FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs is not allowed to perform surgeries in addition to a ban on new admissions.
The state Department of Health imposed a ban on admissions Friday as a result of an investigation to determine adherence to state licensure and federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations, according to a letter sent March 23 to Merlyn Knapp, president/CEO of Saint Catherine, from the Department of Health.
The department provided a copy of the letter to The Republican-Herald, Pottsville.
The investigation determined serious deficiencies and violations and imposed the ban on new admissions, according to the letter.
The letter also reads, "Based on information provided during the investigation, it was determined the facility does not have the proper equipment and supplies to continue to provide surgical services. Until you (Knapp) can provide the department with evidence that the operating room equipment has been properly inspected, there is sufficient equipment and there are adequate supplies, the ban on admissions also applies to your surgical services department and no surgical procedures may be performed unless and until the ban is lifted."
When asked for comment Wednesday, Jennifer M. Pisarchick, administrative director of Strategic Planning and Marketing for Saint Catherine, said, "I can't respond at this time."
The hospital can appeal the decision by requesting a hearing before the Health Policy Review Board, the letter states. A department spokeswoman said the department was not aware of an appeal being filed as of Wednesday.
The department may lift the ban on new admissions if it finds an "acceptable plan of correction and the conditions of the facility have improved to where serious violations of the laws and regulations cited above no longer exist and no significant threat to the health and safety of residents at the facility is present."
The letter states that future action to the hospital and its license is not ruled out. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may also take action, the letter states.
On Monday, the hospital's board of directors held a meeting but did not comment afterward.
Also Monday, PPL Electric Utilities filed a lawsuit against Saint Catherine and five affiliate entities in county court. The document PPL filed to start the lawsuit, a praecipe for summons, contained no details about the claim but did have a demand for a jury trial.