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: FPUL11.01, 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 from unauthorized disclosure, when Patient A's discharge summary was given to the wrong patient. This resulted in a disclosure of Patient A's name, date of birth, facility medical record number and treatment information to an unintended recipient and the potential for misuse of Patient A's protected health information (PHI). Findings:On October 31, 2013, at 3:50 p.m., a telephone interview was conducted with the Compliance Specialist (CS). The CS stated on September 18, 2013, Patient B notified the facility she had received a discharge summary with another patient's information on it. A copy of the letter sent to Patient A was reviewed. The letter indicated "...a portion of your medical record, specifically, three pages of your doctor's appointment discharge summary containing your name, date of birth, medical record number, and treatment information were inadvertently handed to another patient by your physician..." 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