South Carolina Attorney General May Investigate Discharges at State Psychiatric Hospital

South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon may launch an investigation into the "looming discharge" of about 100 mentally ill patients -- some with "dangerous pasts" -- into the community from State Hospital, a state psychiatric facility, the Columbia State reports. According to Condon, the state Department of Mental Health could "be held liable" for violating a state law that "forbids" releasing mentally ill patients who "pose a danger to themselves or others." DMH Director George Gintoli said on May 7 that he would cooperate with any investigation. "The discharges of clients from State Hospital have been carefully planned," Gintoli said, adding, "The well-being and safety of both the patient and community have been our primary consideration in our actions." Dr. Jack Luadzers, a senior psychologist at State Hospital, asked Condon on May 7 to begin an investigation, pointing out that proposed budget cuts have forced the hospital to return former sex offenders and murderers to the community without "ample case review." The attorney general's office will "explore every available option, including going to court, in the name of public safety," Condon said. However, Gintoli "insists" that doctors and other members of a discharge review committee "scrutinize" all cases. "I've been assured that people are being assessed thoroughly and properly," Gintoli said. Mary Curlee, coordinator of the DMH's Toward Local Care program -- which helps integrate patients into communities -- admitted that the hospital has released some sex offenders and murderers, but only after "painstaking treatment prepared them for life outside hospital walls." Luadzers has accused the DMH of "discharging a stream of patients" to meet projected $30 million to $40 million cuts in the department's $361 million budget. Between 1995 and 2000, State Hospital discharged 839 long term patients, and 11 had to return for re-hospitalization, the State reports (Winiarski, Columbia State, 5/8).

'Quick' Investigation Urged
Meanwhile, a Charleston Post and Courier editorial maintains that the allegations against the DMH should "get the immediate review they deserve" and praises Condon for recognizing the "potential risk to public safety if charges ... have merit." The editorial concludes, "An immediate investigation is required. Public safety may be at risk, and so is the credibility of the mental health agency. The charges must be quickly and fully answered" (Charleston Post and Courier, 5/8).