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.
ST. HELENA HOSPITAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
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 October 5, 2012. Also cited in 13 other reports.
Report ID: QZR011.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST. HELENA HOSPITAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Issue:
Based on interview and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep personal health information confidential when Patient 9's Pharmacy request was given to another patient not authorized to receive the information. This failure resulted in a breach of personal and medical information, possible unauthorized use of the information, violation of the patient's right to privacy and the potential for unintended use of a medication.Findings:In an interview, on 10/05/12 at 10:45 a.m., the HIM Supervisor stated that, on 7/27/12, medical information included on a pharmacy request for Patient 9 was attached to another patient's discharge instructions and given to that patient. She stated the papers were on the desk and were picked up with the discharge instructions for the other patient. The Supervisor confirmed the information which was sent.Interview and review of administrative documents revealed that the information transmitted included patient's name, address, telephone number, Dr's. name and medical information including medications ordered and the reason for the medication. The incident resulted from the employee's failure to reconcile the name on all documents prior to giving them to the patient being discharged.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280