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 October 31, 2013. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: 68CM11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent Patient A's protected health information (PHI) from unauthorized disclosure, when portions of Patient A's medical record were inadvertently mailed to the wrong patient. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patient A's PHI. Findings: On October 31, 2013, at 4:15 p.m., a telephone interview was conducted with the facility's Compliance Specialist (CS). The CS stated on October 21, 2013, Patient B notified the facility he had received documents meant for another patient. Patient B stated he had requested his record, but when he opened the package, it contained 17 pages of medical record information containing Patient A's information. The CS stated Patient B shredded the documents. A copy of the letter sent to Patient A was reviewed. The letter indicated: "a portion of your medical record, specifically, MRI Results and information on epidural treatments containing your name, date of birth, phone number, dates of service and medical information was inadvertently mailed to another patient." 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