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.
ALVARADO HOSPITAL 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 6, 2012. Also cited in 14 other reports.
Report ID: I1VU11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ALVARADO HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure that the rights of Patient 1 were protected, when her Protected Health Information was unintentionally disclosed to Patient 2. A contracted employee mailed Patient 1's protected information to Patient 2.Findings:An investigation was initiated on 2/6/12 at 2:00 P.M. On 2/6/12 at 2:30 P.M., a telephone interview was conducted with the Director of Health Information (DHI). Per the DHI, a business associate (contracted employee) accidentally mailed information pertaining to Patient 1's request for financial assistance to Patient 2. The disclosed information included Patient 1's name and address, a balance statement, and a patient account number. Per the hospital's written notification to Patient 1 regarding the disclosure, her social security number may have been disclosed as well. The DHI acknowledged that the hospital's policy and procedure pertaining to patient privacy and protected healthcare information had not been followed by the business associate.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights