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.
ST BERNARDINE 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 November 30, 2011. Also cited in 41 other reports.
Report ID: 7VM411, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST BERNARDINE MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect Patient A ' s medical information. This breach caused Patient A ' s protected health care information to be released.Findings:The facility self reported that Patient A ' s record had been faxed to the incorrect clinic. The report was provided automatically through an " auto-fax " system to the physician identified in the report, however the fax number was no longer correct for that physician, since the physician was no longer on staff in the said clinic. The information faxed in error was the radiological report dated 11/14/11, consisted of the:a. Patient ' s name.b. Date of birth. c. Age.d. Encounter number.e. Medical record number.f. Physician ' s name.g. Diagnosis.h. CT scan study name.i. CT scan findings.j. Clinical diagnosis.During an interview with the health information officer on 3/28/12 at approximately 1:50 PM, she confirmed that the data base was not validated for the correct fax number of the physician prior to sending the report via electronic auto faxing.Review of the facility ' s policy and procedure titled " Safeguarding PHI and Sensitive Information " , effective date: 1/5/09 indicated, " It is the policy of ... to provide appropriate access to its information based on a need-to-know basis while preserving its confidentiality and integrity. The ... facility shall implement reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards ... " It also stipulated that " The sender should confirm that the fax number is approved for receipt of sensitive information."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights