A Washington D.C. psychiatric hospital faces serious allegations of unlawfully detaining patients to boost profits, sparking outrage and concern over patient rights and healthcare ethics.
At a Glance
- The Psychiatric Institute of Washington is accused of involuntarily committing patients without medical necessity
- A lawsuit claims a patient was held for four days with falsified records and denied phone access
- The hospital allegedly falsified assessments to maximize insurance billing
- The lawsuit seeks damages and class certification for thousands of patients
- Universal Health Services, the parent company, has faced similar lawsuits in other states
Allegations of Profit-Driven Detentions
The Psychiatric Institute of Washington, a facility operated by Universal Health Services, is facing serious accusations of involuntarily committing patients without medical necessity. This alarming practice was allegedly implemented to increase insurance payments, raising significant ethical and legal concerns about the hospital’s operations.
According to a lawsuit filed against the hospital, a patient was held for four days with falsified mental health records and denied access to a phone. The patient was reportedly committed after a brief evaluation following a false report by her husband, highlighting the potential for abuse in the commitment process.
Falsified Records and Billing Practices
The lawsuit alleges that the hospital engaged in unethical practices to maximize insurance billing. This included falsifying a “safety risk assessment” for patients, a crucial document used to justify extended stays and higher levels of care. Moreover, the suit claims that a physician falsified progress notes and discharge summaries, further compromising the integrity of patient care and medical records.
— Bill Taylor 138888 (@dnews2022) December 19, 2024
Legal Implications and Patient Rights
The lawsuit against the Psychiatric Institute of Washington alleges violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the D.C. Human Rights Act, and constitutional rights.
It seeks damages and class certification for thousands of patients who may have been affected by these practices. This development has prompted the city’s behavioral health department to review 600 cases of involuntary admission.
Broader Implications for Mental Health Care
Universal Health Services, which operates over 400 private for-profit hospitals in the U.S. and U.K., has faced similar lawsuits in other states. In Georgia, the company settled for $122 million over allegations of improper admissions and unnecessary treatments. Additional accusations of abuse have surfaced in Illinois.
