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Minnesota State Ombudsman, Cheryl Hennen, is Interviewed on Evictions During COVID-19

July 17, 2020

While Gov. Tim Walz has instituted a temporary ban on most evictions in Minnesota, current law provides no way to appeal terminations of medical services at assisted living facilities, which can force people from their homes. “There is no right to due process,” said Cheryl Hennen, Minnesota’s State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Hennen said complaints of evictions and service terminations at assisted living facilities and nursing homes have continued during the COVID-19 outbreak. Between March 1 and June 26, their office opened 79 cases in response to complaints of violations of resident rights in assisted living facilities, and 71 cases in nursing homes. Hennen said her office, along with the state Attorney General and other senior advocates, have prevented some evictions at long-term care facilities, though some people likely slip through the cracks if they don’t know their rights. She urges people to contact the office if they have questions or concerns about transfers or discharges from an assisted living facility or nursing home. 

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