Geisinger-Community Medical Center
An acute care hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510
1822 Mulberry Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510. (570) 703-8000.
- Medicare payments cut under the HAC Reduction Program (fiscal year 2026)
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CMS’s own record is on Care Compare.
The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 20, 2026.
- 2of 5 CMS’s overall rating
- 3of 5 patient survey rating
- 3 deficiencies cited in the last three years (needs attention)
- 294 beds
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean4
- Star ratings
- CMS rates some kinds of place from 1 to 5 stars, more stars meaning better on CMS’s own measures for that kind: for a nursing home, its health inspections, staffing and quality measures. A rating is CMS’s summary of those measures; it doesn’t promise good care. Source: CMS, Care Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System.
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
- Condition-level deficiency
- For hospices, home health agencies, hospitals and dialysis facilities, CMS writes deficiencies at two levels. Standard is the usual one; condition-level is the more serious, when a problem is serious enough that the provider doesn’t meet a whole condition of taking part in Medicare. Source: CMS, State Operations Manual.
What did inspectors find?
The last inspection on record was on Mar 4, 2026: a complaint inspection.
3 deficiencies cited in the last three years, 1 of them at condition level, the most serious.
1 deficiency at condition level, the more serious of CMS’s two levels
CMS, QCOR Hospital 2567 statements of deficiencies. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated monthly.
When those deficiencies happened
3 deficiencies in 1 month of the last 36. Last cited Mar 2025. Most serious: Condition-level. The last 3 years, to Nov 5, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| 2023 | Dec | |||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each deficiency, as cited
Rule titles as CMS’s inspectors cite them, set in sentence case.
CMS, QCOR Hospital 2567 statements of deficiencies. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated monthly.
Mar 18, 2025: complaint inspection2 deficiencies
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Patient Rights
The inspectors’ words, 220 words
“PATIENT RIGHTS CFR(s): 482.13 A hospital must protect and promote each patient’s rights. This Condition is not met as evidenced by: 21559 Based on the seriousness of the non-compliance and the potential harm to staff, visitors and other patients, the facility failed to protect a patients right to receive care in a safe environment. The facility failed to ensure individuals entering the Emergency Department (ED) were wanded from head to toe and back and the facility failed to ensure individual’s handbags, purses and knapsacks were visibly inspected for weapons or contraband for two of two patients observed (MR6 and MR7) and for three of three visitors observed (visitors accompanied MR6 and MR7); the facility failed to prevent patients who entered the ED were free of contraband that could potentially harm staff, visitors and other patients for three of three applicable medical records reviewed (MR1, MR2 and MR3) and the facility failed to ensure a patient entering the facility’s ED for a psychiatric evaluation due to fleeting suicidal thoughts was wanded in a timely manner for one of one applicable medical record reviewed (MR3). A discussion took place with EMP1, EMP2, EMP3, EMP4, EMP7, EMP9 and OTH6 regarding the survey team’s concerns related to the Patient Rights on March 18, 2025. Cross reference 482.13 (c)(2) Patient Rights: Care in Safe Setting”
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Patient Rights: Care In Safe Setting
The inspectors’ words, 3,123 words
“PATIENT RIGHTS: CARE IN SAFE SETTING CFR(s): 482.13(c)(2) The patient has the right to receive care in a safe setting. This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 38776 Based on observations, facility documents, and staff interview (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to ensure individuals entering the Emergency Department (ED) were wanded from head to toe and the facility failed to ensure individual’s handbags, purses and knapsacks were visibly inspected for weapons or contraband for two of two patients observed (MR6 and MR7) and for three of three visitors observed (visitors accompanied MR6 and MR7); the facility failed to prevent patients who entered the ED were free of contraband that could potentially harm staff, visitors and other patients for three of three applicable medical records reviewed (MR1, MR2 and MR3) and the facility failed to ensure a patient entering the facility’s ED for a psychiatric evaluation due to fleeting suicidal thoughts was wanded in a timely manner for one of one applicable medical record reviewed (MR3). Findings include: Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility’s “Patient rights & responsibilities” brochure, A-775-001 F ENG-BR Dev. 6/21, revealed “...Care delivery You or your legally authorized representative or guardian have the right to...Receive kind, respectful, safe, quality care delivered by skilled staff...” Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility’s “Mission Statement Security” policy, last template version January 10, 2024, revealed “Policy Geisinger Security Services protects and serves by providing the following: 1. Protecting patients, visitors, and employees from harm and reasonable fear of harm. 2. Maintaining an acceptable level of order, control, security and safety, and emergency response capability in the various hospital and support facilities, and throughout the organization...5. Enforcing established organizational policies, procedures rules, and regulations. 