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 August 3, 2012. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: U9NB11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CHILDRENS HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Issue:
Based on staff interview and facility administrative document review the facility failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1's discharge instructions and prescription was mistakenly given to Patient 2.This failure placed Patient 1 PHI at a potential risk for unauthorized use.Findings:On 8/20/12 at 4:20 p.m., Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 6/8/12 the facility identified a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation revealed Staff 2 (Registered Nurse) mistakenly gave Patient 1's discharge instructions and prescription to Patient 2 during the discharge process. Staff 1 stated Staff 2 failed to check the patient's identification band to ensure the right patient received the right document.On 8/20/12 at 4:27 p.m., Staff 1 stated the discharge instructions and prescription contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, date of service, account number, attending physician, medication prescribed and general care instructions. On 8/20/12 The facility policy and procedure number 1.1521, titled "PHI, Use and Disclosure" contained the following documentation: "Children's Hospital and its employees are committed to protect the privacy of patients' health information and to comply with applicable federal and state laws that protect the privacy and security of patients' health information."The facility policy and procedure number PR-1016, titled "Confidentiality" contained the following documentation: "Children's Hospital 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