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 violations of California’s Health and Safety Code relating to medical privacy during an inspection that began on September 8, 2014. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: UITE11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of medical information for one patient (Patient 1) when her home medications were sent home with a different patient (Patient 2). This failed practice resulted in the potential for financial and emotional harm to patient 1.Findings:During an interview with the facility Privacy Officer (PO) on September 8, 2014, at 3:20 p.m., the PO stated Patient 1 was admitted to the facility as an outpatient in August 2014. The PO stated during the outpatient stay, Patient 1's family member brought her home medications to the facility and gave them to the nurse caring for the patient (RN 1). The PO stated the nurse documented and reconciled all of the medications, then gave them back to the family member to take home. According to the PO, the family member wanted the medications to stay at the facility, so the nurse placed them in a cupboard in the patient's room. The PO stated Patient 1 then became an inpatient, and was transferred to a different room.According to the PO, a different patient (Patient 2) was admitted as an outpatient to the room, and then became an inpatient and was transferred to a different room. The PO stated when Patient 2 was discharged home from the facility, the home medications for Patient 1 were found in her belongings bag that were sent home with her from the facility.A review of Patient 1's medications that were sent home with Patient 2 indicated they included the following medication bottles, with Patient 1's name, the medication name, the physician's name, and instructions for taking the medications:1. Norco (a narcotic pain medication), 160 tablets;2. Hydroxyzine (to treat anxiety), 45 tablets;3. Lorazepam (a narcotic used to treat anxiety), 107 tablets;4. Estradiol (for symptoms of menopause), 31 tablets;5. Duloxetine (an antidepressant), 12 tablets;6. Lasix (a water pill), 9 tablets;7. Diphen/Atropine (to treat diarrhea), 61 tablets;8. Alprazolam (a narcotic used to treat anxiety), 17 tablets;9. Potassium Chloride (to replace potassium), 19 tablets;10. Ketoprofen cream (to treat pain), 1 bottle;11. Potassium Gluconate (a potassium supplement), 23 tablets;12. Bupropion (an antidepressant), 20 tablets;13. Zolpidem (a sedative/hypnotic for sleeping), 24 tablets;14. D3 (to aid in calcium absorption), 11 tablets;15. Spiriva (a breathing treatment), 29 doses;16. Carisoprodol (a muscle relaxer), 27 tablets;17. Prochlorperazine (to treat anxiety), 34 tablets; and,18. Trazadone (an antidepressant), 10 tablets.Failure of the staff to verify the identity of Patient 2 before placing Patient 1's home medications in her belongings bag at discharge resulted in Patient 2 being sent home with Patient 1's medications, and disclosure of Patient 1's medical information to unauthorized persons.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280