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.
DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on February 10, 2012. Also cited in 64 other reports.
Report ID: 5T7711.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on staff interview and review of facility documents, the facility failed to prevent the disclosure of Patient A's health information (PHI) while in the emergency department (ED), when another ED patient received Patient A's discharge instructions. Additionally, the facility failed to report the incident of unauthorized disclosure of a patient's medical information to the Department within 5 calendar days.Findings:On 2/10/12 at 1:00 p.m., the facility's investigation of the incident was reviewed with the Compliance Officer (CO). A review of the investigation showed that on 8/6/09, an ED nurse gave Patient A's discharge instructions to another ED patient (Patient B). Patient B called the ED about getting the wrong discharge instructions and he returned them to the ED and received the correct discharge instructions. Compliance Officer confirmed that the facility became aware of the incident on 8/7/09. The Department received a notification by mail on 8/18/09 (6 days after the required within 5 days of detection). On 2/10/12 at 1:45 p.m., the facility's Compliance Officer (CO) was asked if they were aware of the 5-day reporting component and she stated, "Yes, but during that time all of the incidents were sent to their corporate headquarters for review prior to reporting." The CO stated that they no longer do this.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280