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Florida Hospital Settles Case Involving Patient Dumping Allegation

On December 16, 2019, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center (FHHMC), Sebring, Florida, entered into a $35,000 settlement agreement with OIG. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that, based on OIG's investigation, FHHMC violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) when it failed to provide an adequate medical screening examination and stabilizing treatment for an almost 18-year-old male. On January 30, 2015, the patient presented to FHHMC's Emergency Department (ED) complaining of left testicular pain and swelling for the past three days and rated his pain as a 5 out of ten. His scrotum was swollen and tender. After an examination by an ED physician, the patient was discharged with instructions to follow up with a pediatric urologist. The patient was not seen or evaluated by the on-call urologist before being discharged. OIG alleged that the patient did not receive an appropriate medical screening examination or stabilizing treatment for his emergency medical condition. Senior Counsel Sandra Sands represented OIG.

Action Details

  • Date:December 16, 2019
  • Enforcement Types:
    • CMP and Affirmative Exclusions