CMS plans to investigate Newark (N.J.) Beth Israel Medical Center after a report found physicians allegedly kept a patient in a vegetative state alive for a year to improve its heart transplant program's survival rate, reports ProPublica.
ProPublica published its investigative report Oct. 3. The report found hospital metrics influenced physicians' treatment decisions for at least four transplant patients. At times, physicians also failed to consult with patients and families or withheld care options from them, according to the report.
CMS "takes allegations of abuse and mistreatment seriously," Maria LoPiccolo, a spokesperson for the agency, told ProPublica in an Oct. 7 email. She said the agency is "actively monitoring the situation" and working in "close communication" with the New Jersey Department of Health.
Newark Beth Israel told ProPublica it's hired an outside consultant to conduct an "evaluation and review of the program, its processes and its leadership."
To view the full report, click here.