Medicare, Medicaid officials put Oregon State Hospital in 'immediate jeopardy' status over needed hourly patient checks – KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has placed Oregon State Hospital in immediate jeopardy status. Surveyors cited issues related to hourly checks of patient location and wellness.

The hospital said it was instituting an administrative directive Thursday that specifies updated procedures for completing and documenting viability checks. 

“We know that patients find viability checks disruptive of their sleep,” said Interim Superintendent and Chief Medical Officer, Sara Walker, M.D. “We hope to find a technology solution that will be less intrusive. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our patients, day and night.”

OSH said will submit an immediate jeopardy removal plan early next week. If the plan receives preliminary approval, a surveyor will conduct another unannounced visit to review implementation.

If the review is successful, CMS will take OSH out of immediate jeopardy status. Otherwise, the hospital may lose its eligibility to receive federal Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement for services. This does not change the termination tracks the hospital is already on from other CMS investigations.