ST. THOMAS — Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter, currently operating in the capacity of acting governor while Gov. Kenneth Mapp is away, announced on Tuesday that the administration is “keenly” aware of the decertification scandal that rocked the Seaview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation facility, and that the they’re working on a long-term solution for the territory’s elderly.
“Our administration is keenly aware of the CMS decertification at Seaview. We are working together with the Department of Human Services to plan for caring for the residents,” said Potter. “Our administration will make sure that the best possible care will be provided. We also want to reassure the families and the caregivers that their concerns are being addressed. We will do everything possible to secure a long term solution for their loved ones.”
Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) decertified the beleaguered facility and highlighted key areas it had failed its residents. CMS Associate Regional Administrator William Roberson in early June notified Seaview that it would stop reimbursements for medicare and medicaid patients after June 30, because the nursing and rehab center “has failed to maintain compliance with Medicare requirements.”
“Based on observation, review of facility complaints and investigations, and resident and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to protect 1 of 14 residents from physical abuse inflicted by staff, and that caused a resident to sustain injury,” reads the report.
The report also noted that, “based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain residents’ appearance in a manner that promotes their dignity.”
The above shows two of many inefficiencies cited in the CMS report. In 2009, Seaview received a five-star rating from CMS, however the latest review downgrades the facility to two out of five stars.
“Upon the Governor Mapp’s return, we will sit down and discuss the situation and the solutions at hand, Potter continued. “We will present a long term solution to eldercare throughout the Territory. Caring for and planning for our seniors is a priority for both of us and this week it became a priority for all of us.”
Gov. Mapp is slated to return to the territory on Friday.
Tags: centers for medicare and medicaid services, cms, cms decertification, seaview nursing home decertification, st. thomas nursing home
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