Mission Hospital received a notification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, stating that it is not in compliance with the Medicare conditions of participation and is at risk of losing Medicare funding. The correspondence highlighted that the hospital is currently facing immediate jeopardy, representing the most severe deficiency category for a healthcare facility.
Four days have passed since Chad Patrick, the CEO of Mission Hospital, received the detailed letter outlining six specific shortcomings. The North Carolina State Survey Agency identified failures related to the governing body, patients’ rights, the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Program, as well as nursing, lab, and emergency services. The letter outlined that Mission Hospital could avoid termination by addressing the immediate jeopardy conditions or achieving compliance with the hospital’s Conditions of Participation within 23 days from the notice date, which is February 24, 2024. To accomplish this, the hospital must submit a detailed Plan of Correction within five days from the notice date (February 6, 2024), outlining specific corrective measures taken to rectify the identified deficiencies.
Senator Julie Mayfield expressed concerns that the termination of funding would effectively lead to the closure of the hospital. However, she mentioned that the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS acknowledge the vital role the hospital plays in the community. Mayfield stated that it is “very unlikely” for CMS to withhold Medicare and Medicaid funding, expecting an extended period for deadlines and collaborative efforts to achieve compliance. She emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation in the state, noting that no hospital has ever received nine immediate jeopardies, and she hopes this serves as a wake-up call.
