Scripps Mercy Hospital

Report ID: Y81E11.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: SCRIPPS MERCY HOSPITAL

Issue:

Based on interview, the hospital failed to ensure that Patient 1's protected health information (PHI) was kept confidential, when Physician 1 discussed the patient's diagnosis in the presence of the patient's family and friends.Findings:A phone interview with Physician 1 was conducted on 9/11/12 at 2:38 P.M. Physician 1 stated that he was an infectious disease physician and was asked to consult for Patient 1. Physician 1 stated that when he met Patient 1, the patient's mother and 2 friends where present at the bedside. Physician 1 stated that he asked the patient if his family and friends knew about his diagnosis. Physician 1 stated that the patient answered, "Yes." According to Physician 1, he proceeded to discuss with the patient his condition with the mother and friends present. However, Physician 1 stated that he later found out from Patient 1 that his mother and friends did not know his diagnosis and that he just answered "yes" because he was put on the spot. Physician 1 stated that it was an error in his judgement and was not done intentionally. Physician 1 acknowledged that he should have asked the patient's mother and friends to leave the room before he started discussing the patient's condition. A phone interview with the Director of Risk Management (DRM) was conducted on 9/11/12 at 3:00 P.M. The DRM acknowledged that it was an honest mistake and that Physician 1 should not have discussed Patient 1's diagnosis in the presence of the patient's mother and friends.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights

Related Reports:

3 other violations reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: H1XT11.01, NG6011.01, ZT7Y11.01