California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a comprehensive settlement with Quest Diagnostics, Inc., addressing allegations of improper disposal of hazardous waste, medical waste, and protected health information at its facilities across the state. As part of the resolution, Quest Diagnostics will pay nearly $5 million in penalties, costs, and environmental projects, accompanied by substantial operational changes at its California facilities. This settlement comes after collaborative efforts involving the district attorneys of Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Ventura, and Yolo Counties.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the severity of Quest Diagnostics’ actions, stating, “Quest Diagnostics’ illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste and patient information put families and communities at risk and endangered our environment.” The settlement reflects a collective commitment to holding corporations accountable for violations of state environmental and privacy laws. The district attorneys of various counties echoed this sentiment, with Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price highlighting the collaboration’s role in protecting residents against identity theft. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the scheme’s impact on public trust and environmental responsibility, stating, “This settlement serves as a reminder that the rule of law will always triumph over businesses that ignore public health and safety.”
The settlement aims to safeguard worker safety, human health, and patient data by imposing stringent measures on Quest Diagnostics. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer pointed out that this was not an isolated incident but a widespread violation across Quest Diagnostics laboratories in the state. The settlement aligns with the evolving health sector, demanding vigilance and robust cybersecurity and waste management practices within the healthcare sector.
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho highlighted the collaborative nature of the efforts, expressing gratitude for the joint work of the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit alongside prosecutors statewide. Ho emphasized, “Thanks to the joint efforts of our Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit and prosecutors across the state, the financial penalty and permanent injunction will deter Quest Diagnostics from violating hazardous waste, medical waste, and protected health information laws.” This acknowledgment emphasizes the collective commitment to consumer and environmental protection, with the financial penalty and injunction serving as crucial deterrents to prevent future violations. San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson also expressed his appreciation for Quest’s cooperation and recognized the settlement’s targeted approach to ensuring proper waste disposal. Anderson commented, “With judgments like these, we can ensure proper disposal of medical and hazardous waste, which protects the public and the environment while safeguarding the privacy of San Bernardino County residents.” His expression of gratitude reflects Quest’s proactive role in rectifying the violations and demonstrates the importance of adhering to waste disposal protocols for the benefit of both the community and the environment.
The settlement stems from over 30 inspections by district attorneys’ offices at Quest Diagnostics laboratories and Patient Service Centers statewide. The inspections revealed numerous violations, including improper disposal of hazardous waste, medical waste, and personal health information. Quest Diagnostics has since implemented a variety of changes to improve compliance with California law. The settlement includes a payment of $3,999,500 in civil penalties, $700,000 in costs, and $300,000 for a Supplemental Environmental Project to support environmental training and enforcement in California. Quest Diagnostics have also promised to maintain an environmental compliance program, hire a third-party waste auditor, and report annually on its progress, ensuring ongoing adherence to environmental and privacy laws.
