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 August 20, 2012. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: 29911, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on staff interview, facility and administrative document review the facility failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1's discharge summary was mistakenly given to Patient 2.This failure placed Patient 1 PHI at a potential risk for unauthorized use.Findings:On 8/20/12 at 4:05 p.m., Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 4/28/12 the facility identified a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation revealed Staff 2 mistakenly gave Patient 1's discharge summary to Patient 2 during the discharge process. Staff 1 stated Staff 2 failed to check the patient's identification band to ensure the right patient receives the right document.On 8/20/12 at 4:12 p.m., Staff 1 stated the discharge summary contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, date of service, medical record number, account number, attending physician, diagnosis and general care instructions.On 8/21/12 The facility policy and procedure number 1.1521, titled "PHI, Use and Disclosure" contained the following documentation: "Children's Hospital and its employees are committed to protect the privacy of patients' health information and to comply with applicable federal and state laws that protect the privacy and security of patients' health information." The facility policy and procedure number PR-1016, titled "Confidentiality" contained the following documentation: "Children's Hospital will maintain adequate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect the privacy of confidential information from unauthorized use or disclosure, whether intentional or unintentional."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights