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 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
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 August 12, 2013. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: L45G11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
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 in Patient 2's discharge packet when Patient 2 was discharged from the facility on July 23, 2013. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 1's protected health information (PHI).Findings:On August 12, 2013, at 10:35 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Assistant. She stated: a. On July 23, 2013, Patient 2 was discharged from the facility and was given discharge instructions.b. On July 29, 2013, Patient 2 contacted the Health Information Management office via telephone and stated the discharge instructions he received on July 23, 2013, belonged to another patient.c. On July 29, 2013, Patient 2 met with the Facility Privacy Officer and the Manager of theCardiovascular Unit. Patient 2 returned the discharge instructions which contained Patient 1's PHI and was given discharge instructions which applied to him.Patient 2 received and had an opportunity to view Patient 1's PHI, which included name, date of birth, age, gender, medical record number, account number, room number, physician's name, and diagnosis.Patients 1 was informed of the disclosure of her protected health information (PHI) via a letter dated and mailed on July 31, 2013, to her last known addresses.The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified via a facsimile on July 31, 2013, of the unauthorized access of Patient 1's PHI.The facility policy and procedure titled "Safeguarding Protected Health Information" dated November 1, 2011, revealed "... Facilities must have a process in place to verify documents are for the correct patient prior to providing the documents to the recipient (e.g., verify recipient and content prior to giving discharge papers to an individual). ..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280