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.
KAISER FOUNDATION HOSP SO SACRAMENTO
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 16, 2014. Also cited in 16 other reports.
Report ID: BX5Y11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: KAISER FOUNDATION HOSP SO SACRAMENTO
Issue:
Based on observation and interviews review the facility failed to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 1's medical information, when Emergency Room staff inadvertently gave Patient's discharge information to Patient 2.Findings:On 2/7/14 the facility notified the California Department of Public Health of breach of PHI for Patient 1. This occurred on 2/4/14, when two patients and family were discharged from the Emergency Department (ED) and approached the Discharge Desk at the same time. Emergency Dept Clerk 2 (EDC 2) gave the discharge information, including Patient 1's name, medical record number, treating physicians and medications, for Patient 1 to the family of Patient 2. This error was recognized after Patient 1 had left the facility. Patient 1 was called by the facility on 2/4/14 and the error was explained. The breached documents were recovered from Patient 2's family on 2/4/14.On 9/16/14 at 2:33 p.m., observations were made of EDC 1 discharging a patient from the ED. EDC1 was observed to cut off the wrist band from the patient at the end of the process but did not appear to check the patient's name to the wrist band prior to cutting of the band. Also on 9/16/14, at 2:55 p.m., and interview was conducted with the ED Clerical Manager (EDCM). The EDCM stated that the sequence of discharge to protect patient information is to; read the name of the paperwork and ask the patient what their name is and check the wrist band. These are to be cross checked with the name and medical record number on the paperwork and wrist band. The clerk may cut off the band after all of these checks are completed and the patient's identity is verified. This should be the last step before the patient leaves the discharge desk.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280