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.
Ukiah 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 May 11, 2012. Also cited in 31 other reports.
Report ID: I4R911.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER/HOSPITAL D
Issue:
Based on staff interviews and facility record review, the facility failed to ensure that Protected Health Information (PHI) was accessible from unauthorized use for four patients (Patients 1, 2, 3, and 4), when a copy of an Emergency Department Patient Summary list was accidentally attached to Patient 5's discharge papers. Findings:On 4/30/12 at 4:30 p.m., the California Department of Public Health received a fax from the facility reporting that a breach of PHI had occurred on 4/28/12, and the facility became aware on 4/29/12. During an interview on 5/11/12 at 2 p.m., Administrative Staff A stated that on 4/28/12, Patient 5 was discharged from the Emergency Department with a copy of an Emergency Department Patient Summary list accidently attached to Patient 5's discharge papers. The list contained the full names, age, gender, reason for visit and medical record numbers for Patients 1, 2, 3, and 4. Patient 5's caregiver notified the facility and returned the list on 4/29/12.Administrative Staff A stated letters to Patients 1, 2, 3, and 4, informing them that the breach had occurred, were sent on 4/30/12.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280