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 violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on October 22, 2012. Also cited in 103 other reports.
Report ID: V56D11.02, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to follow policy and procedure for patient identification for two patient (Patient18 and Patient19) of 16 patients reviewed, as evidence by: staff placing a wrist band medical identification on Patient18 that belonged to Patient19 resulting in Patient18 being sent to an outpatient clinic appointment intended for Patient19, and by staff placing a wrist band medical identification on Patient19 that belonged to Patient18 resulting in Patient19 being sent to an outpatient clinic appoint intended for Patient18.On 10/22/12, the CPO (Compliance/Privacy Officer) stated that on 6/25/12 RC-V (registration clerk) placed a medical ID (Identification) wristband onto Patient18 ' s wrist that belonged to Patient19, and that RC-W placed a medical ID (Identification) wristband onto Patient19 ' s wrist that belonged to Patient18. The PO explained that the error was discovered on the same day when before the patients left the clinic. The CPO explained that the medical ID wristband included the Patient ' s name, date of birth, medical record number, Patient account number, Primary Care Provider and date of service.Review on 10/22/12/11, of the " MPI Visit Selection " (a list of clinic appointments) for Patient18 showed an appointment on 6/25/12 at facility 646.Review on 10/22/11, of the " MPI Visit Selection " (a list of clinic appointments) for Patient19 showed an appointment on 6/25/12 at facility 646. Review on 10/22/12 of facility policy "Patient Identification Process", dated 9/2011, showed that the policy instructed staff to protect and accurately identify each patient served, and that staff must reliably identify the individual as a person for whom the service or treatment is intended and must match the service or treatment to that individual and must secure their protected health information and medical record accuracy at all encounters. The policy instructed Registration Clerk staff that for patients presenting for services 18 years and over:Request to see a government issued photographic proof of identity, Compare the identification presented with the patient information in the registration system and the appointment documentation.After identifying the patient and completing the registration process, the registration clerk will place an identification wristband on the patient ' s limb. The policy further instructed clinical and ancillary staff to be responsible for verifying the patient ' s identity prior to rendering care, preforming diagnostic studies, giving medication and treatments by asking the patient to state his/her name and date of birth and comparing the wristband information to the verbal information provided by the patient.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Outpatient Service General Requirements