Kansas lawmakers anxious about costly nursing shortage at psychiatric hospitals
TOPEKA — The staffing shortage at Kansas’ psychiatric hospitals in Larned and Osawatomie prompted budget requests of more than $60 million to continue filling the health-care gap with private contract nurses.The state’s inability to hire a sustainable workforce of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse aides and patient care support staff at the two state hospitals has generated bipartisan frustration in the Kansas Legislature.The challenge has been most acute at Larned State Hospital, which would need $43 million annually to continue receiving the services of about 200 contract staff.