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.
VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
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 1, 2012. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: 2C3X11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CHILDRENS HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Issue:
Based on Staff interview and administrative document review the hospital failed to ensure the confidentiality of Patient 1's Protected Health Information (PHI) when Patient 1's medication prescription was given to another patient during the discharge process at the pulmonary clinic.This failure resulted in unauthorized access to Patient 1's confidential information and the potential for abuse of that information.Findings:On 10/1/12 at 10:04 a.m., during an interview, Staff 1 (Regulatory Compliance) stated Patient 1's prescription was given to Patient 2 during discharge in the Pulmonary clinic. The breach was discovered when Patient 2's pharmacy contacted the hospital to inform them of the error.Patient 1's prescription included the following PHI: patient name, medical record number, physician and the medication prescribed.The Hospital's Policy and Procedure number PR-1016 titled "Confidentiality contained the following documentation: "[Hospital] will maintain adequate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect the privacy and confidential information from unauthorized use or disclosure whether intentional or unintentional."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights