A Washington D.C. psychiatric hospital faces serious allegations of wrongful patient commitments.
At a Glance
- The Psychiatric Institute of Washington is accused of involuntarily committing patients without medical necessity to increase profits
- A lawsuit claims a patient was held for four days with falsified mental health records and denied phone access
- The hospital allegedly falsified a “safety risk assessment” to maximize insurance billing
- The lawsuit seeks damages and class certification for thousands of patients
- Universal Health Services, which operates the hospital, has faced similar lawsuits in other states
Allegations of Profit-Driven Patient Commitments
The Psychiatric Institute of Washington, a facility operated by Universal Health Services, is at the center of a lawsuit that alleges a disturbing pattern of involuntary patient commitments driven by profit motives rather than medical necessity. According to the complaint, the hospital is accused of detaining individuals without proper cause or due process, raising significant ethical and legal concerns about patient rights and institutional accountability.
The lawsuit details a troubling case where a patient was allegedly held for four days based on falsified mental health records. The patient was reportedly committed after a brief evaluation following a false report by her husband, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the admission process. During her stay, the patient claims she received no treatment and had limited interaction with staff, further calling into question the medical justification for her detention.
One of the most alarming aspects of the lawsuit is the accusation that the hospital falsified a “safety risk assessment” to maximize insurance billing. This allegation suggests a systematic approach to inflating charges, potentially putting profit ahead of patient welfare. A physician at the facility is also accused of falsifying progress notes and discharge summaries, raising serious questions about the integrity of medical records and the potential for widespread fraud.
The lawsuit claims violations of several key laws, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, the D.C. Human Rights Act, and constitutional rights. These allegations underscore the potential for widespread abuse within the mental healthcare system and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable patients.
Broader Implications for Mental Healthcare
The case against the Psychiatric Institute of Washington is not an isolated incident. 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 a case for $122 million, while allegations of abuse have also surfaced in Illinois. These patterns suggest a potentially systemic issue within the company’s operations and the broader for-profit mental healthcare sector.
In response to the allegations, Washington D.C.’s behavioral health department has launched a review of 600 cases of involuntary admission. This action demonstrates the seriousness with which local authorities are treating the claims and could lead to broader reforms in how mental health facilities are monitored and regulated.
The lawsuit seeks not only damages but also class certification for thousands of patients who may have been affected by these alleged practices. This legal action could potentially expose widespread abuses within the mental healthcare system and lead to significant changes in how psychiatric hospitals operate, particularly those run by for-profit entities.
This is…not the kind of news people want to hear…
