The Downgrade: A Red Flag for Patient Safety
The Tennessean reported recently that two Ascension hospitals in Nashville (Saint Thomas Midtown and Saint Thomas West) were downgraded to a “C” rating by Leapfrog, a prominent hospital safety group. At Price Armstrong, we are deeply committed to combating fraud in compromised healthcare, and encourages whistleblowers to step forward to ensure the integrity of our healthcare system.
The hospital safety group’s decision to downgrade two Ascension hospitals underscores the importance of robust safety measures within healthcare institutions. In particular, the downgrade noted that Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown had only made “some” progress in the category for Billing Ethics, which means that the hospital had not made enough progress to “achieve the standard.” And the downgrade said that Saint Thomas West had made only “limited” progress on nursing, noting that “hospitals should have nurse staffing plans in place that ensure there are enough registered nurses (RNs) to provide direct care to patients in medical, surgical, or med-surg units each day.”
Several other hospitals also received a grade of “C” or “D,” including Nashville General Hospital; Williamson Medical Center in Franklin; Greeneville Community Hospital East, in Greeneville; Cookeville Regional Medical Center, in Cookeville; Johnson City Medical Center, in Johnson City; and TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center, in Springfield.
Whistleblowers: A Vital Step Towards Accountability
Fraudulent practices within healthcare institutions can significantly compromise patient safety. Fraudulent activities can manifest in various forms, including improper billing, misrepresentation of services, or other deceptive practices that put patients at risk.
Whistleblowers play a pivotal role in uncovering fraudulent activities within healthcare organizations. If you are an employee or have insider knowledge of practices that compromise patient safety or involve fraudulent actions, we urge you to come forward. Whistleblowers are protected by law, and their courage in exposing wrongdoing is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system.
Our Commitment to Whistleblower Protection
At Price Armstrong, we understand the importance of whistleblowers in safeguarding the public interest. Our experienced legal team is here to support and protect you. We have a proven track record of advocating for whistleblowers, ensuring their rights are upheld throughout the legal process.
The downgrade of two Ascension hospitals in Nashville is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in healthcare. Price Armstrong remains dedicated to holding healthcare institutions accountable for fraud that may compromise patient well-being. Whistleblowers are essential allies in this pursuit of accountability, and we encourage anyone with information to contact our firm. Your decision to speak up can make a significant difference in upholding the highest standards of care and integrity within the healthcare industry.
https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/h/ascension-saint-thomas-west-hospital
https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/h/ascension-saint-thomas-midtown-hospital
