According to a news announcement, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has fined the Mad River Community Hospital, in the town of Arcata, for failure to follow its policies and procedures regarding radiation safety. This is the Mad River facility's first administrative penalty.

The administrative penalties in the announcement, $25,000, were issued to ten California facilities, including the Mad River facility. "Ensuring all Californians receive quality patient care is our top priority," said Dr. Mark Horton, director of CDPH, in the announcement. "We will continue to work with California hospitals to attain our shared goal of excellence in patient care."

According to the deficiency report on the CDPH website, a two-year old patient fell out of bed and complained of neck pain, and was given a computed topography (CT) scan. A CT tech's alleged failure to adhere to policies and procedures led to the boy having extensive ionizing radiation exposure, with 151 images taken in over an hour's time period.

In 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had signed legislation to raise administrative penalties for violations or deficiencies that placed immediate jeopardy to the health and safety of patients. The incidents reported by the CDPH in this announcement occurred prior to the enactment of the new law, which raises the fine for a first violation to $50,000.

The facilities must implement a plan of correction to prevent future incidents. The administrative penalty can be appealed by requesting a hearing within 10 calendar days of notification. If a hearing is requested, the penalties are to be paid if upheld following appeal. According to some reports, Mad River Community Hospital plans to appeal the penalty.

Source: CDPH

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