Hospital Board Updated on Skilled Care

BOONE, Iowa---Joe Smith, Chief Executive Officer for the Boone County Hospital, says they are still moving ahead with a plan to reopen the skilled nursing beds on the third floor of the hospital, but it probably won't be until later this summer.  Smith says the administration has continued to move ahead with plans to reopen, albeit with fewer beds than were being used two-years ago.  CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) had determined the skilled care offering didn't meet their requirements, but an Administrative Law Judge ruled in favor of the hospital.  Smith says now they are waiting input from the Iowa Attorney General about a question of certification.  What ever the decision, the Hospital Board is expected to continue moving forward with plans to reopen the third floor.