The state-run Veterans Home in Luverne is under investigation in the midst of an apparent leadership shake-up at the facility in southwestern Minnesota.
Craig Barness, an assistant administrator at the Veterans Home in Minneapolis, said Friday that he's been assigned to Luverne as "an administrative resource" for at least through next week. No details were available as to why the home's administrator, Michael Bond, was not in his post.
Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Health Care Michael J. Gallucci said in a statement Friday that the department "recently launched an internal investigation" at the Luverne facility "in response to staff feedback."
Gallucci declined to say anything further, citing privacy restrictions.
Barness, who said he continues in his position at the Veterans Home in Minneapolis, also declined to reveal any details about the investigation. He added, however, that it has nothing to do with the services provided to the Luverne home's 85 residents.
"Everything is functioning just fine," he said. "There are absolutely no concerns that way."
As for Bond's current status with the home, department spokeswoman Anna Long would only say, "Mr. Bond is an employee of the state of Minnesota."
Along with the homes in Luverne and Minneapolis, the department operates facilities in Fergus Falls, Hastings and Silver Bay.
