Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center board member Patrick Ryan resigned his post effective immediately.
Ryan, who is chairman and CEO of the group purchasing organization Broadlane, declined to comment on whether the resignation was connected to recent revelations that
Beth Israel CEO Paul Levy had an undisclosed lapse of judgment in a personal relationship with a female employee that resulted in the employee receiving a costly severance package.
“I have great respect for Paul and what he's been able to accomplish, but sadly I decided to resign,” Ryan told
Modern Healthcare.
The hospital's board of directors issued a statement saying it has completed the review it launched into allegations of Levy's impropriety, which were detailed in a still undisclosed anonymous letter. The statement said that while outside counsel found Levy did not violate hospital policy, the board has voted to fine Levy $50,000, which is to be paid to the hospital during the current fiscal year, and factor the matter into Levy's compensation consideration for the forthcoming year.
“The board found that over time the situation created an improper appearance and became a distraction within the hospital,” the statement said. “The board believes that Mr. Levy should have recognized this situation in a more timely fashion and should have conducted himself in keeping with business protocol appropriate for the office of the CEO.”
In a separate statement, Levy said that he accepted the board's action and that he regretted “that my behavior had such wide repercussions for the entire BIDMC community.”
