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.
SONOMA VALLEY HOSPITAL
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on April 23, 2013. Also cited in 10 other reports.
Report ID: J3F011.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SONOMA VALLEY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of 1,313 patients when a listing of patient confidential health information was mistakenly uploaded onto the facility website and could be viewed by the public. This failure allowed for potential unlawful or unauthorized use of the information and violation of the patients' right to privacy.Findings:During an interview on 4/26/13 at 2:00 p.m., Staff A confirmed that an electronic file containing a listing of 1,313 patients who received surgical services at the facility during a 12 month period was inadvertently uploaded to the facility website that could be viewed by the public. The incident occurred on 2/14/13 when a staff member was updating the facility web site with information on a new program. The facility was made aware of the incident on 4/17/13.The facility report dated 4/30/15 indicated that surgical service information showed that the information disclosed included the patient's names, the date of service, the name of the medical procedure and the physician performing the procedure, the cost of the procedure and the patients' insurance company information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280