Kaiser Physician Oversight Continues To Find Criticism
Kaiser Permanente's review of patient and staff complaints against a specialist at a Kaiser birthing center in Fresno strongly contributed to the Department of Managed Health Care's decision to levy a record $3 million fine against Kaiser in August, according to a Los Angeles Times investigation.
In 2002, a physician review committee first raised concerns about the performance of a perinatologist at Kaiser's Fresno facility. Perinatologists are specialists trained to address complicated pregnancy and childbirth situations.
Lawsuits brought by other Kaiser staff members and arbitration agreements between Kaiser and several members also faulted the performance of the perinatologist.
The doctor continues to practice at the facility under supervision, but the California Medical Board is considering whether to revoke or suspend his license because of allegations of gross negligence (Ornstein, Los Angeles Times, 10/16).
