House Health Committee Chairman, Maugaoali’i Sipa Leapai Anoa’i is raising grave concerns with the recent violations and findings of a survey conducted by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) and is requesting through the Acting Legislative Finance Officer Alfred Annandale a complete report of LBJ Medical Center’s “Corrective Action Plan.”

According to his July 2, 2014 letter, Maugaoali’i points out that recent violations and findings of a survey conducted by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) have prompted the issuance of an “immediate jeopardy” status for the LBJ Medical Center.

“As you are aware the recertification and continuance of the Medicaid/Medicare program is critical to the American Samoa Government and the people of this Territory.”

He pointed out that Representatives are “extremely concerned that if the LBJ Medical Center and members of the LBJ Board fail to submit a “Corrective Action Plan” as required by CMS in a timely manner, we may be forced to terminate the Medicaid/ Medicare Program, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars and a critically needed service for the people of our community.”

He said given the limited time allowed, “and as Chairman of the House Health Committee, I am writing to request a complete report of LBJ Medical Center’s “Corrective Action Plan and CMS findings and any other related enforcement action as a result of the survey that was conducted by CMS.” Furthermore, Maugaoali’i pointed out that an accounting of LBJ’s current Financial Report is required. “It is imperative that the Members of the Fono are aware of these findings as the health of our people is hanging in the balance,” said the Fagaotogo faipule.

Copies of his letter were sent to House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, Senate President Gaoteote Palaie, and Vice Chairman of the House Health Committee, who’s also a hospital board member, Faimealelei A. Allen.

In the meantime Hospital Board Member Taufete’e John Taufete’e told Samoa News the CEO Joseph Davis Fleming and chief medical officer Iotamo Saleapaga were not ready to present their corrective “action plan” at the hospital board meeting on Wednesday.

Taufete’e pointed out that the hospital board recently uncovered that there are 57 registered nurses working for the hospital and they are trying to determine where in the hospital the 57 nurses are working.

He said the citations by the CMS were the focus of the meeting on Wednesday.

As reported earlier Hospital Board Member Faimealelei Anthony Allen said this action plan followed an unannounced visit more than a week ago by officials of the U.S. Center for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) San Francisco Region office conducting a CMS survey dealing with Medicare re-certification. Faimealelei said the hospital was cited for shortage of nurses in certain clinics including the dialysis unit.

According to Taufete’e, the hospital was given 23 days to respond and the hospital board is working collaboratively with hospital officials to “see that we meet the requirements given this critical situation.” Taufete’e was unclear about the deadline.

He explained that when the meeting was called on Wednesday the board was informed that the “corrective action plan” was not ready. Asked about the next board meeting, Taufete’e  said it’s unclear when that will take place, however as soon as the CEO and CMO are ready to present the “corrective action plan” a special board meeting will be called. 

Taufete’e also confirmed with Samoa News that HR officials just returned from “a mission to bring nurses to American Samoa due to this shortage of nurses — which has been an ongoing issue for many years.” He explained that during their meeting on Wednesday, the board members were looking into audit reports and financial reports.