6. Utilizing security technologies as appropriate to reduce risk and enhance protection capabilities...” Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility policy, “Metal Detector,” last reviewed January 10, 2024, revealed “... Purpose The purpose of this policy is to promote safety and provide guidelines concerning magnetometer use for the facilities that deploy them as part of their security operations. This policy is intended to be flexible in that deviations based on clinical judgment are permissible provided the intent of this policy is served. Persons Affected This policy applies to all security personnel who operate or otherwise participate in magnetometer screenings at a Geisinger-owned or leased facility. Policy A. To promote and increase the physical safety of Geisinger staff, patients, and guests, magnetometers will be strategically deployed at select entrances to Geisinger facilities or departments that have demonstrated a need for increased security measures. The following guidelines relate to Geisinger locations where access is controlled using an operational magnetometer: 1. Magnetometers shall be operational only when trained uniformed security staffing levels permit. 2. Except for patients presenting with urgent/emergent medical symptoms such as chest pains, shortness of breath, arrival by emergency vehicle and except as otherwise provided in this policy, all individuals desiring to pass through an entrance controlled by a magnetometer will be required to pass through the magnetometer’s zone of detection. 3. Signs stating the following information should be posted near any entrance that is controlled by a magnetometer: Firearms and weapons are prohibited. Magnetometer(s) are in operation and any person(s) refusing search may be denied entry to the controlled area. Weapons, dangerous devices, illicit drugs, and contraband will be handled in accordance with existing Geisinger policy and will not be permitted entrance into a Geisinger facility. Security lockers, or equivalent, will be provided for storage of legally possessed items (e.g., knives that meet the legal requirement, personal defensive chemical agents), and personal hand luggage, purses or bags that are not otherwise screened. 4. Anyone refusing a visible search of purses, backpacks, etc. will be advised to secure their items prior to entering the area that is controlled by the magnetometer. B. Searches in Conjunction with Magnetometer Screening: 1. In conjunction with screening visitors entering facilities with a magnetometer, security personnel may also visually inspect bags, purses, knapsacks, briefcases, etc. In such instances, the visitor may be asked to remove items from his or her bag, purse, knapsack, and/or briefcase to facilitate the visual inspection. 2. When a search is determined to be appropriate, reasonable attempts will be made to secure the individual’s cooperation in conducting the search. An explanation of the reason(s) for the search is to be provided. Searches are conducted by trained security officers as quickly as possible to accomplish a thorough search in a manner respectful of the individual and his or her possessions. 3. Luggage, large bags, and other items as determined by security personnel are to be placed in an appropriately secured area within the general vicinity of the magnetometer. Transactions are recorded using an inventory control system that is managed by the site security. Individuals who must relinquish item(s) are informed that they are to be accompanied by security if they wish to obtain any items from the bags after they have been properly secured. 4. When the person who originally checked the items is leaving the facility the items will be returned. Such transactions are recorded using the inventory control system as managed by the site Security Department. C Handheld Magnetometer Use: 1. Any person who, by virtue of their physical condition is incapable from passing through the detection zone of the magnetometer should be “wanded” utilizing a handheld magnetometer. 2. Those with implanted medical devices will occasionally cause an activation of the magnetometer as they walk through. In such cases that the operator has reason to believe this has occurred, the person will be additionally screened with the handheld magnetometer. 3. Handheld magnetometers may be employed as needed and at any time deemed necessary by security personnel provided the provisions set forth in this policy are adhered to. 4. Individuals entering a controlled Emergency Department area via the Ambulance Entrance may also be subjected to a handheld type of magnetometer screening of their person as well as a visual inspection of the contents of any bags, purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will this screening interfere with patient care. D. Disposition of Weapons: 1. All weapons must be relinquished as a condition of entry. A claim-check, lock box, or similar inventory control should be used, and the affected person is advised of where and how to seek return of the item prior to leaving the premises. 2. When a person seeking return of a firearm does not demonstrate that he or she holds a valid license to carry/permit, the firearm will not be returned. In those instances, the firearm shall be relinquished to law enforcement Definitions A. Firearm - A weapon that uses explosives to propel a projectile, including without limitation any gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle or similar item as described in applicable federal, state, and local laws. B. Weapon - An device, machine, tool, or instrument capable of inflicting harm, including but not limited to any firearm, explosive device (e.g., bomb, grenade, etc.) knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, blackjacks, sandbags, metal knuckles, daggers, razors, nun-chuck stick, and any other tool, stun gun, stun baton, Taser or other electronic or electric weapon or other implement for the infliction of bodily injury, and anything Geisinger security reasonably conclude could be used as a weapon, whether or not it has another legitimate purpose. C. Magnetometer - A machine or device that uses an electromagnetic field to detect metal objects, such as concealed handguns, weapons, or metal objects. ...” Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility’s “Handling of Contraband and Illegal Items Including Drugs and drug Paraphernalia” policy, last template version January 10, 2024, revealed, “Purpose This policy establishes the process for identifying, handling and reporting of patient possession or use of Contraband, including guidelines for the proper collection and custody of illegal items, until such time as those items can be returned to the patient, turned over to the police or disposed of properly, as applicable...Policy Geisinger does not allow the possession and/or use of Contraband in or on Geisinger property... For the protection of its employees, patients and visitors, Geisinger uses its best efforts to handle and process illegal items...Definitions...Contraband means any drug coming under the Controlled Substances Act, when used illegally, or drug paraphernalia or weapons or devices calculated to inflict serious bodily harm (whether or not illegal (i.e., pocketknife)). Some Contraband is not necessarily illegal but given Geisinger’s desire to provide a safe environment for its patients, visitors and employees, it is not allowed on Geisinger property...” Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility’s “Suicide/Self-harm Precautions - Nursing” policy, last reviewed September 19, 2024, revealed “Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure an effective method for suicidal assessment, monitoring, and treatment of patients at risk for suicide/self-harm or who may endanger others. Patients presenting with acute medical care needs may also be assessed for exhibiting acute psychiatric conditions, chronic mental disturbances, substance abuse and be at risk of self-harm...Responsibilities All Geisinger staff are responsible to ensure a safe environment for patients with suicidal ideation...” Review of the power point presentation provided by EMP6 on March 18, 2026, revealed staff review this when they are hired. Further review of this power point revealed “Screening Procedures 1. Request that the individual remove any excessive metal. Such as keys, studded belts, etc and all items from cloths pockets and place them in a designated inspection tray. 2. Request that the individual remove any cold or wet garments (e.g. hat, overcoat, rain gear, etc.) and place them on the devesting table for inspection. Physical inspections should consist of feeling the garments for hidden objects. 3. Visually screen the individual for any type of suspicious or hidden items including the outline of an unidentified object. 4. Request that the individual open any container that he or she may be carrying (e.g., lunch box, purse, briefcase) and visually inspect the contents. Hand Wand Screening Request that the individual raise both arms straight out to shoulder height with his or her palms open facing the floor and stand with their feet approximately shoulder width apart. Pass the hand wand over the individual’s body at 1 inch. - Important: Avoid touching the individual’s body or clothing with the metal detector. Orientation of the handheld should be horizontal while scanning the torso and vertical while scanning the legs/shoes. Vertical orientation near the floor (concrete) will limit false alarms The body scan should be performed each time in the same pattern so that the operator always knows what parts of the body still needs scanned. Start at the top of one shoulder of the individual, with the paddle of the detector held parallel to the front of the body. Sweep down one side of the torso, down the leg to the floor (shoe). Next, move to the other leg and sweep up from the floor (shoe) of the opposite leg and torso. End with the opposite shoulder. Sweep the hand wand over the outside top of the arm from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the wrist, then up the inside of the arm to the armpit. Sweep down that side of the body to the floor (shoe) and continue back up the other leg from the floor (shoe) to the underarm. Repeat the sweep of the inside and outside of this arm. The diagram includes sweeping of the head from one side to the other side, Important: Avoid touching the individual’s body or clothing with the metal detector” Observation on March 18, 2025, at approximately 1010, revealed patients and visitors entering this entrance. The following were the observations: 1. Observation of MR6 on March 18, 2025, at 1010 revealed this patient entered the ED Ambulatory Entrance. MR6 placed belongings on a table; EMP5 stood in front of the MR6’s body and wanded this patient from shoulders to the feet. EMP5 then allowed MR6 to proceed to Registration. EMP5 did not wand MR6’s head. Further observation revealed EMP5 did not have this patient turn around to wand the back of MR6’s body before allowing this patient to proceed to Registration. Review of MR6 on March 18, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the ED for evaluation and treatment of cold symptoms. 2. Observation of visitor of MR6 on March 18, 2025, revealed this visitor entered the ED Ambulatory Entrance. The visitor of MR6 placed belongings on a table; EMP5 stood in front of the visitor of MR6’s body and wanded this visitor from shoulders to the feet. EMP5 then allowed the visitor of MR6 to proceed to Registration. EMP5 did not wand the visitor of MR6’s head. Further observation revealed EMP5 did not have this visitor turn around to wand the back of the visitor of MR6’s body before allowing this patient to proceed to Registration. 3. Observation of a second visitor of MR6 on March 18, 2025, revealed this visitor entered the ED Ambulatory Entrance. The second visitor of MR6 placed the purse/ backpack on a table; EMP5 stood in front of the second visitor of MR6’s body and wanded this visitor from shoulders to the feet. EMP5 then allowed the second visitor of MR6 to proceed to Registration. EMP5 did not wand the second visitor of MR6’s head; EMP5 did not have this visitor turn around to wand the back of second visitor of MR6’s body and EMP5 did not visibly inspect this visitor’s purse/ backpack before allowing this patient to proceed to Registration. 4. Observation of MR7 on March 18, 2025, revealed this patient entered the ED Ambulatory Entrance. MR7 placed the purse/ backpack on a table; EMP5 stood in front of the MR7’s body and wanded this patient from shoulders to the feet. EMP5 then allowed MR7 to proceed to Registration. EMP5 did not wand MR7’s head; EMP5 did not have this patient turn around to wand the back of MR7’s body and EMP5 did not visibly inspect this patient’s purse/ backpack before allowing this patient to proceed to Registration. Review of MR7 on March 18, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the ED for evaluation and treatment of vomiting. 5. Observation of a visitor of MR7 on March 18, 2025, revealed this visitor entered the ED Ambulatory Entrance. The visitor of MR7 placed belongings on a table; EMP5 stood in front of the visitor’s body and wanded this patient from shoulders to the feet. EMP5 then allowed the visitor of MR7 to proceed to Registration. EMP5 did not wand the visitor of MR7’s head. Further observation revealed EMP5 did not have this patient turn around to wand the back of the visitor’s body before allowing this visitor to proceed to Registration. Interview on March 18, 2025, with EMP5 and EMP7, at approximately 1020 confirmed MR6, MR7, visitor of MR6, second visitor of MR6, and visitor of MR7 entered the facility; these patients and visitors were not wanded from head to toe and their belongings were not visibly inspected for weapons or contraband. Interview on March 18, 2025, with EMP6, at approximately 1430 confirmed patients and visitors were required to be wanded from head to toe, front and back when the stationary metal detector alarmed. EMP6 confirmed patient and visitor belongings and bags required more than a brief glance into the bag and a physical inspection for weapons or contraband. Review of MR1 on March 18, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the ED on February 15, 2025, following a seizure resulting in loss of consciousness. MR1 was admitted to an inpatient unit on February 15, 2025, at 2120. Review of MR1 on March 18, 2025, revealed nursing documentation dated February 15, 2025, at 2236, this patient’s belongings included electronic devices, shirt, pajamas, underpants and a cell phone. Review of MR1 on March 18, 2025, revealed this patient’s bed alarm was sounding; MR1 was pacing in the room, wanting to leave; security was at the bedside; MR1 was refusing to cooperate and charged the doorway. MR1 and a security guard fell to the floor, after being helped up the security noticed bleeding from this employees abdomen. A pocket knife was found on the floor and given to security. Review of MR1 on March 18, 2025, revealed no documentation this patient was wanded when entering the ED. Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility’s investigation revealed no documentation determining how the pocket knife entered the facility. Interview with EMP1, EMP3, EMP4 and EMP9 on March 18, 2025, confirmed the above findings at the time of the review. MR1 was discharged on February 16, 2025. Review of MR2 on March 18, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the facility through the ED Ambulatory Entrance on March 1, 2025, at 1854, for evaluation and treatment of right knee pain. Interview with EMP3, EMP4 and EMP9 on March 18, 2025, revealed when MR2 entered through the ED Ambulatory Entrance, this patient walked through the metal detector Tower and was scanned for contraband, including knives. Review of MR2 on March 18, 2025, revealed nursing documentation dated March 2, 2025, at 2040, this patient’s belongings included clothing. Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility’s report dated March 1, 2025, revealed security documentation that MR2 was checked by contracted Professional Security Service [name of company]; there was no report of a knife being found and that an ED staff person reported this patient had a knife on the side attached to the belt. Further review revealed documentation this patient went through the door and was not properly wanded. Interview with EMP1, EMP3, EMP4 and EMP9 on March 18, 2025, confirmed the above findings at the time of the review. Review of MR3 on March 18, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the facility through the ED Ambulatory Entrance on March 4, 2025, at 1308 for a psychiatric evaluation due to fleeting suicidal thoughts. Interview with EMP3, EMP4 and EMP9 on March 18, 2025, revealed when MR3 entered through the ED Ambulatory Entrance, this patient walked through the metal detector Tower and was scanned for contraband, including knives and metal objects. Review of MR3 on March 18, 2025, revealed nursing documentation dated March 4, 2025, at 1430 indicating this patient changed into blue scrubs and was wanded by security. Further review of MR3 documentation when security wanded MR3 the following were found: 1 knife,1 flat black knife with a foldout blade, 1 Ring Spike and 1 Black strap. Review on March 18, 2025, of the facility’s report dated March 4, 2025, revealed no documentation indicating an investigation into how the above items were able to enter through the ED Ambulatory Entrance. Interview with EMP1, EMP3, EMP4 and EMP9 on March 18, 2025, confirmed the above findings at the time of the review.”
