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LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Department of Community Health has named a new director for Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, which is under scrutiny over safety following a patient's death.
The department said Monday that Jill Krause will take the top job at the hospital Jan. 7.
On Dec. 8, Michigan said it was hiring a mental health agency to conduct an independent review of the hospital.
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is examining inpatient care and the hospital's organizational structure and staff. The review is expected run through January.
Longtime hospital Director James Coleman resigned in June after the state said he failed to report the March death of a 68-year-old patient. Coleman denies the allegation.
The hospital has suspended 28 workers in a second patient care case.
"We continue to make important progress in ensuring the safety of our patients and staff, and I am confident that Jill's experience and leadership will help us carry this momentum forward," health department Deputy Director Tim Becker said in a statement.
Krause has 21 years of experience in behavioral health and most recently served as director of the Adult Mental Illness Division of network180, Kent County's community mental health authority.
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