Ukiah Valley Medical Center

Report ID: Q6VC11.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on staff interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep protected, health information confidential when Patient 7's medical information was faxed to an attorney's office, instead of to the physician, as intended. The attorney was not involved in the patient's care and was not authorized to receive the information. This resulted in the potential for unauthorized use of the information as well as a violation of the patient's rights. Findings:During an interview on 11/11/14 at 11 a.m., the Privacy Official stated that the incident occurred when the staff faxed documents, that were requested by the physician, to the incorrect fax number. The employee, taking the request, asked the office staff for the fax number and it was given verbally. The number which was dialed turned out to be incorrect. The Privacy Official confirmed that the information was disclosed. Interview and review of the documents from the facility revealed the information which was sent included the patient's name, date of birth, clinic history including vital signs, medical record number, date of service, the physician's name, her complaint and diagnosis. The incident resulted from the failure of the employee to verify the fax number, by a method which was able to be confirmed, to avoid the potential to hear or record the number incorrectly, when given orally.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

8 other violations reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: 1B3311.01, 1NZS11.01, 66WH11.01, 6ZH911.01, PMT311.01, V3KJ11.01, W3QC11.01, ZWSN11.01