FPPC complaints have been filed against San Bernardino County Supervisors Josie Gonzales and Paul Biane as well as former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer. The complaints all allege that these three individuals, along with countless other politicians and department managers, have been the recipients of free medical services at the county’s hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), and have failed to report the gifts on their Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700).
VIPs, as they are known at the county-run hospital, routinely have medical treatment arranged for them free of charge at the ARMC at taxpayer expense. Often, in order to hide the free treatment, no computer records or medical charts are created. VIPs, if being treated in the emergency room, are moved ahead of even critically ill patients.
Although it is expected that ARMC CEO Patrick Petre will deny the free treatment, countless employees at ARMC have been involved, and if questioned where they don’t fear retaliation, will come forward to confirm this abuse of taxpayer dollars.
We shall see if the FPPC does the right thing and pursues this matter, perhaps with a referral to the Attorney General’s office, or if they chose to sweep it under the rug. When it comes to San Bernardino County, we all know what to expect.
So now we know why Josie has been so quiet for such a long time.
NO wonder they are so hesitant to become aggressive with certain issues.
Can’t be a finger pointer when your dirty.
I have heard by former and presently employed physicians that ARMC head honcos’ have said they “have three of the Board of supervisors in their pockets”. This explains why all the huge contracts for care are awarded to the same groups and medical companies. It is true, Gonzalez and Uffer have recieved free surgeries and services at ARMC. They have used assumed names in order to hide these free services. I guess it is kinda like their own version of Obama Care. At the expense of all of the good citizens of San Bernardino. We the people, should clean house. Starting with Biane.
Interesting. As the article says, it’s just complaint, which is all the fppc can deal with. But it does put the content of the complaint on the public record and makes it reportable by media, and easier to act on by investigative bodies.
This is patently untrue. All medical visits were billed to their insurance, same as they would be for you and me. I don’t know where this rumor came from, but it’s absolutely not true.
Countydrone, if you think that what is being stated in this blog is a lie in regards to the free medical care at ARMC then you are only fooling your self. You need to start asking questions of employees of ARMC. Start in the ER, work your way through the lab, the clinics, and several other places in the hospital. Please…it is no secret around there.