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 August 6, 2013. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: 5L6R11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure that Patient A's Protected Health Information (PHI) 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 August 6, 2016, at 1:30 p.m., an interview was conducted with the compliance officer. The compliance officer stated the hospital became aware of the breach on November 4, 2011. On November 3, 2011, the lab attempted to fax Patient A's laboratory results to the Diagnostic Center, but instead sent the results to the Desert Cancer Center in error. The Diagnostic Center was looking for the results and called the lab to find out the status of the results. The lab investigated and figured out that Patient A's lab results were sent to the wrong place, as a result of a laboratory staff member entering the wrong fax number. The staff member failed to verify the fax number was correct prior to sending the protective health information via fax. The facility's policy and procedure titled, "Information Privacy," was reviewed. The policy indicated the hospital, "will take all necessary steps to avoid unauthorized or unlawful access, use or disclosure of protected health information..."The facility's policy and procedure titled, "HIPPA Compliance in the Laboratory," was reviewed. The policy indicated, "All laboratory staff members must abide by the standards set forth by the EMC Compliance Program...It is the responsibility of all employees to protect the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality..." The facility's policy and procedure titled, "HIPPA-Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information," was reviewed. The policy indicated, "It is the policy of [name of hospital] that the confidentiality of Protected Health Information contained in records and collected pursuant to treatment will be protected to the fullest extent possible. To maintain this confidentiality EMC staff may not disseminate PHI..."The facility failed to ensure Patient A's Protected Health Information was not disclosed to any entity not authorized to receive the information.
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280