New Hampshire's forensic hospital stays on schedule but costs run about $6 million over budget
The Department of Health and Human Services chose a design for a 24-bed forensic hospital next to the state hospital, with construction expected in spring or summer 2023. Inflation raised costs roughly $6 million beyond the original $45 million budget, and officials sought permission from the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee to move nearly $5.76 million in unused federal funds to cover the gap.
According to New Hampshire Bulletin, the hospital will serve three groups: people unable to stand trial because of mental illness, those found not guilty by reason of insanity, and people considered too dangerous for conventional psychiatric settings, all currently housed in state prisons. Lawmakers had approved $38 million for 24 beds, 16 fewer than the department originally wanted, and space exists for future expansion.
The update shows the cost and capacity pressures on the state's first dedicated forensic hospital.
Source: Forensic hospital on track but over budget — New Hampshire Bulletin, by Annmarie Timmins
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