Mercy removed from 'immediate jeopardy' status

A federal agency has removed Mercy Hospital Springfield from "immediate jeopardy" status, according to a news release from the hospital.

Mercy risked losing funding if it did not correct deficiencies, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

A spokeswoman from CMS told the News-Leader that Mercy remains out of compliance on a couple of requirements that hospitals must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

The facility will be revisited in October to determine if those factors have been corrected, she said.

Earlier this month, Mercy reported the firing of 12 employees after identifying concerns with their behavior.

CMS told the News-Leader that a "complaint investigation" conducted by a state agency "resulted in a determination of Immediate Jeopardy to the health and safety of patients" at the hospital.

CMS had told Mercy it would terminate the agreement that allows Mercy to be paid by Medicare if no changes were made by late September. Mercy was given a deadline extension last week.

A CMS spokeswoman said most facilities take the necessary steps to correct deficiencies prior to termination.

According to the release from the hospital, an interim leadership team, which was announced Sept. 12, will remain in place and continue to work through the changes, which includes new training and amended policies.

The release said Mercy has plans for continuous improvement, including additional education and hands-on training so workers can feel secure.

The hospital plans to hire employees specifically trained to intervene in situations that need to be de-escalated, the release said.

Mercy will continue to work closely with state and federal regulators, according to the release.

Jon Swope, Mercy Central Region president and interim president of Mercy Springfield Communities, said in a statement: “I’d like to thank our providers, co-workers, leaders and interim leadership team for the tremendous effort they’ve put forth. We have implemented a variety of changes including new training and revised policies. So many have given input, helped their fellow co-workers and continued to care compassionately for our patients.”

The complaints

The report by CMS said there were several concerns regarding patient care, including a physical altercation between an agitated mental-health patient and a male nurse in January.

The report also criticized the hospital for placing a female patient for 15 days in a space the hospital calls an "acute-care area" but the federal agency says should instead be classified as a "seclusion" area. The agency believes a medical doctor should approve a patient's placement in seclusion.

The report stated the hospital has no procedure to relay information on patients' rights to those who don't speak English. 

Overall, according to the report, the hospital has failed to consistently follow up on patient grievances and failed to report to a state agency instances of alleged abuse even when hospital supervisors did not consider the actions abusive.

In Friday's news release, Swope said, “I’m certain Mercy Hospital Springfield will be even better because of these efforts. We are empowering our co-workers with additional skills and resources so they may fully cherish the dignity of every individual we serve. I know we truly can bring to life the healing ministry of Jesus, as our mission statement calls us to do.”