California hospitals fined for putting patients at risk

California health officials have fined 13 hospitals for placing patients at risk of serious injury or death. The fines marked the third time the California Department of Public Health has disciplined hospitals since a 2007 state law went into effect that grants the agency the authority to fine facilities for placing patients in serious jeopardy. Each fine was $25,000, and experts expect the high-profile fines to pressure hospitals to improve patient safety.