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Committee Approves Piccola/Vance Bill
Addressing Harrisburg State Hospital Closure
HARRISBURG -- Senate
Majority Whip Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Senator Patricia Vance’s (R-31)
legislation that would prevent the closure of any state hospital facility until
after a full report has been issued by the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee was unanimously approved today by the Senate Public Health and Welfare
Committee. Piccola and Vance’s efforts are in response to plans announced by
the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to close the Harrisburg State
Hospital by the end of the year.
Under Senate Bill 229 known as
the “Mental Health and Mental Retardation Facility Closure or Reduction
Moratorium Act,” a study will be required following the Department of Public
Welfare’s announcement to close a hospital or reduce patient load by more than
20 percent. The report would assess the mental health service infrastructure
and needs in the affected region and the funding necessary to successfully place
patients safely in their home community.
“We feel the Department’s
abrupt decision to close Harrisburg State Hospital by year’s end is too
dramatic. It is unrealistic to assume that our counties are prepared for both
the large number of patients being released as well as the capacity for private
providers to serve these patients. That’s the intent of Senate Bill 229 -- to
address these issues first before closing any facility,” said Piccola.
“The movement of this
legislation out of committee today is an important step to ensuring the
Harrisburg State Hospital closing is done properly,” Vance said. “As I have
maintained from the start, there must be adequate community facilities in place
with competent 24-hour care available and a long-term acute care facility before
any patients are moved. It would be unfair to both the patients and community
if the needed supports are not established before the patients are moved.”
Piccola and Vance noted that
Senate Bill 229 would allow for additional information and time to best prepare
for moving patients back into their communities. “We have growing concerns
regarding the Department’s announcement of this closure and the impact that this
decision would have on not only patients and their families, but also the health
care community. In the coming weeks, I hope my colleagues in the Legislature
support the need for this measure,” Piccola said.
“This legislation reflects not
only our concerns but also our county MH/MR officials who would bear the
responsibility of building the program and infrastructure needed to provide
services to the 135 patients who will be placed within the community. It’s our
job to do what’s in the best interests of these patients and their families, and
Senate Bill 229 does just that,” said Vance.
The bill now moves to the
full Senate for consideration.
Senators Jeff Piccola and Pat Vance attend a March 14 rally in the Capitol
rotunda to encourage the Commonwealth to keep the Harrisburg State Hospital
open.
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