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.
ALVARADO HOSPITAL 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 3, 2014. Also cited in 14 other reports.
Report ID: UI4B11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ALVARADO HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to prevent improper disclosure of patient information and to protect patient confidentiality while faxing information as indicated in their "Hospital-Wide Policies & Procedures," specifically as indicated in "Title: Faxing of Information." Patient 1' s PHI was inadvertently sent to the wrong fax number.Findings:On 4/03/14 at 12:30 A.M. an interview was conducted with the Health Information Management Technician (HIM-tech). During the interview, the tech. stated that hospital staff inadvertently faxed the medical documents belonging to Patient 1 to the wrong person. He further stated, that the staff did not verify the correct fax number.On 4/03/14 at 12:045 P.M. , the hospital's policy and procedure titled, "Hospital-Wide Policies & Procedures" specifically, as in "Title: Faxing of Information" indicated the following:Procedure for Faxing Clinical Information:1. Verify with requestor2. Prepare fax with confidentiality statement3. Verify fax number with intended recipient.4. Ensure recipient is immediately avaiable.The HIM-tech acknowledged that this policy & procedure was not implemented, when Patient 1's PHI was not safeguarded and was inadvertently sent to the wrong person.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights