The Governor’s Office is requesting an additional $1.7 million for the Arizona State Hospital to address issues identified after an ABC15 investigation.
The proposed executive budget released by Governor Doug Ducey called for the additional funding in order to hire 29 additional staff members and overhaul the hospital’s security camera system.
The staff additions would include 15 nurses and 14 security guards.
SEE THE BUDGET (STATE HOSPITAL FUNDS ON PGS. 206 - 207)
The call for additional funding is another step in reforming the embattled hospital, which replaced nearly every top executive after a series of ABC15 reports.
For years,ABC15 has highlighted significant problemsat the hospital. The reports have prompted multiple federal inspections.
The Governor’s budget seeks to address deficiencies cited by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which certifies health facilities.
The deficiencies included a lack of staff to care for patients and keep them safe.
According to the budget proposal, the new security camera system would fix blind spots and increase video storage time as well as “ensure patient safety and staff accountability.”
Contact ABC15 Investigator Dave Biscobing at dbiscobing@abc15.com.
