Reps. Joseph Kennedy III of Massachusetts and Danny Davis of Illinois penned a letter to a top CMS official, urging the organization to push HHS to ensure the safety of patients at facilities run by King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services.
UHS — the nation's largest behavioral health provider — operates numerous behavioral facilities, 21 of which are under investigation for potentially illegal clinical practices, including misconduct, negligence and employee intimidation. Some of those facilities are located in the congressmen's respective districts.
In light of the investigation, Reps. Kennedy and Davis sent a letter to Andy Slavitt, the acting administrator of CMS, requesting an update on the status of the agency's investigation and any planned action by HHS against UHS.
Kirk Adams, international executive vice president of the service employees international union, supported the congressmen's letter, saying, "For UHS caregivers who've spoken up for quality care, it's very encouraging to know that Rep. Kennedy and Rep. Danny Davis, who co-signed the letter, are standing up for a serious and timely investigation of the problems at UHS. America's taxpayers give UHS billions of dollars every year to provide behavioral services, and they need to know that money is being used to provide high-quality patient care."
In response to the investigation, Isa Diaz, vice president of strategic planning and public affairs oh UHS' Behavioral Health Division, wrote an in email," UHS Behavioral Health Facilities have a long-term, demonstrated record of providing quality healthcare services to patients. UHS facilities have been recognized by independent, third party accreditation organizations for delivering high quality patient-focused care leading to positive health outcomes."
Ms. Diaz cited some of UHS' Behavioral Health's most prestigious awards, including 37 facilities The Joint Commission recognized as Top Performers for Quality and Patient Safety in 2014. She also called the problems SEIU cited "highly targeted" and "misleading."
"An unbiased review of the historical record reveals that UHS facilities have many more success stories to its credit than the isolated and misleading examples highlighted by the SEIU," wrote Ms. Diaz. "We have cooperated with the investigating agencies involved in this matter and will continue to do so."
According to the spokeswoman, UHS remains confident in the operations of its behavioral health facilities and their continued efforts to provide the highest quality care.
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