HospitalInspections.org

Based on a review of facility documents, medical records (MR), and staff interview (EMP), it was determined that Lehigh Valley - Pocono failed to provide a written response to the complainant for one of four medical records reviewed (MR1).

Review on June 28, 2018, of the facility's, "Grievance Procedure - Affordable Care Act Sections 1557 Non-Discrimination," last revised October 7, 2016, revealed "Purpose ... LVH-P has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18116) and its implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. pt. 92, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ... 4. Decision a. The Section 1557 Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance, based on a preponderance of the evidence, no later than 30 days after its filing, including a notice to the complainant of their right to pursue further administrative or legal remedies. ..."

Review on June 28, 2018, of the facility complaint log from May 1, 2018 until present revealed the MR1's daughter filed a complaint with the facility on May 23, 2018.


Interview on June 28, 2018, with EMP1 and EMP3 at approximately 12:45 PM revealed the facility had not sent the complainant a written decision. EMP1 confirmed the complaint was received on May 23, 2018. EMP1 and EMP3 confirmed it had been greater than 30 days since the complaint was received and there had been no communication with the complainant.