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.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY 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 March 30, 2012. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: 9ONH11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Patient A received mail containing his personal health information (PHI). This failure resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient A's PHI to an unintended recipient.Findings:On March 30, 2012, at 11:40 a.m., an unannounced visit was made to the facility to investigate a breach of PHI.On March 30, 2012, at 12:15 p.m., the Compliance and Privacy Officer was interviewed. The Officer stated the father of Patient A had requested Patient A's medical records. The facility sent the medical records via the postal service. Patient A's father called the facility on March 19, 2012, and informed them he had received two envelopes via the Post Office. One envelope was empty and one was partially empty.The Officer stated the facility received a telephone call from an attorney's office. The attorney's office had received Patient A's medical records. The Officer stated the medical records contained Patient A's name, interdisciplinary notes, lab tests, and Xrays.On March 30, 2012, the facility policy and procedure titled, "Breach of Patient Privacy: Reporting Requirements," was reviewed. The policy indicated, "Breach: The unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of patient protected health information (PHI) that compromises the security or privacy of the PHI..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280