RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Report ID: VDGJ11.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Issue:

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of PHI (protected health information) for one patient (Patient 2) when another patient (Patient 1) was discharged home with his medications. This failed practice resulted in the potential for physical, emotional, and financial harm to Patient 2.Findings:During an interview with the facility HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Manager on July 15, 2014, at 10 a.m., the manager stated two patients (Patients 1 and 2) were being discharged on the same day from the same unit, and both patients were to receive, "hardship," medications on discharge (enough medication to last three days). The manager stated when Patient 1 was discharged home, she was given a bag that contained the discharge medications for Patient 2.The facility prescription labels were reviewed on July 16, 2014. The labels indicated Patient 1 was provided prescription bottles that contained the following PHI for Patient 2:1. Name;2. Address;3. Physician's name;4. Prescription number;5. Name of the medication; and,5. Instructions for taking the medications.Failure of the nurse to verify she was giving the correct prescriptions to the correct patient resulted in unauthorized persons having access to PHI for Patient 2.

Outcome:

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

Related Reports:

The report containing this deficiency also includes information about 1 other violation. Note that these may be related to the same event: VDGJ11.02