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 March 10, 2014. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: 7YUF11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure all patient protected health information (PHI) was kept protected, which resulted in the unauthorized access of the patient's confidential information (Patient 5). Patient 5's confidential information was given to Patient 4 on December 7, 2013, when Patient 4 received a Rehabilitative Services Department Treatment Schedule containing Patient 5's protected health information. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 5's protected health information (PHI).Findings:On March 24, 2014, at 2:45 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Administrative Services Officer (ASO). She stated: a. On December 7, 2013, a Rehabilitative Services Department Treatment Schedule was give to Patient 4.b. On February 4, 2014, Patient 4 presented the Rehabilitative Services Department Treatment Schedule to a registration clerk who noted the Treatment Schedule contained Patient 5's PHI.c. The registration clerk confiscated the Rehabilitative Services Department Treatment Schedule and notified the ASO. Patient 4 received and had an opportunity to view Patient 5's PHI, which included name, date of birth, medical record number, account number, gender, and date of service.Patient 5 was informed of the disclosure of her protected health information (PHI) via letters in English and Spanish, dated and mailed on February 7, 2014, to her last known address. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified via a telephone call on February 7, 2014, of the unauthorized access of Patient 5's PHI.The facility policy and procedure titled "Patient Identification" released May 23, 2012, revealed "... Label all documents with at least two clear, legible patient identifiers. ... All healthcare team members will use two unique, patient-specific identifiers to assist in correct identification of the patient. ..."The facility policy and procedure titled "Breach of Patient Privacy: Reporting Requirements" dated September 23, 2009, revealed "... Whether the complaint involves the unlawful or unauthorized access to, or the use or disclosure of, a patient's medical information ... the violation will be reported to the patient and State within no more than five (5) calendar days from identification of the unlawful or unauthorized access to, or use or disclosure of the patient's medical information. ..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280