Psychiatric hospital won’t have to close

RENO -- A Reno psychiatric hospital has reached an agreement with state regulators that will allow it to remain open after deficiencies led the state to threaten closing it.

State Health Division Administrator Richard Whitley on Friday said West Hills Hospital has made substantial progress in addressing the deficiencies that led to the state's June 9 suspension of its license. Following a string of breakdowns that jeopardized the safety of some patients, the state had issued a notice of its intent to revoke the 95-bed hospital's license.

The hospital, which treats children, adolescents and adults for behavioral health issues, was criticized after a patient admitted for observation overdosed on pills she brought with her.

The facility also was faulted after an investigation into the attempted suicides of two young girls on Christmas Day found staff did not monitor the patients as required.

Compliance investigators in March found all doors in the adolescent unit locked, and staff didn't have keys to open them during a fire.

But just two days after the June 9 suspension, the health division allowed West Hills to continue accepting patients after it agreed to pay for a temporary manager to oversee hospital operations and patient safety.

Whitley said the settlement shows the steps taken were effective.

"West Hills was very responsive to our concerns and took extraordinary measures to improve," Whitley said.

"There is a significant need for the services it provides, and the course of action we have taken will ensure patients are treated in a safe environment," he said.

Dave Damschen, chief executive officer of West Hills, said he was pleased that the health division has regained confidence in the hospital.

"We will continue to work hard every day to meet and exceed the quality standards that our community expects from us," he said.