AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Independent monitors have turned up more problems at a long-criticized institution for the mentally disabled in Texas.
A report examining conditions at the Lubbock State Supported Living Center found the facility has a critical shortage of nurses, resulting in “significant medication errors.” The facility has 50 vacancies in its nursing department, which is budgeted for 105 employees.
The report also says the Lubbock center has a 60 percent annual turnover rate among employees who directly care for the mentally disabled.
The report is based on monitoring done during a one-week period in mid-March.
But the report praised the Lubbock facility for its staff’s knowledge on reporting abuse and neglect and efforts to serve residents in an integrated setting. It also said communication between medical departments was impressive.