EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: YD9Y11.01, 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 cardiology evaluation was inadvertently mailed to the wrong patient. This resulted in the potential for misuse of Patient A's PHI. Findings:On February 6, 2014, at 10 a.m., the Information Privacy Officer (IPO) was interviewed. The IPO stated Patient B received a letter from the facility, and within that letter was an additional page containing Patient A's cardiology evaluation. On November 13, 2013, Patient B notified the facility of the error.A copy of the Patient A's "Cardiology Evaluation," sent to Patient B was reviewed. The evaluation report was two pages, and contained Patient A's name, date of birth, medical record number, and medical history information.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

Related Reports:

9 other violations reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: 087T11.01, 6QGX11.01, 8SW111.01, 950L11.01, EWFK11.01, GDIT11.01, GKSN11.01, I0NB11.01, N0EJ11.01