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.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO 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 1, 2012. Also cited in 108 other reports.
Report ID: SFHJ11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: UCSF MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to notify the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of the breach of personal patient health information within the required five business days after the breach was detected. Findings:Patient 1 was seen at the Department of Dermatology and pictures were taken of a rash on the patient's face. Patient 1's photographs and a copy of her personal health information (name, date of birth, age, medical record number and health insurance) were sent to a wrong e-mail address. The recipient of the e-mail notified the facility about the breach incident on 5/30/12. In an interview on 11/1/12 at 10:30 AM, the Licensing and Certification Coordinator (Staff 1) stated the breach was reported late to the Department. Staff 1 said the Director of Regulatory Affairs (Staff 2) could not find a hard copy of the letter sent to the Department proving that it was reported on time, so Staff 2 sent a fax letter to CDPH on 8/31/12. Review of the report sent to CDPH notifying them of the medical information breach indicated it was faxed on 8/31/12. Staff 1 and 2 were both aware the breach was reported late.The facility was 86 days late in reporting the information breach within five business days after it was detected.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280