California Issues Latest Round of Fines for Care Violations at Hospitals
On Monday, officials from the Department of Public Health announced fines of at least $25,000 against 18 California hospitals for patient care lapses, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports (Hines, Riverside Press-Enterprise, 8/18).
Under a 2007 state law, hospitals must notify state regulators of preventable medical errors. After investigating such errors, regulators can fine hospitals up to $25,000 for each case and require hospitals to take corrective action (Kleffman, Contra Costa Times, 8/18).
Monday's announcement marked the fourth round of fines under the law. Including the most recent fines, DPH has issued 61 penalties to 42 hospitals since the law took effect.
The Los Angeles Times lists each of the 18 hospitals fined on Monday and highlights the alleged violations (Vara-Orta, Los Angeles Times, 8/19).