DHHS: Central Regional in compliance after Feb. suicide attempt

Raleigh, N.C. — A state Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said Friday that Central Regional Hospital is in compliance with federal standards that allow it to receive funding for Medicare and Medicaid treatment.

Surveyors with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were at the hospital earlier this month following a patient's suicide attempt on Feb. 26.

The notification is based on an oral report by inspectors to hospital administrators. The hospital should receive official notification by letter within the next two weeks, DHHS said.

CMS is the U.S. agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs. Central Regional was in jeopardy of losing approximately $1.2 million in reimbursements for treating patients on the federal insurance programs.

Since opening in July, Central Regional has been in jeopardy of losing funding several times.

Most recently, inspectors found dangerous conditions, including unreported patient abuse and that the facility had not implemented procedures to protect patients from falls. Health officials said last months that inspectors indicated they will recommend continued federal funding.