FARMINGTON – A preliminary analysis for a state Certificate of Need for five licenses for sub-acute beds favors Franklin Memorial Hospital’s proposal.

The hospital has applied to reclassify five of its acute-care, also known as medical surgical, beds to so-called swing beds. That way they could be used when needed to provide short-term skilled rehabilitation to patients with complex medical conditions.

Initially, the hospital had submitted an application to reclassify 10 beds, but nursing home administrators opposed it.

A compromise was reached with area nursing homes, which included an offer by Sandy River Health System to sell five bed licenses to the hospital. The licenses would come from another nursing home outside the area where the licenses are no longer needed.

Richard Lawrence, a state health care financial analyst said Tuesday that the preliminary analysis recommends the hospital’s Certificate of Need application get the go-ahead.

The application now goes to Commissioner John Nichols for review. Lawrence said he expects an answer from the commissioner within a week.

Anyone interested in examining the preliminary analysis and record may do so by contacting Richard Lawrence, health care financial analyst, Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, Department of Human Services, 442 Civic Center Drive, State House Station No. 11, Augusta, ME 04333 or by telephone, (207) 287-9200.

Hospital spokesman Dan Marois said Franklin Memorial is pleased with the preliminary analysis’ recommendation. During a public hearing on the application, Marois said, there was a good cooperative feeling between the parties.

The next step is getting the licenses for the beds.

In anticipation of approval, the hospital is developing internal protocol and procedures for the use of the beds. There also have been conducting ongoing discussions with nursing home representatives.

The hospital is hoping to have the beds ready for use Sept. 1, Marois said.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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