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.
EL CENTRO REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
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 November 25, 2013. Also cited in 38 other reports.
Report ID: UBM711.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EL CENTRO REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview, record and document review, the hospital failed to ensure that 1 of 2 sampled patient's (1) protected health information (PHI) was safeguarded. As a result, Patient 2 received medical information which was intended for Patient 1. Findings:On 11/25/13 at 4:20 P.M., an interview was conducted with the Director of Quality (DQ). During the interview, the DQ stated that a Registered Nurse (RN)1, inadvertently gave Patient 2 another patient's (Patient 1) PHI during Patient 2's discharge process. On 11/25/13 at 4:30 P.M., the hospital's policy and procedure titled "Access to and Maintenance of the Health Record" dated 5/28/13 and Patient 1's PHI which was not safeguarded, was reviewed with the DQ. The policy indicated that handling of PHI should protect the confidentiality of patient data. The DQ acknowledged that the policy was not implemented when Patient 1's name and medications prescribed were inadvertently given to the wrong patient during Patient 2's discharge process. As a result, Patient 1's PHI was not safeguarded.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights