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. HELENA HOSPITAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
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 May 3, 2012. Also cited in 13 other reports.
Report ID: 6LZ611, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST. HELENA HOSPITAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Issue:
Based on staff interview, and document review, the hospital failed to ensure Patient 1 ' s confidential health information was not released to individuals not involved in the care of the patient. Findings: On 3/26/12 the hospital reported to the California Department of Public Health that a breach of confidential health care information had occurred.During an interview on 5/15/12 at 4 p.m., Administrative Staff A stated that Patient 1 had been admitted to the facility for a psychiatric emergency. At the time of admission forms were completed that outlined the justification for the patient to be held for 72 hours. Near the end of the 72 hour period the doctor evaluated Patient 1 and determined that the patient still required hospitalization. Another form was completed to justify hospitalization beyond the original 72 hours. The two forms included the name of the patient, the date of birth, the medical record number, the date of admission, and the medical justification for the patient being hospitalized. " Confused, disoriented ...unable to function on own ... "Administrative Staff A stated that a second patient, Patient 2, was ready for discharge. Patient 2 ' s family picked up discharge paperwork from the desk and went home. When they arrived home they noticed that they had the two forms from Patient 1 ' s medical record. Patient 2 ' s family called the hospital to report the error.Administrative Staff A stated that she believed hospital staff left the copies from Patient 1 ' s record on the desk and that they were somehow included in the discharge papers given to the family of Patient 2.Patient 1 was notified of the breach of information by letter on 3/26/12.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280