ANKENY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa regulators have voted not to let a Tennessee-based company build a psychiatric hospital in Bettendorf.
The Iowa Health Facilities Council voted 2-2 Wednesday at its meeting in Ankeny on the $14 million, 72-bed proposal by Strategic Behavioral Health. The tie vote effectively rejected the company's request for a certificate of need.
Council member Amy Skinner says she voted against the proposal because of promises by two area health systems, Genesis and Trinity, to expand their mental-health programs.
Mike Garone, of Memphis-based Strategic, says the Scott County area clearly needs more facilities and says there's room enough for Strategic's proposed operation, as well as the Genesis and Trinity expansions.
Company leaders say they'll consider refiling the proposal so the full five-member council could consider it in July.