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.
MARIN GENERAL 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 February 19, 2013. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: BDHS11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on staff interviews, clinical record and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep personal health information confidential when Patient 17's medical records were sent to eight outside facilities not intended to receive the information and not authorized to receive it. This resulted in a breach of confidentiality for the patient and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 2/19/13, at 4 p.m., the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when an employee faxed a medical record for Patient 17 to the incorrect facilities. The Compliance Director confirmed the information which was sent.Review of the facility documentation revealed the information disclosed within that record included the patient's name, date of birth, medical record number, and medical information including physician's notes and medication records in addition to the registration record with address, phone number and names of contacts.The hospital was unable to determine how the incident occurred and subsequently found it necessary to review and amend security steps to prevent recurrence.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280