UHS, Acadia Healthcare Navigate Scrutiny Amid Safety Concern Allegations At Psychiatric Hospitals, Operating As Nonprofit
Investor-owned psychiatric hospital chains increasingly operate under nonprofit brands, a strategy that has raised eyebrows among industry analysts and healthcare advocates.
Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) and Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) are prominent players.
STAT News’ investigation reveals that a Columbus Police sergeant called for action against Mt. Carmel Behavioral Health, run by Acadia Healthcare, highlighting a series of alarming incidents at the psychiatric hospital.
The sergeant’s February letter outlines a disturbing pattern of violence, prompting concerns about patient and staff safety.
Over the past six months, the hospital has witnessed over 20 emergency calls detailing horrific incidents.
This level of violence is unprecedented, especially for an institution affiliated with the local Catholic health system.
Despite its affiliation with Mount Carmel, the hospital is managed by Acadia Healthcare, a prominent publicly traded chain known for operating psychiatric facilities amidst accusations of inadequate staffing and training.
This operational environment has raised significant concerns about patient care standards and safety protocols within Acadia’s facilities nationwide.
The sergeant’s formal complaint underscores longstanding issues, citing persistent physical assaults on vulnerable patients and staff.
Despite multiple engagements with the hospital’s management, concerns remain unresolved, prompting the sergeant to escalate the matter to state and national regulatory bodies, the investigation report says.
In a post on X, Tara Bannow from STAT News said, “People who worked at Acadia & UHS hospitals across the country from one another said the exact same thing: There was systematic understaffing and undertraining, and our pleas to corporate were ignored.”
She adds, “What results is environments that are dangerous for patients and staff alike…Within the past year, juries issued $1 billion in verdicts against Acadia & UHS.”
Price Action: ACHC shares are up 4.83% at $68.33, and UHS stock is up 2.48% at $183.12 at the last check on Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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