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County approves short-term placement agreement with Freedom Psychiatric Services for uninsured patients
Summary
Washington County approved a contract to use beds at Freedom Allegiant Psychiatric Services for unsheltered or uninsured psychiatric patients at a quoted rate of $750 per day, with board members noting limits on county responsibility and a five-day commitment window without extended court action.
Washington County commissioners authorized a contract with Freedom Allegiant Psychiatric Services to provide short-term inpatient placements for uninsured psychiatric patients at a quoted rate of $750 per day.
County legal and court staff described the agreement as a bridge measure for individuals who require inpatient placement while arrangements are made for state hospital transfers. “We have to have some place for them to go between the time they are committed … and the time they are bed is discovered or found by the state,” a county official said during the discussion.
Board members emphasized that court procedures typically limit county-authorized hospital stays to five days unless a court extends the period. County counsel and staff said the provider would notify the court if a stay would need to exceed five days. Commissioners voted to approve the contract and authorized the president to sign.
The board did not record the number of persons the county expects to use the contract. Commissioners noted the arrangement is intended for uninsured patients and that the county’s obligation is to cover costs only when other payers are not available.
Why it matters: The contract provides a local option for inpatient psychiatric care for uninsured county residents in acute need, and clarifies the county’s operational approach while transfers to state facilities are arranged.
The contract was approved by voice vote; commissioners asked staff to monitor utilization and report any instances where extended stays or billing questions arise.
