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 18, 2013. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: 9GVZ11.01, 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 personal health information confidential when Patient 21's medical records were sent to an incorrect physician's office. This resulted in a breach of confidentiality for the patient and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 2/18/13, at 10 a.m., the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when the Patient 21's record was faxed to a fax number previously entered on the fax machine. The Compliance Director confirmed the information which was sent.Review of the facility documentation revealed the information disclosed within that record included the patient's name, date of birth, medical record number, and medical information including the consulting physician's report. The facility determined that the physician, for whom the record was intended, had changed offices and had failed to change the contact number with the hospital. The system sends an automatic fax to a named physician when the documents are signed electronically by the sending physician.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280