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.
SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL 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 April 20, 2015. Also cited in 14 other reports.
Report ID: HUGP11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to protect the patients' rights for confidential treatment for 23 patients (1-23), when a briefcase containing the facesheets for 23 patients was stolen from the trunk of a physician's car. This failure had the potential to disclose personal information of 23 patients to unauthorized individual(s). Findings:The California Department of Public Health received a faxed report on 12/22/14 which indicated on 12/16/14 a physician's briefcase was stolen from the trunk of his car. The briefcase, containing 23 facesheets of hospital patients, was stolen from the trunk of his car. The physician notified the police. Review of a copy of the police report indicated on the morning of 12/16/14 at 7:15 a.m., the physician left his house to go to work when he noticed his car had been broken in. The report indicated a briefcase containing documents was stolen from the physician's car.During an interview with the interim privacy officer (IPO) on 4/20/15 at 9:30 a.m., she stated the physician's car was parked in his driveway in a gated community. IPO stated the car was broken into and the physician's briefcase was taken. The briefcase had facesheets with patients' names, addresses, other demographic information, and reason for visit. Review of the hospital's 7/25/13 "Medical Staff General Rules and Regulations, Article VIII: Medical Records" indicated all records are the property of the hospital and shall not be taken from the hospital premises.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights