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.
ARROWHEAD 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 December 7, 2011. Also cited in 9 other reports.
Report ID: OIVN11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ARROWHEAD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure that they protected the identity and confidentiality of 10 patients, when a van that was delivering medications to patients was left unlocked . The van was stolen with the patient's confidential information and medications. This failure resulted in a breach of confidential records for 10 patients. Findings:An interview was conducted with the hospital's Privacy Officer (PO) on 12/7/11 at 9:05 AM. The PO stated that a van had been stolen that contained 10 patients confidential information and medications. He stated that he did not know the entire circumstances of the theft. He was asked if the van was secured and where the van was located at the time of the theft and he stated that he would find out. The PO stated that the information that was stolen was the medications, the name of the patient, the address, prescription number and the actual prescription. The PO stated that the hospital used a "subcontracted" vendor to transport the medications. He confirmed that the hospital was responsible for the actions of all services provided in the name of the hospital.A review was conducted of the hospital's investigation. The confidential information listed nearly the same as stated by the PO with the addition of a medication information sheet and name of the prescribing physician. The investigation contained a list of 10 patients with their medications that were stolen and a letter to each patient explaining the theft.A follow up interview was conducted with the PO on 1/10/12 at 2:25 PM. He stated that the van driver was delivering a medication to a patient's home when the van was stolen. He stated that the van was left unlocked. The PO confirmed that the van should have been locked at all times and confirmed that patient records, containing confidential patient information, were stolen.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights