MENIFEE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: 3VH211.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: MENIFEE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of PHI when RN 1 provided DC instructions to Patient 1 that contained a patient identification label for Patient 2. This failed practice resulted in the potential for physical, emotional, and financial harm to Patient 2.Findings:During an interview with the HIM Director on September 9, 2013, at 10:15 a.m., the director stated RN 1 was discharging patients home from the hospital on January 23, 2012, and she placed a label for Patient 2 onto the DC instructions for Patient 1. The director stated Patient 1 was sent home with his DC instruction papers that contained Patient 2's label.The patient identification label was reviewed on September 9, 2013. The label included the following PHI:1. Name;2. DOB;3. Sex;4. Age;5. MRN;6. Account number;7. Admission date; and,8. Physician's name.The facility policy titled, "Medical Information Uses and Disclosures," was reviewed on September 10, 2013. The policy indicated the facility was committed to using and disclosing PHI only in accordance with state and federal law. The policy further indicated the facility may disclose PHI about a patient only to hospital personnel and people outside the hospital who were involved in providing care to the patient.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

The report containing this deficiency also includes information about 2 other violations. Note that these may be related to the same event: 3VH211.02, 3VH211.03

1 other violation reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: LPWR11.01