The organization Housing 4 the Homeless led the Wednesday press conference outside of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Their members said hospitals across the city of San Diego continue to prematurely discharge homeless and poor patients despite a 2018 law known as SB 1152, which was meant to address this issue.
Housing 4 the Homeless member Vanessa Davis said it's contributing to deaths on the streets.
“This bill that went into effect in January 2019 was meant to stop patient dumping — the practice of hospitals inappropriately releasing homeless or indigent patients to the streets without proper screening or stabilizing treatment — often inadequately clothed without safe transport or a realistic plan for self care,” she said. “Unfortunately this is still happening today.”
In a statement, Scripps Health said they comply “with all provisions of SB1152,” and that they “ensure all patients are safe to leave the hospital before being discharged.”
Scripps also said that they work with each patient to develop a discharge plan, which includes “giving them discharge instructions, follow up for medical or behavioral health care needs they may have and providing them with information and about community resources so they can access food, clothing, shelter and transportation to their chosen destination, as applicable.”
Housing 4 the Homeless leaders are requesting state lawmakers to take action with hearings, and review the law’s effectiveness.
They’re also calling on all San Diego hospitals to immediately stop patient dumping.
