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 March 13, 2014. Also cited in 72 other reports.
Report ID: 3LT011, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SCRIPPS MERCY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to maintain Patient 1's health information as private and confidential, when the facesheet, that contained confidential medical information was erroneously faxed to the wrong insurance company. Findings:On 3/13/14 at 2:00 P.M., the Patient Relations Risk Management Coordinator (PRRMC) was interviewed. According to the PRRMC, the patient's facesheet was faxed to the wrong insurance company by the hospital staff. The facesheet contained the patient's demographic information, as well as the admitting diagnosis and procedure.On 3/13/14 at 2:15 P.M., the hospital's policy and procedure, "Title: Facsimile of Information", dated 07/13 page 1 of 5, indicated the following:"It is the policy of (hospital) to safeguard its information while allowing access and use to permit (hospital) and physicians who provide care or refer patients at (hospital) facilities to conduct business, care for patients and respond to patient requests for transmission of information..."On page 3 of 5 of the same policy, the procedure 1 through 5 for fax transmission was as follows:"B. Facsimile Transmission and Receipt1. Complete the approved facsimile coversheet with name of recipient...2. Verify the accuracy of the fax number with the intended recipient before sending the fax. ..."On 9/11/15 at 10:00 A.M., the Clinical Risk Specialist (CRS) acknowledged that the faxing error was related to the incorrect, handwritten fax number for the insurance company, as well as the verification step (2.) was not followed at the time.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights