Date: May 29, 2008

DHHS Secretary Orders Investigation Regarding Painting

RALEIGH — DHHS Secretary Dempsey Benton today ordered that no state funds from any source can be used to pay for an oil painting that was to hang in the new Central Regional Hospital in Butner. The painting is a portrait of CRH Director Patsy Christian.

“This was not a department-initiated action,” said Benton. “There will be no state expenditure of funds for this painting, and I have directed that any funds thus far expended be reimbursed immediately to the state.  This portrait will not be a state asset.”

The Secretary has also asked the State Bureau of Investigation to examine the events surrounding the commission and purchase of the painting to assure that no state laws have been violated.

The painting was to hang in the new hospital, which paid $571.98 for the painting.