Mar 14, 2025: complaint inspection1 deficiency
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Patient Rights: Care In Safe Setting
The inspectors’ words, 1,733 words
“PATIENT RIGHTS: CARE IN SAFE SETTING CFR(s): 482.13(c)(2) The patient has the right to receive care in a safe setting. This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 21559 Based on review of facility documents, observation, medical record review (MR) and staff interview (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to ensure a suicidal patient ordered one-on-one Direct Visualization was not left unattended behind a closed bathroom door (MR1); the facility failed to ensure the 1:1 sitter had direct visualization of a suicidal patient ’ s hands, arms and face (MR22) and the facility failed to ensure a 1:1 sitter was not behind a closed door with a patient ordered on direct visual observation (MR23) and the facility failed to ensure a patient expressing suicidal thoughts was rescreened as per facility policy for one of one applicable medical record reviewed (MR1). Findings include: Review on March 14, 2025, of the facility’s “Patient rights & responsibilities” brochure, A-775-001 F ENG-BR Dev. 6/21, revealed “...Care delivery You or your authorized representative or guardian have the right to...Receive kind, respectful, safe, quality care delivered by skilled staff...” Review on March 14, 2025, of the facility’s “Guidelines for the Care of Behavioral Health in the Emergency Department” policy, last template version 22.02 May 16, 2022, revealed “Purpose To Provide care for patients with behavioral health complaints or psychotic manifestations including homicidal or suicidal ideation. To provide guidelines for a comprehensive assessment and maintenance of patient safety during their time in the Emergency Department (ED). This includes but is not limited to the completion of a suicide risk screening, medical screening exam (MSE), assessment of the environment and referral for behavioral health evaluation...Steps A. Process for direct admission to Behavioral Health Holding Area (BHHA) 1. Patients presenting with behavioral health complaints (including suicidal or homicidal ideation) or signs of psychosis to triage or via EMS (without overt signs/symptoms of medical issues) will be triaged by trained personnel, suicide Risk screening completed, and will have an Emergency Severity Index (ESI) level determined...If Columbia screening results in “NA”, staff will consider use of CVM. Staff will follow procedures outline in the policy: “Suicide/Self-harm Precautions-Nursing”. 2. Patient will be roomed according to ESI Level and need for safety/security...10. Patients requiring 1:1 direct visualization must be observed by nursing staff for safety while in the bathroom and shower...” Review on March 14, 2025, of the facility’s “Suicide / Self-Harm Precautions - 10.60.4” policy, last committee approval October 11, 2022, revealed “Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure an effective method for suicidal assessment, monitoring, and treatment of patients at risk for suicide/self-harm or who may endanger others. Patients presenting with acute medical care needs may also be assessed for exhibiting acute psychiatric conditions, chronic mental disturbances, substance abuse and be at risk of self-harm...Definitions Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) - Evidence based suicide risk assessment tool to assess suicidal ideation. Continuous observation - continuous in person 1:1 observation monitoring for high risk patients Direct Visual Observation - constant observation in person or by video for moderate risk patients. Observation of multiple patients (no more than 2:1 in person) or can utilize in person and video monitoring for patients simultaneously per nursing/provider judgement...Suicide Ideation - specific behaviors/thoughts/ verbal cues which may be indicative of an individual’s intent to kill oneself...Procedure...Any patient that arrives to Emergency department with active suicide attempt is automatically placed on high risk 1:1 observation. Emergency Department Complete the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) on every Adult patient and the RSQ-4 for pediatric patients 11-17 years of age. The patient will be re-assessed with any change in patient behavioral condition to determine if a change in risk level (adults) and/or intervention is needed ... “ Review on March 14, 2025, of the facility’s “Geisinger Health Suicide Assessment Risk Score & Interventions” protocol, no review date, revealed “Low Risk Locate patient close to nurses’ station, if possible. Rescreen patient using CSSR if change in behavior, statement, or condition. Ensure resources are provided at discharge, if needed. Moderate Risk Alert provider and charge nurse of status. Psych consult as ordered by practitioner. Assign to direct visual observation, may assign video and/or continuous in person. Locate patient close to nurses’ station, if possible. Complete room and body search immediately for any potentially harmful objects. Screen all visitor belongings. Complete room checks each shift. Rescreen patient using CSSR if change in behavior, statements, or condition. Ensure resources are provided at discharge. High Risk Alert provider and charge nurse of status. Assign to 1:1 continuous in person visual observation. May use video monitoring as secondary precaution in conjunction with direct 1:1. Psych Consult as ordered by practitioner. Locate patient close to nurses’ station, if possible. Complete room and body search immediately for any potentially harmful objects. Remove pt. belongings. Screen all visitor belongings. Paper scrubs. Plastic dinnerware. Complete room checks each shift. Rescreen patient using CSSR if change in behavior, statements, or condition. Ensure resources are provided at discharge.” 