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.
Ukiah 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 October 19, 2012. Also cited in 31 other reports.
Report ID: 32U511, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER/HOSPITAL D
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of one patient's (Patient 1) medical information, when staff of the facility clinic inadvertently called a business, other than Patient 1's employer, to verify appointment authorization. This failure allowed the unlawful or unauthorized access to patient 1's medical information. Findings:The California Department of Public Health was notified on 10/16/12 that a, "Breach of Protected Health Information (PHI)," occurred on 10/11/12.During an interview on 10/19/12 at 10 a.m., Administrative Staff A stated that she received notification, on 10/11/12, indicating that Unlicensed Staff B, working in the facility clinic, called a business other than Patient 1's employer, to verify authorization for a scheduled hiring physical.Administrative Staff A further stated that it was human error, on the part of Unlicensed Staff B, as the names of the two businesses were similar. Administrative Staff A also stated that Patient 1 was notified by mail, on 10/15/12, that there had been a breach of PHI (Patient 1's name, date/time/location of the appointment) to the business. Review of the letter sent to Patient 1 (dated 10/15/12), advising him of the PHI breach, confirmed there had been a breach of PHI. A review of the facility Policy and Procedure for, "Use and Disclosure of protected Health Information" (12/12/05), indicated the following:"AFFECTED DEPARTMENTS/SERVICES: 1. All Corporate Office Departments 2. System-Wide Facilities...POLICY: COMPLIANCE-KEY ELEMENTS....Under the Privacy Rule, [Facility Corporation Name] entities are permitted to use or disclose PHI when: 1. The disclosure is to the individual to whom the PHI pertains."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280