FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Release #106-243

October 26, 1999

ROTH STATEMENT AT HEARING ON THE USE OF SECLUSION

AND RESTRAINTS IN MENTAL HOSPITALS

WASHINGTON -- The Senate Finance Committee today met to hear testimony on the use of seclusion and restraints in mental hospitals. The following is the opening statement of Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. (R-DE):

"Before we begin, I want to take a moment to remember the great man who sat in this empty chair next to me, and to consider the profound influence he had not only on this committee, but on the Senate, itself. The past two days have been difficult for many of us, as we've lost a dear friend and colleague. And our thoughts are with Ginny and the Chafee children and grandchildren as they mourn the loss of a man they loved.

"Many of us here knew of John's desire to retire and return home after what has been an unparalleled legacy of public service. From the sands of Okinawa to the State House of Rhode Island to Capitol Hill, John Chafee lived the life of a patriot and statesman. He served as an example to each of us -- showing how a clear vision, the ability to build bipartisan cooperation, and a steadfast desire to represent the people back home are the ingredients of a distinguishing career.

"John will be missed by this committee. He will be missed by me. I am grateful for his friendship, advice, and leadership through the years.

"For the past several months, there has been extensive media coverage of injuries and deaths allegedly resulting from the inappropriate use of seclusion and restraints in mental health hospitals. These allegations are particularly disturbing given that hospitals are supposed to be places of safety and healing to the sick.

"In nearly every case, this is true. Overall, care in our hospitals, including mental hospitals, is excellent. Very rarely, though, instead of promoting wellness, hospital practices can put patients at risk. Today, we are here to try to better understand the risks associated with seclusion and restraint, and to explore alternatives to minimize those risks.

"I am concerned, very concerned, at reports of deaths of adults and children resulting from the inappropriate use of restraints. As a parent and a grandparent, I cannot imagine the horror of putting your child in a hospital for needed treatment only to have that hospitalization tragically result in death.

"However, I think it is important to keep in mind that all of us - lawmakers, regulators, providers, and advocates - want the same thing -- to promote the health and well-being of vulnerable patients.

"The witnesses we will hear from will help us get to the objective facts of an issue that has been surrounded by a great deal of emotion. In addition to this factual grounding, we will hear different proposals for interventions, and provider and advocacy reactions to those proposals.

"I come to today's hearing with an open mind. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get to the bottom of this important problem, and then we will evaluate if additional intervention is necessary and appropriate to enhance the safety of patients in mental health facilities."