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 COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
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 14, 2014. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: ZT1X11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect Patient 1's protected health information (PHI) from unauthorized disclosure. Patient 1's name label was inadvertently affixed to the discharge instructions of another patient. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patient 1's PHI. Findings:On August 13, 2014 the Administrative Services Officer (ASO) was interviewed. The ASO stated, Patient 1 and Patient 2 were both seen in the Emergency Department (ED). On July 28, 2014, Patient 2 was given discharge instructions that inadvertently contained Patient 1's name label. The ASO stated Patient 2 phoned the facility to inform them of the error, and returned the form. The facility form titled, "Instructions To The Emergency Patient," that was given to Patient 2 was reviewed. The form had Patient 1's name label affixed to it. The label contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, date of service, medical record number, and account number.The facility policy titled, "Emergency Medicine Nursing," with a revised date of August 2008, was reviewed. The policy indicated, "Prior to discharge a registered nurse and another staff member will review the discharge material and validate using 2 patient identifiers (patient's name and date of birth or patient's name and medical record number) that the material is being given to the appropriate patient."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280