King-Harbor fails final check, will close soon | LAT | 8.11.07
Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital shut down its emergency room Friday night and will close entirely within two weeks, a startlingly swift reaction to a federal decision to revoke $200 million in annual funding because of ongoing lapses in care.
The extraordinary developments mark an end to nearly four years of failed attempts to reform the historic institution, treasured by many African Americans as a symbol of hope and progress after the 1965 Watts riots.
“People fought to have this place built, and it’s been employment for some people. It’s been a symbol that our community is somewhat whole, that the resources are there that you need when you want them,” she said.
For the families who lost loved ones after medical lapses at the hospital, however, King-Harbor had come to symbolize betrayal, and Friday’s news brought bitter satisfaction
Another significant break, not replaceable, in the Los Angeles County safety net.
4 Comments
I have a hard time understanding how closing a facility that is obviously needed is the correct reprimand.
I have a hard time understanding how closing a facility that is obviously needed is the correct reprimand.
I certainly understand what you are saying; however, this was not a reprimand. King failed to meet its contractual duties under the CMS/Medicare contract. These failures were noted on several visits over several years. CMS, consistent with the contract, removed funding. With the lack of funding, Los Angeles County can not run King. There was no reprimand, but a repeated failure to fulfill contractual duties to receive Medicare funding.
A reprimand implies some form of a discipline for a transgression, this was much more formal and serious.
I certainly understand what you are saying; however, this was not a reprimand. King failed to meet its contractual duties under the CMS/Medicare contract. These failures were noted on several visits over several years. CMS, consistent with the contract, removed funding. With the lack of funding, Los Angeles County can not run King. There was no reprimand, but a repeated failure to fulfill contractual duties to receive Medicare funding.
A reprimand implies some form of a discipline for a transgression, this was much more formal and serious.