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.
EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
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 November 8, 2012. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: R16P11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Patient A's PHI (Protected Health Information) was not disclosed to any entity not authorized to receive the information. This failed practice resulted in unauthorized access to Patient A's demographic information. Findings:On October 24, 2012, the facility reported a two page lab result document with Patient A's name, date of birth, facility account number, and facility medical record number was inadvertently mailed to an unintended recipient. An unannounced visit was made to the facility on November 8, 2012, to investigate this entity reported incident. In an interview with the Compliance Specialist, on November 8, 2012, at 10:45 a.m., the Compliance Officer stated an unintended recipient notified the facility on October 17, 2012, she had received lab results intended for another patient. The recipient agreed to shred the item. The Compliance Officer stated a laboratory technician placed laboratory results intended for Patient A in an envelope with a label printed for Patient B. On November 8, 2012, Patient A's lab report was reviewed. The report contained Patient A's name, date of birth, medical record number, and financial number. The report also contained the results of Patient A's blood test.On November 8, 2012, the facility's policy and procedure titled "HIPAA-Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information," with a last reviewed/revised date of November 18, 2011, was reviewed. The policy indicated:"To protect the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality; at no time will names or information be shared with any person who does not have a need to know in order to provide care." The policy defines PHI as "individually identifiable health information relates to an individual's health status or condition ... Information is considered PHI where there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify an individual." A second policy titled "Processing Morning Reports," with a last reviewed/revised date of March 21, 2012, was reviewed on November 8, 2012. The policy indicated lab reports sent to patients would be sent via United States Postal Service (USPS). The policy indicated mailing labels were created and the reports placed in letter size envelopes. The policy also indicated staff were to "Verify name on report with name on generated label." The facility failed to ensure Patient A's Protected Health Information was not disclosed to any entity not authorized to receive the information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280