CA bill would allow hospital fines

A bill moving through the California Legislature would allow state regulators to fine hospitals $100,000 for providing improper patient care. The bill would be enacted in two steps. First, regulators could slap hospitals with a $25,000 fine for endangering patients by January 1. Second, regulators could pursue the $100,000 fine, taking into consideration the hospital's history of compliance. The bill, which is supported by the SEIU, California Medical Association and California Nurses Association, is a response to recent transplant center scandals, ongoing problems at King/Drew Medical Center and several serious problems at other hospitals. Lawmakers feel that regulators simply don't have enough options when it comes to punishing hospitals for lapses in care. Critics of the bill, including the California Hospital Association, say that while the bill is necessary, it needs to be debated more. The CHA also wants the bill to be part of an overhaul of California's hospital regulation system. Though the bill won't be passed before the legislature adjourns for the year, most lawmakers agree that it will become law sooner or later.

For more on the bill:
- read this article from the Los Angeles Times