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 violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on February 14, 2012. Also cited in 103 other reports.
Report ID: 3MGW11.03, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to protect the confidential medical information of one patient (Patient 99) of 100 patients reviewed when the staff at the hospital clinic discussed the patient's protected health information in the presence of other patients that resulted in Patient 99's loss of dignity and privacy. Findings:Review on 5/23/12, of the facility policy "Safeguarding Protected Health Information", dated 4/14/2003 and revised 7/1/2010, showed that the policy instructed staff that work force members must take reasonable steps (e.g., lowering voices, moving to a more protected area, ect.) to protect the privacy of all verbal exchanges or discussions of confidential information regardless of where the discussion occurs, and should be aware of risk levelsOn 5/23/12, the PO (Privacy Officer) stated that Patient 99 had complained to Patient Relations that at the clinic, an employee had discussed his private medical information in front of other patients. PO said that this was not the first time that Patient 99 had complained of the matter and that Patient 99 was attempting to seek compensation for hardship placed on his health through a law suit against the hospital. The PO explained that the incident happened at the clinic on 3/27/12 when the clinic was very busy. Patient 99 came in and there had been a long line of patients waiting to register when a lab technician attempted to help out and approached Patient 99 asking if he had taken his Lithium ( a drug indicated for a mental diagnosis) to treat for the day. The admitting clerk heard the lab technician and she took over the admission process, asking Patient 99 to step into a privacy room for the rest of the process.Review on 5/23/12, of the " letter " sent to Patient 99 by the PO showed that the grievance was investigated and that the PO agreed that the information given by Patient 99 was consistent with the events reported by clinic staff and that Patient 99 information was improperly disclosed.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights