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.
SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on June 24, 2014. Also cited in 90 other reports.
Report ID: EGUY11.02, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to report, within the required five business days to the California Department of Public Health, the disclosure of patient's health information (PHI) to an unauthorized individual for one of two sampled patients (1). The failure delayed the notification of the breach to the Department. Findings:The California Department of Public Health received a faxed report on 4/23/13, which indicated Patient 1's PHI had been disclosed to Patient 2 on 4/4/13 and the hospital became aware of disclosure 4/9/13. During an interview on 6/24/14 at 10 a.m., with the ethics and compliance officer (ECO) and the quality improvement manager, ECO stated the Department was notified late. ECO then stated, the pharmacy first recognized giving the wrong medication to Patient 2 as a medication error, then later the pharmacy staff realized it was also a disclosure of PHI. A review of a copy of the hospital's letter to the Department indicated the breach occurred on 4/4/13, the hospital was aware on 4/9/13, and the Department was notified on 4/23/13.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280