Hospitals that fail to report or address safety problems, including those that increase the risk of infections, rarely face serious repercussions, according to an article on the USA Today website.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center is under investigation by the D.C. health department for recent sewage leaks, although the problem has been going on for up to two years, the article said.
Two years ago, a state investigation found 13 violations of state and federal law in a Florida hospital's handling of a major sewage leak, including failure to assure the sewage was cleaned up properly and to conduct an infection control risk assessment.
Venice Regional Bayfront Health spent more than $28 million to repair and strengthen the infrastructure, equipment and technology but only paid a $4,000 penalty.
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