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.
Ukiah 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 June 13, 2012. Also cited in 31 other reports.
Report ID: T86T11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER/HOSPITAL D
Issue:
Based on staff interview and facility record review, the facility failed to ensure that confidential patient health information was safeguarded from unauthorized use for one patient (Patient 1) when an identification label for Patient 1 was found on a form for Patient 2. Findings:On 5/31/12 at 9:30 a.m., the California Department of Public Health received a faxed report from the facility that a breach of patient health information (PHI) had occurred on 5/31/12, and the facility became aware on 5/31/12. During an interview on 6/13/12 at 1 p.m., Administrative Staff A stated Patient 2 was discharged from the Emergency Department to the County jail with a sealed envelope containing a report for the jail nurse. When the jail nurse reviewed the report she noted the report was correct, but the label on the report was that of Patient 1. The jail nurse notified the Emergency Department immediately and shredded the document. The label contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, medical record number, and date of check in. Administrative Staff A stated since Patient 1 was a minor, the mother was contacted by letter that the breach of Patient 1's PHI had occurred. The involved staff were in-serviced on the importance of maintaining confidentiality of patient health information
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280