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 29, 2012. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: TI9K11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and document review, the hospital failed to prevent unauthorized access to one patient's protected health information (PHI).Findings:In interview on 2/29/12 at11:00 a.m., Staff A stated that on 2/7/12, he was notified by the hospital's contracted transcription company that on 2/6/12, one of their transcriptionists had faxed Patient 1's medical record to Physician B (not a member of the hospital staff) instead of Physician C (same last name). Staff A stated that the physician who dictated the report did not spell out the first name of the intended recipient physician. Staff A stated that the transcription company's protocol in cases where the intended physicians name is not clear is to call the person who dictated the report and get clarification. The transcriptionist did not follow the protocol. Staff A stated that Patient 1 and the Department were notified of the error on 2/8/12.Record review on 2/29/12 demonstrated that Patient 1's breached PHI consisted of age, date of birth, sex, medical record number, medical history, study performed and findings, service date, and ordering physician.Record review on 2/29/12 confirmed that the Department and Patient 1 were notified of the error on 2/8/12, within 5 business days of discovery.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280