Dr. Moran was placed on leave in February and fired in May, according to the Oct. 15 Post report. The investigation revealed a pattern of employee complaints dating to Dr. Moran’s hiring in 2019, highlighting dangerous conditions that were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the hospital’s psychiatric department sent a letter to the state secretary of health raising alarms about leadership ignoring critical safety protocols and endangering the life of patients. However, despite warnings, Dr. Moran was promoted multiple times.
Under Dr. Moran’s leadership, the hospital faced serious incidents, including violent assaults on staff, a patient rape and the death of a patient, which occurred in November 2023. The death which prompted a criminal investigation.
In a recent letter following the Post investigation, Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott, MD, announced reforms to address “critical deficiencies” at Perkins, stating that the allegations raised in the Post investigation were “of serious concern.” State Sen. Clarence Lam also criticized previous administrations from failing to address the issue sooner.
Dr. Moran’s medical license has since been suspended for one year, the report said.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.