DHSS Press Release |
Date: March 3, 2008 DHSS-22-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER REMAINS FULLY FUNDED AND FULLY ACCREDITED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER BEING FOUND IN COMPLIANCE BY CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
New Castle, DE - Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have found the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) in compliance with the Medicare Hospital Conditions of Participation after a follow-up inspection by CMS in January found no condition level deficiencies. As a result, DPC remains fully funded and fully accredited by the Federal Government.
"CMS's findings offer further validation that the improvements we've made to the DPC over the past 7+ years have made a difference," said Vince Meconi, Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services. "Under the leadership of new Director, Sam Abdallah, I'm confident the DPC will continue to make proactive, positive strides to further improve its standing as a valuable, essential resource for Delaware's most vulnerable citizens."
The follow up survey conducted by CMS in January 2008 found DPC to be in compliance with the Medicare Hospital Conditions of Participation and no condition level deficiencies were found. There were, however, a few standard level deficiencies noted CMS, but the DPC is not required to submit a plan of correction for this level of deficiency. CMS conducted numerous surveys of the DPC over the past eight months including an unannounced complaint survey investigation from July 23-27, an unannounced recertification survey from August 27-29 and an unannounced Annual Federal Medicare Survey from September 17-21, 2007.
CMS then issued four Statements of Deficiencies (CMS-2567) to DPC with descriptions of the findings of noncompliance. In response to the deficiencies, DPC submitted written responses known as the Plan of Correction (POC) for approval by the CMS survey team. These plans were approved by CMS in November 2007 and then put into place by the DPC team.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
