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.
CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL 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 6, 2014. Also cited in 103 other reports.
Report ID: 0YJP11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of Patient 55's protected, confidential health information, when a document, an After Visit Summary, was given to the wrong patient. This failure allowed for potential unlawful or unauthorized use of the information and violation of the patient's right to privacy. Findings: During an interview on 1/06/14 at 11 a.m., the Compliance Officer confirmed that the patient's information had been inadvertently given to another patient. The compliance officer confirmed the information released. A review of the letter submitted by the facility revealed that the information included Patient 55's name, medical record number, age, name of care provider, date and department providing service, and medical information including diagnosis. The facility was not able to identify the patient until the document was returned to them, so notification of this patient was delayed.The incident resulted from the staff person's failure to confirm the correct identity of the patient prior to handing the documents.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280