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.
SANTA CLARA 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 April 27, 2012. Also cited in 90 other reports.
Report ID: ZWVY11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on documentation and interview, hospital staff failed to implement a patient's right to confidential treatment of medical information.Findings:In an interview with the hospital assistant privacy officer (Staff A) on 4/27/12, Staff A stated a nurse manager (RN 1) verbally disclosed medical information to a news reporter regarding a patient (Patient 2) on her unit. Staff A stated the office of public affairs notified the hospital on 4/12/12 of the breach and an immediate investigation was conducted.The investigation report was reviewed on 4/27/12 and indicated that RN 1 had spoken to a news reporter on 3/31/12 regarding Patient 2's stay in the hospital and medical condition. Neither the patient or family had given RN 1 authorization to disclose such information thus violating Patient 2's right to privacy of his medical information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights