Exeter Hospital on 'Termination Track,' Says State Official

"Although this would have been our normal process, the launch of the States'  epidemiological investigation, our own internal investigation, and the State and federal criminal investigations took precedent [sic]. 

"Since the survey in September, we have taken steps to complete all of the necessary requirements and we look forward to sharing our efforts with CMS when we submit our formal action report."

CMS also cited as cause for concern an unlocked refrigerator that held medications, which Exeter officials said, "was in a secure unit and did not contain any controlled substances."

CMS also noted "that Pyxis machines that contain controlled substances allowed individuals to change their own biometric identifier without creating a reported audit trail. This is an issue that is inherent in Pyxis machines and not unique to Exeter."

Other issues CMS officials noted pertained to emergency department access, the structure of the hospital's Quality Assessment and Improvement Program, and lapses in infection control precaution practices by housekeepers.

"We take each (issue) very seriously," the hospital said in its statement. "Ultimately it will be up to the CMS surveyors to determine if we have met their standards. We are confident we will be able to work with CMS to find satisfactory resolutions to all of their concerns."