SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Report ID: B53O11, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Issue:

Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to protect the right for confidential medical treatment for one sampled patient (1). Findings:On 10/31/13, the California Department of Public Health received a faxed report from the hospital's privacy officer which indicated the hospital identified a potential breach of Patient 1's health information.During an interview on 2/12/14 at 10:10 a.m., the acting chief nursing officer stated on 10/30/13 he was notified registered nurse A (RN A) had disclosed Patient 1's protected health information to visitors in Patient 1's room during the course of providing care.During an interview on 2/26/14 at 10:00 a.m., RN A stated on the evening shift of 10/29/13 he entered Patient 1's room to give him his medications. RN A stated Patient 1 had refused his medications earlier in the shift. RN A stated he wanted Patient 1 to know what medication he was taking and told the patient the medications were for his protected diagnosis.RN A stated there were two male visitors with Patient 1 during the above conversation. RN A stated later in the shift a nursing assistant told him Patient 1 was concerned and upset his protected diagnosis was disclosed to his visitors. Record review on 2/21/14 at 11:00 a.m., of the hospital policy "Release of Patient Information" dated 6/29/10 indicated: "No statement may be made as to protected diagnosis.... Name should not be released and no statement may be made concerning the nature of the diagnosis..."

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280