University of Virginia Could Lose Medicare Funds Unless It Addresses ‘Dangerous Problems’ in Psychiatric Ward, HCFA Says
HCFA sent a letter to the University of Virginia Medical Center last week stating that the hospital was in "immediate jeopardy" of losing its Medicare funding starting July 3 if "dangerous practices" at its psychiatric ward do not cease, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. The letter accused the hospital of "fail[ing] to protect patients" from sexual assault and restraining psychiatric patients for excessive amounts of time. HCFA's "immediate jeopardy" status is the "most serious" charge the agency can make. U.Va. Medical Center receives about $230 million per year in Medicare funds, which account for about 39% of its annual revenue. Last month, a patient-care assistant in the psychiatric ward was charged with raping two patients, and continued working for over a week after a patient accused him of the crime. HCFA's letter also cites the hospital for "failing to follow federal regulations in how it restrained unruly psychiatric patients," and not removing restraints "quickly enough" after patients became calm.
Taking Action
Leonard Sandridge, the hospital's executive vice president and chief operating officer, said that the hospital is working "aggressively to correct the deficiencies," adding, "We expect to submit a corrective plan of action next week." The hospital has changed its policy for reporting sexual misconduct charges and now requires the immediate removal of any employee accused of "serious incidents or criminal acts." In addition, the hospital announced last week that it would increase staffing on the psychiatric ward and modify its restraint policies (Santos, Richmond Times-Dispatch, 6/16).
