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: Q57Y11.01, 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 ensure unauthorized peronal and patient health information when Patient 3's radiology results were sent to the wrong physician's office. This resulted in a breach of personal and patient health information and possible unauthorized use. Findings:During an interview on 7/2/12, the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when the incorrect physician's name was inadvertently entered on the ED record for Patient 3. This resulted in a copy of the record being sent to the wrong physician.The information disclosed within that record included Patient 3's name, birth date, medical record number and results of an X-ray.There was more than one physician (with the same last name) in the physician list and the wrong physician was selected during the registration process. They are listed alphabetically and the first was selected.The information entered on a patient's data sheet should be verified prior to being submitted for use. A previous policy allowed for a patient to simply sign off that the data was correct.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280