Utah psychiatric hospital to close following CEO exit

Midvale, Utah-based Highland Ridge Hospital has shared plans to close on May 7, as the psychiatric facility operates under an amended conditional license. 

Jim Hess left his role as CEO of the hospital in mid-March. The hospital appointed Dania O'Connor interim CEO March 13 following his exit.

The hospital is working with state and local agencies to ensure a smooth transition for patients to appropriate services decided by their clinical treatment team, a spokesperson for Highland Ridge said in a statement shared with Becker's

"For some time, we have been evaluating the best path forward for Highland Ridge, including whether and what services are provided there," the spokesperson said. "Following a careful consideration of all options, we made the decision to close Highland Ridge."

Highland Ridge is on a conditional license due to "noncompliance with state rules," a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement shared with Becker's.

The conditions under the license include a 40-hour-weekly independent monitor that will remain in place until the hospital closes on May 7. The monitor submits a report to DHHS weekly that includes concerns and progress with rule compliance from the hospital. 

"DHHS has instructed the independent monitor to include in the weekly report the current patient census and notify DHHS immediately of any rule noncompliance, including but not limited to improper discharge of a patient or failure to maintain appropriate staff-to-patient ratios," the DHHS spokesperson said. "DHHS will investigate any reported concerns and take appropriate action on any substantiated noncompliance with state rules."

Editors note: This story was updated on April 8 at 3:30 p.m. CT.

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