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.
ST JUDE MEDICAL CENTER
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 December 9, 2011. Also cited in 29 other reports.
Report ID: YGOO11.03, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST JUDE MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and review of hospital documents, the hospital failed to prevent the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) for Patient Hh to unauthorized individuals. In addition, the hospital failed to notify the Department of the breach of PHI within five business days of the hospital's knowledge of its occurrence.Findings:Review of hospital documents showed Patient Hh's PHI was disclosed to unauthorized individuals. On 8/7/11, a nursing supervisor received a call with information that PHI belonging to Patient Hh had inadvertently been faxed to a personal fax machine. Upon investigation, documentation showed an error had occurred as a case manager was attempting to fax the patient's documents to another facility. The PHI disclosed contained Patient Hh's medical information.The hospital was made aware of the breach of Patient Hh's PHI on 8/7/11; however the Department was not notified until 8/22/11.During a telephone conference on 4/6/12 at 0930 hours, the hospital's Manager of Regulatory Compliance verified the above breach occurrence and notification dates.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280