CMS put Warm Springs-based Montana State Hospital, a publicly run psychiatric hospital, in "immediate jeopardy" status on Jan. 13, but the hospital made changes by Jan. 25 and avoided losing its federal funding, according to a Missoulian report.
The federal agency found Montana State Hospital had a shortage of nursing and direct care staff.
"The entire state of Montana is experiencing workforce shortages and the nation as a whole is experiencing a nursing shortage. Montana is no exception," Jon Ebelt, the public information officer of the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, told the Missoulian.
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In response, the hospital hired temporary staff and approved overtime pay until it finds a more long-term solution, according to the report.
Additionally, CMS took issue with Montana State Hospital's sink faucets, mirrors, doors and door handles, as they are not designed for the hospital's population's unique needs. The hospital is working to correct those problems as well, according to the report.