Ukiah Valley Medical Center

Report ID: J0GI11, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER/HOSPITAL D

Issue:

Based on staff interview and facility record review, the facility failed to ensure that the Patient Health Information (PHI) was safeguarded from unauthorized use for one patient (Patient 1) when a firefighter took a picture of Patient 1's x-ray with his cell phone in the emergency department. Findings:On 12/3/12, at 5:20 p.m., the California Department of Public Health received a fax from the facility reporting a breach of PHI on 12/2/12. During an interview on 12/19/12 at 9:30 a.m., Administrative Staff A stated that on 12/2/12, Patient 1 was being seen in the emergency department for a gunshot wound to his arm. An x-ray was taken of Patient 1's arm and while his x-ray film was displayed, a volunteer firefighter took a picture of it with his cell phone. Administrative Staff stated Charge Nurse B, who witnessed the picture being taken, immediately spoke to the firefighter (no name given) and asked him to delete the picture. The firefighter stated he was not aware that it was illegal. The incident was also reported to the Fire Captain who stated he would have the firefighter delete the picture immediately.Administrative Staff A stated there was no name or patient identification on the film. Review of a copy of the film confirmed this.Patient 1 was informed of the breach of his PHI by letter sent on 12/3/12. Administrative Staff A stated a meeting was held with all Emergency Transports and staff about the Hippa law, and that taking pictures in the emergency department was not allowed.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280