Cash and Giles say the local system will continue to suffer as long as reimbursement levels from the state remain low. Additional money for providers is also anticipated due to passage last week of state Proposition 204, which will provide health care to some indigent families. And Cash hopes for an increase in the Arizona Department of Health Services' budget next legislative session - something state health officials will request. The budget request includes added money for children who are mentally ill,'' said Ron Smith, an assistant director of the state health department. We pretty much rely on the Legislature for what they are willing to fund.
Providers say one of the key problems is the difficulty in attracting psychiatric workers.
Intermountain has had to temporarily close 10 of its beds, even though it has a waiting list of children, because it cannot recruit enough workers, Executive Director Giles said. You rely on a sort of Peace Corps motivation to fill the jobs,'' he said. The Tucson-based program does not accept children older than 15 into its residential treatment program, which has a waiting list and an average stay of five months. 2001 AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star and its wire services and suppliers, and may not be republished without permission. All rights reserved.