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 September 10, 2012. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: TOBU11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and document review, the facility failed for one patient (Patient A), to ensure that (PHI) Protected Health Information was not disclosed to any entity not authorized to receive the information. This failed practice resulted in unauthorized access to Patient A's demographic information and medical records.Findings:On September 10, 2012, an unannounced visit was made to the facility to investigate a breach of PHI. On September 10, 2012, at 12:15 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer stated the breach occurred on March 15, 2012. The Compliance Officer stated Patient B was seen in Urgent Care. Patient B was seen and discharged back to the chemical dependency unit. Upon discharge, the Urgent Care employee printed the discharge instructions and medical records for Patient A and handed the records to the employee from the chemical dependency unit. Both staff members failed to check the name on the medical records to ensure they were correct prior to giving them to Patient B. Patient B received Patient A's discharge information and medical records. The facility's policy and procedures titled, "Patient Identification Policy and Procedure, " was reviewed. The policy indicated the purpose of the policy was, "to accurately identify the individual as the person for whom the service or treatment is intended and to match the service or treatment to that individual ...Patient identifiers must be performed utilizing at least two of the following patient identifiers...patient first and last name, patient birth of date...medical record number..."The facility failed for Patient A to ensure PHI was not disclosed to any entity not authorized to receive the information, as a result of employees not verifying patient's name, date of birth and medical record prior to releasing the medical records.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280