WARNING! SPOILERS ahead for Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 14, "Acid Test."Archer's (Steven Weber) chance encounter with an inspector might have saved the hospital for now in Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 14, titled "Acid Test," but it's not likely this story is over. Gaffney Medical Center has been under intense pressure during Chicago Med season 10. The hospital has been dealing with a mass influx of patients after the only other facility in the area closed, leaving staff scrambling to provide high-quality patient care. This difficult scenario also led directly to Sharon's (S Epatha Merkerson) attack when her stalker blamed her for a loved one's death.

More trouble is on the horizon in "Acid Test." Maggie (Marlyne Barrett) is nervous when a surprise inspector visits the hospital, as his complaints got the other hospital closed down. However, Archer comes to the rescue. One of Steven Weber's best performances involves an inebriated Archer wandering the hospital halls. When Archer has a chance encounter with the inspector, Maggie and Sharon panic — however, the inspector is so pleased with Archer's validation of his job that it seems likely he will give the hospital a ing grade.

Gaffney Is In Danger Of Being Shut Down By Outsiders For The First Time Explained

An Inspector From The National Accreditation Board of Hospitals (NABOH) Makes A Surprise Visit

The NABOH inspector initially goes undercover, sitting in the waiting room at the Emergency Department with an N-95 mask on. The man appears to be a patient who is nervous about getting sick while at the hospital. However, when he goes into a restricted area to complain about his long wait time, he reveals himself to be an inspector who will tour the hospital and note code violations. This process puts the hospital in real danger of being shut down — Maggie learns the inspector has already marked 16 violations halfway through his visit.

While the hospital has been sold several times because of financial issues, it has never faced the threat of an external shutdown. Sharon's standing up to the inspector when he complains about the distance between trash cans makes the situation worse. He's annoyed when she tells him that her staff provides excellent care regardless of these minuscule details. Additionally, Maggie instructs nurses and residents to refuse to answer questions, frustrating the inspector and making it more likely the hospital will fail.

Archer Neutralizing The Inspector Could Be Temporary

Sharon's Confidence May Be Premature

A silly subplot involves Archer getting high on acid after meeting a patient who uses it. The staff scrambles to keep him out of sight of the inspector, but to no avail. Archer is resting in a treatment room that the inspector visits as part of his evaluation of the hospital's health and safety. Maggie nervously tries to explain that Archer is off-duty, but the inspector says that he greatly appreciates the validation that Archer gave him. He appreciates that Archer didn't argue with him or try to avoid him like the rest of the staff has done.

it's unclear if the inspector is aware that Archer was inebriated.

After this encounter, Sharon is confident that the hospital will the inspection, despite the inspector's high number of negative marks. However, her confidence is misplaced. One of the Chicago Med going forward is whether the inspector is done causing trouble and how the hospital will adjust if it has to make changes to remain open. Additionally, it's unclear if the inspector is aware that Archer was inebriated. It's also ambiguous whether he really feels as positively about their encounter as he claims.

How Can Gaffney Save Itself From Being Shut Down

The Board May Need To Agree To Some Changes

If the inspector gives the hospital a bad report, the chances skyrocket that it will be shut down. However, it is not a done deal until Gaffney is officially closed, so the hospital board will have some room to negotiate a threatened shutdown. The most obvious way to resolve the problem is to agree to make some changes by the inspector's deadline, and then a re-inspection. For example, if the trash cans are not the correct distance apart, that is something the hospital could correct before another inspection. This would be a better option than arguing over minuscule details.

It will be particularly concerning if Sharon is asked to suspend Archer, as he only recently agreed to return to work in Chicago Med rather than resign and move on.

Unfortunately, if the inspector realizes Archer is inebriated or has other concerns about staff behavior, Sharon may be forced to fire or suspend some employees. It will be particularly concerning if Sharon is asked to suspend Archer, as he only recently agreed to return to work in Chicago Med rather than resign and move on. Thus, Archer's drug slip-up could lead to additional trouble and might not save the hospital in the long run.

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