Intro: Mental Health Commission releases 23 recommendations for Missouri mental health habilitation centers.
The Missouri Mental Health Commission released Tuesday a slew of new guidelines for mental health centers statewide.
Governor Blunt called for action by creating a special task force after the St. Louis Post-Dispatch published an investigative series on patient abuse in facilities such as Bellefontaine Habilitation Center.
Columbia Democrat Judy Baker says that while there are some very positive things in the report handed down by the Commission, she says it doesn't address funding issues.
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| Description: "There's several other things that are addressed, like increased training and accredidation and some increased oversight and investigations but for the most part, what I'm going to be interested to see is if the recommendations are persued vigorously and that we move forward quickly." |
The Governor's office has no comment until his task force has reviewed the report.
In Jefferson City, I'm Hillari Duthoo.
Intro: Governor's Task Force to review new guidelines
The Missouri Mental Health Commission has recommended 23 new guidelines for habilitation centers statewide.
Governor Blunt formed a task force in June in response to a series of investigative articles published by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The series exposed incidents of abuse and neglect in mental health facilities.
Jessica Robinson, a spokesperson for the governor, explained the task force's duties.
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| Description: " They're the ones who are best positioned. He formed that task force recognizing that there was a need to make progress and changes in our mental health system, as there are real problems that need to be addressed and so that 's that they are doing -- it's part of their charge. And so they will consider that recommendation and the entire report is part of that review process." |
The Blunt's office declined to comment on the report until those appointed to do so could review it.
In the state capitol, I'm Hillari Duthoo.
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