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.
SUTTER COAST 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 December 20, 2012. Also cited in 58 other reports.
Report ID: G7V411.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SUTTER COAST HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep personal health information confidential when Patient 1's personal information was inadvertently faxed to another patient not authorized to have this information. This failure resulted in a breach of confidentiality and possible unauthorized use of the information.Findings:In an interview, on 12/20/12 at 10:30 a.m., the Privacy Officer stated that on 3/08/12, personal and medical information for Patient 1 was inadvertently mailed to another patient. He stated that he first became aware of the breach of confidentiality on 3/08/12 and informed the Department on 3/14/12. The error occurred when an employee in the billing agency failed to reconcile the name on documents prior to mailing. He confirmed the information which was sent. Review of administrative documents revealed that the information transmitted included the name, address, date of service and medical information. The incident occurred as a result of human error when the employee included the itemized charges for Patent 1 in an envelope of information being sent to another patient.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280