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.
STANFORD 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 October 22, 2012. Also cited in 15 other reports.
Report ID: EMM511, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: STANFORD HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to provide confidential medical treatment for approximately 94 patients. Findings:On 10/22/12 at 9:45 a.m. during an entity reported incident investigation, the hospital's privacy assurance specialist (Staff A) stated that on 7/31/12 an invitation was e-mail to approximately 300 individuals which included employees and patients. The group e-mailed indicated to the readers that everyone who was sent this e-mail was a patient of the weight loss clinic. People who received the e-mail were able to see the first and last names of everyone who received the e-mail. Information disclosed included the first and last names of approximately 94 patients.On the above same day and time, review of the e-mail sent indicated the following, "Dear Patient, (Doctor A) is looking for a patient to appear for the local NBC TV station. The topic is weight gain during pregnancy before or after surgery or improvement in fertility after surgery..".The hospital's privacy department was made aware of the incident two hours after the invitation was sent. The hospital retracted the e-mail on 7/31/12 at 1:50 p.m., two hours after it was sent. The hospital notified the affected patients of the disclosure on 8/7/12.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights