The states with the most negligent mental health practitioners – Wisconsin ranks second
- A new study has revealed a ranking of the states with the most negligent mental health practitioners, with South Carolina ranking top
- The nationwide and state-specific ranking is based on the data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) for medical malpractice payment reports and adverse action reports
- Between 2020 and 2023, 15,315 medical malpractice payment reports and adverse action reports were reported across the US, with 307 coming from South Carolina alone
A new analysis has revealed which states experience the highest and lowest levels of negligent mental health practitioners, based on the average number of medical malpractice payment reports and adverse action reports involving psychologists, therapists, and counselors between 2020 and 2023.
The research conducted by personal injury attorneys Injured In Florida ranks each state by the number of malpractice incidents scaled per 1,000 practitioners.
Between 2020 and 2023, 15,315 medical malpractice payment reports and adverse action reports were reported across the US.Some states proved to demonstrate a higher tendency towards practitioner negligence, highlighting significant concerns for patients seeking mental health services in those areas.
South Carolina ranks first, with an alarming average of 181.01 malpractice reports per 1,000 practitioners annually. With 424 mental health practitioners and 307 malpractice and adverse action reports over the four years studied, South Carolina’s high rate highlights a significant concern for patients seeking mental health care in the state.
Wisconsin follows as the second-highest state, with an average of 122.52 malpractice reports per 1,000 practitioners each year. Despite having 606 practitioners, the state recorded 297 reports between 2020 and 2023, indicating a considerable issue with the quality of mental health services provided.
Michigan stands third, reporting an average of 115.20 malpractice incidents per 1,000 practitioners annually. The state has 1,174 mental health practitioners, and the 541 reports over four years point to systemic challenges in ensuring adequate mental health care.
Alaska ranks fourth, with 233 practitioners and 107 malpractice reports over the four-year period, resulting in an average of 114.81 reports per 1,000 practitioners annually. This high rate highlights the need for improved oversight in Alaska’s mental health sector.
Florida, with the fifth-highest rate, has 5,410 practitioners and recorded 2,199 malpractice reports over the four years studied. The average of 101.62 reports per 1,000 practitioners annually emphasizes the ongoing issues for mental health services within one of the most populous states.
Top ten states with the most negligent mental health practitioners
|
Rank
|
State
|
Number of Practitioners
|
Total Number of Reports 2020-2023
|
Four Year Average
|
Average Malpractices Per 1,000 Practitioners (per year)
|
|
1
|
South Carolina
|
424
|
307
|
76.75
|
181.01
|
|
2
|
Wisconsin
|
606
|
297
|
74.25
|
122.52
|
|
3
|
Michigan
|
1,174
|
541
|
135.25
|
115.2
|
|
4
|
Alaska
|
233
|
107
|
26.75
|
114.81
|
|
5
|
Florida
|
5,410
|
2,199
|
549.75
|
101.62
|
|
6
|
Nevada
|
805
|
297
|
74.25
|
92.24
|
|
7
|
Georgia
|
841
|
307
|
76.75
|
91.26
|
|
8
|
Arkansas
|
217
|
79
|
19.75
|
91.01
|
|
9
|
Minnesota
|
728
|
263
|
65.75
|
90.32
|
|
10
|
Texas
|
3,492
|
1,238
|
309.5
|
88.63
|
Nevada, Georgia, Arkansas, Minnesota, and Texas reported an average of 92.24, 91.26, 91.01, 90.32, and 88.63 malpractice incidents per 1,000 practitioners annually, respectively.
On the other end of the ranking,Missouri, New Jersey and Oklahoma show notably lower levels of negligence among mental health practitioners. With average malpractice rates of 17.49, 24.06, and 26.26 per 1,000 practitioners annually.
A spokesperson from Injured In Floridacommented on the findings: “This study highlights considerable variation in mental health malpractice across the country, indicating that where you live can impact the quality of care you receive.
“States like South Carolina and Wisconsin, with alarmingly high malpractice rates, could reveal critical gaps that need to be addressed, while states like New Jersey and Missouri, with notably lower rates, might offer insights into more effective oversight and training.
“Bringing attention to these disparities can empower practitioners, patients, and policymakers to take informed actions that will improve the quality and accountability of mental health care nationwide.”
-ENDS-
Story credit to:https://www.injuredinflorida.com/
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
