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 November 20, 2013. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: BQ4Y11.01, 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 protected health information (PHI) from unauthorized disclosure. Patient A's lab order sheet was inadvertently given to the wrong patient. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patient A's PHI. Findings:On November 20, 2013, at 10 a.m., the Compliance Specialist (CS) was interviewed. The CS stated on September 27, 2013, Staff 1 pulled two forms from the printer and handed them to Patient B. The CS stated when Patient B went to the laboratory (lab) for services, the lab realized the order was for another patient (Patient A). The CS stated the physician was notified and the correct order was obtained. A copy of the letter sent to Patient A, was reviewed. The letter indicated "...a lab form containing your name, date of birth, address, phone number, insurance information, and facility medical record number was inadvertently handed to another patient by your nurse practitioner... Staff in the laboratory discovered the error and destroyed the document."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