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.
HEMET VALLEY 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 4, 2014. Also cited in 39 other reports.
Report ID: FQMC11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: HEMET VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the protected health information (PHI) of Patient B remained confidential. This failure led to the disclosure of Patient B's PHI to an unauthorized entity.Findings:An interview was conducted with the Privacy Officer, (PO) on February 4, 2014, at 4:45 p.m. The PO stated there was a request from a law firm for a copy of Patient A's medical records. Patient B's medical records were inadvertently sent to the law firm by the facility's contracted copy services, instead of Patient A's records.A review of Patient B's records sent without the patient's authorization was conducted. The PHI disclosed reflected Patient B's name, date of birth, social security number, diagnosis, date of treatment, medical record number, and the results of a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram and laboratory results. A review of the facility's policy, "HIPPA (health insurance portability and accountability act) Privacy (Revised 09/2013)," was conducted. The procedure indicated, "Unlawful or Unauthorized Access means the inappropriate access, review, or viewing of patient medical information without a direct need for medical diagnosis, treatment or other lawful use as permitted by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act or any other statue or regulation governing the lawful access, use, or disclosure of medical information."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280