Whisper Ridge Fights to Remain Open

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Updated: 10:13 AM Apr 24, 2006 Whisper Ridge Fights to Remain Open After being cited with 50 state violations, the Whisper Ridge Behavioral Health facility is fighting to stay open. They presented their action plan today during an informal hearing in Richmond. Posted: 6:27 PM Apr 20, 2006 Reporter: Sarah Batista

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April 20, 2006

After being cited with 50 state violations, the Whisper Ridge Behavioral Health facility is fighting to stay open. They presented their action plan today during an informal hearing in Richmond.

A hearing officer heard from both Whisper Ridge and the state licensing department on whether their license should be revoked. Whisper Ridge officials said they've starting revising their policies. Some of those changes include making staff changes and ongoing employee training. They also proposed random room searches and installing video cameras. Back in January, the state licensing office cited the teen facility for numerous violations. Some of those citations involved patient neglect and sexual abuse by staff members which is still being investigated.

In the meantime, the State Commissioner of Mental Health has 90 days to review the case and decide whether to revoke their license. The other option would be to stay open, but only if they agree to very strict policy guidelines.

Whisper Ridge is a 58-bed behavioral facility that treats teenagers between 13 and 17 years old.