ORANGE COUNTY GLOBAL MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: T8DO11.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: WESTERN MEDICAL CENTER SANTA ANA

Issue:

Based on review of hospital investigatory documentation, staff interview, and medical record review, the hospital failed to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 1's medical information.Findings:Review of the hospital investigatory documentation showed on 1/24/12, Patient 1 informed RN 1 (registered nurse) the social worker (SW 1) had told Patient 1's friend the Patient was "doing drugs" and her baby would be taken away. In a written statement completed on 1/26/12, SW 1 stated she had not given any information regarding Patient 1 to Patient 1's friend. However, in a written statement completed on 1/26/12, and during a telephone interview on 2/29/12 at 0955 hours, RN 1 confirmed she overheard the social worker telling Patient 1's friend the "baby might be taken away." RN 1 also stated Patient 1's friend disclosed to RN 1 that SW 1 had told her (Patient 1's friend) that Patient 1 was doing drugs and the baby might be taken away. In the written statement RN 1 stated both Patient 1 and her friend were upset.In a written statement completed on 1/24/12, the Director of Case Management documented she interviewed Patient 1's friend who stated the social worker stopped her in the hall and asked if Patient 1 "did drugs." According to the written statement, Patient 1's friend told SW 1 Patient 1 did not do drugs. The friend stated the social worker told her the baby would be taken away from Patient 1 regardless.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

The report containing this deficiency also includes information about 1 other violation. Note that these may be related to the same event: T8DO11.02