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 August 24, 2012. Also cited in 90 other reports.
Report ID: ZTF011.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview the hospital failed to provide confidential medical treatment for one of one sample patient (1). Findings:Patient 1 was a patient at one of the hospital's outpatient clinics.On 8/24/12 at 10 a.m. during an entity reported investigation the privacy officer stated that Patient 1 called the hospital's "privacy hotline" on 6/14/12 and stated she believed her right for confidential medical treatment was breached. Patient 1 informed the hospital one of the hospital's employees inadvertently called her old telephone number and disclosed medical information to her friend. After an internal investigation the hospital identified a staff member (SM 1) called Patient 1 per a doctor's request. SM 1 stated she was told to contact Patient 1 and schedule her for surgery. SM 1 confirmed she told Patient 1's friend Patient 1 needed surgery and she needed to get hold of her. The privacy officer further stated that Patient 1 had not granted authorization to disclose medical information to anyone.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights