CMS Extends Scrutiny Over Parkland Hospital

In a statement, Debbie Branson, chair of the Parkland Board of Managers, said the adjustment changes nothing.

"As of April 30, Parkland should be ready for that level of scrutiny on any day at any hour."

April Foran, director of communications for the hospital, says Parkland did not ask for the change.

The hospital has been preparing for the federal survey since December when it announced there would be two mock surveys conducted, also by surprise, as a sort of practice for when CMS showed up.

Parkland says it has already completed one mock survey; its results are confidential. An outside group of 11 "clinical experts" reviewed Parkland's progress in every area for five days. The surveyors also inspected its outpatient clinics and community health centers.

To bring the hospital up to par with the CMS requirements for Medicare certification, Parkland has beefed up its emergency department by adding triage rooms, seating, and more staff on weeknights. It has also started using something the hospital calls a sustainability schedule to document best practices in triage, staffing, and other processes.