Loma Linda University Health and affiliated companies have agreed to pay a $7.5 million judgment to settle allegations of improper disposal of hazardous waste, medical waste and protected patient information, authorities announced Wednesday, June 3.
The parties “have agreed to resolve allegations that the healthcare provider unlawfully disposed of hazardous waste, medical waste and protected health information at Loma Linda facilities in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties,” according to a statement from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, which investigated the case alongside the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
The settlement was the result of a multi-year investigation that began in April 2022, Riverside county prosecutors said.
“Investigators found numerous instances in which regulated waste was improperly disposed of regular trash containers destined for municipal landfills,” Riverside District Attorney’s officials said in a written statement. “Items discovered during waste inspections included hazardous pharmaceutical waste, batteries, aerosol cans, medical waste, and documents containing protected health information.”
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Alexander said protecting public health and safety “is one of our highest priorities.”
“The unlawful disposal of hazardous waste, medical waste, and confidential patient information poses real risks to residents, and our office is committed to holding organizations accountable when these violations occur,” he said.
Under the agreement, Loma Linda officials also agreed to make changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, prosecutors said.
Immediate corrective actions were taken
Representatives of Loma Linda University Health said the organization worked alongside county officials to resolve the issues.
“Loma Linda University Health acknowledges the complaint filed by the District Attorneys of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties regarding waste disposal practices at certain facilities,” according to a LLUH statement.
“LLUH became aware of concerns related to the appropriateness of disposal practices, including instances in which certain materials placed in landfill-bound containers did not fully align with established disposal requirements or internal policies,” the statement said. “Once this issue was identified, immediate corrective actions were taken, including conducting comprehensive reviews of waste management practices across our facilities, strengthening oversight, and implementing enhanced, mandatory training for employees and physicians focused on correct waste segregation and disposal.”
Representatives added that LLUH “cooperated fully throughout the investigation and engaged constructively with the District Attorneys’ offices to reach a resolution, which is reflected in the stipulated judgment the District Attorneys’ offices and LLUH have filed.”
“Loma Linda University Health is committed to the health, safety, and trust of the patients and communities we serve,” the statement said. “We will continue to evaluate and enhance our processes to ensure adherence to these obligations while focusing on our mission and continued service to the community.”
‘Comprehensive compliance program’
The $7.5 millions settlement includes $6.75 million in civil penalties, $500,000 to reimburse investigative costs and $250,000 to fund environmental projects, officials said.
“The settlement also requires the health system to maintain and enhance a comprehensive compliance program,” according to the Riverside District Attorney’s Office statement. “A $1 million penalty will remain suspended for five years and may be imposed if the health system fails to spend at least $3 million on required compliance measures.”
Alexander commended Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Weissman, “whose years of dedication and expertise were instrumental in this case. Her work, along with that of our Consumer Environmental Protection Unit, helps ensure San Bernardino County residents are protected and that Loma Linda’s policies are strengthened moving forward.”
Despite the settlement, Alexander said Loma Linda remained an “excellent partner,” particularly with respect to pediatric care.
“We appreciate their cooperation with the District Attorney’s offices throughout the investigation,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Loma Linda UMC to pay $7.5M for improper disposal of waste, patient data
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
