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.
ST MARY 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 February 24, 2012. Also cited in 55 other reports.
Report ID: ZGV211, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST MARY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect Patients' medical information. This breach caused Patients' protected health care information to be accessed inappropriately.Findings:The facility self reported to the Department on 2/9/12 that a single cardiologist, a member of the Medical Staff had "Accessed technician worksheets and face sheets relating to patients who had received echocardiograms in order to read the exam." During an interview with the Health Information Management Director on 3/9/12 at 11:05 AM, the Director confirmed and stated that the reports, a total of 72 patients, were inappropriately accessed. Review of the facility's investigation, revealed that the hospital had determined that "This particular physician was not authorized to read the exams because other physicians had been assigned this responsibility." The information contained on the face sheets and accessed by the physician included: a. Name.b. Date of birth.c. Medical record number.d. Financial information.e. Address.f. Social security number.The policy and procedure titled "Echocardiogram Interpretation" effective date of 5/2009, stipulated that "Each cardiologist/qualified physician will read his/her own patient's echocardiogram." The policy also indicated that "All Medical Staff physicians will designate from the approved list cardiologist/qualified physician to read his/her patient's echocardiograms."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights