California Issues Administrative Penalties to 18 Hospitals
Eighteen California hospitals have been assessed administrative penalties of $25,000 per incident from the state after a determination that the facilities' noncompliance with requirements of licensure has caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury or death to patients, the California Department of Public Health announced.
"Ensuring all Californians receive quality patient care is our top priority," said Kathleen Billingsley, deputy director of the Center for Health Care Quality at the California Department of Public Health. "We will continue to work with California hospitals to ensure our shared goal of excellence in patient care."
Facilities can appeal administrative penalties by requesting a hearing within 10 calendar days of notification. If a hearing is requested, penalties are to be paid if upheld following appeal. In addition to the penalties, the facility is required to implement a plan of correction to prevent future incidents.
Further information about the administrative penalties, including each facility's deficiency report and frequently asked questions, is available at http://cdphinternet/certlic/facilities/Pages/Counties.aspx.