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.
DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on February 10, 2012. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: SMT911.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview and review of facility documents, the facility failed to prevent the disclosure of Patient A's health information (PHI) while in the emergency department (ED), when another ED patient received Patient A ' s discharge instructions.Findings:On 2/10/12 at 1:40 p.m., the facility ' s investigation of the incident was reviewed with the Compliance Officer (CO). A review of the investigation showed that on 7/10/09, an ED nurse gave Patient A's discharge instructions to another ED patient (Patient B). Patient B called the ED about getting the wrong discharge instructions and he returned them to the ED and received the correct discharge instructions. A copy of Patient A's discharge instructions showed that she had been treated for an abscess to the right leg and alleged sexual assault. Patient A was notified of her PHI disclosure on 7/17/09 by certified letter. On 2/10/12 at 1:45 p.m., the CO was asked if Patient A had called after the notification letter was sent and she stated, "No." The CO stated that the RN that was involved had been given a disciplinary document which indicated that all patient information should be reviewed to ensure that all patients receive the correct information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280