Dallas-based Parkland Health & Hospital System missed a deadline to pay the state of Texas $750,000 of a total $1 million fine for deficiencies in patient care. The payment has since been made, but its tardiness may result in a $10,000 penalty to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Debbie Branson, chair of the Parkland Board of Managers, said in a statement that missing the deadline was inexcusable. “The Parkland staff has taken steps to adjust its processes to avoid problems of this nature in the future,” she said.
Parkland had set up a wire transfer for the money, but the person responsible for sending it out resigned before it was sent, according to reports.
When the State originally issued the $1 million fine for unsafe patient conditions, Parkland was given 30 days to pay $750,000, with the possibility of not paying the remainder if it became compliant with regulations. The hospital has been making strides in this area. However, due to the payment delay, the state may ask Parkland to pony up the remaining $250,000.
