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.
SOUTH COAST GLOBAL MEDICAL CENTER
Cited by the California Department of Public Health for violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on February 14, 2013. Also cited in 43 other reports.
Report ID: RZUD11.03, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: COASTAL COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL
Issue:
Based on interview and hospital document review, the hospital failed to prevent the disclosure of Patient Ff's protected health information (PHI) to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, the hospital failed to notify the patient within five business days of their knowledge of the breach.Findings:On 8/3/12, the Hospital Compliance Officer was notified a breach of PHI had occurred in the Emergency Department (ED) on 7/29/12. The PHI belonged to Patient Ff.Review of the hospital's investigation documentation showed Patient Ff was in the ED on 7/29/12. While there, Patient Ff's addressograph was used to stamp the After Care Instructions form of another patient. The form was given to the other patient to take home.Patient Ff's PHI disclosed included the names of the patient and hospital, account and medical record numbers, date of birth, age, sex, date of admission and the name of the physician.The hospital was aware of the breach of PHI on 8/3/12. Patient Ff was not notified of the breach of PHI until 8/27/12.On 2/7/12 at 1100 hours, during a telephone interview the Hospital Compliance Officer confirmed the breaches of PHI and dates were as documented.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280