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: QBNY11.01, 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 laboratory results with Patient A's name, date of birth, facility medical record and account numbers, were inadvertently given to 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 May 1, 2013, Patient B was communicating with his physician about laboratory results Patient B had received. The physician determined the results belonged to Patient A. The results contained Patient A's full name, date of birth, facility medical record and account numbers, and date of service. The information received by Patient B was reviewed on July 23, 2013. There were five pages of laboratory results, each containing Patient A's full name, date of birth, medical record number, the date of service and diagnostic information. The facility policy titled, "HIPAA - Compliance in the Laboratory," with a last reviewed date of March 14, 2013, was reviewed on July 23, 2013. The policy indicated "PHI:Protected Health Information; PHI is any individually identifiable health information transmitted or maintained in any form...Information is considered PHI where there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify an individual... Disclosure of PHI means the release of information outside the organization." The facility's policy and procedure for "Information Privacy," was reviewed on July 23, 2013. The policy indicated: "Unauthorized or Unlawful Disclosure is the release, transfer, provision of access to, or providing in any manner of PHI outside of the organization, to parties without a treatment, payment or hospital administrative purpose."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280