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 August 26, 2014. Also cited in 103 other reports.
Report ID: 04VE11.01, 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 25's protected, confidential health information, when transfer papers were inadvertently faxed to a medical facility which was not involved in the patient's care and not authorized to receive the information. 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 8/26/14 at 11 a.m., the Compliance Officer confirmed that the patient's information had been mistakenly faxed to an outside medical facility during a time that the staff was attempting to calm a patient who was uncooperative. She confirmed the information which was disclosed.The interview and a review of the letter submitted by the facility revealed that the information released included the patient's name, medical record number and diagnostic information.The incident occurred due to the staff person's failure to follow protocol to use two identifiers to confirm the correct identity of the person when transferring any documents.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280