Kaiser Permanente, California's leading healthcare provider, has settled for $49 million with state prosecutors regarding allegations of improper disposal of patient records, hazardous materials, and medical waste. The settlement comes after years of investigation into the organization's waste disposal practices, which revealed violations of California's Hazardous Waste Control Law and Medical Waste Management Act. In addition to facing fines, Kaiser will be required to retain an independent third-party auditor for five years to ensure compliance with state laws regarding hazardous materials disposal and patient privacy.

Photo of Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.

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