Associated Press
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- Kindred Hospital was cut off from the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs Friday, officials said.
Though Kindred Hospital is still licensed by the state, the move might force the long-term care facility to close because other insurors are likely to follow Medicare's lead and stop paying for services at the facility.
Kindred has been cited by regulators for many violations since mid-1998, and at least four deaths have been linked to substandard care.
The action came after Kindred failed to correct violations of federal rules, dating from last month and last November. The problems were deemed to place the safety of patients in jeopardy, the Minnesota Department of Health said.
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"We strongly disagree with this action," said Bonnie Blake, chief executive of the hospital. She said the company's corporate parent will challenge the decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Medicare, which sets care standards that hospitals must follow to get paid, rarely removes hospitals from the program.
"I'm reasonably certain it has never happened before in Minnesota," said Dave Feinwachs, general counsel for the Minnesota Hospital and Healthcare Partnership.
State health department officials said they'll meet with Kindred managers on Monday to make arrangements for the 22 patients in the hospital.
