Torrance, Calif.-based Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, which is facing lawsuits related to a former orthopedic leader, has been placed on probation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, The Daily Breeze reported Nov. 3.
Three female physicians have sued Los Angeles County alleging that Harbor-UCLA Medical Center ignored complaints against Louis Kwong, MD. Dr. Kwong was put on administrative leave in 2022, and LA County hired a law firm.
The hospital and the county Department of Health Services didn't confirm to The Daily Breeze whether probation was related to those lawsuits.
Under probationary status, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center can operate current residency and fellowship programs, but it can't apply for accreditation of new programs, according to a hospital statement shared with Becker's. Leadership is working to resolve concerns, the statement said.
While the hospital didn't name Dr. Kwong directly, it said an investigation is making progress.
"Safeguarding patient care is our highest priority, which is why we immediately took steps to thoroughly investigate the allegations of misconduct by hiring an outside firm to lead an impartial and in-depth investigation," the statement said. "That investigation is coming to a close. Should the allegations be substantiated, appropriate corrective actions will be taken."