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.
MENIFEE 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 September 23, 2014. Also cited in 14 other reports.
Report ID: O1QJ11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MENIFEE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of protected health information (PHI) for one patient (Patient 1) when a different patient (Patient 2) had the armband for Patient 1 placed on his arm in preparation for surgery. This failed practice resulted in the potential for physical, financial, and emotional harm to Patient 1.Findings:During an interview with the facility Privacy Officer (PO) on September 23, 2014, at 3:30 p.m., the PO stated Patients 1 and 2 were both scheduled to have surgery on September 8, 2014. The PO stated when Patient 2 was being checked into the hospital by the admitting department, the armband for Patient 1 was placed on his arm (around his wrist).According to the PO, the armband contained the following PHI for Patient 1:1. Name;2. Birthdate;3. Age;4. Sex;5. Medical record number;6. Account number;7. Patient type (surgical);8. Name of physician; and,9. Admission date and time.Failure of the admitting department staff to verify patient information prior to placing the armband on Patient 2 resulted in Patient 2 having unauthorized access to protected health information for Patient 1.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280