Lawmakers Will Investigate Widespread Patient Assaults Against Mental Hospital Employees

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 | 0

The violence perpetrated by South Dakota patients against employees at the state-run mental hospital has gotten the attention of lawmakers.

Sen. Deb Peters

An investigation by the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls found that patient assaults at the Human Services Center in Yankton have left doctors, nurses and other staff with broken bones and concussions, and fueled widespread resignations.

More than 1,000 injuries have been reported by hospital workers since 2010, and they are twice as likely to file workers’ compensation claims as workers at the state penitentiary. Nearly one in six workers’ comp claims by state employees are from the mental hospital.

The hospital has more than 40 job openings, including four psychiatrists, a dozen nurses and 21 mental health aides, the newspaper reported. On Tuesday, a new administrator — a position that had been vacant for more than a year — reported for duty.

State Sen. Deb Peters, R-Hartford, told the Argus Leader that the Government Operations and Audit Committee will take up the matter, and identify problem areas and solutions. She conceded that state lawmakers can’t foist reforms on the hospital but will “shed light” on the issues.