VA Directive 6371.pdf

The document is a VA Directive (6371) dated April 8, 2014, focused on procedures for the destruction of temporary paper records containing sensitive information within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The directive establishes VA-wide policy for employees, trainees, volunteers, contractors, and associates to ensure secure, economic, and effective handling of temporary paper records containing personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), and other sensitive VA information.

Key implementation procedures include requirements for final destruction methods (pulping, shredding, or maceration), interim destruction safeguards, documentation and certification of destruction, and specific standards for information destruction contractors. The directive mandates physical security measures such as monitored alarm systems, closed-circuit TV monitoring, visitor logs, and comprehensive documentation of employee access, destruction equipment, vehicles, and material recipients. Contractors must meet rigorous standards for physical and operational security, including background investigations, citizenship verification, and maintaining detailed logs of destruction activities.