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.
DOCTORS 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 April 9, 2012. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: U3OW11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview, facility and administrative document review the facility failed to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) confidential when:1. Patient 1's PHI was faxed to the wrong payer.2. Patient 2's PHI was faxed to the wrong payer.3. Patient 3's PHI was faxed to a private business.These failures placed Patient 1, Patient 2 and Patient 3's PHI at a potential risk for unauthorized use.Refer to CA003014151. 4/17/12 at 8:42 a.m. Staff 1 (Privacy Officer) stated on 2/22/12 the facility became aware of a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation revealed on 2/22/12 Staff 2 (Case Manager) mistakenly faxed Patient 1's medical record to the wrong insurance company.On 4/17/12 at 8:50 a.m., Staff 1 stated the PHI contained Patient 1's name, date of birth, date of service, medical record number, account number, attending physician, diagnosis and treatment.On 4/17/12 the facility policy and procedure number 1.0.0, titled "Privacy Policy Overview" contained the following documentation: " Privacy Policies and Procedures have been established to outline directives relating to the Protected Health Information ("PHI") of Patients. These directives include: Protecting the privacy of the PHI of Patients in accordance with California and federal requirements. ...Affording Patients their rights with respect to their PHI in accordance with California and federal requirements."The facility policy and procedure number VI-32 titled "Transmission of Medical Records by Facsimile" contained the following documentation: "The sender must verify the telephone the availability of the authorized receiver before beginning transmission."Refer to CA00301923 2. 4/17/12 at 8:42 a.m. Staff 1 stated on 2/24/12 the facility became aware of a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation revealed on 2/23/12 Staff 3 (Case Manager) mistakenly faxed Patient 2's medical record to the wrong insurance company.On 4/17/12 at 8:50 a.m., Staff 1 stated the PHI contained Patient 2's name, date of birth, date of service, medical record number, account number, attending physician, diagnosis and treatment.On 4/17/12 the facility policy and procedure number 1.0.0, titled "Privacy Policy Overview" contained the following documentation: " Privacy Policies and Procedures have been established to outline directives relating to the Protected Health Information ("PHI") of Patients. These directives include: Protecting the privacy of the PHI of Patients in accordance with California and federal requirements. ...Affording Patients their rights with respect to their PHI in accordance with California and federal requirements."The facility policy and procedure number VI-32 titled "Transmission of Medical Records by Facsimile" contained the following documentation: "The sender must verify the telephone the availability of the authorized receiver before beginning transmission."Refer to CA00304034.3. 4/17/12 at 8:42 a.m. Staff 1 stated on 3/15/12 the facility became aware of a possible privacy breach. The facility's internal investigation revealed on 3/12/12 Staff 4 (Social Worker) mistakenly faxed Patient 3's medical record to a private business.On 4/17/12 at 8:50 a.m., Staff 1 stated the PHI contained Patient 3's name, date of birth, date of service, medical record number, account number, attending physician, diagnosis and treatment.On 4/17/12 the facility policy and procedure number 1.0.0, titled "Privacy Policy Overview" contained the following documentation: " Privacy Policies and Procedures have been established to outline directives relating to the Protected Health Information ("PHI") of Patients. These directives include: Protecting the privacy of the PHI of Patients in accordance with California and federal requirements. ...Affording Patients their rights with respect to their PHI in accordance with California and federal requirements."The facility policy and procedure number VI-32 titled "Transmission of Medical Records by Facsimile" contained the following documentation: "The sender must verify the telephone the availability of the authorized receiver before beginning transmission."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights