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.
Enloe 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 August 15, 2012. Also cited in 8 other reports.
Report ID: 79RN11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: ENLOE MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure confidentiality when Physician A spoke to a patient of his personal medical information in the presence of others. (Patient 1)Findings:On 6/28/12, Patient 1 was admitted to the facility with diagnoses that included multiple fractures and a crushed foot.On 7/9/12, the facility faxed a report of an alleged privacy breach whereby, on 7/2/12, Physician A (Phy A) allegedly spoke to Patient 1 regarding confidential information in the presence of Patient 1's sister and Patient 1's hospital roommate. The description of the breach stated that Phy A allegedly, "accused the patient of having a drug addiction problem, stated the patient was on the highest doses of pain medication, and tested positive for methamphetamine." The report further stated that the alleged breach was first identified, "via an anonymous voice message left on the Patient Comment line by an individual who stated she was a relative of the patient."During an interview on 8/24/12 at 1:15 pm, Assistant Nurse Manager B (ANM B) stated that the alleged incident occurred in Patient 1's inpatient room, that she had discussed the allegation with Patient 1, and that Patient 1 felt the incident was a, "violation of HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, mandated patient confidentiality]."During a concurrent interview, Administrator C (Admin C) reiterated, as stated in the faxed report, "Privacy education was provided to the physician [Phy A]."During an interview on 8/24/12 at 5 pm, Patient 1 stated that on 7/2/12, Phy A entered his hospital room and said, "loud enough for the patients' next door to hear", that his lab test results were positive for "this and that drug." Patient 1 further stated that his sister was present, and that he had not wanted his sister to know of these test results.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280