Parkland Memorial Hospital's board of managers, most of whom have no previous experience working on a public hospital board, is working to help the organization rise above criticism and controversy over quality, according to a Dallas News report.
Parkland Memorial has been at the center of intense scrutiny and was in danger of losing its Medicare status when state investigators uncovered a wide range of patient safety violations last year, including infection control deficiencies, inadequate emergency services and improper nursing staff levels.
A re-survey of the hospital revealed continued shortcomings, putting the hospital in even greater danger of losing its Medicare funding. As a last resort, the hospital agreed to enter into a systems improvement agreement with CMS, under which the hospital partnered with consulting group Alvarez & Marsal to help remedy the patient safety deficiencies.
The systems improvement agreement ensures the hospital may maintain its federal funding. Alvarez & Marsal has since drafted a corrective action plan that has been submitted and accepted by CMS.
A board member admitted the six board members, five of whom were recruited last year, "had never served on a board of a public hospital" and that "it's been quite a learning curve," according to the report. The unpaid board members, who are tasked with establishing hospital policies and overseeing contracts worth more than $200,000, include physicians, consultants, an artist and attorney.
For its part, the board added a seventh member and expressed its commitment to improving operations at the troubled hospital. For instance, all board members will be required to evaluate their performance and the board's performance. Any board member whose performance has been shown to be inadequate will undergo training, according to the report.
In addition, board members have been convening on a more regular basis, meeting at least once a week to discuss the hospital's plan for improvement. Historically, the board used to only meet once a month. In addition to quality improvement efforts, the board members have voiced their dedication to hiring a full-time CEO. Thomas Royer, MD, currently serves as interim CEO of the hospital.
Parkland Memorial has been at the center of intense scrutiny and was in danger of losing its Medicare status when state investigators uncovered a wide range of patient safety violations last year, including infection control deficiencies, inadequate emergency services and improper nursing staff levels.
A re-survey of the hospital revealed continued shortcomings, putting the hospital in even greater danger of losing its Medicare funding. As a last resort, the hospital agreed to enter into a systems improvement agreement with CMS, under which the hospital partnered with consulting group Alvarez & Marsal to help remedy the patient safety deficiencies.
The systems improvement agreement ensures the hospital may maintain its federal funding. Alvarez & Marsal has since drafted a corrective action plan that has been submitted and accepted by CMS.
A board member admitted the six board members, five of whom were recruited last year, "had never served on a board of a public hospital" and that "it's been quite a learning curve," according to the report. The unpaid board members, who are tasked with establishing hospital policies and overseeing contracts worth more than $200,000, include physicians, consultants, an artist and attorney.
For its part, the board added a seventh member and expressed its commitment to improving operations at the troubled hospital. For instance, all board members will be required to evaluate their performance and the board's performance. Any board member whose performance has been shown to be inadequate will undergo training, according to the report.
In addition, board members have been convening on a more regular basis, meeting at least once a week to discuss the hospital's plan for improvement. Historically, the board used to only meet once a month. In addition to quality improvement efforts, the board members have voiced their dedication to hiring a full-time CEO. Thomas Royer, MD, currently serves as interim CEO of the hospital.
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