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.
COMMUNITY REGIONAL 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 January 12, 2015. Also cited in 62 other reports.
Report ID: 5SE511, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patients 1's PHI was faxed to the wrong insurance provider. This failure caused the breach of Patients 1's PHI and the potential for unauthorized use. Findings:On 1/13/15 at 9:15 a.m. during an interview, the Privacy Officer (PO) stated Patient 1's clinical record was inadvertently faxed to the wrong insurance provider by the Utilization Review Coordinator. Review of the clinical record indicated the following PHI was faxed: A review summary which included Patient 1's name, account number and date of birth and A Primary Review Outcome which included diagnosis, lab values and medications. The hospital policy and procedure titled "Facsimile Transmission of Health Information" dated 6/13, indicated "III. Procedure: 2. Staff members faxing patient information shall take reasonable steps to ensure the fax transmission is sent to the appropriate destination by verifying the following information prior to transmission: a. Name/Date of Birth of Patient/medical record number ..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights