EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: 93PI11.01, 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, when Patient A's name and demographic information were used to register Patient B. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patient A's protected health information (PHI). Findings:On October 31, 2013, at 4 p.m., a telephone interview was conducted with the Compliance Specialist (CS). The CS stated on October 11, 2013, Patient B was registered using the wrong name, and date of birth. Admission documents were printed with the incorrect information and Patient B was given a "Condition of Admission, Valuable Form, and Patient Armband," containing 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 staff identified and corrected the error. A copy of the letter sent to Patient A was reviewed. The letter indicated "...a patient with a name very similar to yours was erroneously registered under you name which caused Conditions of Admission form, an arm band, and a Patient Valuable Waiver form 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, HIP-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

Related Reports:

5 other violations reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: 5PXP11.01, 68CM11.01, 8MW811.01, FPUL11.01, LRSU11.01