2024 fines and issues related to PCREE
In 2024, several significant fines were imposed related to electrical safety in patient care settings:
1. Philips Respironics Recall and Settlement:
In January 2024, Philips agreed to halt the sale of new sleep apnea devices in the United States as part of an agreement with the FDA. This decision followed a 2021 recall of ventilators, BiPAP, and CPAP machines due to potential health risks from degrading sound-dampening foam. The recall affected approximately 3 to 4 million devices, leading to a supply chain crisis. Subsequently, in October 2022, multiple lawsuits were consolidated into a class-action lawsuit, which Philips settled in September 2023 for at least $479 million. The agreement to halt sales in 2024 was part of ongoing corrective actions to address safety concerns.
2. Jacksonville Long-Term Care Facilities Fines:
In the last quarter of 2024, three long-term care facilities in Jacksonville, Illinois, were fined for various violations:
The Grove Health & Rehab Center: Fined $52,200 for multiple violations, including failing to ensure personal-use items were within reach, leading to a resident's fall and serious injuries; improper medication management resulting in multiple seizures for a resident; and not preventing significant weight loss in a resident.
Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehab: Fined $4,400 for two violations, including not providing necessary oxygen to residents, resulting in one needing emergency care
Arcadia Care Jacksonville: Fined $2,200 for inadequate response to call-light systems, leading to patients' distress.
While these fines were not exclusively related to electrical equipment, they highlight the importance of comprehensive safety protocols in patient care environments.
3. OSHA Penalties for Electrical Safety Violations:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established penalties for workplace safety violations, including those related to electrical hazards. As of January 2025, the maximum penalties are:
Serious or Other-Than-Serious Posting Requirements: Up to $16,550 per violation.
Failure to Abate: $16,550 per day beyond the abatement date.
Willful or Repeated Violations: Up to $165,514 per violation.
These penalties underscore the critical importance of adhering to electrical safety standards to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
These incidents and regulatory measures emphasize the necessity for stringent compliance with electrical safety protocols in healthcare settings to ensure the well-being of patients and staff.