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 March 16, 2012. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: 2FME11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CHILDRENS HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Issue:
Based on staff interview, facility and administrative document review, the facility failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1's discharge instructions were mistakenly given to Patient 2. This failure placed Patient 1's PHI at a potential risk for unauthorized use.Findings:On 3/16/12 at 8:40 a.m., during a telephone interview, Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 3/5/12 the facility was notified of a possible privacy breach . The facility's internal investigation revealed during the discharge process Patient 1's discharge instructions were mistakenly given to Patient 2. Staff 1 stated it was the facility's policy to check each patient's identification band to ensure the right patient receives the right documents.Staff 1 stated the discharge instructions contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, date of service, medical record number, services provided, medication prescribed, and follow up appointment.The facility policy and procedure number PR-1016, titled "Confidentiality" contained the following documentation: "It is the policy to respect and protect the privacy rights of patients. ...All information that is deemed confidential shall be kept confidential. ...Facility 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