NC Regulators Conduct Inspection of Mission/HCA in Asheville After Patient Deaths

NC Regulators Conduct Inspection of Mission/HCA in Asheville After Patient Deaths

State health regulators are conducting another inspection of Mission Hospital in Asheville following patient deaths and other compliance problems. A nurse union representative welcomed the visit, stating that management improves conditions when regulators are present, a claim denied by the hospital.

Immediate Jeopardy Status and Inspection

The inspection commenced on May 20 after the hospital was placed under an “immediate jeopardy” status in December 2023. Although Mission Hospital rectified the issues leading to the immediate jeopardy status by February 28, it still faces challenges in several areas, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Remaining Concerns

The ongoing inspection is aimed at assessing whether Mission has addressed the outstanding compliance issues. If found non-compliant, the hospital could face termination of Medicare payments. The regulators identified concerns in Mission’s governing body, patient’s rights, quality assessment and performance improvement, nursing, laboratory services, emergency services, and emergency screening.

Response from State Health Department

NCDHHS spokesperson Hannah Jones confirmed the presence of inspectors on May 23 but refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing nature of the inspection. Mission Hospital spokesperson Nancy Lindell emphasized the hospital’s commitment to providing safe, quality care to the community.

Nurse Union’s Perspective

Kerri Wilson, a member of the nurses’ union, expressed gratitude for the inspectors’ visit, noting that staff levels improve when regulators are present. Nurses have highlighted staffing issues that impact patient care and have called for increased on-call nurse incentives.

Denial from Hospital Management

HCA Strategic Communications Vice President Katie Czerwinski denied any correlation between the inspectors’ presence and changes in staffing practices. The union, currently in negotiations for a new contract, continues to advocate for improved working conditions and fair compensation.

Contract Negotiations

The union, negotiating its second contract with Mission/HCA, is focused on addressing staffing challenges and ensuring that nurses are appropriately compensated for their work. Despite ongoing discussions, concerns about staffing levels persist.

For more updates and developments, stay tuned for further announcements from Mission Hospital and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.