Head of embattled state agency announces resignation

Kathryn Power, (at left), director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals is seen in a 2019 file photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The head of the state agency that oversees a state-run medical facility that has come under fire for discharging some patients has announced that she is stepping down later this month.

Kathryn Power, director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, said in her resignation letter Monday that she is stepping down “due to a family member’s recently diagnosed health issues.”

The agency oversees the Eleanor Slater Hospital’s Zambarano campus in Burrillville that treats residents with long-term medical and psychiatric needs.

Downsizing efforts at the facility that include discharging patients against the wishes of their families and health professionals.