Nevada State To Receive $228,000 Settlement From Desert Springs Hospital And Medical Center

Main Category: Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Also Included In: MRI / PET / Ultrasound;  Breast Cancer
Article Date: 12 Dec 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Director Mike Willden today announced that the State Health Division has reached a settlement with Desert Springs Hospital and Medical Center of Las Vegas over problems with the facility's mammography program.

Desert Springs has agreed to pay a $228,000 administrative fine and will be subject to Health Division monitoring over the next year to ensure corrective actions have been implemented.

"The Health Division and its inspectors are working diligently to assure the people of Nevada that medical facilities are adhering to proper and standard practices, and that the state is willing to take action to address problems, when necessary," Willden said.

During an inspection performed by the State Heath Division's Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance, Radiological Health Section, several problems were found relating to the hospital's mammography program, particularly quality assurance and control, and proper maintenance of records.

The primary effect of these violations on patient care related to the quality of mammogram images. Since the problems were discovered, however, all 92 patients affected have been notified and have received additional screenings.

The Health Division notified Desert Springs on May 12, 2008 that it would be issuing a Notice of Intent to Deny Renewal of a Certificate based on its findings. A total of 228 violations were cited. The fine amounts to a $1,000 per violation penalty.

Nevada Dept of Health

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