Can’t say we disagree with this decision — or should we?
The board of directors of Hacienda Healthcare announced Thursday they are shutting down the facility, whose name has become synonymous with patient abuse.
On December 29, an incapacitated woman shocked workers by giving birth — leading to the eventual arrest of one of her nurses.
Further investigation of the facility showed multiple complaints of inappropriate behavior over several years.
Related: Nurse Pleads Not Guilty Despite DNA Evidence
After all that, it’s hardly surprising the board decided to shut down in a vote held on February 1. In a statement reported by The New York Times, they said:
“The Hacienda Healthcare board of directors, after a great deal of careful consideration, has come to understand that it is simply not sustainable to continue to operate our Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled.”
Surprisingly, some state officials criticized the move, citing the care of the remaining 37 patients.
We don’t know about these officials, but if we had a family member at that facility we’d feel MUCH safer if they were placed somewhere else.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said he was concerned by the decision, considering he had just ordered closer oversight of the company; it’s unclear if shutting down will allow those running Hacienda to evade possible prosecution for ignoring “numerous complaints of sexual harassment” and even for “financial fraud”. We certainly hope that’s not the case — and not the reason for the decision.
Do YOU think this decision is about protecting patients? Or getting away with it??
[Image via CBS 42/YouTube.]
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