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 June 26, 2013. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: SFJD11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the PHI (protected health information) of Patient A remained confidential. This failure resulted in the breach (disclosure) of Patient A's PHI to an individual not authorized to receive the information.Findings:An interview was conducted with the facility's Privacy Officer (PO) on June 26, 2013, at 12:15 p.m. The PO stated Patient A's "Single Patient Agreement," for dialysis was sent via facsimile (fax) to the wrong fax number. The PO stated two numbers were transposed, and the document was seen by an unintended recipient. The PO stated the information included Patient A's name, date of birth and social security number. The information sent to the wrong fax number was reviewed on June 26, 2013. The information included Patient A's full name, her social security number, date of birth, and the patient's dates of service at the facility. A review of the facility policy, "Health Information Management," with an effective date of November 1, 201, was conducted on June 26, 2013. The policy indicated, "The facility must take reasonable steps to safeguard and protect PHI. The facility must identify and utilize appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards in order to protect PHI from inappropriate and/or unauthorized access, use, and/or disclosures."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280