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.
RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY 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 May 9, 2012. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: UJ5Z11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Patient A's protected health information (PHI), was not sent with Patient B, to the wrong facility. This failure resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient A's PHI, which created the potential for unauthorized use.Findings:On May 9, 2012, at 7:45 a.m., an unannounced visit was made to the facility to investigate an allegation of a breach of PHI.On May 9, 2012, at 8:30 a.m., the facility Privacy Official, was interviewed. The Official stated on April 13, 2012, there were two patients, Patients A and B, in the Emergency Department (ED). Patient B was transferred to an acute hospital. Patient A's document was sent with Patient B's discharge information. The document contained Patient A's name, medical record number, and medications. The acute hospital notified the Privacy Official.On May 9, 2012, the facility policy and procedure titled, "Safeguarding Protected Health Information," was reviewed. The policy indicated, "...Facilities must have a process in place to verify documents are for the correct patient prior to providing the documents to the recipient (e.g. example, verify recipient and content prior to giving discharge papers to an individual)..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280