Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tom Crann and Riham Feshir

Large state-run psychiatric hospital risks losing federal funds

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Minnesota's second-largest state-run psychiatric hospital is at risk of losing federal funding over patient care and staff safety.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center could lose $3.5 million annually from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which gave the state a March deadline to come up with solutions.

Human Services Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper, who oversees the Anoka-Metro facility, said she recognizes the problems and is working on solutions, beginning with the personnel.

"We have a staffing shortage at Anoka that's causing not only concerns around patient care but also mandatory forced overtime for our staff and staff are very concerned and they're tired," she said.

Piper, who took over as commissioner in December, said her first priority is to hire additional staff and offer competitive compensation packages.

The hospital is currently treating 103 patients. Staff have said a 2013 law requiring mentally ill jail inmates to be transferred there two days after they're booked has created difficult working conditions. Piper said that's what she sees as well.

"Much more of our population is coming directly from jail and the acuity is different in these patients," Piper said.