ST. HELENA HOSPITAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Report ID: OPME11, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: ST. HELENA HOSPITAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Issue:

Based on interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep personal health information confidential when Patient 9's personal medical information was inadvertently faxed to a physician not involved in the patient's care and not authorized to have this information. This failure resulted in a breach of confidentiality and possible unauthorized use of the information.Findings:In an interview, on 12/28/12 at 11 a.m., the Privacy Officer stated that, on 7/11/11, personal and medical information for Patient 9 was inadvertently faxed to the incorrect physician. She stated that she first became aware of the breach of confidentiality on 7/12/11 and informed the Department on 7/13/11. The error occurred when an incorrect fax number, for the patient's physician, was incorrect on the record and resulted in a misdirected fax. She confirmed the information which was sent. Review of administrative documents revealed that the information provided included the patient's name, date of birth, medical record number, and medical information including a history and physical examination and some chart entries. The incident occurred as a human error when an incorrect entry was made in the patient's record, resulting in fax being sent to the wrong physician.

Outcome:

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