January 15, 2009

Findings Letter for CRIPA Investigation of the Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital

In May 2007, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) started an investigation of the quality of care provided to people with mental illness at the Regional Hospital at Atlanta operated by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities. The DOJ findings regarding the Regional Hospital at Atlanta were released on May 30, 2009. In its January 15, 2009, report, DOJ found that the state's mental health institutions failed to ensure safety; failed to provide adequate treatment; inappropriately used seclusion and restraints; failed to provide adequate medical care; failed to provide adequate services to people with special needs; and failed to provide adequate discharge planning to assure placement in the most integrated setting.