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: 5RJU11.01, 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 June 4, 2012. EMC received a subpoena for Patient B's medical records. The EMC employee printed and sent Patient A's, instead of Patient B's medical records, to the attorney's office. The attorney's office called the hospital and notified them of the error. The Compliance Officer stated the EMC employee did not verify that the correct patient's medical records were printed prior to giving them to the attorney's representative. The policy and procedures were reviewed. The policy and procedure titled, "HIPAA - Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information," indicated, "To protect the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality, at no time will names or information be shared with any person who does not have a need to know..." The policy and procedures titled, "Patient Identification Policy and Procedure," indicated the purpose of the policy was, "...to accurately identify the individual...Patient identifiers must be performed utilizing at least two of the following patient identifiers...patient first and last name, patient date of birth...medical record number..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280