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 violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on January 22, 2014. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: 5C2211.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of PHI (Protected Health Information) for one patient (Patient A) when her PHI was inadvertently given to Patient B. This failed practice resulted in unauthorized persons having access to Patient A's PHI, and the potential for its misuse.Findings:On January 20, 2014, the facility notified the Department, via facsimile, that Patient A's PHI had been inadvertently released to an unintended recipient. On January 22, 2014, 2:45 p.m., a facility Privacy Officer (PO), was interviewed The PO stated on January 3, 2014, Patient B was inadvertently given a document containing Patient A's PHI. The PO stated an outside pharmacy identified the misinformation on Patient B's form and contacted the facility to notify them about the breach. The PO stated facility personnel did not immediately notify the privacy office about the breach. The PO stated the form, given to Patient B, contained Patient A's name, date of birth and medication list.A review of the letter sent to Patient A on January 20, 2014, indicated: "...The purpose of this letter is to notify you that a portion of your medical record, specifically an office visit summary containing your name, date of birth, and medical list was inadvertently handed to another patient." The facility policy titled, "HIPAA-Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information," was reviewed. The policy indicated the following:a. The confidentiality of PHI contained in records and collected pursuant to treatment would be protected to the fullest extent possible; and,b. To maintain confidentiality, staff could not disseminate PHI unless it was pursuant to a valid request or a valid authorization.c. PHI included individually identifiable health information. Information was considered PHI when there was a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify an individual. The facility policy titled, "Information Privacy," was reviewed. The policy indicated the following:a. An unauthorized disclosure was the release of information to parties without a purpose for the information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280