Feds threaten funds for mental health

Wednesday, June 26, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Center in Las Vegas has 90 days to shape up or lose $1 million in federal funds.

The center was examined by the federal Health Care Financing Administration, which said it did not measure up to standards in staffing and medical records.

Jean Laird, deputy administrator of the state Division of Mental Hygiene and Mental Retardation, told the Legislature's Interim Finance Committee Tuesday that the formal report from the federal agency was received last week.

"We are out of compliance," she said. The federal agency found the center failed to have active inpatient treatment plans.

The inspectors came when the number of patients at the center was 94 and the agency is staffed for 79 clients. She said since then the census has declined to 72 patients.

"We have 90 days from last week to come into compliance," Laird said. "If we fail to meet the conditions, we will lose certification and will lose Medicare and possibly Medicaid revenues, which amount to $1.1 million."

She told the committee the division is trying to refine its ability to predict the number of patients and to handle unexpected increases.

Assemblyman Larry Spitler, D-Las Vegas, said he spent seven hours at the center and questioned whether the division was addressing morale problems with the staff. Laird said the division is trying to get staff involved in the long-term solutions.

She said the division may bring in an outside consultant to study the center.