EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: HJXM11.01, 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 when the PHI for one patient (Patient 1) was sent in the mail to another patient (Patient 2). This failed practice resulted in the potential for physical, emotional, or financial harm to Patient 1.Findings:During an interview with the facility Legal Assistant on July 23, 2013, at 2 p.m., the Assistant stated on March 28, 2012, MR personnel processed and completed requests for medical records to be sent to patients via mail. She stated on April 6, 2012, the MR department received a message from Patient 2, stating she had received records for Patient 1, along with her own records.The information received by Patient 2 was reviewed on July 23, 2013. A one page document outlining a recent visit to a specialist's office by Patient 1 included the following PHI:1. Name;2. Age;3. Date of birth;4. Phone number;5. MRN;6. Surgical procedure performed;7. Medications; and,8. Treatment plan including when to return to the clinic.The 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 are for the correct patient before releasing them for distribution.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

10 other violations reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: 2ED111.01, 8G5S11.01, 9YWG11.01, BZS911.01, IDWZ11.01, IHRI11.01, ND7111.01, QBNY11.01, SO0211.01, U4IJ11.01