CEO optimistic on hospital’s recertification

Despite ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare corporation, CEO Esther L. Muna expressed optimism in the recertification of the public hospital, whose fate will be decided this week by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

CMS has three options for the Commonwealth Health Center: reaffirm its certification; revoke it; or provide an extension. A decision is anticipated on Friday, June 27.

The federal health agency early this year delayed taking action on CHC’s Condition of Participation pending the resolution of the remaining nine citations slapped by CMS. There were originally 13. The corporation later turned in a corrective action plan, but it was told to re-submit one with more documentation.

On Friday, Muña said the revised corrective action plan has yet to be accepted by Medicare. The document, she said, may be considered or accepted on or before June 27, depending on CMS’ will.

“I am very optimistic compared to before [on our recertification],” she told Saipan Tribune, citing assurances that CHCC is in constant communication with CMS on every step the agency takes.

According to her, Medicare has been emphasizing that there’s a need to be held accountable and take responsibility for everything at the corporation.

“And that’s what we assured CMS. This corporation has a person who is responsible for everything and accountable to make sure that plans will continue and there’s close monitoring,” said Muña, adding that the goal of the agency is to avert the termination of the hospital’s certification.

As to whether CMS will send somebody to the island to announce its decision, Muña said she doesn’t know, adding that all visits and resurvey of the federal team are unannounced.

Muña also conveyed her willingness to work with the CHCC board of trustees, which earlier slapped her with a no-confidence vote.

The Office of Attorney General recently issued a determination that the CHCC board’s authority under Public Law 16-51 is merely advisory on practically all matters pertaining to the corporation.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos recently met with the trustees to talk about the issues surrounding the agency. Inos later said a resolution to many of the issues raised is forthcoming.

On Friday, Muña said she is willing to collaborate with the board, provided “boundaries” are clear. She described herself as “not vindictive” and whatever happened between her and the board is “not personal.”

On June 2, Muña appointed Jack Taisague as the corporation’s chief financial officer—a position that has long been vacant and the subject of criticisms against the management.

Muña told Saipan Tribune that Taisague has been given 11 deliverables, including accurate financial statements and revenue cycle management.

“I tasked the CFO to come up with financial statements that is understandable for everybody because there have been criticisms on the financial statements and I want that clarified,” said Muña.

According to the CEO, Taisague’s contract provides for a 60-day probationary period.