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.
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OF THE MONTEREY PENINSULA
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 November 21, 2014. Also cited in 24 other reports.
Report ID: Q6W211, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OF THE MONTEREY PENINSULA
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to protect patient's right for confidential treatment for one of three sampled patients (1) when a hospital physician (Physician A) accessed Patient 1's medical information without a business related reason. This failure resulted in disclosure of medical information to an unauthorized individual. Findings:On 9/4/13 the California Department of Public Health received a faxed report which indicated the hospital identified unauthorized disclosure of Patient 1's health information.Patient 1 was admitted to the hospital on 8/28/13 for medical care and discharged on 9/11/13.During an interview on 11/21/14 at 9:15 a.m., the hospital privacy officer stated a random audit on 8/30/13 indicated there was an unauthorized access to Patient 1's medical record on 8/29/13.Record review on 11/21/14 at 10:00 a.m. of the audit report dated 8/29/13 indicated Physician A had accessed Patient 1's documents and medical results on 8/29/13.The privacy officer further stated the audit did not specify which documents or results were accessed but did identify Physician A had accessed Patient 1's medical record.Record review on 11/21/14 at 10:45 a.m. of the notification letter sent to Patient 1 from the hospital dated 9/4/13 indicated: "This letter is to inform you that the medical record pertaining to your hospital visit of 8/28/13 was accessed without authorization."During a telephone interview on 11/21/14, Physician A stated Patient 1's family member had expressed concerns about Patient 1's hospitalization and asked if physician A could help.Physician A stated he was not assigned to Patient 1's care but only reviewed the record to assist the family and his colleague.Record review on 11/21/14 at 11:45 a.m. of the hospital policy titled: "Organized Health Care Arrangement" effective 03/03 indicated: Each member of [the hospital's] medical staff must abide by the terms of [the hospital's] Notice of Privacy Practices, and by [the hospital's] policies and procedures for health information privacy and security..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights