SRS testimony
concerning SRS State Hospitals provided to the House Social Services Budget Committee on February 1, 2006:

Mental Health Study Committee,

Highlights of the testimony are show below: These statements are direct quotes.

• Only persons who have been determined to be a danger to themselves or lathers are referred to state mental health hospitals (SMHHs). These people generally exhibit symptoms that community providers cannot treat safely and effectively. Once severe symptoms are stabilized, these persons can successfully return home with supports provided by their community mental health centers (CMHCs) (page 3-4)
  
• Increased admissions have caused State Mental Health Hospitals (SMHH) census to rise to critical levels several time in the past year. See Psychiatric Admissions. (page 9)
  
• SRS in cooperation with mental health system stake holders developed an agreed Protocol for Managing SMHH Census Increases (page 9).
  
• Other options for managing high census have been identified. (page 9)
  
• All state hospitals struggle with operating costs rising faster than inflation. The main cost drivers are pharmaceuticals and utility costs.(page 10)
  
• Continuing to operate hospitals at their current staffing levels will have a serious affect of the quality and cost of services. ( page 10)

This testimony must be considered in conjunction with the SRS testimony provided to the Legislative Budget committee on October 10, 2005...

Kay Hale, LWVK Study on Mental Health Committee Member

FULL TEXT of testimony is available online.

Return to Mental Health Study, LWV-TSC