LARNED — The popular director of Larned State Hospital has resigned, leaving a facility stunted by staff shortages without a superintendent.
Tom Kinlen, who took over in 2012, is no longer with the hospital, according to Angela de Rocha, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Kinlen took over as director of Larned nearly four years ago after staffing issues forced out superintendent Chris Burke in May 2012.
Bill Rein, currently the KDADS commissioner of behavioral health services, will serve as acting superintendent until the vacancy is filled, de Rocha said.
“KDADS is very grateful to Dr. Kinlen for his years of dedicated service to Larned State Hospital and the State of Kansas,” she added.
Rein testified before legislators in January, facing questions about staffing shortages at state hospitals.