Duluth methadone clinic license revoked

The state is revoking the license of a Duluth methadone clinic due to serious and chronic licensing violations, according to an order issued Monday.

A review by the Minnesota Department of Human Services found 56 licensing violations at Lake Superior Treatment Center, including "excessive counselor caseloads," "failed management of admission waiting lists," and inadequate monitoring of the methadone program. Nearly one-third of the citations were repeat violations, the order said.

The order will shut down the program on Oct. 8. It also requires the center to take immediate steps to refer clients to other programs. The facility has the right to appeal the decision within the next two weeks.

Lake Superior Treatment Center currently provides methadone treatment to more than 350 adults. Facility officials did not return a call seeking comment. Colonial Management Group, the Florida-based company that operates the clinic, did not respond to an email asking whether it would appeal the decision.