1. Review of MR1 on March 14, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the Emergency Department (ED) on March 10, 2025, at 0316 due to a reported seizure. Review on March 14, 2025, of nursing documentation dated March 10, 2025, at 0335 revealed MR1 was found pacing the hallway; pacing in the room; grabbed the phone in the room and lifted to cord to the neck; stating to the nurse to step out of the room as this patient needed to make an important call. The phone and cord were removed for MR1’s room at that time. The ED physician ordered MR1 on Suicide Precautions and one-on-one Direct Visualization on March 10, 2025, at 0343. Review of MR1 on March 10, 2025, at 1617 revealed documentation MR1 was transferred from ED room 32 to the locked ED Behavioral Health unit (Nurses Station 4) room 31. Review on March 14, 2025, of MR1’s nursing documentation dated March 11, 2025, at 1030 revealed EMP5 opened the bathroom door; visualized MR1 in a fetal position on the ground with a plastic bag around the neck attempting to strangle self. Scissors were used to remove the plastic bag from around MR1’s neck. MR1 was escorted back to the locked ED Behavioral Health unit (Nurses Station 4) and assessed for injury. Interview with EMP1 revealed EMP6 escorted MR1 out of the locked ED Behavioral Health unit (Nurses Station 4) to the bathroom directly outside this unit and left MR1 unattended in the bathroom for an undetermined amount of time. There was no nursing documentation indicating the time MR1 was escorted to the bathroom located outside of the locked ED Behavioral Health unit (Nurses Station 4). Interview with EMP1 on March 14, 2025, confirmed the above findings at the time of the medical record review. EMP1 revealed EMP6 was the assigned one-on-one direct visual observer assigned to MR1. Observation on March 14, 2025, of the bathroom located directly outside the locked ED Behavioral Health unit (Nurses Station 4) revealed the following ligatures that pose a hanging threat to a patient with suicidal thoughts or ideas: A slotted paper towel holder A nurse call bell cord A commode with exposed pipe Handrails along the back and left side of the commode with an open rail Goose neck faucet Louvered hot and cold-water handles Goose neck sink drainpipe A metal hook on the back of the door that was not break away Louvered door hand Interview with EMP1, EMP3 and EMP4 confirmed the above ligatures in the bathroom. EMP1, EMP3 and EMP4 confirmed the above ligatures pose a risk to a person with suicidal thoughts or ideas. 2. Review of MR22 on March 14, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the ED on March 14, 2025, at 0121 following a suicide attempt by crashing of the motor vehicle. The facility completed a Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale and determined MR22 met the criteria for Suicide 1:1/Direct Visual Observation. MR22’s Suicide 1:1/Direct Visual Observation began on March 14, 2025, at 0150. Observation of MR22 on March 14, 2025, at approximately 1330 revealed this patient lying in bed facing down with hands and arms not visible to the 1:1 observer. Interview with EMP1 and EMP3 confirmed the above findings. EMP1 confirmed it is necessary to see a suicidal patients, hands, arms and face to ensure their safety. 3. Review of MR23 on March 14, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the ED on March 13, 2025, at 1203 following suicidal behaviors and statements. Nursing documentation dated March 13, 2025, indicating MR23’s parent reported violent outbursts of biting, hitting, kicking and verbally threatening prior to coming to the ED. Nursing documentation dated March 13, 2025, revealed nursing also reported MR23 had violent outbursts of biting, hitting, kicking and verbally threatening nursing staff on admission to the ED. The ED physician ordered MR23 on Suicide Precautions on one-to-one Direct Visualization. MR23’s one-to-one Direct Visualization began at 1207 on March 13, 2025. Observation of MR23 on March 14, 2025, at approximately 1330 revealed this patient’s ED room door closed with the one-to-one Direct Visualization sitter behind this closed door. Interview with EMP1 and EMP3 confirmed the above findings. EMP1 confirmed it is necessary for one-to-one Direct Visualization sitters to leave the patient room door open to ensure the staff safety. 4. Review of MR1 on March 14, 2025, revealed this patient presented to the Emergency Department (ED) on March 10, 2025, at 0316 due to a reported seizure. The facility completed a Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale on MR1 on admission to the ED and determined this patient’s risk for suicide was zero. Review on March 14, 2025, of nursing documentation dated March 10, 2025, at 0335 revealed MR1 was found pacing the hallway; pacing in the room; grabbed the phone in the room and lifted to cord to the neck; stating to the nurse to step out of the room as this patient needed to make an important call. The phone and cord were removed for MR1’s room at that time. The ED physician ordered MR1 on Suicide Precautions and one-on-one Direct Visualization on March 10, 2025, at 0343. There was no documentation in MR1 indicating the facility completed a reassessment of MR1’s suicide risk by completing another Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Interview with EMP1 confirmed the above finding at the time of the medical record review. Cross reference 482.13 Patient Rights”
All 5 inspections in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 4, 2026 | Complaint inspection | No deficiencies cited |
| Sep 9, 2025 | Complaint inspection | No deficiencies cited |
| May 7, 2025 | Complaint inspection | No deficiencies cited |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Complaint inspection | 2 deficiencies cited |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Complaint inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
How do patients fare?
- CMS’s overall CMS rates some kinds of place from 1 to 5 stars, more stars meaning better on CMS’s own measures for that kind: for a nursing home, its health inspections, staffing and quality measures. A rating is CMS’s summary of those measures; it doesn’t promise good care. Source: CMS, Care Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System. for it is 2 of 5.
- Of the measures behind its CMS rates some kinds of place from 1 to 5 stars, more stars meaning better on CMS’s own measures for that kind: for a nursing home, its health inspections, staffing and quality measures. A rating is CMS’s summary of those measures; it doesn’t promise good care. Source: CMS, Care Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System., CMS counts against the national value: mortality, 0 better and 0 worse of 8; safety of care, 2 better and 1 worse of 7; readmission, 1 better and 2 worse of 11.
- Patients rate it 3 of 5 in CMS’s patient survey (1,416 surveys completed, Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025): 60% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10, and 61% would definitely recommend it.
- Infections, compared by CMS with the national benchmark (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025): central line bloodstream infections (CLABSI), no different than national benchmark; catheter urinary tract infections (CAUTI), better than the national benchmark; surgical site infections after colon surgery, no different than national benchmark; MRSA bloodstream infections, no different than national benchmark; C. diff infections, better than the national benchmark.
- CMS’s patient safety composite for serious complications, PSI 90, Jul 1, 2022 to Jun 30, 2024: no different than the national value.
- Deaths within 30 days, as CMS gives them (Jul 1, 2022 to Jun 30, 2025): heart attack 11.4%, heart failure 11.6%, pneumonia 13.5%, COPD 8.7%, stroke 10.5%, heart bypass surgery 2.5%. CMS gives no comparison with the national rate for them in this release.
- Readmissions within 30 days, as CMS gives them (Jul 1, 2023 to Jun 30, 2025): heart attack 14.6%, heart failure 24.2%, pneumonia 19%, COPD 20.6%, heart bypass surgery 11.5%, hip or knee replacement 6.5%. CMS gives no comparison with the national rate for them in this release.
- After outpatient care, compared by CMS: unplanned hospital visits after a colonoscopy, no different than the national rate; hospital admissions after outpatient chemotherapy, no different than the national rate; emergency visits after outpatient chemotherapy, no different than the national rate; unplanned hospital visits after outpatient surgery, no different than expected.
- Emergency department patients spent a median of 211 minutes there before leaving (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025), and 1% left before being seen.
- 52% of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock got the care CMS measures, SEP-1 (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025).
- Medicare’s spending per patient here is 0.99 times the national median (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024).
CMS, Hospital General Information, Patient survey (HCAHPS) - Hospital, Healthcare Associated Infections - Hospital, Timely and Effective Care - Hospital and Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary - Hospital. Released Aug 13, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, Complications and Deaths - Hospital and Unplanned Hospital Visits - Hospital. Released Sep 30, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall ratingCMS’s overall hospital quality star rating, 1 to 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Patient survey ratingCMS star rating from its survey of the hospital’s patients (HCAHPS), 1 to 5 | 3 of 5 |
Is it certified, and in good standing?
- Medicare-certified acute care hospital since Jul 1, 1966.
- Ownership: voluntary non-profit - private.
- It is accredited by The Joint Commission, whose surveys stand in for the state’s routine inspections.
- Cited at For hospices, home health agencies, hospitals and dialysis facilities, CMS writes deficiencies at two levels. Standard is the usual one; condition-level is the more serious, when a problem is serious enough that the provider doesn’t meet a whole condition of taking part in Medicare. Source: CMS, State Operations Manual. in the last three years: it didn’t meet a whole condition of Medicare’s rules for hospitals.
- Voluntary non-profit - Private.
