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 20, 2013. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: QG8611, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CHILDRENS HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Issue:
Based on staff interview, clinical record review, and administrative document review, the hospital failed to ensure confidential treatment of Patient 1 and 3's protected health information (PHI) when:1. A school excuse note for Patient 1 was given to Patient 2. (CA00367349)2. A lab order form for Patient 3 was given to Patient 4. (CA00369791)This failure resulted in unauthorized access to Patient 1 and 3's PHI and the potential for abuse of that information.Findings:CA003673491. On 9/20/13 at 1:15 p.m., during a telephone interview, the Manager of Accreditation (MOA) stated on 8/19/13, a hospital employee (Ambulatory Services Representative) gave a school excuse note meant for Patient 1 to Patient 2. The employee should have double checked the name to match the patient and correct document, but this did not happen.Patient 1's PHI breached was his name.The hospital's policy and procedure titled "Confidentiality" dated 8/11, indicated, "It is the policy of [Hospital] to respect and protect the privacy rights of patients, their families, employees and third parties. All information that is deemed confidential by [Hospital] and/or by specific legal statutes shall be kept confidential and shall not be copied, electronically accessed, transmitted or removed from Hospital premises under any circumstances whatsoever, without the prior written consent of Hospital Administration."CA003697912. On 9/20/13 at 1:30 p.m., during a telephone interview, the MOA stated on 9/3/13, a hospital employee (phlebotomist) gave the lab request for Patient 3 to Patient 4. The employee should have double checked the name to match the patient and correct document, but this was not done.Patient 3's PHI breached included his name, date of birth, account number, medical record number, date of service, physician's name, diagnosis, and requested lab studies.The hospital's policy and procedure titled "Confidentiality" dated 8/11, indicated, "It is the policy of [Hospital] to respect and protect the privacy rights of patients, their families, employees and third parties. All information that is deemed confidential by Children's Hospital and/or by specific legal statutes shall be kept confidential and shall not be copied, electronically accessed, transmitted or removed from Hospital premises under any circumstances whatsoever, without the prior written consent of Hospital Administration."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights