The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has given notice its provider agreement with Cumberland Medical Center will be involuntarily terminated Sept. 16.
Recent sexual assault allegations against a radiology technician at CMC triggered a review of CMC care and administrative procedures. According to a statement released by Dr. Barry Wagner, chief executive officer of CMC, "As a physician and a father and a long-time member of this community, I take these charges very seriously. The employee in question has been terminated. I have launched a thorough investigation to fully understand what happened. We will take steps to ensure this will never happen again."
According to a public notice published in the Knoxville News Sentinel Sept. 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had determined CMC is not in compliance with its conditions of participation as a provider of services in the Health Insurance for the Aged and Disabled Program (Medicare). The conditions not met related to patients' rights and the processes needed to make sure those rights are protected.
Wagner's statement said the allegations were serious enough to bring about state and federal reviews of CMC's care and administrative procedures.
"We are working closely and in full cooperation with them," Wagner said. "We have engaged industry experts to assist us in assessing patient safety and fixing it where we may have fallen short."
Wagner said the hospital's formal plan of correction will be submitted to state officials. A review by those authorities is expected to take several weeks.
"I am proud of the care that we provide at CMC — which makes this incident even more disturbing," Wagner said. "It tarnishes the reputation of what has always been a great place to work and receive health care."
According to the notice, the Medicare program will not make payment for inpatient services to patients who are admitted after Sept. 16, 2010. For patients admitted prior to Sept. 16, payment may continue for a maximum of 30 days for services. Payment is specifically limited to covered services through the close of business Oct. 16, 2010.
Area News
CMC Medicare agreement under review
- Area News
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Long-time coach, teacher granted diversion
A long-time Cumberland County elementary school teacher and coach indicted in March on a charge of assault in connection with the paddling of a child has been granted diversion in the case and will be eligible to have the charge removed from his record once he completes terms of the sentencing agreement.
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Honoring fallen heroes
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Laurel Hills POA action questioned by State Attorney General
The Laurel Hills Property Owners Association on Renegade Mountain recently notified Renegade Mountain residents and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that, effective July 9, 2012, it would no longer provide water service to any party other than itself with its water system.
The action has caused a hearing, scheduled Monday, May 21, before the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). -
Looking Back
A weekly historical news feature.
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Homestead named Lighthouse School of Excellence
Although they call themselves the Bulldogs, students at Homestead Elementary School did not mind Principal Robin Perry describing them as butterflies last week.
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Suspect faces multiple charges in burglaries
A Cumberland County man was arrested in connection with two burglaries during which thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and tools were stolen. Some of the property has been recovered, according to arrest warrant affidavits.
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School attendance an issue for those over 18
While state law and school system policies are proving helpful in getting younger students to school, school officials are finding increasing absenteeism among students 18 years and older.
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Report shows Justice Center needs much work to repair leaks
Commissioners on the building and grounds committee made a consensus agreement earlier this week to have the county attorney review an extensive repair estimate report for work needed at the Cumberland County Justice Center in order to repair numerous leaks and problems.
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Fire engulfs residence
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School bus driver cited for leaving the scene
A Cumberland County school bus driver was given a summons to court and, according to unconfirmed reports, is no longer employed as a driver, after the bus she was driving with 63 persons on board struck a concrete guard rail and then continued on its way.
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