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.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL 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 August 19, 2014. Also cited in 123 other reports.
Report ID: GCDE11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of medical information for one patient (Patient 1) when her Emergency Department (ED) discharge information was given to another patient (Patient 2) upon his discharge. This failed practice resulted in unauthorized persons having access to protected medical information for Patient 1, and the potential for her emotional harm.Findings:During an interview with the facility privacy officer (PO) on August 19, 2014, at 3:20 p.m., the PO stated when Patient 2 presented to the MISP (Medically Indigent Services Program) office to renew his paperwork, he gave the staff all of the papers he had received from the facility in the past. The PO stated ED discharge paperwork for Patient 1 were included in the paperwork.A review of the documents belonging to Patient 1 that were given to Patient 2 indicated, in addition to her name and medical record number, they included the following medical information:1. Information regarding, and instructions for taking, a pain medication that had been prescribed for her;2. Information regarding, and instructions for taking, a muscle relaxer that had been prescribed for her; and,3. Information regarding following up with her primary doctor.Failure of the ED staff to verify patient identity resulted in Patient 2 receiving discharge instructions belonging to Patient 1.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280