SAINT PAUL, Minn—Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, Chair of the Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care released the following statement about today’s report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on the Minnesota Department of Health's Office of Health Facility Complaints and their handling of complaints about vulnerable adult maltreatment:
As someone with aging loved ones and who has cared for family members, the well-being of seniors and vulnerable adults is an issue near to my heart. Today’s OLA Report shows that we need comprehensive reform to address this problem and ensure accountability and transparency for the public, vulnerable adults and their families, as well as strategies to prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the first place.
I have introduced legislation to begin addressing this complex problem, taking into account recommendations made by the OLA. I will be engaging state leaders, seniors and stakeholders to make sure the changes we make are done and done right —because that’s what our loved ones and their families rightly expect and deserve.
The two bills introduced by Rep. Kiel on Monday to address the issue are House File 3296 and House File 3308.