Officials make case for Los Angeles hospital closure

California regulators laid out their case this week for closing Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital, arguing it continues to provide substandard care and is putting patients at risk. In a 32-page report, the California Department of Health Services cited findings from inspections between October 2004 and June 2007, that suggest the hospital hasn't made sure nurses are competent or that patients are protected from harm.

Incidents cited include the death of Edith Isabel Rodriguez, a 43-year-old woman who died on King/Harbor's emergency department's floor while being ignored by hospital staff. Los Angeles County, which runs the hospital, has asked county health officials to begin making closure plans just in case regulators succeed in getting the hospital's license revoked.

To find out more about the proposed closure:
- read this Los Angeles Times article

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