Judge sides with Broughton Hospital

North Carolina hopes to recoup $8 million.

Administrative law judge Keith W. Sickendick said Tuesday that Broughton Hospital did not deserve to lose federal insurance money.

The state psychiatric hospital lost the money after investigators in August of 2007 determined that conditions endangered patients. 

The judge said that the hospital's policies were consistent with state law, however. 

"It's a good day," said Lanier Cansler, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services. "The judge has vindicated the hospital, we believe, and we will be applying to get back about $8 million. We are hopeful we'll be able to retrieve that money."

The money would help slightly with the state's budget shortfall. (N&O)