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 January 6, 2014. Also cited in 103 other reports.
Report ID: HHLO11.01, 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 16 patients' (Patients 1 thru 16) protected, confidential health information when a binder, containing information and identification, was found n the hospital cafeteria. The binder was in an area where multiple people, who were not involved in the patients' care and not authorized to receive the information, had the potential for access. This failure allowed for potential unlawful or unauthorized use of the information and violation of the patients' right to privacy. Findings: During an interview on 1/06/14 at 11 a.m., the Compliance Officer stated that a binder, containing some administrative information and specific information related to the 16 patients was left unattended and found in the hospital cafeteria. She confirmed the information which was contained on the documents.The interview and a review of the letter submitted by the facility revealed that the information included the patient's name, medical record number, date of birth, date of service, the indicator and location for service, the name of the reviewer, name of the provider and diagnostic information.The incident occurred due to human error when the staff person failed to secure all documents with sensitive information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280