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.
COMMUNITY 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 March 6, 2014. Also cited in 62 other reports.
Report ID: 612F11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when an employee inadvertently sent a fax containing eleven patients PHI, intended for the patient's physician, to an incorrect number. These failures resulted in Patient 1-11's PHI at risk for unauthorized use. Findings:On 3/6/14 at 9:00 a.m., during an interview, the Privacy Officer (PO) stated an employee had inadvertently sent a fax containing the names of 11 patients to an incorrect fax number. The fax was intended for the patient's physician. Patient 1-11's PHI breached included the names of the patients, medical record numbers and medical procedures performed. The Hospital's policy and procedure titled "Facsimile Transmission of Health Information" dated 6/14/2013, indicated "Staff members faxing patient information shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the fax transmission is sent to the appropriate destination by verifying the following information prior to transmission: ...Fax number of requesting party..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights