The West Virginia Department of Health Facilities is considering new management options at two state-run psychiatric facilities.
State officials have released a request for proposals to find potential operators for Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital in Huntington and William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital in Weston. Both hospitals will remain state-owned.
The state says it’s looking for operators who are capable of managing daily operations and boosting overall treatment outcomes.
Neither hospital will be sold, according to officials, and the properties would remain entirely under state ownership.
Instead, the chosen partner would provide specialized expertise to help improve patient care and recovery standards within the institutions, officials said.
The Department is seeking organizations with demonstrated experience operating inpatient civil and forensic psychiatric facilities. A potential partner would provide operational expertise, manage daily hospital functions and help develop a more comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services focused on patient treatment and recovery.
Interested organizations have until late this year to submit their formal proposals for evaluation.
The possible move follows the Morrisey administration’s prior sales and restructuring of other state-run care and nursing facilities, though lawmakers have raised concerns about rising budget costs and transparency.
The Mildred Mitchell-Bateman facility, a 75-year-old facility, is falling apart. Officials have described severely deteriorating water and heating pipes. Millions in deferred maintenance funds have been requested.
Operating expenses for Sharpe have shot past $128 million per fiscal year, heavily driven by massive spending on contract and agency staffing.
“Our responsibility is to provide the best possible care for the West Virginians who depend on these facilities,” said state Health Facilities Secretary Michael Caruso in a release put out by the state.
“By exploring partnerships with experienced behavioral health providers, we have an opportunity to strengthen operations, improve patient outcomes, and ensure these hospitals are delivering the level of care our patients deserve.”
State Senate Health Committee Chairman Brian Helton, R-Fayette, said he supports the initiative.
“Less government management, better patient care, and greater accountability for taxpayer dollars,” Helton said.
“Let’s evaluate the proposals and move forward with a qualified private-sector partner who can deliver results at improved efficiency for tax payer dollars.”