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 3, 2012. Also cited in 279 other reports.
Report ID: QE8Z11.01, California Department of Public Health
Reported Entity: EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER
Issue:
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Patient A's protected health information (PHI) was not faxed to the incorrect physician's office. This failure resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of Patient A's PHI, which created the potential for unauthorized use.Findings:On August 3, 2012, at 11:45 a.m., the Compliance Specialist was interviewed via the telephone, concerning a breach of PHI. The Specialist stated staff in a physician's office had given the incorrect fax number to facility staff. The facility staff faxed 37 pages which consisted of Patient A's discharge summary, laboratory results, endocrinology (glands, for example thyroid) results, urine studies, and the Emergency Department chart. These documents contained Patient A's name, date of birth, medical record number, facility account number, and laboratory tests.On August 3, 2012, the undated facility policy and procedure titled, "Faxing Protected Health Information," was reviewed. The policy indicated, "...Policy All Protected Health Information set or received by (facility name) shall be in a manner that protects against unauthorized disclosure of such records to third parties..."
Outcome:
Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Health & Safety Code 1280