The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced an update into the backlog of elder abuse investigations by the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC). The update from MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm shows progress has been made at resolving open cases and clearing out much of the backlog.

Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to see progress finally being made on clearing out the backlog of abuse complaints. The realignment of management, combined with the pressure created by media investigations and bulldog senators like Karin Housley have helped move this issue forward at a rapid rate. This is of little consolation to Minnesotans who have had family members experience traumatic abuse and neglect, but I’m glad OHFC appears to be taking quick action. That there are only 195 ongoing assessments and 92 cases requiring on-site investigation out of the 2,321 reports in backlog is a positive sign.

 

“Still, I remain concerned that the January 29 report from the governor’s task force and AARP, titled Addressing Elder Abuse in Minnesota Long-Term Care Settings, did not indicate enough of a focus on elder abuse. The goals were too broad, and not focused on essential or urgent issues of eliminating the pattern of abuse and neglect at senior care facilities. I am hopeful we will see improvement in this respect and a stronger focus on elder abuse going forward.

 

“Nonetheless, I am encouraged by this most recent update, and I look forward to the final work product that Sen. Housley, my legislative colleagues, and I will develop alongside stakeholders and agencies.”

Anyone who wishes to inquire on the status of an investigation can contact MDH family liaison Lindsey Krueger at lindsey.krueger@state.mn.us or 651-201-4135.