CMS cited Live Oak, Texas-based Northeast Methodist Hospital for failing to protect an 89-year-old dementia patient from alleged physical abuse, reports the San Antonio Express-News.
In September 2018, two video monitor technicians said they witnessed the patient's husband physically assault her on separate occasions and notified a supervisor. The hospital placed a sitter in the patient's room but allowed the husband to remain at her bedside.
Northeast Methodist discharged the patient home to her husband's care after Adult Protective Services determined the abuse allegations were unsubstantiated and closed the case, according to Patrice Stark, the hospital's vice president of quality, risk management and safety.
However, a November 2018 CMS investigation found Northeast Methodist staff members failed to notify HHS of the alleged abuse, as required by law.
The hospital submitted a plan of correction to CMS in January. The agency confirmed the hospital successfully addressed the violations Feb. 27.