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: LRSU11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to protect Patient A's demographic information from unauthorized disclosure. Patient A's name, date of birth facility medical record and account numbers were inadvertently given to the wrong patient. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patient A's protected health information (PHI). Findings:On October 31, 2013, at 3:45 p.m., a telephone interview was conducted with the Compliance Specialist (CS). The CS stated on August 29, 2013, Patient B was registered under the wrong name. This lead to the printing of a "Condition of Admission, Valuable Form, and Patient Armband," with the wrong patient information. The CS stated Patient A's name, date of birth, facility account and medical record numbers were disclosed to the unintended recipient, when the armband and other admission documents were given to Patient B. The CS stated facility staff failed to check two identifiers before placing the arm band on the patient. The CS stated staff identified and corrected the error. A copy of the letter sent to Patient A was reviewed. The letter indicated "...a patient with a similar first name was erroneously registered under your name which caused Conditions of Admission and an arm band containing your name, date of birth, facility medical record number and account number (rather than the patient's) to be generated and disclosed." 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