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.
SUTTER COAST 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 December 20, 2012. Also cited in 58 other reports.
Report ID: UW5511.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SUTTER COAST HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and administrative document review, the hospital failed to keep personal health information confidential when Patient 21's bill was inadvertently sent to the wrong patient, who was not involved in the patient's care and not authorized to have this information. This failure resulted in a breach of confidentiality and possible unauthorized use of the information.Findings:In an interview, on 12/20/12 at 10:30 a.m., the Privacy Officer stated that, on 11/13/12, personal and billing information was inadvertently sent to the incorrect patient. The error occurred due to hospital staff updating the patient's file with an incorrect address. This resulted in the bill being sent to another patient who had the same first and last name, but with a different middle initial. He confirmed the information which was sent. Review of administrative documents revealed that the information transmitted included the patient's name, account number and medical information, including outpatient services that were provided.The incident occurred as a result of human error when the employee failed to verify the correct patient's name and address by using more than one indicator, such as checking full name and date of birth.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280