UCLA Will Pay $243.5M to Settle Sexual Abuse Suit

In addition to the settlement, the UC system said it has issued new directives to prevent, detect and address sexual misconduct.

The University of California Board of Regents has agreed to pay $243.5 million to settle 203 lawsuits filed by women who were sexually abused by disgraced former UCLA gynecologist James Heaps.

"The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to the university’s values," the Regents said in a statement to the media. "We express our gratitude to the brave individuals who came forward, and hope this settlement is one step toward providing healing and closure for the plaintiffs involved."

In addition to the settlement, the UC system said it has issued new directives to prevent, detect and address sexual misconduct, including:

• Increasing the resources and staffing of Title IX within UCLA Health; 
   
• Developing an interdisciplinary team, including Title IX, to coordinate effective and timely responses to reports of sexual misconduct in the clinical setting;
   
• Expanding training for employees in order to recognize and report sexual violence and sexual harassment;
   
• Updating and enhancing chaperone policies for sensitive exams and procedures, including the expanded use of chaperones in clinical settings and the rotation of chaperones between clinicians; 
   
• Strengthening patient feedback mechanisms; and
   
• Instituting rigorous pre-hiring and credentialing protocols 

"In light of this settlement and these changes at UCLA, we reiterate our ongoing commitment to never tolerate sexual violence or harassment in any form," the Regents said. "Allegations of sexual misconduct by any healthcare provider will be promptly addressed, and appropriate actions will be taken to ensure our patients are safe, protected and respected."