Blountstown, Fla.-based Calhoun Liberty Hospital has appointed Charles E. Durant its new CEO, according to a Tallahassee Democrat report.
Mr. Durant, who is equipped with more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, replaces interim CEO James Heitzenrater as per an agreement with Louisville, Ky.-based Alliant Management Services. Alliant took over the daily operations of Calhoun Liberty Hospital in March.
Mr. Heitzenrater took the helm of the troubled hospital following Ruth Attaway's seven-month stint as administrator and CEO. This change came mere days after Ms. Attaway fired two nurses and a paramedic for their handling of a case that turned fatal.
In December 2015, Calhoun Liberty Hospital drew national attention when Barbara Dawson, a 57-year-old woman, died after being forcibly removed from the hospital by police. The Agency for Health Care Administration conducted an investigation at the hospital which uncovered 10 deficiencies, including issues with its patient rights and care, emergency services and risk management program.
The AHCA filed a complaint leaving the hospital facing up to $56,500 in administrative fines. Late last month, the hospital reached a settlement agreement with the AHCA.
"Under the settlement agreement, the hospital has until April 3, 2017 to pay $14,500. The balance of the fine ($42,000) will be held in abeyance pending the continued implementation of Agency-directed quality assurance measures for two years," said Ms. Attaway in a statement.