Heineman leadership needed to fix BSDC
By Sen. Ray Aguilar
FROM THE GRAND ISLAND INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
I was very glad to hear about the plan of action being implemented to address
concerns at the Beatrice State Developmental Center. Safety
and staffing concerns are at crisis level. The developmentally disabled people
at BSDC deserve much better care and the state has a duty to provide a safe
environment. The five step plan outlined by the Governor is a beginning but it
will take more. Therefore, in addition to the Governor's plan, the Legislature
is creating a Commission to oversee the implementation of strategies to bring
BSDC up to appropriate levels of care and safety and earmarking money for this
implementation.
I would be remiss, however, if I didn't point out that other agencies are
dealing with the same issues staff shortages, mandatory over time
and staff working before training is complete. This creates a situation that
endangers both staff and patients. If the State of Nebraska is not more
proactive in addressing these issues we will be distressing over more crises
like the one we are now seeing in Beatrice.
Since most of these situations are under the control of the Nebraska Department
of Health and Human Services, the Governor's leadership is
of utmost importance in looking at concerns and implementing improvements. I
have voiced my concerns to the administration. However, it's going to take an
ongoing coordinated group effort by many senators, the Governor's office and
NDHHS to turn the situation around and to avoid future crises. Please let me,
other representatives and the Governor know of your experiences and concerns
about your family members in state care.
As always, please contact me with your support, opposition or questions on any
legislative bill or issue. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to represent
you in the Unicameral.
Senator Ray Aguilar
District 35, P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
402-471-2617
raguilar@leg.