ST MARY MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: 26RF11.02, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: ST MARY MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect the confidential health information of Patient A, when a label containing protected health information (PHI) was inadvertently placed on Patient B's intravenous (IV) bag. This resulted in a breach of Patient A's PHI. Findings:An unannounced visit was made to the facility on February 6, 2014 at 2:00 PM, to investigate a self report of a possible breach of PHI for Patient A.During an interview with the Registered Nurse Manager for the telemetry unit (RN 1) on February 6, 2014 at 2:10 PM, she stated, "On December 26, 2013, Patients A and B were roommates. Patient B had an intravenous (IV) bag hanging and infusing. Patient B's daughter noticed that the name on the label of the bag was not her mother's name, and told the nurse (RN-2). RN 2 verified that the solution was the correct solution ordered for Patient B, but realized that she had inadvertently placed a label with Patient A's information on the bag. She immediately replaced the label with Patient B's information."A review of a photocopy of the label which had been placed on the intravenous bag for Patient B showed that it contained: Patient A's name, date of birth, date of admission, medical record number, and physician's name.During a review of the facility policy and procedure titled, "Release of Protected Health Information," dated March 9, 2013, the policy indicated that the facility was responsible to maintain the confidential treatment of protected health information which included, "...identifiable health information...in any media..."

Outcome:

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

Related Reports:

The report containing this deficiency also includes information about 1 other violation. Note that these may be related to the same event: 26RF11.01