NewsNBC Bay Area — Local NewsJune 30, 2026United States
Psychiatrist Sues Kaiser Permanente Alleging Discrimination and Patient Mistreatment
Dr. Pachida Lo, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente, has filed a lawsuit alleging systemic racism, workplace discrimination, and the mistreatment of psychiatric patients at the South Sacramento emergency department. The lawsuit claims that staff used derogatory language, improperly involved law enforcement in patient care, and violated patient rights regarding involuntary holds and medication consent.
Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The lawsuit highlights potential systemic failures in psychiatric care and patient rights protections at a major healthcare provider, which has already triggered a federal investigation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Key Facts
- Dr. Pachida Lo filed a lawsuit in Alameda County alleging racism, discrimination, and illegal treatment of psychiatric patients.
- The lawsuit alleges staff used racially and sexually derogatory language to describe Black and Asian patients.
- The complaint alleges psychiatric patients were held involuntarily beyond legal limits and administered antipsychotic medication without consent.
- The lawsuit claims staff improperly involved law enforcement in psychiatric cases and searched patient criminal histories.
- A 2022 incident involving a Black patient on a 72-hour hold resulted in the patient being discharged to law enforcement rather than receiving psychiatric care.
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) identified four deficiencies at Kaiser following an investigation into the 2022 patient incident.
- Dr. Lo alleges she was labeled 'anti-white' by coworkers after reporting concerns to HR and management.
- Dr. Lo claims she faced retaliation, including the removal of managerial duties, reduced shifts, and pay cuts.
- Kaiser Permanente denies all allegations and states that employment decisions were unrelated to Dr. Lo's complaints.
- Dr. Lo resigned from her position as assistant chief of psychiatry in March but remains employed by Kaiser at a different facility.
Who's Mentioned
organizationKaiser Permanente“Healthcare provider named as the defendant in the lawsuit.”personNate Smith“Attorney representing Dr. Pachida Lo.”locationKaiser South Sacramento“The specific hospital facility where the alleged incidents occurred.”personPachida Lo“Psychiatrist and plaintiff who filed the lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente.”personHilda Gutiérrez“Investigative reporter who covered the story.”organizationCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services“Federal agency that investigated Kaiser following a 2022 patient incident.”