Eureka Springs Hospital CEO Tiffany Means provided the Eureka Springs Times-Echo with a summary of her remarks at the regular meeting of the Eureka Springs Hospital Commission meeting on Monday, Jan. 19. Below is the summary provided by Means:
Eureka Springs Hospital exists to serve our community with safe, reliable, and compassionate care. Every decision made by current leadership is grounded in patient safety, accountability, and long‑term sustainability.
Since assuming the role of CEO in August 2024, my responsibility has been to assess organizational performance honestly, address unresolved deficiencies, and lead the hospital toward stability and improvement while care continues every day.
Acknowledging and Closing the Past
Upon joining Eureka Springs Hospital, I conducted a comprehensive review of regulatory history, operational practices, policies, and financial systems. This review confirmed that several financial and operational issues originated prior to the current administration and had not been fully resolved.
Those matters have now been identified, formally acknowledged, and placed under corrective action. Addressing them transparently allows the organization to close that chapter responsibly and move forward with clarity and discipline.
Financial Stewardship and Accountability
Recent financial reviews and audit findings highlighted the need for stronger internal controls, improved financial reporting processes, and better oversight. These findings were taken seriously and prompted immediate corrective action.
Key steps currently underway include:
- Strengthening financial controls and reconciliation processes
- Validating data accuracy to ensure reliable reporting
- Engaging external expertise and leadership oversight
- Improving revenue cycle processes to better serve patients and protect public resources
While December financials are still under validation to ensure accuracy, leadership has prioritized integrity over speed in financial reporting.
Patient‑Centered Corrections
Financial and billing system reviews identified process gaps that impacted patients, particularly related to delayed billing and legacy account activity. These issues are being corrected to ensure billing practices are accurate, transparent, and respectful.
Actions underway include:
- Retraining admissions and registration workflows
- Reviewing affected patient accounts
- Evaluating collections activity
- Strengthening financial and billing policies to enhance patient protections
Patient care extends beyond treatment; it includes ethical, accurate financial practices.
Leadership, Culture, and Compliance
Eureka Springs Hospital is reinforcing a culture of accountability, structure, and regulatory excellence. Leadership expectations are clear, support systems are in place, and compliance standards are being strengthened across departments.
Staff are recognized and supported for the professionalism, resilience, and dedication they demonstrate daily while the organization undergoes necessary improvements.
Recognition and Progress
The hospital has seen meaningful progress in multiple areas, including:
- Successful regulatory survey outcomes
- Improved documentation and compliance practices
- Strengthened leadership accountability
- Renewed focus on patient experience and staff engagement
These efforts reflect a collective commitment by our workforce to serve the community with excellence during a period of transition.
Looking Forward
Eureka Springs Hospital remains open, operational, and focused on patient care. Our role extends beyond emergency services as we work toward expanding access, strengthening continuity of care, and keeping quality healthcare local.
Our mission moving forward is clear:
- Patients First – Every decision centers on safety and quality
- People Matter – Staff are supported, accountable, and respected
- Progress Always – We lead with discipline, transparency, and innovation
Leadership is accountable for guiding this hospital forward responsibly, thoughtfully, and in service of the people who depend on us.
Eureka Springs Hospital is rebuilding with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to ensuring safe, competent care for every patient today and into the future.
