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.
SOUTH COAST GLOBAL MEDICAL CENTER
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on February 14, 2013. Also cited in 43 other reports.
Report ID: G1ES11.03, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COASTAL COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and hospital document review, the hospital failed to prevent the disclosure of Patient Cc's protected health information (PHI) to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, the hospital failed to notify the patient and the Department of the breach of PHI within five business days of their knowledge of the breach.Findings:Review of hospital documentation showed a breach of Patient Cc's PHI occurred in the Emergency Department (ED) on 7/9/12. On 7/12/12, the Director of the ED was notified of the breach of PHI. On 8/3/12, the Hospital Compliance Officer was notified a breach of PHI had occurred in the ED on 7/9/12.On 7/9/12, Patient Cc was in the hospital's ED. Patient Cc's name was written in error on a prescription intended for another patient. The hospital's investigation showed the other patient, when contacted, stated the prescription was filled at an outside pharmacy, the medication was finished and the prescription bottle had been discarded.The PHI on the prescription bottle of the other patient disclosed Patient Cc's name.The hospital's ED Director was made aware of the breach of PHI on 7/12/12; however, the Department was not made aware of the breach of PHI until 8/3/12 and Patient Cc was not notified of the breach of PHI until 8/27/12.On 2/7/12 at 1100 hours, during a telephone interview the Hospital Compliance Officer confirmed the breaches of PHI and dates were as documented.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280