CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: 3MGW11.02, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: CONTRA COSTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on interview and record review the facility failed to follow hospital policy and procedure for patient identification for one patient (Patient 17) of 100 patients reviewed, when the staff placed a wrist band medical identification on Patient 17 (a male) that belonged to Patient 16 (a female) resulting in Patient 17 being sent to an outpatient clinic appointment intended for Patient 16.Findings:On 5/23/12, the PO (Privacy Officer) stated that on 3/20/12, a registration clerk gave admitting papers and placed a medical ID (Identification) wristband onto Patient 17 ' s wrist that belonged to Patient 16. The PO explained that the error was discovered on 3/20/12 when Patient 16 asked at registration when it would be her turn for the appointment.Review on 5/23/11, of the " MPI Visit Selection " (a list of clinic appointments) for Patient 16 showed an appointment on 3/20/12 at facility 646.Review on 5/23/11, of the " MPI Visit Selection " (a list of clinic appointments) for Patient 17 showed an appointment on 3/20/12 at facility 646.On 5/23/12, the ACRM (ambulatory care registration manager) stated that RC-1 made the error of identification for Patient 17 and Patient 16 due to both patients speaking limited English and failed to follow the policy for " Patient Identification Process. "Review on 5/24/12 of facility policy "Patient Identification Process", dated 9/2011, showed that the policy instructed staff to protect and accurately identify each patient served, and that staff must reliably identify the individual as a person for whom the service or treatment is intende, must match the service or treatment to that individual and must secure their protected health information and medical record accuracy at all encounters. The policy instructed Registration Clerk staff that for patients presenting for services 18 years and over:1. Request to see a government issued photographic proof of identity, 2. Compare the identification presented with the patient information in the registration system and the appointment documentation.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Outpatient Service General Requirements

Related Reports:

The report containing this deficiency also includes information about 3 other violations. Note that these may be related to the same event: 3MGW11.01, 3MGW11.03, 3MGW11.04

2 other violations reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: DH9X11.01, DH9X11.02