Results are still pending. Regulators have also used a second new law, effective last October, which gives the state power to fine private mental health facilities for endangering patients. The Observer's stories pointed out that regulators could fine nursing homes and rest homes, but not mental health facilities. Carter said regulators have reported no similar findings at any of the company's other homes in central North Carolina. State regulators fined other mental health facilities for such things as failing to protect patients from violence, failing to offer treatment and failing to monitor hot water temperature.
Patients can suffer some significant burns or die.