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.
WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY 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 May 6, 2014. Also cited in 5 other reports.
Report ID: F1OR11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to protect the right for confidential medical information for one of one sampled patient (1). Findings:On 3/6/14, the California Department of Public Health received a faxed report from the hospital's privacy officer which indicated the hospital identified a potential disclosure of Patient 1's health information.Patient 1 was transported to the hospital by ambulance on 2/26/14 for a labor check. During an interview on 5/13/14 at 10:30 a.m., registered nurse A (RN A) stated Patient 1 was accompanied into the labor unit by three family members. RN A stated Patient 1 was examined by the physician in the presence of Patient 1's family members.RN A stated she received Patient 1's permission to conduct the admission history in the presence of her family members. RN A stated she was aware Patient 1 had received minimal prenatal care and reviewed her medical record which indicated Patient 1 had a confidential diagnosis. RN A stated an hour later while the same visitors were present, RN A asked Patient 1 if she had been treated for her confidential diagnosis. RN A further stated, Patient 1 was not aware of her confidential diagnosis.RN A stated she did not obtain Patient 1's permission to disclose medical information in the presence of her family members, during the above encounter.Record review on 5/13/14 at 10:40 a.m., of a handwritten document by Patient 1, indicated: "I was exposed with information that i did not know from a nurse that made me feel angry and verry [sic] uncomfortable this information was told to me not in privacy. Around lots of people that did not need to know my personal things."Record review on 5/13/14 at 10:45 a.m. of the hospital's policy and procedure regarding patients' rights, dated 10/12 indicated: "Full consideration of privacy concerning the medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights