Ukiah Valley Medical Center

Report ID: 9QP511.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER/HOSPITAL D

Issue:

Based on staff interview and facility record review, the facility failed to ensure that patient health information (PHI) was protected from unauthorized use when the wrong medical records were sent with Patient 1, when he was transferred to another hospital. Findings:On 5/2/12 at 4:16 p.m., the California Department of Public Health received a faxed report from Facility A that a breach of PHI had occurred on 5/1/12. During an interview on 5/11/12 at 1:30 p.m., Administrative Staff A stated that on 5/1/12, Patient 1 was transferred from Facility A's Emergency Department to Facility B's Emergency Department. On arrival at Facility B's Emergency Department the triage nurse noted the medical records sent were those of Patient 2. The records included Patient 2's name, date of birth, medical record number, Emergency Department's triage notes, medications list, treatment received, and laboratory and x-rays results. The triage nurse immediately notified the Emergency Department at Facility A, and Patient 1's medical records were faxed to Facility B. The triage nurse at Facility B stated she would shred Patient 2's medical records. Administrative Staff A stated Patient 2 was notified of the breach of his PHI, by letter, on 5/2/12. A copy of the letter sent to Patient 2 was reviewed to confirm notification. Administrative Staff A stated the Emergency Department staff were in-serviced as to the importance of verifying correct patient information prior to transfers.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

1 other violation reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: I4R911.01