Nine California hospitals have been assessed administrative penalties after the California Department of Public Health determined that the facilities’ noncompliance with licensing requirements has caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury or death to patients.
The hospitals were penalized under legislation that took effect January 1, 2009, which increased fines for patient safety incidents that occurred in 2009 or later. Under the new provisions, an administrative penalty carries a fine of $50,000 for the first violation, $75,000 for the second, and $100,000 for the third or subsequent violation at the same hospital.
The following hospitals received penalties:
- Alameda County Medical Center, Oakland, Calif. The hospital failed to implement its established policies and procedures for the safe distribution and administration of medication. This is the second administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $75,000.
- Hi-Desert Medical Center, Joshua Tree, Calif. The hospital failed to ensure the health and safety of a patient when the hospital did not follow its surgical policies and procedures. This is the first administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $50,000.
- Marin General Hospital, Greenbrae, Calif. The hospital failed to ensure the health and safety of a patient when the hospital did not follow its surgical policies and procedures. This is the first administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $50,000.
- Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, Mission Viejo, Calif. The hospital failed to implement its established policies and procedures for the safe distribution and administration of medication. This is the first administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $50,000.
- Parkview Community Hospital, Riverside, Calif. The hospital failed to ensure the health and safety of a patient when the hospital did not follow its informed consent and surgical policies and procedures. This is the first administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $50,000.
- Pomerado Hospital, Poway, Calif. The hospital failed to ensure the health and safety of a patient when the hospital did not follow its policies and procedures for fall prevention. This is the second administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $50,000.
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, Calif. The hospital failed to implement its established policies and procedures for the safe and effective administration of medication. This is the first administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $50,000.
- Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, Calif. The hospital failed to ensure the health and safety of a patient when the hospital did not follow its surgical policies and procedures. This is the third administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $50,000.
- Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, Calif. The hospital failed to ensure the health and safety of a patient when the hospital did not follow its surgical policies and procedures for equipment cleaning. This is the fourth administrative penalty issued to this hospital. The penalty = $75,000.
- Tri-City Medical Center, Oceanside, Calif. The hospital failed to ensure the health and safety of a patient when the hospital did not follow its surgical policies and procedures. This is the second administrative penalty issued to this facility. The penalty = $50,000.
When hospitals receive CDPH survey findings, they are required to submit to the department a plan of correction to prevent future incidents. The penalized hospitals can appeal an administrative penalty by requesting a hearing within 10 calendar days of notification. If a hearing is requested, the penalties are to be paid if upheld following appeal.