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.
HEMET VALLEY 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 17, 2013. Also cited in 39 other reports.
Report ID: 6XK711, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: HEMET VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure patient's private information was secured and protected from others by not logging out of the computer before stepping away during medication pass.Findings:During a medication pass observation conducted on December 18, 2013 starting at 8:45 a.m. with RN 2 for Patient 2, it was observed that RN 2 walked away from the portable computer workstation on wheels (WOW) without securing the patient medical record information that remained on the screen. It was noted, for instance, the patient's medication profile could be accessed.During a concurrent interview, RN 2 acknowledged that without completely logging her off, anyone could access sensitive patient information and agreed that information should have been secured.The facility provided document from the Director Health Information Management and Privacy Officer titled, "HIPAA Hints and Privacy Pointers" dated, July 29, 2013 indicated the following:"Log out of workstations when finished charting or performing other authorized functions. Minimize the screen or "mask" patient names when stepping away from workstations, when in hallways or when family members/visitors approach and can view the monitor."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights