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.
CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL 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 August 26, 2014. Also cited in 103 other reports.
Report ID: WZHK11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of Patient 11's protected, personal information, when the patient's identification band was applied to the incorrect patient. This failure allowed for potential unlawful or unauthorized use of the information and violation of the patient's right to privacy. In addition there was potential for incorrect treatment to be provided.Findings: During an interview on 8/26/14 at 10 a.m., the Compliance Officer confirmed that the patient's band was applied to the incorrect patient when the employee failed to check the identifiers. The patients had the same names, but different dates of birth. She confirmed the information which was disclosed.A review of the letter, submitted by the facility, revealed that the information included Patient 11's name, date of birth, gender, medical record and account numbers, date of service, physician's name and preferred language.The incident occurred due to the staff person's failure to follow protocol to use two identifiers to confirm the correct identity of the patient when applying a wrist band or transferring any documents or articles to a patient.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280