Ukiah Valley Medical Center

Report ID: 66WH11.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on staff interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep protected, health information confidential when Patient 5's Room Number was disclosed to a caller, in conflict with the patient's request. This resulted in the potential for unauthorized use of the information as well as a violation of the patient's rights to privacy. Findings:During an interview on 11/11/14 at 11 a.m., the Privacy Official stated that the incident occurred when the staff on the unit failed to notify the hospital operator that this patient had requested that no information, regarding her hospitalization, be disclosed. The staff posted the information at the desk on the unit, but the operator was not aware and when a caller requested the number for this patient's room, it was given. This resulted in Patient 5's presence in the hospital being confirmed. Knowledge of the room number could identify that the patient was on the obstetrical floor. The Privacy Official confirmed that the information was disclosed Interview and review of the documents from the facility revealed the room number for this patient was given to a caller. NO further contact was made. The incident resulted from the failure of the employee to notify all departments which were involved with ensuring the patient's request.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

8 other violations reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: 1B3311.01, 1NZS11.01, 6ZH911.01, PMT311.01, Q6VC11.01, V3KJ11.01, W3QC11.01, ZWSN11.01