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 October 21, 2013. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: 21NM11.01, 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 5). Patient 5's confidential information, discharge instructions, were given to Patient 4 when Patient 4 was discharged from the facility on October 1, 2013. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 5's protected health information (PHI).Findings:On October 21, 2013, at 9:45 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Compliance Officer (CO). She stated: a. On October 1, 2013, Patient 4 was discharged from the facilityb. On October 11, 2013, a family member for Patient 4 called the facility stating they were unsure of when Patient 4's follow-up appointment was scheduled because they were in receipt of Patient 5's discharge instructions which included Patient 5's follow-up appointment time.c. The Assistant Nurse Manager provided Patient 4 with his follow-up appointment time and verified with Patient 5 that he had the correct discharge instructions.d. Even though two nurses initialed the discharge instructions, as per the facility policy and procedure, the discharge instructions for Patient 5 were given to Patient 4 on October 4, 2013.Patient 4 and Patient 4's family member received and had an opportunity to view Patient 5's PHI, which included name, date of birth, age, medical record number, encounter number, gender, date of admission, physician's name, diagnosis, information regarding his hospital stay, current medications, disability status, and return visit information.Patient 5 was informed of the disclosure of his protected health information (PHI) via a letter dated and mailed on October 16, 2013, to his last known address. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified via a telephone call on October 16, 2013, of the unauthorized access of Patient 5's PHI.The facility policy and procedure titled "Discharge of Patient" revised January 2013, revealed "... RN must ensure discharge documents are for the correct patient and sign to verify. Confirmation signature by a second RN is required. ..."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