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.
HEMET VALLEY 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 28, 2013. Also cited in 39 other reports.
Report ID: OGE511, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: HEMET VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the PHI (protected health information) of Patients B and C remained confidential. This failure resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient B and C's names, dates of birth, diagnoses, allergies and medical record numbers to Patient A.Findings:An interview was conducted with the facility's Director of Health Information Management and Privacy (DHIM,) on August 28, 2013, at 3:15 p.m. The DHIM stated laboratory requisition orders for Patients B and C were given to Patient A upon her discharge from the facility.A review of Patient B and C's PHI was conducted. The documents reflected both patients' names, dates of birth, dates of the requested services, diagnoses, allergies and medical record numbers. A review of the facility's policy and procedure, "Breach of PHI - Notification Requirements (Created Date: 11/2010)" was conducted. The procedure indicated, "Unlawful or Unauthorized Access means the inappropriate access, review, or viewing of patient medical information without a direct need for medical diagnosis, treatment, or other lawful use..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280