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 December 18, 2014. Also cited in 62 other reports.
Report ID: I55J11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when:1. Patient 1's medical information was included in a transfer packet for Patient 2 and given to an unauthorized recipient. 2. Patient 3's PHI was given to Patient 4 when he was discharged from the hospital. These failures resulted in the breach of Patient 1 and Patient 3's PHI and the potential for unauthorized use. Findings: Refer to CA004233981. On 12/18/14 at 11:00 a.m., during an interview Privacy Officer (PO) 1 stated that a staff member inadvertently gave Registered Nurse (RN) 1 Patient 1's After Care Instructions. RN 1 placed Patient 1's information without verification in a transfer packet for Patient 2 and it was transferred to an unauthorized recipient. Review of the medical record indicated the following information: Patient name, date of birth, date of service, medical record and account number, radiology results and medical history were breached. The hospital policy and procedure titled, "HIPAA General Rules for the Use and Disclosure of PHI" dated 4/18/12, indicated "III. Guidelines: A. Protected Health Information and Records: 1. Protected health information includes any information received, created or maintained by ... in which the patient is ... identified, regardless of whether the information is in oral, paper or electronic form. I. Accurate Information: 1. It is the responsibility of all individuals who collect information from patients ... medical record ... to be as accurate and complete as possible." Refer to CA004214612. On 12/18/14 at 11:15 a.m., during an interview, Privacy Officer (PO) 1 stated Patient 3's Summary of Care was given to Patient 4 by RN 2 during the discharge process. Review of the medical record indicated the following information: Patient name, date of birth, date of service, medical record and account number, radiology results and medical history were breached. The hospital policy and procedure titled "HIPAA General Rules for the Use and Disclosure of PHI" dated 4/18/12, indicated "III. Guidelines: A. Protected Health Information and Records indicated: 1. Protected health information includes any information received, created or maintained by ... in which the patient is ... identified, regardless of whether the information is in oral, paper or electronic form. I. Accurate Information: 1. It is the responsibility of all individuals who collect information from patients ... medical record ... to be as accurate and complete as possible."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights