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.
COMMUNITY 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 February 8, 2013. Also cited in 62 other reports.
Report ID: ONZ911.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the facility failed to protect confidential patient health information when Patient 1's protected health information was mailed out to two unauthorized payors (insurance payors). This failure resulted in unauthorized access of confidential patient health information for Patient 1.Findings:On 2/8/13 at 9 a.m., Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 8/22/12 the facility became aware of a patient health information was disclosed for Patient 1 to two unauthorized payors. The facility's internal investigation indicated Staff 2 mistakenly mailed Patient 1's UB-04 CMS form (a form used to authorize payment) to two unauthorized payors. Staff 1 stated it was staff 2's responsibility to ensure PHI was mailed to authorized payors only. On 2/8/13 at 9:05 a.m., Staff 1 stated the UB04 form contained Patient 1's name, gender, date of service, medical record number, account number, visits, and confidential clinical information. On 2/8/13 at 9:15 a.m., Staff 1 stated the Patient 1 was sent a certified letter on 8/31/12 informing her of the breach. On 2/11/13 at 4:40 p.m. the facility policy and procedure number 12136, titled "HIPPA General Rules for the Use and Disclosure of PHI," dated 11/16/09, contained the following documentation: "It is the policy of Community Medical Centers to protect the privacy and security of patient information and to comply with applicable laws and regulations. ...PHI includes any information received, created, or maintained by the facility in which the patient is or may reasonable be identified, regardless of whether the information is in oral, paper, or electronic form."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights