Hospital cited after apparent suicide

MADISON (AP) - A division of the state Department of Health Services cited the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison after an apparent suicide.

Police said Jason M. Peters was found face down on a mattress with what appeared to be a sock around his neck April 8. He was apparently laying there for 18 hours before staff discovered he died.

The 26-year-old had schizophrenia and was awaiting trial in Dane County on charges of battering Mendota staff.

The Division of Quality Assurance cited the facility last week for failing to "take reasonable steps to ensure the physical safety of all patients." It said while staff conducted required checks every 15 minutes they didn't note whether Peters was breathing or moving.

The Wisconsin State Journal reported the facility agreed to improve training to require staff to check for breathing and movement.