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 May 12, 2014. Also cited in 90 other reports.
Report ID: HGS911.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of patient health information (PHI), when Patient 1's completed form for release of information, with his name, social security number, date of birth, dates of treatment, and clinical information, was found inside one of the hospital's elevators.Findings:The California Department of Public Health received a faxed report on 2/11/13, which indicated a staff member had found a completed release of information form, belonging to Patient 1, in one of the hospital's elevators.During an interview on 5/12/14 at 2:35 p.m., in the presence of the compliance officer, the quality improvement manager, and Ethics and Compliance Office staff, the following was stated. Patient 1 was seen on 2/5/13 at one of the hospital's satellite clinics. Patient 1's chart was checked out from the medical records department, on 2/5/13 at 11:59 a.m. and returned, the same day, at 8:51 p.m. The release form was found in the elevator at 9:37 p.m. Staff further stated the elevator where Patient 1's form was found, was the elevator most used by staff when traveling to the medical records department and therefore believe Patient 1's release form was inadvertently dropped in the elevator during delivery. A review on 5/12/14, of a copy of the release of information form found on the elevator, indicated Patient 1's name, date of birth, social security number, dates of treatment, and clinical information was disclosed. A review of a copy of a letter sent to Patient 1 from the hospital indicated a staff member had found a release of information form in a hospital elevator. The form contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, dates of treatment, and clinical information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280