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CA AG Settles Kaiser for $49M Over Illegal Waste, PHI Disposal

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation HospitalsSeptember 8, 2023California Attorney General

Penalty Amount

$49,000,000

Summary

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a $49 million settlement with Kaiser for illegally disposing of hazardous waste, medical waste, and protected patient information at facilities statewide. The settlement resolves allegations of violations under health privacy and environmental laws, requiring Kaiser to pay penalties, implement compliance measures, and undergo independent audits.

Remedy

Kaiser must pay $49 million in civil penalties, attorneys' fees, and supplemental environmental projects; retain an independent third-party auditor to conduct at least 520 trash compactor audits and 40 annual programmatic audits for five years; and implement enhanced environmental compliance measures at its California facilities.

Monetary PenaltyAudit RequirementCompliance Program

Laws Cited

California Hazardous Waste Control LawCalifornia Medical Waste Management ActCalifornia Confidentiality of Medical Information ActCalifornia Customer Records LawCalifornia Unfair Competition LawHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Violation Types

Entity Details

Entity

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals

Also known as: Kaiser

Industry

Healthcare

Official Sources

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