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.
MARIN GENERAL 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 July 2, 2012. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: RFU211.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on staff interviews, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep protected health information (PHI) confidential when Patient 15's laboratory report was sent to a different patient without authorization of Patient 15. This resulted in a breach of the PHI for Patient 15 and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 7/2/12 at 10 a.m., the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when the record was sent to an incorrect person. The facility staff stated that the laboratory report for Patient 15 was placed in an envelope and the envelope was then addressed incorrectly. The information disclosed within that record included Patient 15's name, birth date, medical record number and information regarding the patient's laboratory test results. The policy submitted by the facility indicates that when there are results being mailed, two persons verify the correctness of the report and the address. The log indicated that this policy had been followed, and that both persons indicated that they had verified the information. The staff failed to confirm that the address and the report were for the same patient.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280