Governor Calls for Review of Oregon State Hospital Policies Regarding Patient Abuse
(Salem, Ore.) – Governor Ted Kulongoski today sent a letter to Department of Human Services Director Gary Weeks calling for a review of the policies and protocol in place at the Oregon State Hospital to identify, report and respond to allegations of abuse and patient mistreatment.
“Clearly, the state must have zero tolerance for abuse or neglect of individuals at the Oregon State Hospital,” said the governor.
In the letter, the governor asked for a report back from DHS within 30 days. He also stated that he has directed his Senior Advisor Stephen Schneider to review and evaluate the information - in consultation with a select group of experts in public safety, abuse and neglect reporting and investigation, and mental health service delivery and administration - to determine whether the policies and procedures currently in place at the State Hospital are effective and to recommend changes if necessary.
Media Contact:
Marian Hammond, (503) 378-6169
Anna Richter Taylor, (503) 378-6496
Text of the Letter (pdf)
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