SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOSPITALS FINED BY CALIFORNIA STATE OFFICIALS UNDER NEW LAW FOR CAUSING INJURY, DEATH, OR IMMEDIATE DANGER TO ITS PATIENTS
Under a state penalty program passed into law in January 2007 (Health and Safety Code section 1280.1), hospitals may be fined for cases of “immediate jeopardy” to a patient’s health. Since the law was enacted 15 months ago, several hospitals have been hit with penalties for their violations. Among these violations include cases where physicians hit patients with substantial and unnecessary amounts of forced during an angioplasty procedure, failing to ensure the safety in a mental health unit, putting patients and visitors at risk of infection from food-borne illnesses, and giving patients dosage exceeding the recommended amount. Under the law, a penalty of $25,000 is to be assessed for every violation found to have occurred.
A press release issued by the California Department of Public Health released the names of eleven hospitals that were fined just last month, including their specific violations:
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center—Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Failure to implement policies and adequately educate staff on the safe use of medications - Enloe Medical Center—Chico, Butte County
Failure to develop procedures for the safe use of medications
Failure to implement verification processes for intravenously administered narcotics - Kern Medical Center—Bakersfield, Kern County
Lack of quality assurance systems - Kindred Hospital Modesto—Modesto, Stanislaus County ($75,000 fine)
Failure implement corrective actions related to the safety of side rails
Failure to implement procedures to minimize adverse medication events
Failure to develop policies surrounding the accountability of controlled substances - Natividad Medical Center—Salinas, Monterey County
Failure to ensure the safety of a patient in a mental health unit. - Scripps Memorial Hospital—La Jolla, San Diego County
Failure to protect a patient’s right to considerate and respectful care - Sierra Vista Hospital, Inc.—Sacramento, Sacramento County
Failure to develop and implement procedures for safe use of medications - Universal Health Services of Rancho Springs (Southwest Healthcare Systems)—Murietta, Riverside County
Failure to ensure proper food controls, placing patients and visitors at risk for serious harm due to the potential growth of microorganisms and food borne illness - University of California, San Francisco Medical Center—San Francisco, San Francisco County
Failure to implement polices on safe distribution of medications and minimize adverse medication outcomes - Valley Care Medical Center—Pleasanton, Alameda County
Failure to ensure safe distribution and administration of medication - Washington Hospital—Fremont, Alameda County
Failure to implement polices on safe distribution of medications
The purpose of the fines is to deter hospitals from unsafe practices that may cause injury or death to its patients. According to a representative, the hospitals take the violations very seriously, not only for their monetary value, but also because they are made public. In addition, new laws may allow the California Health Department to increase fines to $50,000 per violation.
If you or a loved on has been injured in a medical malpractice in a California hospital, do not hesitate to take action now. During this difficult time, you need an experienced, tough attorney who will fight for your rights. Call the professionals at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free consultation.
