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.
SAN ANTONIO REGIONAL HOSPITAL
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 December 10, 2014. Also cited in 35 other reports.
Report ID: IKI911, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SAN ANTONIO REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the confidential treatment of Patient A's protected health information (PHI), when an Emergency Department Registered Nurse (RN 1) released the prescription for Patient A to Patient B, upon discharge from the emergency department (ED). This resulted in a breach of PHI for Patient A.Finding:On December 10, 2014 at 11:23 AM, a phone interview was conducted with the Director of Nursing Operations (DNO) regarding an entity reported incident of a breach of PHI for Patient A, detected on November 25, 2014. The DNO stated the procedure is to verify patient name and either the medical record number or name and date of birth prior to discharging a patient or giving patient health information. She stated the nurse (RN 1) gave Patient B the correct discharge paperwork, but attached Patient A's prescription without verifying the name and medical record number on the prescription. The DNO stated Patient A was notified by phone and by letter of the breach of his health information.During a review of the documentation given to Patient B, the document included Patient A's name, address, date of birth, and medical record number.A review of the facility policy and procedure titled, "Confidentiality, Protecting Confidential Information," dated July, 2011, indicated, "Confidential information must be protected from unauthorized uses; disclosures...must be protected to prevent financial fraud and identity theft."The failure of RN 1 to verify the name and medical record number on the prescription prior to discharge resulted in the unauthorized release of Patient A's PHI to Patient B.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights