DLS flags high vacancy rates, capacity constraints and assaults at state psychiatric facilities; MDH outlines recruitment and infrastructure steps

Naomi Camaro of the Department of Legislative Services told the Health and Social Services Subcommittee on Feb. 13 that the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) administration budget grows by roughly $31 million between fiscal 2025 and 2026, to about $847.1 million, and includes funding for administration, major IT projects and 11 state inpatient facilities.

DLS highlighted several performance and operational concerns: eight of 10 state inpatient facilities missed MDH's goal of no more than one assault per 1,000 patient days in fiscal 2024; the rate of assaults increased sharply at the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents in Baltimore; patient-injury rates rose at some facilities; and the department failed to meet statutory placements for court-ordered patients within the 10-business-day requirement in fiscal 2022 and 2023. DLS said limited bed capacity — adult psychiatric hospitals are operating at about 95% or more capacity — and shortages in community placements challenge timely admissions.

MDH witnesses acknowledged the problems and described ongoing actions. The department said it is filling leadership…