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February 17, 2009
In privatization bid, DC plans to close six public mental-health clinics
On the front of its Metro section, the Washington Post (2/16, B1, Fears) reported that the District of Columbia's "plan to close six public mental clinics and send the clients to private facilities is a money-saving move that eventually will increase the number of residents who could receive services, city officials have said."
But, some patients, as well as "some in the mental healthcare industry...argue that private clinics can be inadequately staffed, can cherry-pick patients, and sometimes even close unexpectedly, leaving clients hanging."
Nevertheless, city officials say that have "successfully" placed "more than 8,000 residents in private care," and plans call "for closing the six city clinics by March 2010. The city would then enter into contracts with about 30 private clinics."
According to city officials, "privatization could save $14 million a year, funds that can offer treatment to more than the 4,000 or so Medicaid recipients who get it now."
Related Links:
- "D.C. Mental Clinic Clients Worried Over Privatization," Darryl Fears, Washington Post, February 16, 2009.
Posted by admin at February 17, 2009 04:42 PM