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 September 4, 2012. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: WXQG11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CHILDRENS HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Issue:
Based on staff interview and administrative document review the facility failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1, Patient 2, Patient 3 and Patient 4's insurance claims were mistakenly mailed to the wrong payer.This failure placed Patient 1, Patient 2, Patient 3 and Patient 4's PHI at a potential risk for unauthorized use.Findings:On 9/4/12 at 9:35 a.m., Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 8/20/12 the facility identified a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation revealed an error occurred in the mail room when staff mistakenly mislabeled an envelope containing insurance claims. Staff 1 stated Patient 1, Patient 2, Patient 3 and Patient 4's insurance claims were intended to be mailed to a government agency, but instead were mailed to a commercial payer, not associated with the patients.On 9/4/12 at 9:40 a.m., Staff 1 stated the insurance claims contained Patient 1, Patient 2, Patient 3 and Patient 4's name, date of birth, date of service, address, guarantor information, attending physician and claim number.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