LANSING, Mich. – Pressure mounts on Michigan Department of Health and Human Services after unannounced active shooter drill at child psychiatric hospital.
A state lawmaker is raising concerns that promised corrections to the state’s mental health hospitals are not being implemented, putting patients at risk.
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State Senator Michael Webber sent a letter to MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 19), emphasizing the need for transparency to restore confidence among lawmakers and families of patients.
The letter can be read below.
The scrutiny stems from December 2022, when staff and patients at the Hawthorn Center were not informed about an active shooter drill. Many believed there was a real gunman, and several called 911 in fear.
This drill, along with other issues uncovered in a state audit of mental health facilities, revealed significant problems.
Since then, the Hawthorn Center has closed, been torn down, and a new facility is being built in its place.
Litigation is ongoing.
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Webber highlighted ongoing difficulties within the facilities, including patients assaulting others and staff allegedly encouraging such behavior. He stressed the need for legislative oversight to ensure proper management.
In his letter, Webber expressed worry that although the state admitted to problems and created a plan to fix them, there is no evidence that these fixes have been implemented.
“So we’re saying, ‘Show us the proof,’” Webber said. “Show us the plan and not just say, ‘Hey, we’re gonna do better. We’ve got new procedures, new policies in place.’”
The senator wants documentation on several key items, including timely notifications and responses to allegations of abuse and neglect, and improved communication between the Office of Recipient Rights and state psychiatric hospitals.
“We know the old policies and procedures were not followed, and so essentially, trying to continue to hold their feet to the fire of how are they gonna protect patients within their care.”
Senator Webber also criticized the department’s delayed and incomplete compliance plan, stating he cannot trust it because the department has shown a willingness to ignore current law and its own guidelines for protecting patient rights.
Attempts to reach MDHHS for comment were made, but no response was reported at the time of this article.