PHOENIX - The Arizona State Hospital receives restoration of its status as
a provider of hospital services following a recent inspection from the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The announcement follows a three month
intensive reform effort to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for
patients and staff.
The federal program, which certifies hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid
funding, found the facility to be out of compliance with Medicare Conditions of
Participation in May 2015. Immediate action was taken to reform hospital policy
and operations.
"This was a tremendous effort that is to be applauded," said Dr. Cara
Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services which oversees the
hospital. "Our goal is to make this facility a center of excellence for
psychiatric care and I think our team is living up to this objective every
day."
ADHS submitted a Plan of Correction to CMS in June outlining plans to
implement a quality management program, increase staffing, and promote training
and communication throughout hospital operations.
CMS investigators returned to the state hospital for a follow up inspection
on July 24, 2015. Today, ADHS was notified by CMS "the hospital has demonstrated
compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation." Effective immediately,
the hospital is restored to what is called deemed status meaning, the Arizona
State Hospital now meets all Medicare Conditions of Participation.
"Under new leadership within the state hospital, our team took a proactive
approach to quality management within the system," said Dr. Christ. "We will
continue to look for process improvement within our organization to meet
emerging patient needs and retain top talent in patient care."
ABOUT THE STATE HOSPITAL
The Arizona State Hospital is a publicly owned and operated hospital
providing psychiatric and medical care. Located on a 93-acre campus at 24th
Street and Van Buren, the state hospital operates programs within a 260-funded
bed facility. Authorized by A.R.S. § 36-201 through 36-207, the state hospital
is required to provide inpatient care and treatment to patients with mental
disorders, personality disorders or emotional conditions. The mission of the
clinical members of the hospital staff is to provide safe and effective
psychiatric and medical care to those who suffer from serious psychiatric,
neurological, and medical illnesses.
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