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.
ST MARY 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 May 23, 2012. Also cited in 55 other reports.
Report ID: V2KS11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST MARY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect Patient A's medical information. This resulted in the unauthorized release of Patient A's protected health care information. Findings:During an interview with the emergency room manager on 6/7/12, he stated, "Two patients were discharged at the same time. Patient A received Patient B's health information and Patient B received Patient A's information. Patient B notified risk management that he had received the wrong patient's information. The nurse should have asked the patient their name and checked their wrist bracelets." Patient A and B's health information released included their name and diagnosis.The facility's policy and procedure titled "Minimum Necessary Standard for Use, Disclosure, and Request of Protected Health Information" revised date 1/2012 included, " ...Workforce to use and disclose only the minimum necessary amount of identifiable health information."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights