DSH, Liberty Healthcare defend CONREP operations; DSH says it implemented most audit recommendations and opposes state-run transitional housing

Department of State Hospitals Director Stephanie Clendenin and Liberty Healthcare’s senior vice president, Ken Carabello, told the Joint Legislative Audit Committee that DSH and Liberty jointly operate the CONREP program and that the department has moved on most audit recommendations while continuing to oppose state-run transitional housing.

DSH involvement and oversight

“DSH contracts with Liberty Healthcare to operate the CONREP SVP program,” Director Stephanie Clendenin said. “The department is heavily involved in the operation of the program and provides close oversight of Liberty Healthcare in the performance of their duties.” She described multiple review steps—clinical consulting psychologist review, program leadership review, and legal review—before a site assessment is approved to go to the housing committee and the court. Clendenin added that the director’s office signs off internally before submission to the housing committee.

Implementation of audit…