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 July 2, 2012. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: U3ES11.01, 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 ensure unauthorized access of personal and patient health information when Patient 4's History and Physical report was sent to the wrong physician's office. This resulted in a breach of personal and patient health information for Patient 4 and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 7/2/12, the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when the record was sent to an incorrect skilled nursing facility. The patient was not in that facility. The facility staff stated that the physician gave the name of the wrong facility when he directed the records be sent.The information disclosed within that record included Patient 4's name, birth date, medical record number and information regarding the patient's medical history and physical examination. The information regarding the facility where the patient was a resident was included in the medical record and checking that information may have identified the mistake made by the physician.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280