An organization representing public employees is seeking to block the transfer of management over the facility, saying the move violates state labor laws.
"Alaska Psychiatric Institute"
Lawmakers seek competitive contract to run psychiatric institute
Rep. Ivy Spohnholz said the department didn’t provide enough information to Chief Procurement Officer Jason Soza for him to be able to adequately review the contract, which would pay Wellpath $225 million over five years.
New report confirms major problems at Alaska Psychiatric Institute
The investigation was prompted by a hospital safety officer warning that API staff were excessively restraining and isolating patients, as well as using force in ways that violate the facility’s own guidelines.
Former Alaska state workers sue, saying they were unconstitutionally fired
The lawsuits filed by the ACLU of Alaska name Gov. Mike Dunleavy, chief of staff Tuckerman Babcock and the state as defendants. The Alaska Department of Law isn’t commenting on the lawsuits.
Amid a shortage of hospital beds, psychiatric patients put in jails
A small number of Alaskans experiencing psychiatric crises are being diverted from healthcare facilities to custody within the Department of Corrections. Critics worry the emergency measure is not only unlawful, but putting patients in jeopardy.
Three resign from Department of Health and Social Services after psychiatric institute report
The changes came two days after the release of a report that found Alaska’s only state-run psychiatric hospital is an unsafe place to work.
Security questioned after grandma’s alleged assault during courthouse hearing
It took 11 minutes for a law enforcement officer to arrive after a courtroom incident in which a woman says she was punched out.
Privatization could save some money at API, not at youth centers
Consultants who studied the privatization for the state found that management of the institute, as well as operating the state’s juvenile justice detention centers, are better done by the state.