL SAFEGUARDS:
1. Electronic data transmissions between VA health care facilities,
HEC, and AITC are safeguarded by using VA's secure wide area network.
The transmission of electronic data between SSA and AITC is safeguarded
through the use of a secured, encrypted connection. Back-up of magnetic
media containing FTI is transported between AITC and the off-site
location in a locked storage container by an off-site vendor. Vendor
personnel do not have key access to the locked container. The locked
storage container is stored in a safe in a secured room at the off-site
storage location. Access to the secured room and the safe is limited to
authorized VA Information Technology staff only.
2. The software programs at HEC, AITC, and VA health care
facilities automatically flag records or events for transmission via
electronic messages based upon functionality requirements. The
recipients of the messages are controlled and/or assigned to the mail
group based on their role or position. Server jobs at each facility run
continuously to check for incoming and outgoing data to be transmitted
which needs to be parsed to files on the receiving end. All messages
containing data transmissions include header information that is used
for validation purposes. Consistency checks in the software are used to
validate the transmission, and electronic acknowledgment messages are
returned to the sending application. The VA Office of Cyber Security
has oversight responsibility for planning and implementing computer
security.
3. Working spaces and record storage areas at the HEC are secured
during all business hours, as well as during non-business hours. All
entrance doors require an electronic pass card, issued by the HEC
Personal Card Issuer, for entry when unlocked, and entry doors are
locked outside normal business hours. The card has restricted access
capability, which allows restriction of unauthorized personnel to
secured areas. Visitors are required to present identification and
sign-in at a specified location. Visitors are issued a pass card which
allows access to non-sensitive areas and are escorted by staff through
restricted areas. At the end of the visit, visitors are required to
turn in their card. The building is equipped with an intrusion alarm
system which is activated during non-business hours. This alarm system
is monitored by a private security service vendor. The HEC office space
occupied by employees with access to Veteran records is secured with an
electronic locking system, which requires a card for entry and exit of
that office space. Access to the AITC is generally restricted to AITC
staff, VA Headquarters employees, custodial personnel, Federal
Protective Service, and authorized operational personnel through
electronic locking devices. All other persons gaining access to the
computer rooms are escorted.
4. A number of other security measures are implemented to enhance
security and safeguard of electronic records such as automatic timeout
after a short period of inactivity and device locking after a pre-set
number of invalid logon attempts, for example.
5. Electronic data, except FTI, is transmitted from HEC and AITC to
VA health care facilities over VA secure wide area network.
6. Employees at the health care facility level do not have access
to FTI, nor do they have the ability to edit or view income tests
received from HEC as a result of the income match with IRS.
7. Only specific key staff and the ISO are authorized access to the
computer room. Programmer access to AITC and HEC databases, which
contain FTI, is restricted only to staff whose official duties require
that level of access. Contractor staff are not authorized access to the
production database.
8. On-line data, including FTI, reside on magnetic media in AITC
computer room which are highly secured. Backup media are stored in a
combination lock safe in a secured room within the same building and
access to the safe is restricted to the IT staff. Backup media are
stored by an off-site media storage vendor who picks up the media on a
weekly basis from HEC and AITC and returns the media to the off-site
storage via a locked storage container. Vendor personnel do not have
key access to the locked container.
9. Any sensitive information that may be downloaded to a personal
computer or printed to hard copy format is provided the same level of
security as the electronic records. All paper documents and informal
notations containing sensitive data are shredded prior to disposal. All
magnetic media (primary computer system) and personal computer disks
are degaussed prior to disposal or released off site for repair.
10. HEC and AITC fully comply with the Tax Information Security
Guidelines for Federal, State and Local Agencies (Department of
Treasury IRS Publication 1075) as it relates to access and protection
of such data. These guidelines define the management of magnetic media,
paper and electronic records, and physical and electronic security of
the data.
11. All new HEC employees receive initial information security and
privacy training and refresher training are provided to all employees
on an annual basis. HEC's ISO performs an Annual Information Security
(AIS) audit. This annual audit includes the primary computer
information system, the telecommunication system, and local area
networks. Additionally, the IRS performs periodic on-site inspections
to ensure the appropriate level of security is maintained for FTI. HEC
and AITC's ISO and AIS administrator additionally perform periodic
reviews to ensure security of the system and databases.
12. Identification codes and codes used to access HEC automated
communications systems and records systems, as well as security
profiles and possible security violations, are maintained on magnetic
media in a secure environment by the HEC ISO. For contingency purposes,
database back-ups on removable magnetic media are
[[Page 17643]]
stored off-site by a licensed and bonded media storage vendor.
13. VA field facilities do not receive FTI from AITC or HEC.
14. Contractors and subcontractors are required to adhere to HEC's
safeguard and security requirements.
ACCESS:
1. In accordance with national and locally established data
security procedures, access to the HEC Legacy system and the Enrollment
Database is controlled by unique entry codes (access and verification
codes). The user's verification code is set to be changed automatically
every 90 days. User access to data is controlled by role-based access
as determined necessary by supervisory and information security staff
as well as by management of option menus available to the employee.
Determination of such access is based upon the role or position of the
employee and functionality necessary to perform the employee's assigned
duties.
2. On an annual basis, employees are required to sign a computer
access agreement acknowledging their understanding of confidentiality
requirements. In addition, all employees receive annual privacy
awareness and information security training. Access to electronic
records is deactivated when no longer required for official duties.
Recurring monitors are in place to ensure compliance with nationally
and locally established security measures.
3. Access to the AITC is generally restricted to AITC staff, VA
Headquarters employees, custodial personnel, Federal Protective
Service, and authorized operational personnel through electronic
locking devices.
4. Specific key staffs are authorized access to HEC computer room
and all other persons gaining access to the computer rooms are
escorted. Programmer access to the information systems is restricted
only to staff whose official duties require that level of access.
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:
Individuals seeking information on the existence and content of
records in this system pertaining to them should contact the system
manager in writing as indicated above. A request for access to records
must contain the requester's full name, address, telephone number, be
signed by the requester, and describe the records sought in sufficient
detail to enable VA personnel to locate them with a reasonable amount
of effort.
CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:
Individuals seeking to contest or amend records in this system
pertaining to them should contact the system manager in writing as
indicated above. A request to contest or amend records must state
clearly and concisely what record is being contested, the reasons for
contesting it, and the proposed amendment to the record.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES:
Generalized notice is provided by the publication of this notice.
For specific notice, see Record Access Procedure, above.
EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM:
None.
HISTORY:
59 FR 8677 (February 23, 1994), 66 FR 27752 (May 18, 2001), 73 FR
26192 (May 8, 2008), 78 FR 76897 (December 19, 2013).
[FR Doc. 2023-05925 Filed 3-22-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P