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 February 19, 2013. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: LQ2D11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on staff interview and administrative document review, the hospital failed to ensure personal health information was kept confidential when Patient 31's radiology reports were sent to an incorrect physician, who was not involved in the patient's care and not authorized to receive the information. This resulted in a breach of confidentiality for Patient 31 and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 2/19/13, the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when an employee faxed Patient 31's radiology reports to a physician with the same last name as the intended physician, but with a different first name. He confirmed the information which was sent.Review of the facility documentation revealed the information disclosed within that record included Patient 31's name, birth date, medical record and account numbers, and medical information including a report of the patient's oncology testing.The incident occurred due to human error when the employee failed to confirm the full name of the physician prior to sending the report and selected the physician whose first name began with a "G" instead of going further and choosing the correct physician, whose first name started with a "P".
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280