The state says it has made significant progress in fixing problems at its seven psychiatric hospitals. Court documents filed this week argue against a request made to hold a hearing on the state’s progress with the hospitals.

In January, Georgia signed into an agreement with federal justice officials that it would improve its mental hospital system. But recently the Justice Department told the court it could no longer support the motion for the adoption of that agreement.

Patient advocates say abuse, neglect and poor medical care have contributed to hundreds of patient injuries and deaths in Georgia’s psychiatric hospital system.

A spokesman for Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities says the state has until January 15th to show it’s in strong compliance with the settlement.

Tags: Georgia, Justice Department, mental health, psychiatric hospitals, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities