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.
SHARP CHULA VISTA 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 April 25, 2014. Also cited in 46 other reports.
Report ID: YM5X11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SHARP CHULA VISTA MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to maintain patient rights for 1 sampled patient (Patient 1). Patient 1's protected health information was inadvertently disclosed to an un-authorized party. This deficient practice violated the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality.Findings:Patient 1 was admitted to the facility on 3/21/14 per the facility's patient information form.During an interview on 4/25/14 at 10:30 A.M., the Administrative Assistant, stated that contents of Patient 1's medical record had been commingled with another patient's medical record and then inadvertently sent via electronic facsimile machine (faxed) to another facility.During a record review on 4/25/14 at 10:40 A.M., the facility investigation and Patient 1's medical record were reviewed. The medical record contents, which were mistakenly faxed, included the patient's name, date of birth, address, insurance information and the name of prescribed medications. The facility's investigation indicated that licensed nurse staff had been responsible for the faxed medical record transmission and were informed of the error by the facility that recieved the patient's medical record.A review of the facility policy and procedure included "Safeguarding of Information. Sensitive information collected and/or generated with [facility] shall be maintained in such a manner that access to it is restricted to those with need to know...Workforce members are expected to: Protect all sensitive information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure. Maintain safeguards for protection of sensitive information." During an interview on 2/17/15 at 1:15 P.M., the entity reported investigation was reviewed with the Quality Specialist (QS). The QS acknowledged that the facility staff had not maintained Patient 1's medical record in a manner that ensured the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality.During an interview on 2/17/15 at 1:15 P.M., the
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights