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.
Scripps Mercy 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 27, 2013. Also cited in 72 other reports.
Report ID: N6O811, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SCRIPPS MERCY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure that Patient 1's protected health information was kept confidential from anyone not authorized access.Findings:An interview with the hospital's Patient Relations (PR) was conducted on 2/27/13 at 3:45 P.M. The PR stated that the nurse practitioner (NP) ordered to have Patient 1's test result be faxed to the clinic where she worked at. The hospital's auto-fax system faxed the patient's test result to the fax number programed for that particular NP. However, the hospital received a call from the clinic and was informed that that particular NP did not work in that clinic anymore. The hospital verified the information with the NP and the NP verified that she now worked at a different clinic. However, according to the PR, the NP did not inform the hospital of the changes. As a result, the auto-fax system faxed Patient 1's test result to the old clinic. A review of the patient's test result that was faxed to the wrong clinic indicated Patient 1's name, date of birth, medical record number, and test result.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights