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Posted inMental Health

Information blackout shrouds new reports of harm at Montana State Hospital

Patient injuries, abuse, and neglect have continued at the Montana State Hospital since the state-run psychiatric facility lost its federal certification last year due to preventable patient deaths. But state officials won’t release details, citing laws making those reports confidential. The lack of information frustrates some lawmakers as they consider state health officials’ and Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s request for a $300 million appropriation to overhaul the state’s mental health system and a nearly $20 million request for capital improvements and recertification efforts at the state hospital.