Hospital Pays $8M for Waste & Data Breach

Loma Linda University Health has agreed to pay a settlement of nearly $8 million due to allegations of improperly disposing of hazardous waste and confidential medical records. This civil action lawsuit was initiated in April 2022, following an extensive investigation into waste management practices across the health system's facilities.

Investigators discovered that regulated waste, including hazardous pharmaceuticals and documents containing protected health information, was frequently placed in regular trash containers destined for landfills. These findings prompted legal action to address the violations.

The settlement includes $6.75 million in civil penalties, $500,000 for investigative costs, and $250,000 for environmental projects. A portion of the original settlement was suspended, contingent upon the health system adhering to compliance measures.

Loma Linda University Health is now subject to a permanent injunction to prevent future breaches of hazardous waste and medical record protection laws. The organization stated that it has implemented significant corrective actions, including overhauling waste management programs and enhancing employee training.

The health system acknowledged issues with disposal practices and assured that immediate steps were taken to rectify the situation. This includes comprehensive reviews, strengthened oversight, and mandatory training for staff and physicians on proper waste segregation and disposal.