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.
ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER - REEDLEY
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 November 20, 2012. Also cited in 18 other reports.
Report ID: R69K11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER - REEDLEY
Issue:
Based on staff interview, clinical record, and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1's clinical information was was faxed to the wrong number. This failure resulted in the breach of Patient 1's PHI and possible unauthorized use. Findings:On 10/8/12 at 8:55 a.m., the department received a fax from the hospital that indicated a patient's clinical information was faxed to the wrong number. On 11/20/12 at 10:09 a.m., during an interview, the Privacy Officer (PO) stated Health Information Management (HIM) Clerk misdialed a fax number resulting in Patient 1's lab result being sent to the wrong number. Patient 1's lab result was reviewed on 11/8/12. Patient 1's lab result sheets contained name, age/sex, date of birth, home phone number, type of tests performed and the test results. The hospital Policy number 1000.08.36 titled "Policy: HIPAA Privacy and Security Workforce Sanctions" dated 9/4/07 contained the following documentation, "Policy: Compliance - Key Elements: 1. Adventist Health is committed to ensuring confidentiality of records and related information for all patients ... Full consideration is given to patients' rights for privacy concerning all aspects of their medical program. All communications regarding their care will be treated as confidential information."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights