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: 5PXP11.01, 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 release of Patient A's confidential information. Patient A's confidential information was inadvertently sent to an outside health facility. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patient A's PHI. Findings:On October 31, 2013, at 3:30 p.m., a telephone interview was conducted with the Compliance Specialist (CS). The CS stated on August 24, 2013, the facility was contacted by a nurse from another health facility. The CS stated the nurse was reporting documents for Patient A were included in an envelope containing another patient's transfer documents. According to the CS, the seven pages of Emergency Department (ED) Record, contained Patient A's name, date of birth, medical record number, and clinical information. A copy of the letter sent to Patient A was reviewed. The letter indicated "...a portion of your medical record, specifically, the emergency department chart containing your name, date of birth, facility medical record number, and medical information, was inadvertently printed, placed in an envelope, and transferred with another patient...The receiving hospital discovered the error, notified the facility and returned the documents." 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