WHIDBEY: State files notice of potential fines against WhidbeyHealth for numerous deficiencies

Jessie Stensland reports on the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.

The state Department of Health filed a notice of intent to assess a civil fine of $22,400 against WhidbeyHealth Medical Center in Coupeville for failing to correct a series of deficiencies, according to a disciplinary news release sent out April 30.

A Feb. 27, 2025 notice states that the hospital “demonstrated an inability to correct numerous deficiencies” from May 2023 until January 2024.

Hospital officials have requested a hearing through the adjudication process to appeal the fines.

“WhidbeyHealth is currently in discussions with the Washington State Department of Health to resolve the matter,” hospital spokesperson Conor O’Brien said in an email.

Ed. Note: Here is a link to the Department of Health’s “Notice of Intent to Assess Civil Fines”. The findings of fact in that document are listed below. (Emphasis added.)

1. FINDINGS OF FACT

• 1.1 Respondent is an acute care hospital (HAC), located in Coupeville, Washington, licensed as Whidbey Island Public Hospital District (Whidbey Island), under chapters 70.41 RCW and 246-320 WAC, and was so licensed at all relevant times.
• 1.2 The Department of Health (Department) has conducted several investigations and revisits over the course of the last two (2) years. In that time, Whidbey Island has demonstrated an inability to correct numerous deficiencies, as illustrated in the multiple Statements of Deficiencies (SOD), which confirm approximately eight (8) repeat deficiencies.
• 1.3 On or about May 3, 2023, a Department surveyor began a complaint investigation survey of Whidbey Island. This survey was authorized as a result of complaints received in June and July 2022 (case nos. 2022-6887 and 2022-8313).
• 1.4 On or about May 3, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-171(1)(d), Whidbey Island was cited for failure to develop and implement corrective action plans for identified problems and monitor for sustained improvement.
  • A. On or about November 2, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.4, Whidbey Island was cited a second time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Low.”
• 1.5 On or about May 3, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-226(3)(f), Whidbey Island was cited for failure to monitor patient vital signs and cardiac rhythm after use of chemical restraints.
  • A. On or about July 28, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.5, Whidbey Island was cited a second time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, High.”
  • B. On or about September 15, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.5, Whidbey Island was cited a third time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Widespread, High.”
  • C. On or about November 2, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.5, Whidbey Island was cited a fourth time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Widespread, High.”
• 1.6 On or about May 3, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-226(3)(h), Whidbey Island was cited for failure to identify and implement processes to identify patients at high risk for elopement.
  • A. On or about November 2, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.6, Whidbey Island was cited a second time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Moderate.”
• 1.7 On or about May 3, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-281(4), Whidbey Island was issued two (2) citations for failure to develop policies and procedures to practice. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Moderate.”
  • A. On or about January 17, 2024, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.7, Whidbey Island was cited a third time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, High.”
• 1.8 On or about July 28, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-226(4)(c), Whidbey Island was issued two (2) citations for failure to ensure staff complete assessments according to accepted standards of practice. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Moderate.”
  • A. On or about September 15, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.8, Whidbey Island was cited a third time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Moderate.”
• 1.9 On or about July 28, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-226(5)(g), Whidbey Island was issued a citation for failure to ensure staff complete pain management assessments/reassessments.
  • A. On or about September 15, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.9, Whidbey Island was cited a second time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Moderate.”
  • B. On or about November 2, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.9, Whidbey Island was cited a third time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Widespread, Moderate.”
• 1.10 On or about July 28, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-226(5)(g), Whidbey Island was issued a citation for failure to complete timely comprehensive assessments in the ED. [Ed. Note: Emergency Department.]
  • A. On or about September 15, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.10, Whidbey Island was cited a second time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Moderate.”
  • B. On or about November 2, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.10, Whidbey Island was cited a third time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Widespread, Moderate.”
  • C. On or about January 17, 2024, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.10, Whidbey Island was cited a fourth time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Widespread, Moderate.”
• 1.11 On or about September 15, 2023, pursuant to WAC 246-320-136(9), Whidbey Island was issued a citation for failure to implement action plans and monitor for correction of previously cited deficiencies.
  • A. On or about November 2, 2023, pursuant to the WAC listed in Paragraph 1.11, Whidbey Island was cited a second time. The scope and severity of the repeat deficiencies were categorized as “Pattern, Moderate.”

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