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 February 18, 2013. Also cited in 63 other reports.
Report ID: Q1WF11.01, 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 keep personal health information confidential when Patient 24's medical records were sent to an incorrect physician. This resulted in a breach of confidentiality for the patient and possible unauthorized use of the information. Findings:During an interview on 2/18/13, the Director of Compliance and Ethics stated that the error occurred when an employee faxed a record for Patient 24 to a physician who responded that they had no patient by that name. The Compliance Director confirmed the information which was sent.Review of the facility documentation revealed the information disclosed within that record included Patient 24's name, age, medical record and account numbers, and medical information including a report of the patient's medical history and physical examination and a report from the Emergency Room.The incident occurred due to human error when the information from the Emergency Department was incorrect and was used to direct the patient's records.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280