Letter to the Hon. Seema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Provide Answers on Iowa Nursing Home Death

Letter

Dear Ms Verma:

Recently, an investigative news report in Iowa indicated that the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals has proposed a fine for the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center, IA. This fine was the result of the facility reportedly failing to provide a timely medical assessment and corresponding treatment to an elderly resident who exhibited symptoms of severe dehydration. The fine was proposed on June 25, 2018, four months after the death of the resident. The news report also noted that the proposed fine is currently held in suspension pending action by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).*

Based on the reporting, this entire episode illustrates a failure to respond to a resident's medical needs and to keep the family appropriately informed. In order to better understand the situation, please provide answers to the following no later than August 17, 2018.

1. When did CMS first become aware of potentially improper activity at Timely Mission? What is the current status of CMS' involvement? Please explain.

2. Please list all complaints received by CMS regarding Timely Mission for each of the past 5 years and the current status of each.

3. Does CMS currently have a plan to employ corrective

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