Date: June 19, 2008

CMS inspectors to recommend Broughton Hospital certification

RALEIGH – Surveyors with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) told Broughton Hospital officials Thursday that the hospital is now in compliance and that they will recommend the hospital’s certification for receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds.

According to Dr. Art Robarge, interim director of Broughton Hospital, at the CMS surveyors’ exit interview, surveyors told hospital staff that they will report the hospital in full compliance with the clinical standards and Conditions of Participation for Acute Care Hospitals and the Special Conditions of Participation for Psychiatric Hospitals.

“Of course, the news is still unofficial, but we are thrilled at this news of what the surveyors plan to recommend,” Dr. Robarge said. “It has been a long and difficult period of time for the hospital. Staff worked diligently to achieve certification and continue to improve patient care at all levels here at the hospital. I am proud of each of them and I commend them for a job well done.”

The hospital must now wait for official notification from the CMS regional office in Atlanta of its acceptance of the surveyors’ recommendations. CMS surveyors noted some standard level minor deficiencies involving building alterations that require a plan of correction for which staff is already working to correct. Once Broughton Hospital’s Plan of Correction is accepted, the surveyors will recommend to the CMS Regional Office that Broughton Hospital is in full compliance.

CMS decertified Broughton Hospital on August 25, 2007, following an investigation into the care of two hospital patients.
 
“We are pleased and proud of the achievement of Broughton Hospital and appreciate all the hard work that brought us to this point,” said Dr. James Osberg, chief of State Operated Services.

Upon CMS’ review of the recommendation, Broughton Hospital officials will be advised of the status of their Medicare Certification and their eligibility to bill for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.