State Hospitals Denied Inmates Mental Health Treatment, Suit Claims
While the suit names two inmates and their families as lead plaintiffs, the number of individuals who could be included in a class-action claim could be "in the hundreds," said Brian Vogel, one of the attorneys representing the families.
Ventura County Star:
Families File Suit Against State Hospitals.
Two families filed a lawsuit claiming state hospital officials purposely denied mental health treatment by delaying the transport of mentally incompetent inmates — oftentimes beyond 90 days — and left them without proper care as they waited in county jails. According to the 74-page civil suit filed by their families, the Ventura County inmates, who were deemed incompetent to stand trial by a judge, also were unnecessarily punished because of their mental illnesses. (Hernandez, 7/14)
In other news —
Modesto Bee:
Patients Are Being Turned Away From Merced Health Clinic Without Explanation. Patients Speak Out
The mystery surrounding the nonprofit Horisons Unlimited Health Care clinic includes reports from patients that clinics are closing, doctors have disappeared, staff has been laid off and dental services have been shuttered. Some patients say staff has told them to find other doctors. (Velez, 7/14)