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.
SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL 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 April 20, 2012. Also cited in 14 other reports.
Report ID: OSE711.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on documentation and interview, nursing staff failed to implement a patient's (Patient 2) right to confidential treatment of her record by inadvertently giving information to another patient. Findings:In an interview with the interim director of surgery on 4/20/12, Patient 1 and Patient 2 were admitted to the outpatient surgery department on 2/2/12. As both patients were being discharged at approximately the same time, nursing staff gave Patient 2's medication list to Patient 1 at discharge. She further stated on 2/17/12 the hospital was informed by Patient 1 that she received someone else's medication list (Patient 2). According to the director of surgery, nursing staff failed to use two patient identifiers when discharging patients. This process ensures the correct instructions are given to the right patient. A review of the medication list on 4/20/12 indicated the form had Patient 2's name, date of service, account number, medical record number and medication list. The failure resulted in a violation of Patient 2's right to confidential treatment her medical information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights