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 19, 2013. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: W4OR11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on staff interview and administrative document review, the hospital failed to ensure personal health information was kept confidential when Patient 30's medical records were sent to an incorrect medical center, that was not involved in the patient's care and not authorized to receive the information. This resulted in a breach of confidentiality for Patient 30 and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 2/19/13, the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when a physician faxed a record for Patient 30 to a medical center where she believed the intended physician was located. The medical center notified the facility that the physician was no longer at that center. The Director of Compliance and Ethics confirmed the information which was sent.Review of the facility documentation revealed the information disclosed within that record included Patient 30's name, birth date, medical record and account numbers, and medical information including an operative report with the patient's medical information. from the Emergency Room.The incident resulted from the intended physician's failure to submit a change of contact information to the facility and other medical personnel.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280