A special investigation into abuse and misconduct at the Arizona State Hospital could be finished in the next month or two, officials say.
Retired Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor is conducting the investigation. She was selected by Governor Doug Ducey to handle the matter after a series of ABC15 reports.
“I am confident that Chief Justice McGregor will conduct a thorough, impartial investigation that will put the Arizona State Hospital on the right path,” said Ducey in a written statement earlier this year. “Her expertise in matters of this nature will serve the Arizona State Hospital well.”
VIEW ALL OF ABC15’S PAST INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ARIZONA STATE HOSPITAL
An ABC15 investigationexposed years of uninvestigated abuse and other misconduct by top officials. The station’s findings were further confirmed by federal inspectors in May.
Ducey replaced the head of the health department and appointed Dr. Cara Christ the day before ABC15 was scheduled to air its first report about the state hospital.
Dr. Christ replaced Cory Nelson, who was serving as interim director and was a former Arizona State Hospital CEO.
Nelson and five other top officials have since lost their jobs .
Once the investigation is complete, McGregor will also provide recommendations for the hospital, officials said.
Contact ABC15 Investigator Dave Biscobing at dbiscobing@abc15.com .
