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 a violation of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on January 27, 2012. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: N04B11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview, facility and administrative document review, the facility failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when:1. Patient 1's PHI was mistakenly sent to the wrong nursing home. 2. Patient 2's Workers Compensation forms were mistakenly faxed to a private resident's home. These failures placed the PHI for Patient 1 and Patient 2 at risk for possible unauthorized use.Findings:Refer to CA00293159 1. On 2/6/12 at 4:10 p.m., during a telephone interview, Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 12/9/11 Patient 1 was being discharged to a Skilled Nursing Home (SNF). Staff 1 stated during the discharge process Staff 2 (Unit Secretary) mistakenly sent Patient 1's medical record to the wrong SNF.On 2/6/12 at 4:15 p.m., Staff 1 stated the medical records consisted of a Facesheet, Medication Order form and Discharge Summary that contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, date of service, attending physician, medical record number, account number, medication prescribed, medical diagnosis, course of hospital stay and discharge plan.The facility policy and procedure number 1.0.0, titled "Privacy Policy Overview" contained the following documentation: " Privacy Policies and Procedures have been established to outline directives relating to the Protected Health Information ("PHI") of Patients. These directives include: Protecting the privacy of the PHI of Patients in accordance with California and federal requirements. ...Affording Patients their rights with respect to their PHI in accordance with California and federal requirements."Refer to CA002952882. On 2/6/12 at 4:10 p.m., during a telephone interview, Staff 1 on 1/3/12 the facility became aware of a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation revealed Staff 3 (Social Worker) mistakenly faxed Patient 2's Worker Compensation forms to a private citizen's home.On 2/6/12 at 4:15 p.m., Staff 1 stated the Workers Compensation forms contained Patient 2's name, date of birth, medical record number, attending physician and clinical diagnosis. The facility policy and procedure number 1.0.0, titled "Privacy Policy Overview" contained the following documentation: " Privacy Policies and Procedures have been established to outline directives relating to the Protected Health Information ("PHI") of Patients. These directives include: Protecting the privacy of the PHI of Patients in accordance with California and federal requirements. ...Affording Patients their rights with respect to their PHI in accordance with California and federal requirements."The facility policy and procedure number VI-32 titled "Transmission of Medical Records by Facsimile" contained the following documentation: "The sender must verify by telephone the availability of the authorized receiver before beginning transmission."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights