Oakland, Calif.-based Highland Health was fined by California state $39,187 for several quality-related incidents, CBS SF Bay Area reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. The hospital allegedly failed to:
- Control the climate in its decontamination room
- Present evidence that it cleaned its decontamination room or sterilization room
- Pre-clean soiled surgical instruments after use
- Clean closed containers for sterilizing equipment
- Follow infection control standards
2. The hospital allegedly also failed to implement a comprehensive quality assurance and safety program for endoscopy procedures.
3. Highland Health is an affiliate of Oakland-based Alameda Health System.
4. Alameda Health System issued a statement saying, "Alameda Health System is aware of the California Department of Public Health’s 2017 deficiency report and has addressed the findings. Patient health and safety are our top priority and as such, AHS took immediate action upon becoming aware of the issues CDPH presented. AHS has since taken the necessary steps to rectify the issues identified in the report."