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.
SUTTER COAST 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 December 19, 2014. Also cited in 58 other reports.
Report ID: PIHP11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SUTTER COAST HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of Patient 1's confidential health information, when the patient's billing statement was sent to an outside agency, which was not involved with the patient's care and not authorized to have the information. This failure allowed for potential unlawful or unauthorized access to protected health information and a violation of the patient's right to privacy.Findings:During an interview on 12/19/14 at 10:30 a.m., the Privacy Officer stated that the incident occurred when the patient was brought to the Emergency Department by a law officer. The facility employee failed to verify the status of the patient to determine if the patient was in custody to determine the responsible party. The Privacy Officer confirmed the information which was transmitted. Interview and review of documents, provided by the facility, revealed the information which was misdirected included the patient's name, date of birth, medical record number, hospital account number and the diagnosis as well as the care provider's notes. This incident occurred due to the failure of the employee to verify all the patient's information prior to entering information into the record.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280