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 July 30, 2013. Also cited in 58 other reports.
Report ID: TXYY11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SUTTER COAST HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of Patient 3's protected, confidential health information, when Patient 3's private laboratory information was shared with a person not authorized to have the information. This failure allowed for potential unlawful or unauthorized use of the information and was a violation of the patient's right to privacy. Findings: During an interview on 7/30/13 at 2 p.m., the Compliance Officer confirmed that the patient's private information had been shared with his spouse by the attending physician. The physician was providing care to the spouse (also a patient) and discussed the fact that Patient 3 had not had some laboratory test done. Patient 3 had not authorized the physician to share the information. The Compliance Officer confirmed the information which was shared. A review of the letter submitted by the facility revealed that the information which was shared included the fact that he had not had a laboratory test done. The incident resulted from the physician's failure to recognize that discussing the patient's information with the spouse was a breach of confidentiality.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280