As reported by Asheville Watchdog, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have accepted an updated corrective action plan from Mission Hospital, following findings of immediate jeopardy on patient safety. Immediate jeopardy, categorized as the highest level of safety violation by CMS, potentially puts patients at significant risk. The hospital has been under such scrutiny since January and finally received clearance on February 9. However, Mission Hospital’s compliance journey is far from over, as they are still deemed ‘non-compliant’ on several conditions necessary to remain part of Medicare and Medicaid programs.
CMS plans to closely oversee the hospital’s progress, ensuring its adherence to patient rights, nursing services, and infection prevention and control measures – as stated in a letter delivered to Mission CEO, Greg Lowe, in February. Mission Hospital has until July 29 to meet these compliance requirements or risk losing crucial fundings from Medicare and Medicaid.
There are grave concerns tied to these previous violations, which include two patient deaths attributed to significant procedural missteps, and an instance where underage patients were not promptly isolated despite a measles diagnosis, risking exposure to others.
To amend these issues, Mission is said to have augmented patient safety and quality protocols, with the aid of seasoned healthcare consultants and internal resources. However, CMS has yet to share the details of Mission’s corrective action plan, which was revised in January due to the severity of uncovered deficiencies.
Mission Hospital has fallen under dissatisfaction for compliance breaches four times since 2019 when it was acquired by HCA Healthcare. If the hospital fails to attain substantial compliance with remaining conditions and fully implement its updated corrective plan by the end of July, its Medicare provider agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services could be terminated. Furthermore, inconsistency over specifics surrounding the independent consultant and enhanced corrective plan has raised issues of transparency that the hospital must address.
Asheville Watchdog continues to follow the ongoing development with Mission Hospital’s compliance and infection control measures.