In Brief: CDPH Moves To Decertify Facility; Sutter Health Names CEO For Health Plan
CDPH Moves To Decertify Residential Facility
The California Department of Public Health has taken action against another state agency, the Department of Developmental Services, by decertifying its Sonoma Developmental Center – the first step in disaqulifying it from participating in the Medi-Cal and Medicare programs.
According to the CDPH and public reports, the move was taken after reports of abuse against a dozen of the center's residents. Among the allegations were the use of tasers against residents, a staff member exposing himself to residents, and the failure to properly monitor a resident who ingested a non-food item.
According to the CDPH, the center has 290 residents, down from more than 500 earlier in the year.
“CDPH is committed to ensuring that patients in all hospitals in California receive quality care,” said CDPH Director Ron Chapman, M.D. “The actions we’re taking...are necessary to make sure that the Sonoma Developmental Center improves the quality of care that it is providing to its residents in the Intermediate Care Facility.”
The facility has the right to appeal the action and remain open while doing so, according to the CDPH.
Sutter Health Names CEO For Health Plan
Stephen Nolte has been named the chief executive officer of Sutter Health's new health plan.
Nolte was previously vice president for health and human services consulting for OptimumInsight, and provided consulting services for Sutter's health plan, which is scheduled to become operational in the Sacramento and Central Valley regions in 2014.
“I'm honored to accept this position with Sutter Health and look forward to further guiding the development of a locally run health plan that will provide consumers and employers with superb service and access to outstanding doctors and hospitals at competitive rates,” Nolte said.
Nolte has had three decades of experience working for various health plans and managed care organizations.
Centinela Hospital, CNA Enter Into Pact
Centinela Hospital Medical Center has reached a three-year labor agreement with the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United.
The agreement, which covers more than 500 nurses employed at the Inglewood hospital, includes the first employer-funded insurance coverage for needle stick and workplace violence, according to a statement issued by the hospital's owner, Ontario-based Prime Healthcare Services. The pact also includes preceptor pay to improve staff training and retention.
"As Prime Healthcare has stated repeatedly, we are willing to reach agreement with unions that bargain in good faith," said Mike Sarian, president of operations for Prime Healthcare Services. The reference is a tweak to the Service Employees International/United Healthcare Workers union, which has had a contentious relationship at several other hospitals owned by Prime.
