Kaiser suspends perinatologist over mistakes

Years after co-workers allegedly reported him to management for inappropriate behavior, Kaiser Permanente has announced that it has suspended high-risk perinatologist Dr. Hamid Safari. As of late last week, Dr. Safari no longer is permitted to provide care to Kaiser members in either hospitals or outpatient settings. Safari was in charge for at least two deliveries that raised questions among other staff members, including one in April 2005 where a baby died, and another in which the baby died six months after her January 2004 birth. In addition, the Medical Board of California has accused Safari of gross negligence.

Safari has been on restrictions since July 2005, after the second baby's death, when it barred him from performing vaginal deliveries and required him to be monitored by fellow clinicians. What may have been the final straw, however, came in January, when CMS inspectors challenged the way Kaiser had handled complaints about Dr. Safari. The Fresno hospital where he was based has said that it took further action "after detailed and comprehensive quality reviews."

To learn more about Safari's situation:
- read this Los Angeles Times piece

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