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.
SUTTER COAST 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 December 20, 2012. Also cited in 58 other reports.
Report ID: HX4711.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SUTTER COAST HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep personal health information confidential when Patient 18's personal and medical information was inadvertently given to an individual not involved in the patient's care and not authorized to have this information. This failure resulted in a breach of confidentiality and possible unauthorized use of the information.Findings:In an interview, on 12/20/12 at 10:30 a.m., the Privacy Officer stated that on 10/08/12, personal and medical information for Patient 18 was inadvertently given to an unauthorized individual. He stated that he first became aware of the breach of confidentiality on 10/08/12 and informed the Department on 10/12/12. The error occurred when hospital staff gave the information to another patient. He confirmed the information which was shared. Review of administrative documents revealed that the information transmitted included the patient's name, date of birth, medical record and account numbers and Emergency Department notes with medical information. The incident occurred as a result of human error when the employee failed to verify the name on the documents prior to giving the documents to the individual.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280