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.
ST BERNARDINE 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 June 19, 2014. Also cited in 41 other reports.
Report ID: KUV211.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST BERNARDINE MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure confidential treatment of protected health information (PHI) for Patient B, a post-surgical patient. Employee 1 (surgeon) discussed the case and images of Patient B's surgical procedure with Patient A. This placed Patient B at risk for identity theft.Findings:On June 24, 2014 at 3:15 PM, a phone interview with the Facility Privacy Officer (FPO) to investigate an entity reported incident of a breach of patient B's Protected Health Information (PHI).The Facility Privacy Officer (FPO) stated on February 15, 2013, Employee 1(surgeon) discussed Patient B's surgical procedure, and gave 4 pages containing 10 images of the surgery of Patient B's Right Knee to Patient A.During a review on June 24, 2014 of the facility's investigative report, the report indicated that Employee 1 had provided Patient B's PHI to Patient A in error.During a review of the facility's policy and procedures titled, " Privacy Principles " dated January 17, 2012, the policy indicated the principles as described herein require that all protected health Information (PHI) as defined in the rules and regulations implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), be maintained and secured in a manner required by the Act and other applicable federal and state laws."A review of the facility's "Annual Education Update requirements 2014" indicated, "All employees, business associates, contractors, and volunteers are responsible for taking an active role to protect patient and confidential information."The failure of Employee 1 to verify he was discussing patient care with the correct patient (Patient B) resulted in Patient A receiving the information in error causing a breach of patient B's PHI. This placed Patient B at risk for identity theft.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights