Loma Linda University Health agrees to pay nearly $8 million settlement for improper disposal of hazardous waste, medical records

June 4, 2026 - 11:30

Loma Linda University Health has agreed to a nearly $8 million settlement following a multi-year investigation by Riverside and San Bernardino County officials. The investigation uncovered that the medical center improperly disposed of hazardous waste and sensitive patient medical records.

The settlement resolves a civil lawsuit filed by both counties. According to court documents, investigators found that the health system failed to follow state and federal regulations regarding the disposal of biohazardous materials, including sharps, pharmaceutical waste, and other infectious items. In addition, the probe revealed that confidential medical records were discarded in a manner that could have exposed patient information.

Under the terms of the settlement, Loma Linda University Health will pay $7.9 million. The funds will be distributed between the two counties and the state of California. The health system also agreed to implement new compliance measures and undergo regular audits to ensure proper waste handling and record destruction in the future.

A spokesperson for the health system stated that the organization takes full responsibility for the violations and has already taken steps to correct its procedures. The settlement does not include an admission of liability, but officials acknowledged that the oversight was a serious failure in their operations.

County officials emphasized that the case highlights the importance of protecting both public health and patient privacy. They noted that improper disposal of medical waste can expose workers and the public to dangerous pathogens, while mishandled records put individuals at risk for identity theft.

The settlement is one of the largest of its kind in the region. The investigation began after routine inspections raised red flags about how the facility was managing its waste streams and document destruction protocols.