CLINIC TO SEEK HEARING ON CHARGES

Richmond's largest methadone clinic will challenge an attempt by the state
to revoke its license.

Human Resources Inc. notified the state Department of Mental Health,
Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services late Thursday that it
will seek a hearing to respond to charges that it is not adequately
following state regulations, department spokesman Reed Boatright said
yesterday.

The deadline for appealing was yesterday. A hearing date has not been
scheduled, but Dr. Janet M. Sargent, executive director of HRI, said
she is hoping for a quick resolution.

"A number of the stated noncompliances were not justified by the
facts, and we will attempt to prove that," she said yesterday, adding
that HRI also will address minor infractions involving paperwork procedures.

"Those things, we have no problem saying, 'You're right, and we've
taken the following steps to correct them,' " Sargent said.

HRI's methadone clinic at 15 W. Cary St., known as Jump Street, has
existed since the early 1970s and contracts with the Richmond
Behavioral Health Authority to provide daily methadone treatments to
about 300 heroin addicts.

Methadone replaces heroin, allowing the addict to function without
going into withdrawal. If Jump Street were to lose its license, the
health authority would have to find another contractor so none of its
clients would go without treatment, state officials said.

Last week, the state notified the clinic that it intended to revoke
its license for a number of alleged infractions, including failing to
provide adequate referrals for health and job training and failing to
test some clients for illegal drugs.

The allegations followed a three-week investigation after a complaint
from a client.

The allegations do not affect Human Resources Inc.'s other drug and
alcohol treatment services.

Its board of directors met last week to discuss the charges, then
issued a statement promising to work with the state mental health
department.