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 October 22, 2012. Also cited in 14 other reports.
Report ID: 7N8R11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ALVARADO HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure Patient 1's right to confidentiality concerning protected healthcare information. Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse 1 (PACU RN 1) gave confidential information pertaining to Patient 1's medical condition to a family member who was not authorized to receive the information. Findings:A record review was initiated on 10/22/12 at 3:10 P.M. Patient 1 was admitted to the hospital on 9/25/12, and underwent a surgical procedure on that same date due to an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside of the womb), per the facesheet. Per the facesheet, the name of a friend was listed as the "person to notify." The next of kin section on the facesheet was blank.Another document in the health care record which pertained to Advance Directive information, was reviewed. Patient 1 had named the friend listed on the facesheet as someone whom she permitted to "be involved in the care, treatment and service decisions" during her hospital stay. The document was signed by Patient 1 and dated 9/24/12.On 10/22/12 at 3:10 P.M., an interview was conducted with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Per the CNO, RN 1 approached her and informed her that she may have violated HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. RN 1 admitted to disclosing personal healthcare information, concerning Patient 1's condition after her operation and other detailed information, to an unauthorized person, who was the patient's mother. Patient 1 overhead RN 1 speaking to her mother and became upset with RN 1 and informed her that she was going to contact an attorney and report her. The CNO acknowledged that RN 1 had violated hospital policy concerning patient healthcare information privacy.On 10/25/12 at 2:30 P.M., an interview was conducted with RN 1. RN 1 acknowledged sharing Patient 1's personal healthcare information with the patient's mother. RN 1 acknowledged that she did not have authorization from the patient to do that.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights