The Montana State Hospital is experiencing another leadership change as its CEO, Dr. Kevin Flanigan, resigns after approximately a year in the role, according to a press release from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Flanigan took on the position at the Warm Springs facility last summer, with no reason provided for his departure. Efforts to reach Flanigan for comment were unsuccessful.
Dr. Daniel Bemporad, a former staff psychiatrist at the hospital, will step in as interim CEO. Bemporad, who left the forensic unit in 2024 amid previous leadership challenges, has been working with the state to address patient evaluation backlogs from local jails. This marks the sixth leadership change since the hospital lost its federal certification in 2022, primarily due to patient safety issues.
The hospital has faced ongoing leadership instability, as highlighted by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pulling certification in 2022 following patient deaths and injuries. The announcement of Flanigan’s resignation came while the primary department spokesperson was out of the office, leaving questions unanswered about the future leadership strategy. Current and former employees learned of the leadership change through the public announcement.
DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton praised Flanigan in the Friday announcement for transforming the hospital’s culture and advancing efforts toward federal recertification. Brereton expressed confidence in Bemporad’s ability to continue this progress, noting, “I welcome Dan back to DPHHS as an employee and believe he is the right psychiatric leader for MSH at this crucial time.”
In his statement, Bemporad expressed enthusiasm about his role, stating, “I believe that MSH is on the right track, and I’m honored to take the helm during this period of positive momentum.” He emphasized the focus on maintaining high-quality patient care as the hospital works towards recertification. The announcement did not specify the duration of Bemporad’s interim role or whether a search for a permanent CEO was underway.
The hospital continues to struggle with staff retention, relying on costly temporary workers, and is undergoing major renovations as part of the recertification process. Patients are being moved between wings and temporary facilities during these renovations.
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