Top state official will take over, review hospital agency

RI Health and Human Services Secretary Womazetta Jones. File photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Dan McKee is appointing a top administration official to take charge of the state agency that operates a hospital that has come under scrutiny from disability advocates.

Health and Human Services Secretary Womazetta Jones has been asked to take interim leadership of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.

Jones is being asked to conduct a review of the department, which oversees Eleanor Slater Hospital.

The state-run hospital has come under fire over a downsizing plan that critics say has led to the discharge of patients with few or no care alternatives.

Jones will replace Kathryn Power, who resigned this week.

 

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