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.
ST MARY 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 June 18, 2012. Also cited in 55 other reports.
Report ID: HD5J11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ST MARY MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect Patient A's medical information. This breach caused Patient A's protected health care information to be released.Findings:The facility self reported that Patient A's protected health information (PHI) to include the face sheet and physician order, intended for a medical supply company was inadvertently sent to a residential fax number. During an interview with the health information officer on 6/20/12 at 3:40 M, she confirmed and stated, "The Traveler Case Manager had transpossed the number when trying to get a durable equipment."Review of the letter sent to Patient A dated 6/7/12 stipulated, a copy of the facesheet and an order for an oxygen were inadvertently faxed to an incorrect number. The following healthcare information inadvertently released included: a. Name.b. Medical record number.c. Diagnosis.d. Birth Date/Agee. Account Number.f. Address/telephone number.g. Medical Insurance/Policy number. h. Prescription for home oxygen.Review of the policy and procedure titled: Disclosure of Protected Health Information by Fax Policy, revised on 1/202 stipulated, "The recipient's fax number must be confirmed prior to sending the fax."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights