California HMO regulators are expected to fine Kaiser Permanente $2 million for endangering patients in its now infamous sub-standard kidney transplant center. Kaiser closed the center in May after a series of reports identified serious problems with its program. Fallout from the incident continues, as patients are still being relocated to other hospitals. The problems at Kaiser's transplant center kicked off a nationwide examination of the country's transplant system. An unidentified source told the Los Angeles Times that in addition to the $2 million fine, Kaiser will also have to pay an $3 million for outreach programs to encourage organ donation. The $2 million fine is the largest ever charged by the California Department of Managed Health Care.
- read this Los Angeles Times article