Federal inquiry into Mpls. vets home closed

Federal investigators have closed an investigation into the Minneapolis Veterans Home, concluding that care problems there did not violate the civil rights of residents.

An official with the U.S. Department of Justice informed Gov. Tim Pawlenty in a letter dated last Wednesday.

Shanetta Cutlar says the investigation didn't find a pattern of constitutional lapses at the home.

The letter also congratulates the home's staff for their efforts to care for residents.

The state-owned home has a troubled history dating back to 2005, including state health inspectors overseeing its management after three deaths followed neglect or medication errors that were reported in 2007.

A spokeswoman with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs says the decision reflects the strides the home has made in the last few years to improve. Anna Long says officials found the outside review and recommendations to be helpful in making changes.