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 September 4, 2013. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: 96CY11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure protected health information (PHI) was kept protected, when a prescription bottle containing Patient A's name and address was given to Patient B. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient A's protected health information (PHI) and the potential for misuse of the information.Findings:On September 4, 2013, at 1:45 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Compliance and Privacy Officer (CPO) and the Healthcare Administrative Surveyor (HAS). The CPO stated on May 7, 2012, Patient B was given a prescription bottle meant for Patient A. The prescription bottle contained Patient A's full name and address. The CPO stated Patient B returned the prescription on May 9, 2012 and Patient A was informed of the breach on May 15, 2012. On September 4, 2013, a copy of Patient A's notification letter was reviewed. The letter indicated "information regarding you prescription from your visit on May 2, 2012, was inadvertently provided to another patient." According to the letter, Patient A's name, postal address, telephone number, name of medication and name of the prescribing physician, was released to Patient B. The facility policy and procedure titled "Breach of Patient Privacy: Reporting Requirements," dated September 23, 2009, revealed "... Breach: The unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of patient protected health information (PHI) that compromises the security or privacy of the PHI...Medical information: any individually identifiable information, in electronic or physical form, in possession of or derived from a provider of health care, health care service..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280