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.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL 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 October 21, 2013. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: 5C6Q11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure all patient protected health information (PHI) was kept protected, which resulted in the unauthorized access of the patient's confidential information (Patient 7). Patient 7's confidential information was sent via facsimile to the facility Purchasing Department. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 7's protected health information (PHI).Findings:On October 21, 2013, at 9:35 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Compliance Officer (CO). She stated: a. On August 21, 2013, the "Provider Orders" for Patient 7 were sent to a fax machine in the facility Purchasing Department.b. On August 26, 2013, an Office Assistant in the Purchasing Department discovered Patient 7's "Provider Orders" on the facsimile machine and notified the facility Privacy Assistant.c. The Nurse Manager (NM) from the sending unit investigated the event and the correct location did receive the facsimile on August 21, 2013.d. The NM was unable to determine how the Purchasing Department received the facsimile. The Purchasing Department received and had an opportunity to view Patient 7's PHI, which included name, date of birth, medical record number, encounter number, gender, date of admission, physician's name, and clinical orders.Patient 7 was informed of the disclosure of her protected health information (PHI) via a letter dated and mailed on August 30, 2013, to her last known address. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified via a telephone call on August 30, 2013, of the unauthorized access of Patient 7's PHI.The facility policy and procedure titled "Breach of Patient Privacy: Reporting Requirements" dated September 23, 2009, revealed "... Whether the complaint involves the unlawful or unauthorized access to, or the use or disclosure of, a patient's medical information ... the violation will be reported to the patient and State within no more than five (5) calendar days from identification of the unlawful or unauthorized access to, or use or disclosure of the patient's medical information. ..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280