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.
MAMMOTH 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 October 4, 2012. Also cited in 15 other reports.
Report ID: MF1I11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MAMMOTH HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on staff interview and record review, the facility failed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality for one patient (Patient A), when a staff physician (Physician 1) discussed confidential medical information about Patient A in the presence of another patient (Patient B). This breach caused Patient A's protected health information to be released to a non-authorized person.Findings:A telephone interview was conducted on October 4, 2012, at 9:30 AM, with Staff 1. He stated on September 17, 2012, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, RN 1 witnessed Physician 1 allow Patient 2, (who was a friend of Physician 1) to rest on the couch inside the physician's lounge within the hospital. Patient 2 had just been seen in the emergency room for medical treatment. Staff 1 stated Patient 2 was resting in the physician's lounge on the couch, until Physician 1 could leave the hospital and drive Patient 2 home. Staff 1 stated during that time, RN 1 witnessed Physician 1 state the name and medical diagnosis of Patient 1 while Patient 2 was within hearing distance inside the physician's lounge.During a review of the hospital's incident reports on October 4, 2012, at 3:00 PM, it was noted to contain a detailed investigative report regarding the breach of protected health information involving Patient 1. The records confirmed that on September 17, 2012, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, RN 1 witnessed Physician 1 allow Patient 2 to rest inside the physician's lounge on the couch, and RN 1 witnessed Physician 1 state the name and medical diagnosis of Patient 1 in the presence of Patient 2.During a review of the facility's policy and procedure titled "Release of Information", dated October 17, 2005 indicated the following:"Policy - It is the policy of [facility] that all physicians and staff preserve the integrity and the confidentiality of our patients' protected health information. Public health information shall be made available upon request to authorized persons in order to provide continuity of care and to allow for the necessary operations of [facility]. Information should be disclosed to individuals outside the hospital only to the extent necessary for which release is authorized".
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights