MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL

Report ID: Y4L511.01, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL

Issue:

Based on staff interview and facility record review, the facility failed to ensure that patient health information was safeguarded from unauthorized use for two patients (Patient 1 and Patient 2), when both patients' Emergency Department reports were faxed to the wrong physician.Findings:On 1/12/12 at 12:38 p.m., the California Department of Public Health received a telephone report from the facility that a breach of patient health information had occurred on 1/9/12.During an interview on 2/1/12 at 9:45 a.m., Administrative Staff A stated the facility was informed on 1/9/12 that the Emergency Department Reports for Patient 1 and Patient 2 were faxed to the wrong physician by an employee of the transcription company used by the facility. Administrative Staff A stated the receiving physician notified the facility, and the reports were re-faxed to the correct physician. Review of copies of the reports revealed the reports contained patient name, date of birth, place of residence, diagnosis, treatment, and medications. Patient 1 and Patient 2 are children.Administrative Staff A stated the parents for Patient 1 and Patient 2 were notified by letter on 1/12/12, that a breach had occurred. Review of copies of the two letters confirmed that the parents were informed.During additional interview on 2/1/12 at 10 a.m., Administrative Staff A stated the two physicians have the same names but are spelled differently. He stated the employee did not verify the correct physician prior to faxing the reports. The employee was counseled as to the importance of verifying correct information.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

1 other violation reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: J0JV11.01