David Di Pietro, chairman of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health, sent a systemwide email Wednesday encouraging employees to report any wrongdoing to investigative agencies, according to the Sun Sentinel. The public health system is currently at the center of two investigations, both of which started after CEO Nabil El Sanadi, MD, committed suicide last month.
"In recent days, it has come to my attention that some of you may feel concerned or afraid to come forward with information pertaining to rules or ethics violations, including reports to governmental agencies and law enforcement," Mr. Di Pietro wrote in his email to Broward Health's 8,000 employees. "You are not required to tell your supervisor or anyone at Broward Health before or after you make any report whatsoever."
Mr. Di Pietro sent the email in response to a letter he received Tuesday from Florida's Chief Inspector General, Melinda Miguel. Ms. Miguel is reviewing contracts awarded by Broward, as a separate federal probe is ongoing. Her letter cited concerns about why a lawyer from a firm hired by the health system board was trying to attend interviews investigators were conducting with Broward Health employees.
"In addition, I request that Broward Health take no official or unofficial action that could be construed as adverse personnel or retaliatory action against any person participating in this review," she wrote, according to the report. "I am also requesting that employees of Broward Health be advised they may contact the Office of the Chief Inspector General directly without fear of adverse personnel or retaliatory action."
The board enlisted the Berger Singerman law firm of Fort Lauderdale to support its audit committee throughout the duration of both the state and federal investigations. Wayne Black, an outside private investigator hired by Dr. El Sanadi to probe potential corruption at the North Broward Hospital District, had earlier accused a different law firm hired by Broward Health of improperly trying to obtain the identities of Broward Health employees communicating with the FBI. Berger Singerman attorneys have also sought the identities of employees talking to investigators.
However, the law firm maintains the information it is seeking is legitimate and aims to help lawyers stay informed so they can relay information to the board.
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