CHCC gets another extension from CMS

Another extension to the hospital’s provider agreement was given to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. after the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services did not again make its awaited visit since last year.

Last November, CMS granted an extension that was supposed to expire last Feb. 29.

“Without a revisit before the end of February, as expected, an extension is granted,” CHCC chief executive officer Esther Muna said.

CMS has long identified non-compliance with seven hospital Conditions of Participation (CoPs) based on the findings of a Sept. 12, 2014 Medicare follow-up survey

In a letter dated Feb. 17, 2016, Rufus Arther, manager of Non- Long Term Care Survey, Certification and Enforcement Branch of CMS Western Division of Survey and Certification, informed Muna that they are extending the prospective date for termination of the hospital’s Medicare provider agreement to Oct. 31, 2016.

“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.

“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,” he added.

The letter states that if compliance cannot be verified prior to Oct. 31, 2016, CMS “will proceed with the termination action.”

Muna said they are grateful for the extension.

“We are grateful to CMS for granting us this extension.  Since CHC submitted the plans of correction to CMS, it is expected that CMS return to validate those plans.  We are humbled by the trust to give us more time to collect data and continue to work on improving our hospital services. We will continue to stay on the right course to meet all CMS standards,” Muna said.

This is CHCC’s fourth extension from CMS since their resurvey last September 2014. Prior to that, several extensions to the hospital’s provider agreement have also been given.

Saipan Tribune earlier reported that in their survey results released a year ago, CMS cited CHCC for its governing body, which CMS found did not meet conditions on medical staff appointments, and the medical staff’s accountability. It was also cited for patient rights as CMS found that it did not meet conditions on personal privacy, care in a safe setting, and its restraint or seclusion.

The hospital was also cited for medical staff when CMS found that it did not meet conditions on periodic appraisals, credentialing, and its bylaws. For the nursing services, CMS found that it did not meet conditions on registered nurse supervision of nursing services. Medical records also did not meet the conditions for its form and retention and security.

Other areas cited were verbal orders authenticated based on law, delivery of medical prescriptions, directory of dietary services, physical environment, emergency gas and water; facilities, supplies, equipment, and maintenance; ventilation, light, and temperature controls; infection control, discharge planning, and out-patient post anesthesia evaluation.