Federal surveyors clear Central Regional Hospital

Raleigh, N.C. — Surveyors on behalf of the agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs will suggest that Central Regional Hospital keep its certification to participate in federal insurance programs.

The state psychiatric hospital was at risk of losing $1.2 million a month in federal reimbursements because of issues concerning its patient fall-prevention policy and allegations of patient assaults by employees and patients.

Inspectors on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services told hospital administrators in an exit interview Friday that the facility has taken the necessary steps to correct the issues.

One employee was fired and five others were disciplined, Central Regional's director, Mike Hennike, said.

The hospital has also added an eighth patient advocate position and started a "No Abuse: Not Now, Not Ever" campaign that requires all employees to be aware of a zero-tolerance policy on patient abuse and neglect.

Hennike said the hospital will receive official notification from CMS on its status within the next two weeks.