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.
SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
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 August 12, 2014. Also cited in 90 other reports.
Report ID: KSC411.03, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to notify the patient's representative of an unauthorized disclosure of patient health information (PHI) within five days of detection for one of two sampled patients (1). Patient 1's PHI was inadvertently disclosed to another patient's family member. The failure resulted in non-compliance of California Health and Safety Code 1280.15(b)(2). Findings:The California Department of Public Health received a faxed report on 6/19/13, which indicated Patient 2's family member (P2FM) received a faxed letter on 6/10/13, from one of the hospital's clinics which contained PHI for Patient 1. During an interview on 8/12/14 at 10:30 a.m., the ethics and compliance officer (ECO) stated that on 6/10/13, P2FM received a fax from one of the hospital's clinics which included Patient 1's medical information. ECO also stated the faxing error was reported to Patient 1 on 6/19/13.A review of a copy of a letter sent on 6/19/13 from the hospital to Patient 1's guardian indicated P2FM had received a letter, on 6/10/13, with information for Patient 2 and a letter with information for Patient 1, which was intended for Patient 1's guardian.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280