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 July 23, 2013. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: 8G5S11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure PHI was not released to a person or persons not authorized to receive it. A subpeona was received for the MR of one patient (Patient 1) to be provided to a copy service for copying, and the MR for another patient (Patient 2) was provided instead. This failed practice resulted in the potential for physical, emotional, or financial harm to Patient 2.Findings:During an interview with the facility Legal Assistant on July 23, 2013, at 2 p.m., the Assistant stated on July 3, 2012, MR personnel received a subpeona to provide the MR for Patient 1 to a copy service for copying. The assistant stated the MR staff member provided the MR for Patient 2 instead. The assistant stated the information received by the copy service was Patient 2's entire MR (approximately 3/4 of an inch thick), and included multiple inpatient admissions to the facility. The assistant stated the first and last names for both patients were the same, but the middle initial was different.The following information was included in the MR:1. Name;2. Age;3. DOB;4. MRN;5. Account Number;6. Insurance information;7. SSN;8. Address;9. Phone number;10. Medical history;11. Diagnoses;12. Lab results;13. EKG reports; 14. Nurse's notes; and,15. Physician's notesThe facility policy titled, "Access of Individuals to Protected Health Information," was reviewed on July 23, 2012. The policy indicated each staff member responsible for preparing health records for their department must verify the documents being sent were for the correct patient before releasing them for distribution.The MR employee did not confirm the entire name was correct before releasing the records for Patient 2.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280