Medicare Gives State Hospital 90 Days to Shape Up

AUSTIN (AP) � Federal investigators say an East Texas state psychiatric hospital could lose Medicare funds because of deficient patient care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has given the Terrell State Hospital 90 days to fix things or lose Medicare funding. The Austin American-Statesman reports the $4.6 million is about 9% of the hospital�s $49 million budget. In its letter, the federal agency said nursing, laboratory, food, anesthesia and respiratory services were deficient. The hospital�s infection control and physical environment for patients weren�t adequate. Also, federal, state and local laws weren�t followed. The agency gave the hospital until October 6 to fix the problems or lose funding. A Texas Department of State Health Services spokeswoman said the 90 days will allow the problems to be remedied. .