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.
KERN 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 January 16, 2014. Also cited in 23 other reports.
Report ID: Y4PF11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: KERN MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one patient's (Patient A) personal health information was not transmitted to the incorrect insurance provider. This failure resulted in a breach of personal health information to persons outside of the facility.Findings:During an interview with Compliance Coordinator/Privacy Officer (Staff 1), on 1/16/14, at 2:50 PM, she stated Patient A was at the facility's Emergency Department (ED). A Patient Access Services Representative (Staff 2) in the ED "cut and paste" Patient A's information to Patient B's account for billing purposes. Patient A's information was transmitted to Patient B's insurance provider which was not Patient A's insurance provider. Staff 1 stated Patient B's insurance provider deleted Patient A's information from their computer system and will send the facility a denial letter for their incorrect billing. During this concurrent interview with Staff 1, she verified the information in the report and Patient A was notified of the breach.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280