Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for a violation of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on March 12, 2013. Also cited in 4 other reports.
Report ID: JDS111, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to safeguard Patient 1's Protected Health Information (PHI) from unauthorized persons which resulted in a breach of her PHI.Findings:During a review of the facility Privacy Complaint Follow-up Report, dated 3/5/13, it indicated Registered Nurse A (RN A), who works in the Emergency Room, accidentally stapled the discharge instructions for Patient 1 onto another discharged patient's papers. The facility investigated the incident and determined that both patients were being discharged around the same time. Both sets of discharge instructions were on the printer together. RN A did not follow the policy of having two persons check discharge instructions prior to giving them to a patient. RN A received re-education. The Director of the Department will do a monthly sampling of discharge documentation to ensure they are being checked by two persons.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights