State officials have fined nine California hospitals for medical errors last year that in some cases killed or seriously injured patients, according to a report. California Department of Public Health officials have required hospital officials—who may appeal the fines—to submit plans to correct the problems. The state has issued 156 fines since they were first required by law in January 2007, said Kathleen Billingsley, deputy director of the department's Center for Health Care Quality. In all, 108 hospitals have been fined $4.8 million.
