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.
Scripps Mercy 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 June 24, 2013. Also cited in 72 other reports.
Report ID: TY5M11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SCRIPPS MERCY HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure that 1 of 1 sampled patient's (1) medical information was kept confidential from anyone not authorized access. Patient 1's medical information was inadvertently sent to facilities without authorization which impeded the patient's right to confidentiality.Findings:An interview with the Director of Risk Management (DRM) was conducted on 6/26/13 at 12:45 P.M. The DRM stated that the hospital used an electronic referral system, where case managers would electronically refer the patients to the nursing homes they chose. The DRM stated that a case manager was processing a referral for another patient but instead sent Patient 1's medical information. The DRM acknowledged that the patients' right for confidentiality was violated, when the patient's medical information was inadvertently sent to nursing homes without the patient's authorization.A review of the documents that were inadvertently sent to the nursing homes indicated Patient 1's name, home address, telephone number, date of birth, medications, laboratory results, diagnoses, and past surgeries.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights