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 6, 2012. Also cited in 62 other reports.
Report ID: YIUI11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to protect patient confidential information when Patient 1's clinical record was mailed to Patient 2 in error. This failure caused the breach of Patient 1's protected health information (PHI) and possible unauthorized use.Findings:On 10/29/12 at 4:04 p.m., the department received a fax from the hospital that indicated Patient 1's billing information was sent to Patient 2 in error. On 12/6/12 at 8:14 p.m., the Privacy Officer (PO) indicated Patient 1's parent had received explanation of benefit from an insurance company similar to her son's with the same birth date. The PO stated, "Patient 1's insurance benefit claim was sent to Patient 2's mother in error."On 2/3/13 Patient 1's clinical record was reviewed. The clinical record contained name, date of birth, address, medical record number, account number, social security number, phone number, and insurance information.The hospital policy and procedure titled "HIPAA General Rules for the Use and Disclosure of PHI" dated 4/18/12 indicated, "III: A. It is the policy of CMC (Community Medical Centers) to protect the privacy and security of patients information and to comply with applicable laws and regulations. III Guidelines: B. CMC Privacy Policies and Procedures: 1. CMC and its workforce members must comply with ... state and federal laws and regulations."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights