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.
The notice states that the Department of Health conducted several investigations and revisits over the course of two years. The department received two complaints in 2022 and a surveyor began an investigation in May 2023.
The most serious of the deficiencies, described as “widespread” in scope and “high” in severity, were four instances in which the hospital was cited for failing to monitor patient vitals signs and cardiac rhythm after the use of chemical restraints on patients.
In May 2023 and again in January 2024, the hospital was cited for failing to develop policies and procedures to direct care of emergency department patients “according to accepted standards of practice.”
In July, September and November 2023, the hospital was issued citations for failing to ensure staff completed pain management assessments or reassessments.
In July, September and November 2023 and January 2024, the hospital was cited for failing to complete timely comprehensive assessments of patients in the emergency department.
In May and November 2023, the hospital was cited for failing to develop and implement corrective action plans for identified problems and monitor for sustained improvement.
In May and November 2023, the hospital was cited for failing to identify and implement processes to identify patients at high risk of elopement, which is when a patient leaves the facility without authorization.
In July and September 2023, the hospital was cited for failing to ensure staff completed assessments according to accepted standards of practice.
In September and November 2023, the hospital was cited for failing to implement actions plans and monitor corrections of previously cited deficiencies.
The notice states that the hospital’s “failure or refusal to comply with” state law provides grounds for the secretary of the Department of Health to assess monetary penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, not to exceed $1 million.
The hospital has the right to contest the fines by requesting an adjudicative proceeding. The Department of Health news release states that the hospital has requested a hearing and that the public will be updated as the process goes forward.
