~ Dale Thompson of Benedictine Health System to chair Commission ~

Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced his appointments to the newly formed Veterans Long Term Care Advisory Commission. Governor Pawlenty created the Commission via an executive order signed on February 28 in response to ongoing patient problems at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. The Commission is charged with identifying the best approach for the future operation, management, administration and governance of the Veterans Homes.

“Our veterans deserve the best long term care possible,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Minnesota is fortunate to have remarkably talented leaders in long term care and veterans issues. I am grateful that these individuals are willing to commit their time and energy to such an important cause.”

The Commission will review existing problems at the Veterans Homes, current standards and requirements for veterans long term care, survey successful methods and models of care, and identify practices, methods or other areas that Minnesota could adopt to improve the quality of care delivered to veterans.

The Governor also announced the appointment of Dale Thompson as chair of the Commission. Thompson, of Blaine, is President and CEO of the Benedictine Health System based in Duluth, which owns and/or manages 10 acute-care hospitals and more than 50 long-term care facilities including nursing homes, assisted living and independent senior housing options in eight states.

“Working to improve quality of life and care for our veterans is a high calling,” said Thompson. “I’m honored to join this group in such an important effort.”

Joining Thompson on the Commission as appointees of the Governor are:

Kathryn Roberts, of Stillwater, is President and CEO of Ecumen which employs over 4,000 staff and operates independent and assisted living housing, care centers, home health care and a wide variety of community-based services in 90 communities in the mid-west. Prior to joining Ecumen, Roberts held a number of leadership positions in state government as well as in not-for-profit organizations.

Rosalie Kane, of Minneapolis, is a University of Minnesota professor of public health and member of the Center for Biomedical Ethics, School of Social Work and the Center on Aging.

Tom Mullon, of Eagan, is a member of the American Legion and was formally the Director of the Federal Veterans Administration Medical Center and Administrator of the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

Leslie Grant, of Minneapolis, is Associate Professor of Healthcare Management in the Division of Health Management and Policy and the Director of the Center for Aging Services Management at the University of Minnesota.

Nancy Feldman, of Minneapolis, is President and CEO of UCare Minnesota, the state’s fourth largest health plan serving 130,000 senior, disabled and low income individuals.

Jim Birchem, of Little Falls, is a member of the American Legion and President and CEO of Eldercare of Minnesota which owns four nursing homes and eight assisted living facilities. Along with the above, ex officio members of the Commission include:

• The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard and the Commissioner of Health, or their designees;
• Dan Williams, of Vadnais Heights, representing the Veterans Homes Board;
• A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker;
• A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the House Minority Leader,
• A member of the Senate appointed by the Senate Majority Leader; and
• A member of the Senate appointed by the Senate Minority Leader.