Michigan mental health hospital sued over tired employees

LANSING (AP) — A lawsuit filed on behalf of hundreds of involuntary patients at a Michigan mental health hospital says mandatory overtime for employees is endangering patients.

The Detroit News reports the federal complaint argues that the rules lead to exhausted employees who are unable to control some patients’ violent behavior.

The lead plaintiff is Alan Teasel, a patient at the Caro Center psychiatric hospital in Tuscola County.

The suit alleges Teasel has observed “increased violence among patients” as residential care aides have been forced to work more overtime shifts.

Lawyers are seeking class-action status to cover the center’s more than 600 patients. The lawsuit says changes would also protect employees.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services runs the center.