Piccola, Vance Laud Senate's Passage of Significant Legislation Addressing the Closure of the Commonwealth's Oldest State Mental Hospital

HARRISBURG – Senate Majority Whip Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Senator Patricia Vance (R-31) applauded the Senate today for approving Senate Bill 229, a measure they sponsored that calls for a plan to better respond to important questions and concerns that have arisen since the abrupt announcement by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to close the Harrisburg State Hospital. The Commonwealth's oldest state mental hospital has been instructed to shut its doors by the end of the year.

Senate Bill 229 would prevent the closure of any state hospital facility or mental retardation facility until after a full report has been issued by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. Specifically, the report would assess the mental health service infrastructure and needs in each county and the funding necessary to successfully place patients safely in their home community. The legislation has now been referred to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"The Senate's swift passage of this crucial measure is a true reflection of our concerns regarding the needs and continuity of care for patients of mental health services and their families. These patients may be capable of living in mainstream society, but we have to make sure that the best possible system is in place within our own communities before they are discharged," said Piccola. "Senator Vance and I have been proud to lead this effort on behalf of our colleagues representing the counties most impacted by this closure, mental health and mental retardation professionals, local government officials, and most importantly, the hospital's patients, their families, and the employees."

During floor debate on the legislation, Piccola cited a resolution unanimously approved by the statewide District Attorneys' Association that opposes closing state mental health hospitals for safety concerns. This resolution highlights a concern by many that any release of any patients must be done safely and responsibly.

"I'm pleased to see this legislation move forward," Vance said. "As I have said since news leaked out that the Harrisburg State Hospital would close, it is vital that necessary programs and services be in place before a large number of patients are integrated back into the community from any state mental facility. This legislation will help make that a reality now and in the future.

"The governor's initial timeline to close the hospital by the end of the year was unfair to residents of Harrisburg State Hospital and the community," Vance said. "Many people in the community have been on waiting lists for some time to receive services. With the release of state hospital patients, the waiting list will grow unless adequate community facilities are in place including competent 24-hour care and a long-term care acute facility. Without these steps being taken, we are setting people up for failure."

"While the news of the Administration's decision to close the hospital did surprise us, we also know the value of treating most individuals outside of an institutional setting. However, this is only successful when it is done properly. That's why this legislation is so essential – because it will provide additional information and time to best prepare for moving patients back into their communities. I look forward to prompt consideration of this bill by the House so that the reporting process can get underway," Piccola said.

The closure plans call for releasing approximately 135 of the hospital's 260 patients into community programs and transferring the remainder of the patients to facilities in Danville or Wernersville.

CONTACT: Colleen Greer (Piccola's Office), 717-787-6801
Tracy Polovick (Vance's Office), 717-787-8524