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.
STANFORD 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 June 20, 2012. Also cited in 15 other reports.
Report ID: K9VR11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: STANFORD HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to maintain confidential treatment of all records pertaining to the care provided by the hospital for one of one sampled patient (1). Findings:Patient 1 had a cardiac procedure at the hospital on 3/21/12.On 6/22/12 at 11:15 a.m. during an interview with the hospital's privacy officer, she stated that on 3/21/12 registered nurse 1 (RN 1) allowed her daughter to wait in one of the hospital's control rooms while RN 1 was finishing her shift. While waiting RN 1's daughter took a picture of the procedure room and posted the picture on a social website. The picture inadvertently displayed Patient 1's name, date of birth, medical record number, and that Patient 1 was having a procedure. The privacy officer further stated the hospital became aware of the above breach by another hospital employee. The picture was taken off the social website within 24 hours. On 6/22/12 at 11:30 a.m. a review of the posted picture was conducted, and although Patient 1's information was difficult to decipher it was displayed on the picture.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights