Georgia Psychiatric Facilities Face Makeover After DOJ Settlement

FLORIDA – A monumental deal has been struck between federal prosecutors and the State of Georgia to overhaul conditions at the state’s seven psychiatric hospitals. After years of neglect and reports of abuse, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has secured a landmark agreement that promises sweeping changes.

The investigation into Georgia’s psychiatric facilities began in 2007, with findings targeting Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta released on May 30, 2008. Today’s settlement includes hospitals like Savannah’s Regional Hospital and Rome’s Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital.

Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, emphasized the State’s responsibility to protect individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities. ‘The leadership of the State in amicably resolving this matter has been paramount,’ she said, praising Governor Sonny Perdue, State Attorney General Thurbert Baker, and the Georgia Department of Human Resources.

Under the new agreement, Georgia will implement measures to ensure patient safety and tailor care to individual needs. Improvements include enhanced medical and mental health services, eliminating unwarranted restraints, and improved discharge planning for a more integrated living environment.

This settlement marks another victory in the federal government’s commitment to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The Civil Rights Division has previously resolved similar investigations in other states, including the District of Columbia, Vermont, and California.

The CRIPA statute allows the feds to investigate institutions like psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, and jails. Copies of today’s settlement documents will be available on the Justice Department website upon approval by a federal judge.