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 July 23, 2013. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: U4IJ11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Protected Health Information (PHI) was not released to a person or persons not authorized to receive it when a document with Patient A's name, date of birth, and facility account number was viewed by Patient B after it was inadvertently placed in the electronic record of Patient B. This failed practice resulted in the potential for physical, emotional, or financial harm to Patient A.Findings:During an interview with the facility Legal Assistant on July 23, 2013, at 2 p.m., the Assistant stated on June 18, 2013, while viewing her online information, Patient B observed Patient A's "Conditions of Admission," in her record. The Legal Assistant stated the document had been scanned and indexed into the wrong medical record. The "Conditions of Admission," contained Patient A's name, date of birth, and facility medical and account numbers. The information viewed by Patient B was reviewed on July 23, 2013. A scanned "Conditions of Admission," signed by Patient A , contained Patient A's name, date of birth, and facility medical and account numbers. The facility policy titled, "HIPAA - Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information," with a last reviewed date of November 18, 2011, was reviewed on July 23, 2013. The policy indicated "To protect the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality, at no time will names or information be shared with any person who does not have a need to know... PHI...Individually identified health information transmitted or maintained in any form, or medium, including oral, written and electronic...relates to an individual's health status or condition...Information is considered PHI where there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify an individual."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280