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.
CLOVIS COMMUNITY 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 April 17, 2014. Also cited in 27 other reports.
Report ID: NYCG11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CLOVIS COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview, clinical and administrative document review, the facility failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when a birth certificate verification letter for Patient 1 was given to Patient 2. This failure resulted in unauthorized access to P1's PHI and the potential unauthorized use.Findings:On 4/17/2014 at 10:34 a.m., during an interview, the Privacy Officer (PO) stated that Employee 1 gave Patient 2 a birth certificate verification letter that belonged to Patient 1. PO stated that Employee 1 should have verified that she was giving paperwork to the correct patient.The PHI breached included P1's name and date of birth.The Hospital's Policy and Procedure titled, "HIPAA General Rules for the Use and Disclosure of PHI" dated 4/18/12 indicated, "Protected health information includes any information received, created or maintained by... in which the patient is... identified, regardless of whether the information is in oral, paper or electronic form. It is the responsibility of all ... workforce members to comply with policies and procedures."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights