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New oversight for veterans homes

Published (3/21/2008)
By Lee Ann Schutz
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Responding to 2005 reports citing problems at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, Gov. Tim Pawlenty called for a commission to examine the best approach for management and administration of the state’s five veterans homes.

Primary among the recommendations from the Veterans Long-Term Care Advisory Commission was to transfer administration of the facilities from the Minnesota Veterans Homes Board to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Pawlenty, by executive order, abolished the board in November. Two bills held over March 18 for possible inclusion in the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance Division omnibus bill, would provide the framework for transfer of responsibilities.

Sponsored by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar), HF3763 calls for the transfer, and HF3762, sponsored by Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul), sets out the criteria for a new Veterans Health Care Advisory Council that would advise the department on issues regarding the homes, including long-term health needs of veterans.

The nine board members appointed by the governor would include seven members with expertise in health care delivery, long-term care and veterans services; one licensed clinician; and one at-large member.

Juhnke said it is important that lawmakers are represented, even if only as ex-officio members.

Christine Kiel, legislative liaison for the department, said the $2 million allocated this biennium for operation of the former veterans homes board is on reserve for the new council’s use. She said that the new structure may not need a budget that large.

Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona) sponsors the companion bills, SF3282 and SF3281. Both await action by the full Senate.

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