SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: 88FW11.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on documentation and interview, hospital staff failed to implement a patient's right to privacy by allowing an individual to observe a patient procedure without consent.Findings:On 7/23/12 a hospital investigation report was reviewed regarding a patient privacy incident. The report indicated, on 3/28/12 a hospital radiologist had an observer present while she performed a radiological procedure on five Patients. A staff member present during the procedures, reported the incident to the director of the service who conducted an investigation into the incident. After determining the identity of the observer, a report was forwarded to the hospital privacy department on 4/3/12. In an interview with the hospital assistant privacy officer (Staff A) on 7/23/12, Staff A stated on 3/28/12 Physician B was conducting a radiology procedure on five Patients. Another physician (not associated with the hospital) had requested to observe the process as she was having problems with the equipment used in her clinic and thought it might help. Physician B consented to the observation but did not obtain the patients' consents. Physician B observed the procedure on all five patients. Failing to obtain a patient's consent for an observer during a procedure, violates the patient's right to privacy regarding their medical care program.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights

Related Reports:

1 other violation reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: PO4Q11.01