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 May 25, 2012. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: IWM511.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure all patient protected health information (PHI) was kept protected, which resulted in the unauthorized access of a patient's confidential information (Patient A). Patient A's confidential information was sent via facsimile to a physician no longer involved in the patient's care. This resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient A's PHI.Findings:On May 25, 2012, at 10 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Director of Compliance. The Director stated a portion of Patient A's medical record was faxed to an incorrect number. The Director stated the item was intended for a physician, who was no longer at the address on file. The facility was notified on May 11, 2012, and the recipient stated they had shredded the document. The Director stated the document contained Patient A's name, age date of birth, medical record number and phone number. The Director stated the facility notified Patient A on May 18, 2012. On May 25, 2012, the document sent to the wrong fax number was reviewed. The form contained Patient A's name, age, date of birth, work and home phone numbers, medical record number, date of service and Patient A's medical history and physical information. The facility policy and procedure titled "Information Privacy," revised on December 19, 2011, was reviewed on May 25, 2012. The policy indicated the facility would take all necessary steps to avoid unauthorized or unlawful access, use or disclosure of protected health information. The policy indicated, "Unauthorized of Unlawful Disclosure: is the release, transfer, provision of access to, or providing in any other manner of PHI outside of the organization, to parties without a treatment, payment or hospital administrative purpose." The policy and procedure titled "Faxing Protected Health Information," with a last revised date of June 13, 2011, was reviewed on May 25, 2012. The policy indicated "...the transmission of patient medical records via fax machines raises legitimate concerns regarding the confidentiality of patient medical information." When sending information staff faxing PHI should: "Telephone the receiving facility to inform them that PHI was being faxed, confirm fax number..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280