EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: 2DH111, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Patient A's protected health information was kept private, which resulted in the unauthorized access/disclosure of the patient's confidential information. Patient A's confidential information was sent via facsimile to a private party on April 11, 2012. Findings:On May 25, 2012, at 11:30 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Director of Compliance. The Director stated the facility was notified on April 11, 2012, that Patient A's health summary, including the patient's address, date of birth, phone number, and medical record number, was inadvertently faxed to an incorrect number. The Director stated, staff at the facility outpatient clinic were faxing the information to another clinic for coordination of services when the fax number was misdialed by one digit. Patient A's information was reviewed on May 25, 2012. The information included the patient's name, date of birth, gender, address, primary physician, medications, and diagnoses. The facility policy and procedure titled "Print Package," was reviewed on May 25, 2012. The policy indicated "Important to note: To insure HIPPA (sic) compliance it is a requirement that the contact name and fax number are checked twice for accurate selection of intended receiver prior to sending of the print package.

Outcome:

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