Leaders at Sonoma West Medical Center in Sebastopol, Calif., reportedly did not inform the Palm Drive Health Care District board of directors they shut down the hospital's toxicology program for at least one month following the closure, according to the Sonoma West Times & News.
Hospital leadership suspended the facility's toxicology program Feb. 26 after receiving a letter from insurer Anthem claiming SWMC was involved in a lab testing scheme. However, leaders reportedly did not inform PDHCD or the public of the program's suspension for roughly one month, the report states. PDHCD owns the facility occupied and leased by SWMC, a separate nonprofit entity.
PDHCD Board Member Jim Horn told the publication he attended four board meetings after the toxicology program was suspended Feb. 26. He said no SWMC executive or district official ever mentioned the program's suspension during any of the four meetings.
Mr. Horn said he received an email March 29 canceling two board meetings typically scheduled for the first Monday of the month. Two special board meetings were announced the same day, one of which was open to the public. However, following public requests to learn more about the toxicology program's closure, officials declined to provide any answers, according to the report.
To access the report, click here.