LAKEWOOD, WA --The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) announced that Western State Hospital’s (WSH) plan of correction was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday, July 11, 2017.
On June 30, the agency announced that the hospital had been provided an extension to the Systems Improvement Agreement (SIA) from CMS it had entered into June 2016.
The plan of correction submitted today is in response to feedback received by CMS on June 28, 2017 in a Form 2567 Statement of Deficiencies. The 2567 resulted from a survey conducted this past May by 23 surveyors which covered all areas of hospital operations and lasted nearly three weeks.
During this rigorous survey, WSH was able to show CMS noticeable progress at the hospital, including significant improvements in areas such as active psychiatric treatment. While CMS’ 2567 reflected the great progress made during the past year, it identified areas that still require more time to show full implementation and sustainability.
Normally, the plan of correction is due within 10 days of receipt of a 2567 but due to the Fourth of July holiday and the fact that the 10 days would have fallen on a Saturday, CMS gave DSHS until July 11 to respond.
The submittal of the plan of correction is just the first step in a process. CMS will review the plan and may provide additional guidance regarding next steps. Although CMS could accept the plan as written, it may require changes or adjustments to the plan, or other actions it deems necessary.
DSHS is currently in the midst of a 60-day extension of the SIA. During this extension period, CMS will work with the agency to identify next steps for the hospital.
CMS and DSHS entered into the original SIA in June 2016 to fix systemic operating problems at the hospital and restore the focus on patient treatment and overall safety. The progress of the hospital to date has earned the opportunity for this extension, during which the hospital will continue to be certified by CMS and maintain its eligibility for federal funding.
The plan of correction along with a copy of the letter from CMS dated June 28, 2017, the 2567, the short-term extension and the original SIA can be found on the DSHS web page.