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.
VALLEY CHILDREN'S 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 December 27, 2013. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: 8N2Q11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CHILDRENS HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Issue:
Based on staff interview, clinical, and administrative document review the hospital failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1's discharge information and prescription was given to Patient 2's responsible party.This failure placed Patient 1's PHI at a potential risk for unauthorized use.Finding:On 12/27/13 at 10:00 a.m., Staff 1 stated that on 12/9/13 at 5:23 p.m., during the discharge process in the Emergency Department, Patient 1's discharge instructions and prescription were given to Patient 2's responsible party. This error occurred as a result of the ED staff not following the hospital's patient identification process.Patient 1's PHI breached included date of birth, medical record number, name, address, diagnosis, account number, physicians name and date of service. The hospital's policy and procedure number PR-1016, titled " Confidentiality" indicated "It is the policy of [Hospital] to respect and protect the privacy rights of patients, their families, employees, and third parties. All information that is deemed confidential by [Hospital] and/or by specific legal statutes shall be kept confidential..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights