Lynchburg, Va.-based Centra Health has begun an internal investigation into its former CEO after claims of inappropriate behavior were levied against him, CBS affiliate WDBJ 7 News reports.
Four things to know:
1. The health system leaders emailed staff March 12 indicating they plan to use a third party to investigate the allegations against former CEO E.W. Tibbs Jr.
"We are not able to comment directly on the lawsuit at this time, except to say that these are very serious allegations that require an appropriate level of due diligence. Centra operates under a strict code of conduct and we expect all members of our team to exemplify those high standards," a spokesperson for the health system said in a statement to the publication March 12.
2. Centra Health's response came after a lawsuit was filed against Mr. Tibbs March 11 by a former employee, Stephanie Hale. Ms. Hale, who filed a lawsuit against Centra Health, its executives and Mr. Tibbs on March 11, is seeking $10 million in damages, according to the Lansing State Journal.
3. Ms. Hale was hired as a licensed practical nurse at Centra Health in 2016. She alleged in the lawsuit she was wrongfully terminated after Mr. Tibbs stalked, sexually harassed and intimidated her, and that he later sexually assaulted and negligently injured her in 2017, the Lansing State Journal reports.
4. Mr. Tibbs resigned from the organization in October 2018. He was appointed CEO of Lansing, Mich.-based Sparrow Health System the following month. A Sparrow Health System spokesperson told the Lansing State Journal: "Sparrow leaders were informed this morning of the allegations. There is a meeting with leadership and the board at noon to discuss this matter."
To access the full report, click here.
Editor's note: This report was updated at 11:30 a.m. March 13 to include additional information.