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.
MARIN GENERAL 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 February 19, 2013. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: VHRV11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on staff interviews and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep personal health information confidential when Patient 32's medical records were sent to an incorrect physician. This resulted in a breach of confidentiality for Patient 30 and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 2/19/13, the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when an employee faxed a record for Patient 32 to a physician with the same last name as the intended physician, but with a different first name. He confirmed the information which was sent.Review of the facility documentation revealed the information disclosed within that record included Patient 32's name, birth date, medical record and account numbers, and medical information including a report of the patient's medical history and physical examination and report from the Emergency Room.The incident occurred due to human error when the transcriptionist failed to confirm the full name of the physician prior to sending the report.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280