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.
Adventist 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 August 15, 2012. Also cited in 29 other reports.
Report ID: WMW611, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview, facility and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1's laboratory report was mistakenly faxed to a private business. This failure placed Patient 1's PHI at a potential risk for unauthorized use.Findings:On 8/29/12 at 3:05 p.m., during an interview, Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 6/29/12 the facility became aware of a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation indicated on 6/27/12 Staff 2 (Laboratory Clerk) mistakenly faxed Patient 1's laboratory report to a private business.On 8/29/12 at 3:10 p.m., Staff 1 stated the laboratory report contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, date of service, medical record number, account number, attending physician and laboratory results.The facility policy and procedure number 1000.08.09 titled Confidentiality of Protected Health Information contained the following documentation: "Adventist Health is committed to protecting the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI)...It is the policy to maintain confidentiality for patients and employees at all times and under all circumstances. ...Breach of patient confidentiality through carelessness is when patient information is unintentionally or carelessly accessed, reviewed, or revealed without a legitimate need to know the patient information." The facility's policy and procedure number 1000.03.14, titled "Faxing Patient Protected Health Information contained the following documentation: "It is the sender's responsibility to be aware of the content of the faxes they are sending, to exercise caution in faxing confidential information, and to take precautionary steps to: validate the fax number, key in correct fax number, confirm fax sent to correct fax number, as well as, request is appropriate and meets minimum necessary."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights