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.
SHARP CORONADO HOSPITAL AND HLTHCR CTR
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 March 16, 2012. Also cited in 18 other reports.
Report ID: 0EXC11, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: SHARP CORONADO HOSPITAL AND HLTHCR CTR
Issue:
Based on interview, record and document review, the facility failed to ensure that the personal and protected health information of one patient (Patient 2) was not disclosed to another patient (Patient 1) without Patient 2's permission.Findings:During the investigation of an entity reported disclosure of protected health information, an interview was conducted with a Pharmacy Technician (PT 1) on 4/3/12 at 3:35 P.M. PT 1 stated that on 3/9/12, she was assigned to refill prescriptions in the hospital's outpatient pharmacy. PT 1 stated that she was also the cashier for the outpatient pharmacy, that same day. PT 1 stated that a male appeared at the counter to pick up his prescription. Patient 1 had been prescribed Ceftin (an antibiotic) 200 milligrams (mg) BID (twice a day). PT 1 checked Patient 1's drivers license with his date of birth. The Pharmacy Technician then gave Patient 1 medication and Patient 1 left the pharmacy. A little while later, the Pharmacist informed PT 1 that she had given the wrong medication to Patient 1. Patient 1 was given the medication prescribed for Patient 2 which was Synthroid (a thyroid hormone) 200 mg. OD (once a day). PT 1 stated that the mistake happened because she was engaged in conversation with the patient and was distracted. Even though PT 1 checked the name on the bottle of medication she did not notice that it was not Patient 1's name.A review of the hospital's policy and procedure entitled Health Information: Minimum Necessary Access, Use & Disclosure indicated that hospital employees shall take reasonable measures to limit each use and disclosure of protected health information. And, it is the policy of the hospital to check two forms of identification from a patient prior to dispensing medication to the patient. PT 1 did not follow hospital policy and procedure when she gave Patient 2's bottle of medication to Patient 1. The bottle of medication that PT 1 gave to Patient 1 contained Patient 2's first and last name, medication name, dosage, and instructions. This personal and protected health information was disclosed to Patient 1 without the permission of Patient 2.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights