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.
VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
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 October 15, 2012. Also cited in 40 other reports.
Report ID: MFM411, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CHILDRENS HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Issue:
Based on staff interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the facility failed to keep Patient 1's Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when the facility medical records staff mailed Patient 1's PHI to the wrong address. This failure resulted in unauthorized access of Patient 1 confidential information and the potential for abuse of that information. Findings:On 10/16/12 at 11:47 a.m., during an interview, the Privacy Officer (PO) Staff 1 stated on 10/3/13 a privay breach was detected. Patient 1 requested information from his medical record file. The information requested was mailed by medical records staff to the wrong address. Patient 's PHI breached included Patient name, dates of service and account number. The facility policy and procedure number PR-1016 titled "Confidentiality" indicated "[Hospital] will maintain adequate administrative, technical and physical safeguard to protect the privacy of confidential information from unauthorized use or disclosure, whether intentional or unintentional".
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights