Police Investigate Bingham Memorial Hospital

Blackfoot Police Chief Dave Moore said the department is going to begin an investigation into possible violations of Idaho code by individuals at Bingham Memorial Hospital.

The precise nature of the investigation is unclear at this point. However, Local News 8 and KIDK have been investigating various allegations by hospital employees in the past month, including accusations that an employee was told to get rid of drugs so the hospital could pass an audit, and that a former manager allegedly ran a scheme to profit from the hospital’s time and money.

Moore said detectives started interviewing some of the people making accusations last week and met with Bingham County Prosecutor Scott Andrew on Thursday to discuss what evidence that has been collected so far.

“We went over those interviews and to get input on whether we should stop the investigation we’ve been working on or move forward, and we were told today by our prosecuting attorney we’re going to move forward,” said Moore.

The chief said detectives have a few more interviews to conduct and expect to meet with prosecutors early next week to make recommendations on what needs to be done.

The hospital said it will cooperate with police, adding that they believe the investigation concerns a former employee.

“The board has pledged its full cooperation to the authorities conducting the investigation,” according to a statement from the Bingham Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. “The board takes this situation very seriously, as it does other issues that have been raised recently in media reports. …

“Our mission is to provide quality health care to our patients, and we are completely committed to that mission.”