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.
NORTHBAY MEDICAL CENTER
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 October 8, 2012. Also cited in 9 other reports.
Report ID: KXYJ11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: NORTHBAY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and document review, the hospital failed to prevent unauthorized access to one patient's protected health information (PHI).Findings:In interview on 10/8/12 at 12:15 pm, Staff A stated that on 8/6/12, the hospital was notified by Patient 2's wife that Patient 1's PHI (face sheet) had been included in the papers sent to Patient 2, to help him apply for financial assistance in paying his hospital bill. Patient 2's wife stated that she had called Patient 1, using the information Patient 2 had received. Patient 1 told Patient 2's wife that he had received no information about Patient 2. Patient 2's wife returned Patient 1's face sheet to the hospital.Staff A stated that it was learned by the hospital's Financial Counselor Supervisor that Staff B had made the error. Document review on 10/8/12, demonstrated that Patient 1's breached PHI consisted of name, age, date of birth, sex, social security number, address, phone, employer, work phone, emergency contact information, insurance information, admission date, diagnosis, attending physician, primary care physician, and location in the hospital.The breach became known on 8/6/12. Patient 1 and the department were notified on 8/7/12.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280