Another possible scandal inside Veterans Administration, this time in Daytona Beach.
In an exclusive interview, News 13 has learned the Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating one of its own doctors for possibly violating doctor-patient confidentiality.
Under scrutiny is Dr. Melissa Paliani, a clinical psychologist and team leader at the Daytona Beach Vet Center.
A source inside the VA told News 13 that Paliani was being investigated for a possible violation of the HIPAA privacy law.
Additionally, Gildow's ex-boyfriend told News 13 that Paliani shared confidential information with him.
"She happened to see two of the veterans that lived in my apartment complex in Daytona (Beach), so she just pointed them out to me and started talking about it. I didn't really put two and two together until later on. I just kind of kept it to myself," Stephen Gildow said.
It is important to point out that Paliani has a restraining order against Gildow and that the stalking injunction is in effect until September 2017.
Paliani's attorney, Daniel Perez, released the following statement Tuesday morning:
Stephen Gildow has engaged in a threatening course of conduct against Dr. Melissa Paliani for personal reasons. As a result, the Volusia County Court issued a September 11, 2014, restraining order against Mr. Gildow for stalking and cyber-stalking. Mr. Gildow's false allegations of breach of patient confidentiality referenced in this article were raised in retaliation for the injunction. These allegations constitute an attempt to circumvent the prohibitions in the injunction.
Dr. Paliani has worked for the VA for over 15 years. Dr. Paliani has an unblemished work record with this agency. Stephen Gildow was not Dr. Paliani's patient nor has she disclosed patient information to Mr. Gildow. The VA's review will confirm these facts and Dr. Paliani will be returned to duty.
News 13 reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sarita Figueroa, with the VA regional office in St. Petersburg, provided the following response via email:
VA is awaiting a final report from an administrative investigation at the Daytona Beach Vet Center and cannot comment further while the review is underway. We continue to provide readjustment counseling services at the Daytona Beach Vet Center to all veterans seeking help.
A VA source told News 13 Paliani is on paid administrative leave.