Current:Home > ContactFederal lawsuit alleges harrowing conditions, abuse in New Jersey psychiatric hospitals -FundSphere
Federal lawsuit alleges harrowing conditions, abuse in New Jersey psychiatric hospitals
View
Date:2025-04-19 00:03:54
WOODLAND PARK, N.J. — An advocacy group for people with disabilities filed a lawsuit against New Jersey officials on Tuesday, alleging harrowing conditions and systematic violations of patient rights in four state-run psychiatric hospitals.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court by Disability Rights New Jersey, alleges that the "reality on the ground" at four hospitals — Ancora Psychiatric Hospital; Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital; Trenton Psychiatric Hospital; and Ann Klein Forensic Center — is "more akin to psychiatric incarceration" than to a setting where patients can get proper care.
"Individuals have been sexually, physically, and emotionally assaulted, sometimes resulting in permanent injuries or death," the group said in a statement released along with the lawsuit.
The 99-page complaint names state Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and acting Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, whose departments oversee the hospitals, as defendants, along with the state itself.
It asks the court to order reforms including better security provisions and discharge planning at the hospitals, where a combined 1,150 people are confined, and services to help patients transition back into the outside community. Disability Rights New Jersey also calls for the establishment of a stakeholder advisory group for the system and monetary penalties should the state not comply.
Reached Wednesday, spokespeople for the departments of Human Services and Health said the state wouldn't comment on pending litigation.
Stay in the knowSign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing morning newsletter.
'Violent and abusive conditions'
The suit isn't the first sign of problems at the hospitals. New Jersey's Office of the Public Defender filed a class-action suit in 2018 over conditions at Greystone Park. In an eventual settlement, the state agreed to address staffing issues at the facility, upgrade security protocols, and take steps to ensure the availability of medical care, equipment, and drugs.
The suit says seven “unexpected deaths” occurred in the hospitals between March 2019 and June 2022, ascribing them to inadequate supervision, delayed medical responses, and failures to follow safety procedures.
"Individuals confined to state psychiatric hospitals are continuously exposed to violent and abusive conditions in direct contravention of federal and state law,” Disability Rights New Jersey says in its lawsuit.
The suit also said that patients are denied access to necessities, even water for drinking, which is allegedly kept behind locked doors. Patients sleep in "cramped spaces with two to four patients sharing bedrooms with minimal natural light," the complaint states, highlighting a lack of personal space and privacy.
The suit criticized the hospitals for a lack of individualized counseling, even when dealing with personal anguish. "Patients do not receive individualized treatment for trauma, much of which is sexual in nature," the complaint added. "Rather, treatment is provided in the form of these group programs."
Staffing shortages
According to the suit, hospitals are understaffed, leading to frequent cancellations of therapy sessions altogether.
Staff shortages have also allegedly resulted in a lack of supervision that has produced violent and disrespectful conditions. The suit cites patients who have to take group showers and complain of living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
"Imagine living in an environment where even the most basic choices are taken away from you — when to wake up, when to go outside, when to have a drink of water," said Bren Pramanik, managing attorney of the group’s Institutional Rights team. "And, in place of psychiatric treatment, you face both boredom and violence on a daily basis.”
Is housing health care?State Medicaid programs increasingly say 'yes'
Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. Follow Gene Myers on X @myersgene.
veryGood! (817)
Related
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Andrea Bocelli on working with Russell Crowe, meeting the Kardashians and new concert film
- Ranked voting tabulation in pivotal Maine congressional race to begin Tuesday
- Zach Bryan Hits the Road After Ex Brianna Chickenfry LaPaglia's Emotional Abuse Allegations
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant out at least two weeks with left calf strain
- Arizona regulators fine natural gas utility $2 million over defective piping
- Georgia governor declares emergency in 23 counties inundated with heavy rain and flooding
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- 'Outer Banks' Season 5: Here's what we know so far about Netflix series' final season
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Florida men's basketball coach Todd Golden accused of sexual harassment in Title IX complaint
- Why Wicked’s Marissa Bode Wants Her Casting to Set A New Precedent in Hollywood
- Woman charged with murder in disappearance of roommate, who was last seen Christmas Day 2022
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Pelicans star Zion Williamson out indefinitely with strained hamstring
- Will Nico Collins play Week 10? Latest updates as Texans WR returns to practice
- 'Outer Banks' Season 5: Here's what we know so far about Netflix series' final season
Recommendation
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
'Disclaimer' stars break down that 'horrific' and 'shocking' finale twist (spoilers)
Ohio family builds 50,000-pound Stargate with 'dial-home device' to scan the cosmos
'I hope nobody got killed': Watch as boat flies through air at dock in Key Largo, Florida
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
Republican Don Bacon wins fifth term to US House representing Nebraska’s Omaha-based district
The Best Lipstick, Lip Gloss & Lip Stain for Every Zodiac Sign
Ohio family builds 50,000-pound Stargate with 'dial-home device' to scan the cosmos