J.F.L. Found To Be In ‘Substantial Compliance’ With C.M.S., Hospital Says

ST. CROIX — The Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center is in “substantial compliance” with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements, according to a press release the hospital issued Wednesday. A C.M.S. survey team arrived at the hospital on Sunday and walked straight into the facility’s emergency room, beginning a survey that finished one day ahead of its Thursday deadline.

The surveyors evaluated the hospital on four conditions of participation, including emergency room, governing board, nursing services and medical staff inspections. They were also to examine the hospital’s compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act — a federal law that requires anyone coming to an emergency department to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, according to sources with firsthand knowledge of the discussions.

Substantial compliance means a level of compliance with the requirements of participation such that any identified deficiencies pose no greater risk to resident health or safety than the potential for causing minimal harm.

The news comes as a relief to residents concerned that a survey would yield a negative report and depress a hospital that’s still trying to gain its footing following some difficult years. And it serves as a morale boost to the hospital’s staff and executive team.

Among other responsibilities, C.M.S. is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state and territory governments to administer Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and health insurance portability standards.