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Another CMS extension for CHC
The public hospital on Saipan has been given another extension by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the termination date of their provider agreement.
“We got extended,” Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. chief executive officer Esther Muña told Saipan Tribune in an interview yesterday.
In a copy of a letter shared by Muña, CMS said the extension will be until the end of February of next year.
“We are hereby further extending the prospective date for termination of the hospital’s Medicare provider agreement to Feb. 29, 2016,” the letter, signed by CMS’ Certification and Enforcement Branch manager Rufus Arther, said.
Prior to this extension, the certification was extended to April of this year and then again up to October.
Arther said it is still the hospital’s responsibility to continue complying with Medicare requirements.
“Please bear in mind that although CMS will continue to consult with CHC concerning compliance matters, ultimately it is CHC’s responsibility to ensure that the facility complies with Medicare requirements,” Arther said.
“Accordingly, if compliance cannot be verified prior to Feb. 29, 2016, we will proceed with the termination action,” he added.
CMS noted once again that based on the findings of a Medicare follow-up survey in September 2014, they were continuing an enforcement process that could result in the termination of CHC’s Medicare hospital provider agreement.
The September 2014 survey identified non-compliance with seven hospital Conditions of Participation, for which a plan of correction was accepted as a credible allegation of compliance in December 2014.
CMS said the extension gives CHC more time to show its capability to sustain compliance with the Conditions of Participations.
“Due to the extent of the deficiencies, the complexity of making fundamental, systemic changes, and in recognition as well of the importance of maintaining access to hospital services for CNMI’s residents, CMS has decided to allow CHC additional time to demonstrate the capacity and commitment to achieve and sustain compliance with all Medicare hospital CoPs,” Arther said.
