Restraints use is cited in State Report, legal fight (Jensen Case)

A prolonged legal dispute over the use of restraints at Minnesota state facilities continues despite a rejection of the Department of Human Services (DHS) request for a stay on an external review by U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank. The DHS investigative report from February revealed policy violations and state law breaches in the treatment of a vulnerable adult at the Forensic Mental Health Program/Minnesota Security Hospital.

The use of restraints against people with disabilities is considered inhumane, and state officials emphasize alternative techniques and staff training. The debate is part of a broader dispute that began in 2009 and involves the mistreatment of residents, leading to a settlement in 2011. However, the disagreement over restraints has prevented the end of federal court jurisdiction over the settlement, and an external review of state facilities' restraint practices is ongoing.

Restraints use is cited in state report, legal fight | Access Press