California fined Kaiser Permanente for slow complaint responses

California regulators fined Kaiser Permanente $819,500 for failing to address member complaints promptly, impacting patient care. The Department of Managed Health Care cited Kaiser for delayed responses in 61 cases, violating regulations requiring timely acknowledgement and resolution of grievances. These delays included failing to acknowledge complaints within five days and resolve them within 30. The regulator emphasized the importance of a responsive grievance system for patient rights, encouraging members to file complaints and appeal decisions if needed.