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 April 17, 2014. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: LBPK11, 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, discharge instructions containing Patient A's information was given to Patient B. This failure resulted in an unauthorized person having access to Patient A's PHI and the potential misuse of the information. Findings:During an interview with the facility Information Privacy Officer (IPO) on April 17, 2014, at 11:15 a.m., the IPO stated Patient's A and B were seen in the Special Procedures Unit on the same day (February 27, 2014). The IPO stated Patient A's discharge paperwork was sitting on the printer when the nurse printed up Patient B's discharge instructions. When the nurse went to retrieve the paperwork, she picked up the entire stack, and stapled together. The IPO stated Patient B was given all the paperwork that contained both Patient A's and Patient B's discharge instructions. Patient B discovered the error, and returned Patient A's paperwork on the same day.A copy of the discharge instructions inadvertently given to Patient B was reviewed. The discharge instructions contained Patient A's name, special procedure performed, account and medical record numbers. The facility policy and procedure titled "HIPAA- Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information undated, indicated "It is the policy of ...(facility's name) that the confidentiality of Protected Health information in records and collected...will be protected to the fullest extent possible." The policy defines PHI as individually identifiable information. The policy indicated, "To protect the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality, at no time will names or information be shared with any person who does not have the need to know in order to provide patient care."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280