Minnesota Agency Reduces Backlog of Abuse Complaints

ST. PAUL (AP) -- Health officials say Minnesota has made great progress in reducing a large backlog of unresolved complaints of maltreatment at state senior care facilities.

The state Health Department has reduced the number of unresolved maltreatment cases by nearly 80 percent in the last six weeks. There are now just over 700 cases, down from more than 3,100. Allegations include neglect, financial exploitation and physical and sexual abuse.

The agency's Office of Health Facility Complaints is working to streamline the complaint process. The state is testing an automated case records system that will improve the speed complaints are investigated and allow the agency to better categorize complaints.

Staff members are also evaluating cases with a standard list of questions that help determine the type of response needed.