KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL - FONTANA

Report ID: 8O4Y11, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL FONTANA

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 was discharged and was to be given an off work notice. The report stipulated that the nurse handed Patient A with another patient's (Patient B) off work notice by accident. Review of the letter sent to Patient B dated 4/16/12 stipulated, the "Work Status Report dated 4/8/12 was given to another member in error." The PHI (Protected Health Information) that was released inappropriately included Patient B's name, date of onset of condition, diagnosis, and name of provider related to the discharge.During an interview with the Facility's Accreditation and Licensing Director on 6/21/12, the Director confirmed and stated that the incident happened in the Emergency Room (ER). Review of the facility's policy and procedure titled "Code of Conduct", On-Line Number: Adm. CEI.004 revealed, "The principles of Responsibility are our organization's code of conduct, which guide us in our daily work and help us accomplish our mission in an ethical work environment." The workforce included physicians and non-physician employees. The policy also stipulated, "... (Name of Facility) is committed to conducting business ethically and in conformance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and accreditation standards."

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights