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 September 11, 2014. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: 7IWL11, 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. On September 4, 2014, staff failed to verify a fax number prior to sending Patient A's documents via fax. This failure resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient A's PHI to an unintended recipient in the community.Findings:An interview was conducted with the facility's Manager of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), on September 11, 2014, at 1:45 p.m. The Manager stated information regarding Patient A's recent emergency room (ER) visit was sent via FAX, to the wrong FAX number (a Dental Office not involved in the patient's care), on September 4, 2014. The Manager stated facility staff failed to verify the FAX number prior to sending the document. The Manager stated the ER record included Patient A's name, date of birth, date of service, vital signs and medical history. A review of a copy of a letter sent to Patient A indicated, "we are writing to inform you of a recent disclosure of your protected health information to another patient that was done in error..." The letter indicated both demographic and clinical information was disclosed. A review of the facility's policy, "Safeguarding Protected Health Information (Effective Date: September 23, 2013)," was conducted. The policy indicated, "The facility must take reasonable steps to safeguard and protect PHI. When faxing PHI, workforce members should take appropriate safeguards:Verify the fax number before sending."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280