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.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL 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 July 25, 2013. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: XMPX11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure all patient protected health information (PHI) was kept protected, which resulted in the unauthorized access of the patient's confidential information (Patient 1). Patient 1's confidential information was included, via addressograph, on Patient 2's discharge instructions from the facility Emergency Department (ED) on July 1, 2013. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 1's protected health information (PHI).Findings:On July 25, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Compliance and Privacy Officer (CPO). She stated: a. On July 1, 2013, Patient 2 was discharged from the facility ED with discharge instructions to go to the orthopedic clinic on July 8, 2013.b. Patient 2 went to the orthopedic clinic on July 8, 2013, and presented his documentation to the clinic clerk. The clinic clerk identified that although the follow-up appointment at the orthopedic clinic was appropriate for Patient 2, the documentation was stamped with Patient 1's addressograph information.c. On July 8, 2013, the orthopedic clinic clerk "confiscated" the documentation and notified the CPO.Patient 2 received and had an opportunity to view Patient 1's PHI, which included name, date of birth, gender, medical record number, encounter number, date of visit and department where treated.Patient 1 was informed of the disclosure of his protected health information (PHI) via a letter dated and mailed on July 11, 2013, to his last known address.The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified via a telephone call on July 11, 2013, of the unauthorized access of Patient 1's PHI. The facility policy and procedure titled "Breach of Patient Privacy: Reporting Requirements" dated September 23, 2009, revealed "... Whether the complaint involves the unlawful or unauthorized access to, or the use or disclosure of, a patient's medical information ... the violation will be reported to the patient and State within no more than five (5) calendar days from identification of the unlawful or unauthorized access to, or use or disclosure of the patient's medical information. ..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280