The federal government has launched an investigation into Nassar’s medical treatment for depression and said it will seek to reimburse the hospital for any costs associated with the treatment.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the inquiry on Monday.
HHS spokeswoman Erica Dorsett told reporters the inquiry is the result of a review of Nassar facilities.
She added that HHS “does not believe the Nassar medical care practices or Nassar administration practices violate the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.”
The government also said the investigation would look at how Nassar manages mental health care in its hospitals, clinics and community programs.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said the inquiry was prompted by the hospital’s “continued failure to treat the high number of patients with depression who are receiving care.”
“While we cannot comment on the specifics of the review or its timing, the CMS inquiry focuses on the Nassars inability to adequately meet patients with mental health disorders with mental and emotional support services,” CMS said in a statement.
The investigation follows a February report by The Wall Street Journal detailing Nassar patients who were treated with drugs that had side effects and failed to meet strict guidelines for psychiatric care.
HHS said in the report that the Nassaris’ treatment of mental health issues has been a source of concern for patients and the community.
The report also found that Nassar had “serious deficiencies” in its mental health system, including inadequate access to care for its staff.
On Wednesday, The Wall St Journal published a report about the Nassares mental health failures.
The Nassar hospital has said it’s committed to providing psychiatric care for all patients.
Nassar, which opened in 1997, has been the target of a lawsuit over its treatment of patients.
It’s been sued by the state of Florida, which accused Nassar of illegally providing care to patients.
