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.
DOCTORS 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 November 1, 2013. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: 388311, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when Patient 1's medical information was faxed to a local business. This failure resulted in the breach of Patient 1's PHI, and the potential for unauthorized use. Findings: On 11/5/13 at 3:00 p.m., during an interview, the Hospital Compliance Officer (CO) stated Patient 1's PHI was accidentally faxed to a local business. CO stated that the number was right but the phone lines had a problem and the phone company was notified. Review of the medical record indicated the following information was faxed to an local business. The record contained name of Patient 1, date of birth, date of service, medical records, account number, diagnosis and discharge instructions . A letter was mailed to the patient notifying her of the breach.The (Hospital) Policy and Procedure titled, Record Processing and Information Handling dated 9/16/13, III. Standard: A. Record Processing indicated; "Protected health information (PHI)...whether electronic or paper format, shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure... dissemination... It is expected all Users will maintain the confidentiality of this information. d. Information by Fax: Faxes sent ... outside of the Tenet trusted network should be transmitted in analog form."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights