SE Oakland News

State Representative Tom Kuhn has expressed his support for a recent announcement by the Office of Auditor General (OAG) regarding an investigation into state-run care centers. The investigation will focus on the Office of Recipient Rights and its handling of allegations at the Hawthorn Center in Northville Township, as well as other state-run psychiatric hospitals. This move towards transparency and accountability has been welcomed by Rep. Kuhn, who believes that families with loved ones in these facilities deserve complete transparency and any negligence on the part of the state should be brought to light.

Rep. Kuhn emphasized the importance of the OAG audit in uncovering any bad practices and providing a comprehensive understanding of how these facilities operate. He stated, "The OAG audit will unseal any bad practices and allow the Legislature to have a holistic view of how these facilities operate. Elected officials have a duty to step in and take corrective action if the facility is giving families in our community substandard care. This audit is the first step in that process."

Rep. Kuhn's support for this investigation stems from his previous efforts to address concerns at the Hawthorn Center. In July, he joined other legislators in signing a letter to the OAG requesting a performance review of the center. This review aimed to examine patient care, the opinions of staff regarding patient treatment, the effectiveness of patient treatment complaints, and clinical decisions, among other factors. Rep. Kuhn's involvement in this issue was further demonstrated by his hosting of listening sessions for families with loved ones at the Hawthorn Center and Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital.

During these sessions, families shared their concerns about various issues, including barriers and restrictions on weekends that prevented communication between parents and their children, health concerns, erratic educational services, and limited recreation or outdoor time for patients. These concerns raised questions about the well-being of the patients and the quality of care provided at these facilities.

One particularly distressing incident mentioned by families was an unannounced emergency drill that took place in December 2022. This drill caused psychological trauma for both staff and patients and resulted in two class action lawsuits. Additionally, there have been reports of young patients escaping supervision at Hawthorn, the only state-run psychiatric hospital for minors, which raises concerns about the facility's security measures.

The OAG's decision to investigate the Office of Recipient Rights and its handling of allegations at the Hawthorn Center and other state-run psychiatric hospitals is seen as a positive step towards ensuring accountability and transparency. Rep. Kuhn believes that elected officials have a responsibility to take corrective action if substandard care is being provided to families in the community. The audit will provide valuable insights into the operations of these facilities and will allow for necessary actions to be taken to address any shortcomings.

With this investigation underway, families can hope for improved care and better treatment for their loved ones in state-run care centers. The OAG's commitment to transparency and accountability is a promising development that will contribute to the overall well-being and safety of vulnerable individuals in these facilities.