Federal investigators examining Cedars-Sinai Health System have found potential violations of anti-discrimination laws in its treatment of Black pregnant patients, according to a “letter of concern” from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
“Our investigation has uncovered evidence that Cedars-Sinai may have engaged in a pattern of inaction and/or neglect concerning the health risks associated with Black maternity patients,” stated the OCR in its letter dated Nov. 12.
The federal review, ongoing for more than two years, has not yet reached any final conclusions. However, preliminary findings suggest that Black patients may have received a lower standard of care than their white counterparts, particularly in cases involving obstetric hemorrhage.
The OCR recommended several measures for Cedars-Sinai to ensure compliance with federal laws, noting that such steps could facilitate a voluntary resolution and suspend further investigation.
