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.
SANTA CLARA VALLEY 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 April 27, 2012. Also cited in 90 other reports.
Report ID: JA0D11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on documentation and interview, nursing staff failed to implement a patient's right to privacy by failing to protect patient information from public access.Findings:On 4/27/12 a hospital investigation report was reviewed regarding an incident where patient information was found in an employee parking lot. According to the investigative report and interview with the hospital privacy officer, on 2/13/12 a staff member of the hospital found an inpatient worksheet in the employee parking lot. The privacy officer stated the worksheet contained the names and medical information of 4 patients on a medical floor. The worksheet is used by nursing staff to make notes about their patients such as diagnosis, vital signs, treatment regimen, etc. The privacy officer stated staff were not supposed to take the patient worksheet from the hospital.The hospital's failure to protect patient health information violates a patient's right to privacy regarding their stay in the hospital.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights