AUGUSTA — Two key leaders at Riverview Psychiatric Center have resigned, according to Daniel Wathen, the courtmaster who oversees the state-run mental hospital in Augusta. Riverview Superintendent Robert “Jay” Harper has notified state officials that he will leave his position in the coming weeks for personal reasons, according to Wathen. In addition, Riverview Clinical Director […]
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Posted inMaine
Riverview report focuses on staffing shortage
AUGUSTA — Staffing shortages at the state-run Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta have led the court master who oversees the state’s mental health system to order a series of changes. In a Monday filing in Kennebec County Superior Court, Daniel Wathen recommended that Riverview take several specific actions to address chronic staffing shortages and ordered […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Mental health advocates slam Riverview plan
AUGUSTA — A proposal from Gov. Paul LePage to place violent patients with mental illnesses at the Maine State Prison ran into stiff resistance after its Monday roll-out. Jenna Mehnert, the executive director of NAMI Maine, condemned the plan in harsh terms, saying the group was “flabbergasted,” “shocked” and “horrified” at the plan, which she […]
Posted inMaine
Riverview staffing shortages get attention in legislative hearing
AUGUSTA — Staffing shortages at Riverview Psychiatric Center will prompt a report from the retired Maine Supreme Judicial Court chief justice who oversees the state’s compliance with a court order. The state-run, 92-bed hospital on Augusta’s east side has struggled for years. The most recent problems culminated in Riverview’s 2013 decertification by the federal Centers […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
No subpoena needed: Mayhew and Harper will appear to talk Riverview
The Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee will not have to subpoena members of the governor’s administration to compel them to answer questions about the Riverview Psychiatric Center. Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew and Riverview Superintendent Jay Harper have agreed to meet with the committee on Jan. 22. “We appreciate their cooperation […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Legislative committee may subpoena DHHS, Riverview leaders
The Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee may soon subpoena more members of the governor’s administration — this time to compel them to answer questions about the Riverview Psychiatric Center. The committee voted Thursday to invite Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew and Riverview Superintendent Jay Harper to appear to talk about staffing […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Mental illness creates ‘crisis situation’ for jails
AUBURN — One day recently, the Androscoggin County Jail housed: An 80-year-old man with dementia so severe that he wasn’t able to recognize his own lawyer. A man charged with theft who became catatonic behind bars. A woman who, according to an evaluation by St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, was schizophrenic and possibly suicidal. The […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Keeping Riverview open without federal aid would cost $24.5 million
AUGUSTA — Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew told lawmakers on Monday that the state will likely have to absorb the cost of running Riverview Psychiatric Center unless major changes are made. Mayhew asked for guidance on whether Maine should continue to accept federal funding or whether lawmakers would prefer using state […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Health care accreditation group gives Riverview high marks
AUGUSTA — The Riverview Psychiatric Center received high marks in a survey by a national health care accreditation group, underscoring progress made at the hospital after it lost federal certification when an inspection uncovered problems, Maine Department of Health and Human Services officials said. The report last week from the Joint Commission, a leading national health […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Feds say Maine missed chance to appeal Riverview decision
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s administration missed its chance to challenge the federal government’s decision to strip the Riverview Psychiatric Recovery Center of its federal certification, a judge ruled Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Jon Levy ruled that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services waived its right to challenge the June 2013 […]