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.
HEMET VALLEY 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 February 13, 2013. Also cited in 39 other reports.
Report ID: N9LK11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: HEMET VALLEY 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 3). Patient 3's confidential information, via an information label, was placed on a bag of antibiotic solution that was hung and being administered to Patient 4, a minor child. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 3's protected health information (PHI).Findings:On February 13, 2013, at 12 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Director of Health Information Management (DHIM). She stated: a. On February 5, 2013, Patient 4's responsible party reported to the unit charge nurse that the bag of antibiotic solution currently being administered to Patient 4 had the information label for Patient 3 affixed to the bag of solution.b. The charge nurse removed the bag of antibiotic solution with the tubing, and hung a new bag of antibiotic solution with Patient 4's information label. The charge nurse verified that the original antibiotic solution hanging was the correct antibiotic but had been mislabeled with Patient 3's information label.c. Patient 4's responsible party also reported the event to the facility's Quality Department.Patient 4 and Patient 4's responsible party had an opportunity to view Patient 3's PHI, which included name, gender, date of birth, age, medical record number, account number, physician's name, and date of admission to the facility.Patient 3 was informed of the disclosure of her protected health information (PHI) via a letter dated and mailed on February 8, 2013, to her last known address.The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified via a facsimile dated February 12, 2013, of the unauthorized access of Patient 3's PHI.The facility policy and procedure titled "Breach of PHI - Notification Requirements" dated November 2010, revealed "... The Hospital shall report in writing, by facsimile and certified mail, return receipt requested, any unlawful or unauthorized access to, or use or disclosure of, a patient's medical information to the nearest regional office of the California Department of Public Health no later than five (5) business days after the unlawful or unauthorized access, use, or disclosure has been detected by the Hospital. ... The Hospital shall also report in writing, by facsimile and certified mail, return receipt requested, any unlawful or unauthorized access to, or use or disclosure of, a patient's medical information to the affected patient or the patient's representative at the last known address, no later than five (5) business days after the unlawful or unauthorized access, use, or disclosure has been detected by the Hospital. ..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280