Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland City, Vt., is requesting an emergency certificate of need from the state to address ligature risks through a $3.5 million renovation, reports VTDigger.
During an accreditation assessment in August 2018, CMS inspectors identified "urgent risks" associated with ligature points, or any structure to which someone could attach a cord or rope for the purpose of hanging or strangulation.
CMS is also finalizing a new guidance on ligature risks, which will bring more serious citations for hospitals.
As such, Rutland Regional Medical Center is seeking expedited approval from the state's Green Mountain Care Board to update its medical beds, furniture, shelving, fire alarm system and doors to mitigate risks of self-harm or suicide.