Assisted living facility in Hill City temporarily suspended due to 'serious' allegations

HILL CITY, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Hill City-based assisted living facility will be shutting down just after midnight Friday after the Minnesota Department of Health issued a 90-day suspension of the facility's license, according to MDH officials.

The Minnesota Office of Inspector General Licensing Division suspended Chappy's Golden Shores’ license to provide home and community-based services effective 12:01 a.m. Dec. 7.

A source told Fox 9 law enforcement was on the scene Thursday packing up residents and moving them out of the facility. 35 residents and 30 staff members are reportedly affected by the order.

In a letter to Chappy's Golden Shores from the Office of the Inspector General, the action is being taken because the Licensing Division, “received information alleging that multiple and repeated serious incidents affecting vulnerable persons occurred in your licensed program.”

The letter went on to say the program is still being investigated and that allegations are “serious and chronic.”

“Therefore, we find that the health, safety, and rights of persons being served by your program are at imminent risk of harm and you must stop operating your community residential setting and providing home and community-based services at the above mentioned date and time,” the letter read.

Keith Olson, one of the owner's of Chappy's, says he feels blindsided by the immediate suspension.

"No explanation, didn't know they were coming - no notice," said Olson.

Olson says he's never an issue like this before with the health department. Chappy's Golden Shores has a right to appeal this order by requesting a contested case hearing.

The Minnesota Department of Health released the following statement:

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued an immediate 90-day suspension of the comprehensive home care license for Chappy’s Golden Shores, based on serious alleged violations of Minnesota home care laws found by a department investigation. The alleged violations are deemed to pose an imminent risk to the health and safety of the clients served by this home care provider.

MDH is working with county and state partners to ensure the safety and appropriate ongoing care of the clients impacted by this action. Additional information will be provided to clients and families in the days ahead. The department is also continuing its investigation into Chappy’s Golden Shores.

Clients and family members with questions can contact their case manager, county adult protection or the Minnesota Ombudsman for Long Term Care (800-657-3591). Any allegations of maltreatment should be directed to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (844-880-1574).