Perhaps this is what passes for mental health “parity.” Lumped-in with the old, some of the most dangerously sick people are culling the herd.

Near the end. Photo: CC/Peter

Nursing home operators say protections against frivolous transfer or discharge keep the homes from throwing out some mentally ill residents.

“Many times, the nursing home’s only option becomes dialing 911,” said Lauren Shaham, a spokeswoman for the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

Full AP story here.