TERRELL, Texas — The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has entered contract negotiations with GEO Care for the privatization of the Terrell State Hospital, the agency announced today.
TERRELL, Texas — The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has entered contract negotiations with GEO Care for the privatization of the Terrell State Hospital, the agency announced today.
DSHS issued a tentative award notice earlier today which would allow it to enter contract negotiations with GEO Care, now known as Correct Care Solutions, LLC, after an acquisition and merger, according to their website.
“During the negotiations, the state will gather more information and assess whether or not to enter a final contract, what services would be covered by the contract, the transition timeline and other details,” DSHS Governmental Affairs Unit Director Nick Dauster stated. “We hope to have a decision on whether or not the state will enter a contract by the end of the year. If the state ultimately decides to sign a contract, there would be a transition period of several months.”
The DSHS originally sought a five-year contract in its Request for Proposals sent out on June 9, 2014. It’s unclear if the agency will move forward with a five-year contract during contract negotiations which are expected to be announced by the end of the year. The hospital could see a contract start date of January 1, 2015.
“Terrell State Hospital has been a long time successful mental health care institution in Kaufman County and the City of Terrell for over 100 years,” Kaufman County Judge Bruce Wood told inForney.com. “The privatization of such a facility is a major event in our county and one that should be, and I have been assured will be, studied very carefully before any final action is taken.”
“Thousands of residents of the State of Texas have been treated successfully for various mental illness issues by a very dedicated and committed staff over a long period of time,” Wood stated. “We never should lose sight of this past success.”
The Terrell State Hospital currently employs approximately 980 people and cares for more than 250 patients. Terrell State Hospital serves the counties of Cass, Collin, Dallas, Delta, Ellis, Fannin, Franklin, Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Morris, Navarro, Rains, Rockwall, Titus, Van Zandt, and Wood.
“DSHS is committed to keeping our employees informed throughout the decision-making process and to improving care for our patients,” stated Dauster.
