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 5, 2014. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: LCXP11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure all patient protected health information (PHI) was kept protected, which resulted in the unauthorized access of the patient's confidential information (Patient 1). Patient 1's confidential information was given to Patient 2 when Patient 2 was registered at the facility Emergency Department (ED) on January 27, 2014. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient 1's protected health information (PHI).Findings:On February 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Information Privacy Officer (IPO). He stated: a. On January 27, 2014, Patient 2 presented to the facility ED seeking services, and was registered by the ED Patient Admitting Specialist as Patient 1. Patient 2 was given an arm band and "Conditions of Admission" consent.b. On January 27, 2014, when the ED nursing staff verified the patient's identity, it was discovered Patient 2 had been incorrectly registered as Patient 1.c. The incorrect arm band and "Conditions of Admission" consent belonging to Patient 1 were destroyed, and Patient 2 was subsequently registered under the correct demographic information.Patient 2 received and had an opportunity to view Patient 1's PHI, which included name, date of birth, medical record number, account number, gender, and agePatient 1 was informed of the disclosure of his protected health information (PHI) via a letter dated and mailed on February 3, 2014, to his last known address.The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified via a facsimile received on February 3, 2014, and a letter dated and mailed on February 3, 2014, of the unauthorized access of Patient 1's PHI.The facility policy and procedure titled "Patient Identity Verification" dated May 1, 2009, revealed "... Using the patient identifier information presented by the patient, the registrar will verify the patient's information including but not limited to : the patient's full name, date of birth, social security number, address and insurance information. ..."The facility policy and procedure titled "Information Privacy" reviewed/revised December 19, 2011, revealed "... (facility name) will take all necessary steps to avoid unauthorized or unlawful access, use or disclosure of protected health information ... Whenever possible, the Information Privacy Officer will contact the individual or organization to whom the information was inappropriately or unlawfully accessed, used or released and requested that no further access, use or disclosure of the information is made and to return or destroy the information. The Information Privacy Officer will contact the Department of Public Health and report the breach within (5) five days of discovery. The Information Privacy Officer will contact the patient within (5) five days of discovery to inform him or her of the unauthorized access, use of disclosure and the plan or step's taken to mitigate it. ..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280