Government Oversight Committee Votes Unanimously to Examine Working Conditions in Maine Psychiatric Facilities

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – The Government Oversight Committee met in Augusta today to consider reviewing working conditions at two Maine psychiatric facilities.

“They are exhausted, tired, scared and worried about their personal safety. They are worried about returning home to their families,” responded AFSCME Council 93 Legislative Director

In May 2023, employees at Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta and Dorothea Dix in Bangor highlighted staffing issues and unsafe work environments, which included attacks on workers by patients.

More than a year later, according to some state representatives, the problems remain the same.

“In this process, some employees were able to come and make statements before the legislature. Unfortunately, we feel we need to do more, conditions have not changed, and we want to give these workers the opportunity to speak out and have their stories heard,” said Maine State Representative Raegan LaRochelle.

Officials want the Government Oversight Committee to ask the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability, or OPEGA, to review conditions at both facilities.

“What OPEGA would suggest here is that before the committee decides whether to conduct a review of OPEGA, which is always something the committee can do, it is suggested that the committee obtain additional current information in support of such future deliberation and committee decision,” said OPEGA Director Peter Schleck.

The official motion voted on directed OPEGA to gather more information on worker safety in both buildings and submit a report by February.

“It’s unanimous,” announced Senate Committee Chairman Craig Hickman.

Representatives working with employees were pleased with the result.

“I’m glad the committee sees the urgency and concerns being expressed and is willing to look into this further,” LaRochelle concluded.