Minnesota Agencies

The goal of the work groups is to forge consensus on legislative proposals for the governor and the legislature, but also to clearly and objectively describe the areas of disagreement. In addition to identifying and proposing action in areas needing changes in statutes or rules, each work group will work to advance collaboration on initiatives that can be led by the community without waiting for legislation.

According to the Department of Health (MDH), "since adjournment of the 2018 legislative session, MDH and many other stakeholders have continued to think about how to build on the momentum created for reform in the area of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults. In addition to reforms within the MDH Office of Health Facility Complaints, there is important agreement among stakeholders that broader changes are needed in both policy and practice in our statutory frameworks, in regulatory agencies, in care settings, and in communities across the state." 

To create a space for collaboration across stakeholders, Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm asked a number of work groups to form on the following topics and with the following leaders: 

• Licensure Approaches for Assisted Living Facilities, led by Commissioner Malcolm, MDH; 
• An Assisted Living Report Card, led by Kari Benson, DHS; 
• Certification of Dementia Care Units, led by Beth McMullen, Alzheimer’s Association;
• Improving Quality and Safety in Long-Term Care Settings, led by Marie Dotseth, MDH; 
• Consumer Rights, led by Cheryl Hennen, Ombudsman for Long-Term Care; and
• Electronic Monitoring in Care Facilities, led by Amanda Vickstrom, The Minnesota Elder Justice Center