San Francisco Health Commission updates Laguna Honda Hospital closure and recertification plan

The San Francisco Health Commission convened to address critical updates regarding the Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, particularly focusing on its closure plan and recertification process. The meeting began with a respectful acknowledgment of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula, emphasizing the city's commitment to recognizing indigenous rights.

Roland Pickens, Director of the San Francisco Health Network and acting CEO of Laguna Honda, presented a comprehensive update on the hospital's status. Laguna Honda, the largest public skilled nursing facility in the United States, has been operational for over 150 years, providing specialized care for patients with complex health conditions.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by Laguna Honda following a series of incidents that led to its decertification by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in April 2022. These incidents included nonfatal overdoses involving residents who left the facility and returned. Despite the hospital's efforts to rectify issues, CMS determined that compliance was not met, prompting the need for a closure plan.

Pickens outlined the steps taken since the decertification, including hiring external experts to assess and improve facility operations. A roadmap for recertification has been developed, with initial assessments and a mock survey revealing 101 areas needing improvement. The Laguna team has since created 344 corrective actions to address these deficiencies.

The meeting also addressed the timeline for patient transfers and discharges, which CMS initially required to be completed within four months. However, after discussions, an agreement was reached to pause these transfers until November 13, 2022, allowing for further evaluation and a focus on recertification efforts.

The Health Commission emphasized that recertification remains the top priority, with ongoing assessments and improvements aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of care at Laguna Honda. The next steps include a comprehensive evaluation of the hospital's structure and operations, with recommendations expected in early 2023.