EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: Y2OF11.01, 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 protected health information (PHI) for one patient (Patient 1) when a different patient (Patient 2) was discharged home with a summary of his previous and current medical information. This failed practice resulted in the potential for emotional and financial harm to the patient.Findings:During an interview with the facility privacy officer (PO) on June 8, 2015, at 4 p.m., the PO stated Patients 1 and 2 were being treated at the Cancer Center during the same time period. The PO stated on April 29, 2015, Patient 2 was discharged home with paperwork provided by the clinic assistant that included a medical summary for Patient 1.The document that was given to patient 2 was reviewed on June 8, 2015. The document contained the following PHI for Patient 1:1. Name;2. Birthdate/Age;3. Name of specialty clinic he was seen in;4. Date seen in the clinic;5. Description of present illness;6. Allergies;7. Past medical/surgical history;8. Medications currently taking;9. Results of physical assessment/examination;10. Urinary symptoms flowsheet;11. Diagnoses; and,12. Plan for further care.Failure of the Cancer Center staff to verify documents were being given to the correct person resulted in unauthorized disclosure of PHI for Patient 1.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280

Related Reports:

1 other violation reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: GHGQ11.01