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 a violation of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on January 6, 2014. Also cited in 103 other reports.
Report ID: O7N211.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of Patient 50's protected, confidential health information, when an employee, who had overheard some information, discussed the information related to a patient (who was also an employee) and her medical condition with a third employee. Neither employee was involved in the patient's care. This allowed for potential unlawful or unauthorized use of the information as well as a violation of the patient's right to privacy. Findings: During an interview on 1/06/14 at 11 a.m., the Compliance Officer confirmed that the nurse, employed at the facility, had discussed medical discharge information about another employee, who was a patient. The compliance officer confirmed the information discussed. A review of the document submitted by the facility revealed that the conversation included specific medical information which the patient had not authorized to be discussed.The incident resulted from the staff person's failure to comply with hospital policy and regulations to protect confidential information, that had not been authorized for sharing, from those not involved in the patient's care.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280