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: JD3R11.01, 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 2's medical records were given to an unauthorized patient. The person who received the information was not involved in the patient's care and not authorized to receive the information. This failure resulted in a breach of personal and medical information and possible unauthorized use of the information.Findings:In an interview on 7/30/13 at 1 p.m., the Compliance/Privacy Officer stated that, on 12/08/12, medical information concerning discharge instructions for Patient 2 was mistakenly given to an unauthorized person. He explained that the forms were attached to the other patient's record and not noticed when the papers were handed to the other patient. The Supervisor confirmed the information which was sent.Review of administrative documents revealed that the information transmitted included patient's name, date of birth, and medical information including a discharge note, medical condition and a medication list. The employee failed to reconcile the names on all the documents prior to giving them to a patient.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280