Las Vegas-based Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center must pay $145,402 in back wages for 23 employees, along with a $19,090 labor violation penalty, according to a June 8 news release from the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
After a federal investigation, the division cited the employer for failing to maintain accurate records of employees' hours worked. The department found Centennial Hills required workers to complete necessary paperwork after their daily shifts ended without pay. The hospital also manipulated employee time cards to avoid paying overtime, reports the labor department.
The hospital violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to pay staff for all hours worked.
Centennial Hills is a subsidiary of King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services.
"When we became aware of these allegations, we conducted an investigation and determined these infractions were limited to a single department relating to one manager who did not comply with established hospital policies and procedures governing proper timekeeping protocols," Gretchen Papez, director of public relations and media, said in a statement emailed to Becker's. "We addressed the situation; disciplinary action was taken and additional training was provided. We mutually agreed with the Department of Labor on amounts to be paid. The issues which formed the basis of this matter occurred almost a year ago. We are unaware of any ongoing or continuing issues.
"We deny any willful manipulation of timecards and were never notified by the Department of Labor of any such finding. We are committed to complying with wage and hour laws and properly compensating our employees for time worked. Our employees are our most valued asset and the key component to delivering the highest quality care and treatment to our patients."