S2494

24 Aug: Codey Statement On Ancora Report

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today released the following statement on the U.S. Justice Department’s report on Ancora Psychiatric Hospital:

“Without a doubt, this is a very sobering report. It certainly underscores the need to move swiftly to pass several bills that we have pending before the legislature that would dramatically improve employee training, education and hiring standards at state psychiatric hospitals.

25 Jun: Codey Bill Enhancing Accountability At State Psychiatric Hospitals Heads To Governor’s Desk

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that is designed to protect patient safety at state psychiatric hospitals by enhancing accountability and promoting transparency. Senate bill S2494, which now heads to the Governor’s desk, would require the state Department of Human Services (DHS) to report the number of physical assaults and deaths that occur at state psychiatric hospitals.

“These hospitals are home to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “We need to ensure that they are in the care of staff that are appropriately trained and focused on their best interests. Enhancing accountability is one way to achieve that.”