Loma Linda UMC to pay $7.5M following waste management and privacy violations.

Loma Linda University Health has agreed to pay $7.5 million and implement compliance measures to resolve allegations that it improperly disposed of hazardous waste, medical waste, and protected patient confidential information and records. 

With the settlement between the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, the District Attorney of Riverside County, and Loma Linda University Health Care, which was followed by $6.75 million in civil penalties, $500,000 to reimburse investigative and enforcement costs, and $250,000 to fund environmental projects that benefit California communities. 

According to Towards Healthcare, the U.S. medical waste management market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 12.49 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 25.38 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.20% from 2026 to 2035. Growth is driven by the rising patient volume, aging demographic, and higher prevalence of chronic diseases, which have caused a spike in diagnostic tests and routine treatment, with expanding home health care and outpatient clinics, which have amplified daily consumption of disposable products like syringes, gloves, and masks. 

Immediate corrective actions were implemented to address the issue. 

According to the statement of Loma Linda University Health acknowledges the complaint filed by the District Attorneys of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties regarding waste disposal practices at certain facilities. With awareness and concerns related to the appropriateness of disposal practices, there were instances in which certain materials were placed in landfill-bound containers that did not fully align with established disposal requirements or internal policies. 

He also stated that once the issue was identified, immediate corrective actions were taken, including conducting comprehensive reviews of waste management practices across our facilities, strengthening oversight, and implementing enhanced, mandatory training for employees and physicians focused on correct waste segregation and disposal. 

Robust compliance program 

According to the Riverside District Attorney's Office, the settlement also requires the health system to maintain and enhance a comprehensive compliance program. A $1 million penalty will remain suspended for five years and may be imposed if the health system fails to spend at least $3 million on required compliance measures. 

A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the ​​U.S. medical waste management market is witnessing growth due to the rise of urgent care centers, ambulatory surgical facilities, and home healthcare, which is driving demand for flexible, regionalized waste collection and transport networks. Disposal of unused, expired, or hazardous pharmaceutical waste is one of the fastest-growing segments, fueled by tightening environmental laws regarding water contamination.