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 February 6, 2014. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: GKSN11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and facility document review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized access and/or disclosure of one patient's medical information, when Patient A's discharge instructions were given to the wrong person. This failure had the potential to result in misuse of private/protected information.Findings:On February 6, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., the Information Privacy Officer (IPO) was interviewed. The IPO stated on January 19, 2014, a staff member inadvertently handed Patient A's discharge instructions to the wrong person. The IPO stated the facility became aware of the incident when Patient A stated he was still waiting for his discharge instructions. The documents were not recovered. A copy of the discharge summary included Patient A's name, medical record and account numbers and the date of service. The facility 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 "...Protected Health Information ("PHI")...Individually identifiable health information transmitted or maintained in any form or medium...is considered PHI where there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify an individual."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280