Hospital social worker plan protested

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_7247783

# Officials want to open jobs to unlicensed employees to fulfill mandate or lose as much as $300 million
By Sandy Kleffman

STAFF WRITER
Article Launched: 10/22/2007 03:02:30 AM PDT

A plan to switch jobs in the psychiatric unit at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center from licensed clinical specialists to unlicensed social workers has raised protests from some mental health advocates and union leaders.

"This is a quality-of-care issue that we feel we should have been informed about," said Kathi McLaughlin, co-chairwoman of the Contra Costa Mental Health Commission.

The commission, which advises county officials on mental health issues, will call a special meeting to discuss the issue in the next couple of weeks.

A union leader said the county should retain licensed employees.

Jeffrey Smith, the hospital's executive director, characterized the change as a routine matter that will result in more employees in the unit and thus improved care.

FULL story at link.