Once again, a state panel is scheduled to consider a controversial plan to build a psychiatric hospital in the Quad Cities. The proposal by Strategic Behavioral Health for a 72 bed hospital in Bettendorf is on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting of the Iowa State Health Facilities Council.
Early this year the council split 2 to 2 on the plan by the Tennessee-based company, and would have re-considered the issue at least a couple of times since then, but the council has been short-handed - by a resignation, and illness.
Strategic says the Quad Cities needs more beds for psychiatric patients, while the two hospital groups, Unity Point and Genesis, say they are expanding their programs for mental health and this area does not need a stand-alone psychiatric hospital.
A spokesman says all five seats on the council are now filled, and it should be able to have a quorum and make a decision on the company's application for a "certificate of need."
