Washington, DC—Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced an agreement between the District and the Department of Justice establishing ambitious targets for reforming St. Elizabeths Hospital to routinely meet patients’ needs and comply with national accreditation standards.
 
“This agreement avoids possible protracted litigation that would be costly to taxpayers and allows the Department of Mental Health leadership team to focus on quality patient care,” said Mayor Fenty. “The agreement illustrates the Department of Justice’s confidence in District’s commitment to making the necessary changes at the Hospital to improve patient care.” 
 
Though the hospital has a long and rich history of providing innovative and humane care for patients suffering from mental illness, in recent years it has not met the standards of care for national accreditation.  A Department of Justice report based on a 2005 investigation alleged widespread deficiencies in hospital practices.
 
“This resolution provides tremendous opportunity for St. Elizabeths to address critical care areas involving all aspects of  treatment including staffing, training, patient rights and the environment,” said Stephen T. Baron, Director of the Department of Mental Health.
 
The Hospital has set a goal to obtain full accreditation from the Joint Committee on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations by the time construction of the new facility is completed in summer of 2009.
 
“The settlement calls for changes to be made within three years and we have already started,” said Dr. Patrick Canavan, who was appointed COO by Mayor Fenty in January.  “We have made significant changes including the hiring of more psychiatrists, strengthening treatment plans and expanding visiting hours so families can be more involved in patient recovery.

In addition, Dr. Canavan has hired a compliance officer to monitor implementation of the settlement.