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.
EL CENTRO REGIONAL 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 25, 2013. Also cited in 38 other reports.
Report ID: UC6O11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EL CENTRO REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview, document and record review, the hospital failed to ensure that 1 of 2 patient's (1) protected health information (PHI) was safeguarded. Patient 2 had requested a copy of the patient's own medical record. The medical record received by Patient 2, contained another patient's documents (Patient 1), which were not intended for Patient 2. Findings: On 5/7/14 at 11:20 A.M., a review of Patient 1's PHI which was not safeguarded, and the hospital's Policy and Procedure titled " Access to and Maintenance of the Health Record" dated 5/28/13, was conducted with the Compliance Officer (CO). Patient 1's PHI which was not safeguarded, included the following: Patient 1's Insurance information, Physician's diagnosis, allergy information and Emergency Department (ED) procedures performed. The Policy and Procedure indicated that employees who handled patient health information should protect the confidentiality of patient data. On 5/7/14 at 11:45 A.M., an interview was conducted with the CO. The CO acknowledged that their policy was not implemented when the medical record received by Patient 2, contained another patient's documents (Patient 1), which were not intended for Patient 2. As a result, Patient 1's PHI was not safeguarded.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights