A troubled history

Last update: October 30, 2007 - 9:53 PM

1887: Legislature authorizes State Soldiers Home in Minneapolis for aging Civil War veterans, spouses and mothers, operated on military model under a commandant. Over the years, five veterans homes will be opened across the state.

1975: Oversight transferred to Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs after state inspectors find 82 rule violations, including staff shortages, inadequate care and dirt-encrusted rooms at the 579-bed Minneapolis home.

1988: On advice of governor's commission, oversight transferred to new Veterans Homes Board after state inspectors issue 119 correction orders and 21 fines since 1981 and threaten to close Minneapolis home.

1989: Inspectors cite 17 violations, including neglect that caused two deaths, but say conditions have improved.

2005: State inspectors cite 31 rule violations at Minneapolis home; four top administrators are fired. Gov. Tim Pawlenty orders consultant report on conditions at the five state veterans homes.

2006: Consultant Health Dimensions Group says care is good at other homes, but Minneapolis home has lax oversight, low morale and confusion because of high management turnover. State inspectors cite 34 infractions. Inspectors from federal Department of Veterans Affairs find 35. The 402-bed home suspends admissions.

2007: Minneapolis home fined $42,300 for repeat offenses, including medical errors connected with three deaths; Pawlenty orders consultant to monitor operations, names commission to study the problems. Health Dimensions Group hired for $207,000 to advise home for six months, then $546,000 for another year. To keep license, Veterans Homes Board agrees to pay up to $250,000 over two years for outside monitor chosen by Health Department. New executive director hired by board to start in January 2008.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To read the commission's draft report and other information, go to www.startribune.com/a3187

For information about the Minnesota Veterans Homes Board, go to www.startribune.com/a3262

To read the 1988 Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on the Minnesota Veterans Homes report, go to www.startribune.com/a2733

To read the 1988 state Department of Administration report on the homes, go to www.startribune.com/a2734

WARREN WOLFE