CMS agreed to let Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center hold off on patient discharges until May 19 after San Francisco city officials advocated for the extension, radio station KQED reported Feb. 1.
CMS decertified the facility in April. Originally set to close Sept. 13, the closure deadline was extended after nine patients died upon transfer to another facility. CMS agreed to delay the mandatory discharges and transfers until Feb. 3.
On Jan. 31, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met to discuss concerns over potential patient discharges mandated by state regulators, NBC News reported Feb. 1. Interim CEO Roland Pickens laid out the hospital's progress in reaching federal and state recertification. Shortly after, CMS agreed to extend the grace period until May 19.
"The transfers and discharge of residents has been arduous as many have complex healthcare needs, and Laguna Honda and City leadership have strongly advocated against the involuntary transfers," the hospital said in a statement shared with KQED. "The vast majority of residents and their families are fighting to remain at Laguna Honda and this continued reprieve of involuntary transfers provides stability, continuity of care, and short-term relief."