(WNY News Now) – NEW YORK — A major settlement has been announced requiring NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to implement extensive reforms following a years-long investigation that found systemic failures in the treatment of patients experiencing mental health emergencies.
The investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) concluded that the hospital system repeatedly failed to properly evaluate, monitor, and stabilize patients in crisis. Officials said these lapses placed vulnerable individuals at risk and contributed to broader gaps in access to mental health care.
According to the OAG, the hospital frequently did not conduct adequate screenings for patients with behavioral health conditions, failed to maintain proper supervision for high-risk individuals, and did not consistently gather key information from families or outside providers. In some cases, patients were discharged without sufficient care plans or follow-up support.
The investigation also identified multiple incidents where patients exhibiting serious psychiatric symptoms — including suicidal ideation, psychosis, and violent behavior — left the hospital before being formally discharged. These cases, known as “elopements,” were attributed to inadequate safety protocols and monitoring.
In one instance, a patient awaiting inpatient psychiatric placement for more than two days left the hospital despite orders for close supervision. In another, a teenager identified as high-risk exited the facility within minutes after staff failed to implement appropriate precautions. A separate case involved a patient who fled after being brought in by emergency responders following an alleged assault, with law enforcement not notified until the following day.
State investigators also found that more than 100 licensed inpatient psychiatric beds across the hospital system remained offline as of May 2023, despite directives to restore capacity after the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage contributed to delays in care during a period of increased demand for mental health services.
As part of the settlement, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital must implement a series of reforms aimed at improving patient safety and access to care. These include enhanced screening procedures in emergency departments, stricter monitoring and observation protocols, and improved documentation of clinical decisions.
The hospital is also required to strengthen measures to prevent patient elopement, including immediate escalation procedures when high-risk individuals go missing. Additional mandates include upgrades to electronic health record systems, better coordination with families and outside providers, and more comprehensive discharge planning with confirmed follow-up care.
The agreement further requires the hospital system to document efforts to secure inpatient psychiatric beds for patients in need and to comply with all laws governing bed capacity. Ongoing oversight measures will include regular reporting, monitoring, and quality assurance reviews, particularly focusing on incidents involving patient elopement.
As part of the settlement, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital will pay $500,000 and face penalties of $10,000 per violation for any future noncompliance with the agreement.
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