Stand Alone Psyciatric Center Proposed For Cranston

A change is being planned at the Rhode Island state hospital. 

The Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals wants to re-license the Roosevelt Benton building in Cranston as a standalone psychiatric hospital. 

The Benton facility treats those who have been remanded by the court system, known as "forensic patients". 

Governor Dan McKee's administration says it will continue to serve as a secure facility for patients in the criminal justice system, while Eleanor Slater will continue to serve patients with long-term medical and psychiatric conditions. 

The move is being made in part to address an issue with the state's Medicaid eligibility.

Officials expect the paperwork to be filed to the start the process by the end of the day on Friday of this week.

(Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)


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