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 July 11, 2013. Also cited in 72 other reports.
Report ID: MCFN11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SCRIPPS MERCY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure that 1 of 1 sampled patient's (1) medical information was kept confidential from anyone not authorized access. Patient 1's medical information was inadvertently sent to skilled nursing facilities without authorization which violated Patient 1's right to confidentiality.Findings:An interview with the hospital's Risk Management Coordinator (RMC) was conducted on 7/11/13 at 3:30 P.M. The RMC stated that a hospital case manager was working on skilled nursing facility (SNF) referrals for one of the patient in the hospital. The RMC stated that the case manager inadvertently selected Patient 1's History and Physical (H&P) report to be sent to the SNF instead of the other patient. The RMC stated that Patient 1's H&P was electronically sent to two SNFs as a result of the error. A review of Patient 1's H&P, dated 5/19/13, indicated the patient's name, medical record number, date of birth, diagnoses, past surgeries, and medications. The RMC acknowledged that Patient 1's right to confidentiality was violated.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights