Received via email July 8, 2020 at 9:21 am
Statement Regarding Mr. Villegas
We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Villegas, and our thoughts are with his family during this
difficult time. Mr. Villegas was admitted to our Zion Medical Center on May 26th for conditions
unrelated to COVID-19 and was provided a COVID-19 test as part of our routine inpatient
admissions process. Mr. Villegas’ condition improved, and during his discharge from the
hospital his COVID-19 test came back positive. In consultation and agreement with the family,
Mr. Villegas was discharged to his home with instructions regarding home care and isolation,
including a COVID-Kit with supplies, and follow up care from our Home Health Team. On May
28th Mr. Villegas’ family requested he be placed into hospice care at his home. Mr. Villegas
passed away on June 1st, under hospice care.
Kaiser Permanente is safely treating thousands of patients who have been infected with COVID19, with limited risk to other patients, members and employees. Staff at all our medical centers
follow public-health guidance regarding COVID-19. Kaiser Permanente has directly aligned its
testing policies and procedures with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) since the onset of the virus. As more is learned about this virus our policies and practices
are updated accordingly.
Our physicians and caregivers are especially concerned about members and patients with
COVID-19 symptoms, including respiratory difficulty and fever. Those who have severe
symptoms will in most cases be isolated in our medical centers. In cases where patients present
with mild symptoms, they may be sent home to convalesce in isolation from others with regular
monitoring by clinicians via phone or other means.

Received via email July 8, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Kaiser Permanente Statement related to cardiac inquiry for Mr. Villegas:
On May 17, Mr. Villegas was transported via ambulance, and subsequently admitted, to a nonKaiser Permanente hospital for multiple medical issues. Blood work results from this hospital
suggest that Mr. Villegas may have had a minor heart attack or, more likely, stress on the heart
due to a prolonged uncontrolled rapid heart rhythm. Appropriate treatment was rendered to
bring Mr. Villegas’ heart rate under control, which continued upon transfer to the Kaiser
Permanente Zion Medical Center on May 19. Mr. Villegas’ medical record notes that his family
received regular updates of his medical condition and his physician’s treatment plan.