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 violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on November 20, 2013. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: FYY511.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect two patients' protected health information (PHI) from unauthorized disclosure (Patient's A and B). The patients' face sheets, containing PHI, were inadvertently faxed to the wrong insurance company. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patients A and B's PHI. Findings:On November 20, 2013, at 10 a.m., the Compliance Specialist (CS) was interviewed. The CS stated on October 13, 2013, an employee in the Emergency Department faxed two face sheets belonging to Patient A and Patient B to an unintended insurance provider. The insurance provider notified the Emergency Department right away of the error.Copies of the letters sent to Patients' A and B, were reviewed. The letters indicated "... a portion of your medical record, specifically, a one-page face sheet document containing your name, date of birth, address, phone number, insurance information, policy number,and medical record and account number, was inadvertently faxed to an unintended health insurance provider..."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." 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 ... "
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280