CMS, Provider of Services File - Hospital & Non-Hospital Facilities. Released Oct 14, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, Hospital General Information. Released Aug 13, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR Hospital 2567 statements of deficiencies. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated monthly.
Has it been penalized?
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospitals.
- CMS cut its Medicare payments by 1% for fiscal year 2026 under the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program, which does so for the quarter of hospitals that fare worst on conditions patients get in hospital.
- 3 deficiencies cited in the last three years came from inspections that included a complaint investigation.
CMS, Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction Program. Released Aug 13, 2026. Updated yearly.
CMS, Provider of Services File - Hospital & Non-Hospital Facilities. Released Oct 14, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR Hospital 2567 statements of deficiencies. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated monthly.
| Date | What | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare payment reduction (HAC Reduction Program) | Fiscal year 2026: 1% of Medicare payments |
What do patients say about their care?
- CMS doesn’t publish staffing levels for hospitals.
- In CMS’s patient survey, patients rate how well its nurses communicated 3 of 5.
- 96% of its health care workers got a flu shot (Oct 1, 2024 to Mar 31, 2025).
CMS, Patient survey (HCAHPS) - Hospital and Timely and Effective Care - Hospital. Released Aug 13, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Who owns it?
- Community Medial Center Healthcare System owns an unstated share directly since Jan 31, 1983.
- 12 owners or officers are people: Terry Gilliland (corporate officer); Daniel J Gaydon (corporate officer); Daniel J Gaydon (managing employee (on the payroll)); William Schultz (corporate officer); William Schultz (managing employee (on the payroll)); Allan Vandermark (managing employee (on the payroll)); Jeffrey A Jacobson (corporate director); Chris Holcombe (corporate officer); Will Xenakis (managing employee (on the payroll)); Benjamin K Chu (corporate director); Virginia Mcgregor (corporate director); Megan Brosious (corporate officer).
- CMS’s Provider of Services file records 2 changes of ownership.
- No private-equity firm among the owners CMS lists.
- No real-estate investment trust among the owners CMS lists.
CMS, Hospital All Owners and Hospital Enrollments. Released Sep 29, 2026. Updated monthly.
CMS, Provider of Services File - Hospital & Non-Hospital Facilities. Released Oct 14, 2026. Updated quarterly.
How does it compare nearby?
- Of the 5 hospitals CMS lists in Lackawanna County, 3 have an overall star rating from CMS: 1 rated 3 of 5, 2 rated 2 of 5.
- CMS rates this one 2 of 5.
CMS, Hospital General Information. Released Aug 13, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Place | Overall star rating |
|---|---|
| Regional Hospital of Scranton | 2 |
| Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City | 3 |
| Clarks Summit State Hospital | Not given |
| Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast | Not given |
What the record doesn’t say
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospitals, so none are shown. The one payment cut CMS publishes for each hospital, under its Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program, is shown where it applies.
- Only complaints that led to a citation appear; complaints that didn’t aren’t published.
- Most hospitals are accredited by a private organisation (The Joint Commission, DNV and others) whose routine inspections stand in for the state’s; those reports aren’t public, and QCOR holds only the state’s surveys: no inspection on record here doesn’t mean none took place.
- QCOR says its hospital inspection data are complete only through September 17, 2026, while it moves to a new system.
- CMS doesn’t publish staffing levels for hospitals.
- In its September 2026 release CMS gives no comparison with the national rate for death and readmission rates, though it gives the rates.
Sources
-
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospital General Information (xubh-q36u).
Released Aug 13, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Patient survey (HCAHPS) - Hospital.
Released Aug 13, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
-
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Healthcare Associated Infections - Hospital (77hc-ibv8).
Released Aug 13, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
-
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Complications and Deaths - Hospital (ynj2-r877).
Released Sep 30, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Unplanned Hospital Visits - Hospital (632h-zaca).
Released Sep 30, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Timely and Effective Care - Hospital (yv7e-xc69).
Released Aug 13, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary - Hospital (rrqw-56er).
Released Aug 13, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction Program (yq43-i98g).
Released Aug 13, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated yearly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Provider of Services File - Hospital & Non-Hospital Facilities (Hospital_and_other.DATA.Q3_2026.csv).
Released Oct 14, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, QCOR Hospital 2567 statements of deficiencies (Hospital_2567s_2010_to_2026YTD.xlsx).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated monthly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospital All Owners (Hospital_All_Owners_2026.09.29.csv).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated monthly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
-
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospital Enrollments (Hospital_Enrollments_2026.09.29.csv).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated monthly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: CMS. CMS’s own record is on Care Compare. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Nov 5, 2026.
From the hospital
The public record above comes first. Anything the hospital adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the hospital will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the hospital”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.