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.
SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on November 13, 2014. Also cited in 14 other reports.
Report ID: PDUQ11.03, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to notify Patient 1 within five business days of the disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI), when a hospital Face Sheet containing PHI for Patient 1 was found in an individual's yard. The hospital became aware of the disclosure on 5/23/14 and notified Patient 1 on 6/6/14. The failure resulted in non-compliance of California Health & Safety Code 1280.15(b)(2). Findings:The California Department of Public Health received a faxed report on 6/6/14, which indicated, on 5/23/14 the hospital's CEO received a letter which indicated Patient 1's hospital Face Sheet, containing PHI, was found in an individual's yard on 5/3/14. A review of a copy of a letter dated 6/6/14 from the hospital to Patient 1 stated a copy of Patient 1's hospital Face Sheet, containing PHI, was found in a yard. During an interview on 11/13/14 at 1:45 p.m., the PO stated the hospital's CEO received a letter in the mail, on 5/23/14 from an individual which indicated she had found in her yard a hospital Face Sheet, with Patient 1's PHI. PO acknowledged the hospital became aware of the Breach on 5/23/14, and notified Patient 1 of the Breach on 6/6/14.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280