A new team of professionals and consumer advocates also would be formed under the plan, to provide a third level of review for patients with violent or aggressive histories, said Dr. Jaime Condom, State Hospital director. That would ensure discharge is the best move for the patients and for the community. Nothing is wrong with the existing two-level review process, both doctors said. But department leaders want to ease public concern about patient safety in light of the State Law Enforcement Division s investigation into discharges from the hospital. A chief psychologist at the hospital, Jack Luadzers, first alleged in May that patients were being released prematurely to save money.
Officials deny the claim.
We understand the importance of perception, Jones said. Given the misinformation that s out there, we understand how people could be frightened. The review plan is to be presented Tuesday morning to the Mental Health Commission at its monthly meeting. It could be in place by next week, Jones said. Department director George Gintoli had announced a different review plan May 17, but it never took shape.