After multiple reports documenting health and safety concerns at the Oregon State Hospital, including the death of a patient in March, federal officials now say the state’s largest psychiatric facility is no longer in danger of losing federal Medicare funds.
The hospital had been under scrutiny from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) since the federal regulatory agency launched an investigation into the unexpected death of a patient in March — the third such death at the facility within a year. Inspectors recorded numerous safety lapses jeopardizing patients in their care, and the hospital was told it would be blocked from receiving Medicare funds if the problems weren’t corrected.
In September, after an unannounced inspection, investigators reported ongoing problems with the hospital’s procedures regarding seclusions, restraints, and falls — issues that continued to put it out of compliance with the Medicare program. Earlier this month an outside firm hired by CMS inspected the hospital, leading to a determination the hospital has taken the necessary corrective action and can continue billing for Medicare reimbursements without additional scrutiny…