Morganton, N.C. — The only state mental hospital in western North Carolina got word Wednesday that it could apply to collect federal Medicare reimbursements for patient care again, the state Division of Mental Health said.

Broughton Hospital lost certification in August 2007 after a probe into patient treatment showed that after one patient died and another was injured. A reorganization to increase staff supervision and patient safety at the state's largest mental hospital was completed in February, and officials asked for a new inspection.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a letter to Arthur Robarge, interim director of Broughton, that the program had been reinstated retroactive to June 20.

Robarge said Broughton typically receives about $1 million a month in Medicaid and Medicare funds.

“Broughton Hospital remains committed to its mission of providing the finest mental health services available to the people we serve here in western North Carolina,” Robarge said. “I am proud of the staff and community who all pulled together to help us achieve our certification.”