Minnesota Investigators Cite Assisted Living Facility for Giving Resident 18 Shots Before Appointment
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 1
Minnesota Investigators Cite Assisted Living Facility for Giving Resident 18 Shots Before Appointment
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 1
Summary
Minnesota health investigators found Covered Bridge Assisted Living neglected resident Don Brambrink after staff gave him 18 shots of liquor and a beer in the 24 hours before a scheduled telehealth appointment.
A state report said Brambrink missed the appointment after drinking while fishing, was later found on the floor saying he did not feel right, and was sent to the emergency room at his primary care physician’s request.
Hospital tests put his blood alcohol level at 0.23%—nearly three times the 0.08% legal driving limit—and staff wanted to keep him overnight to monitor possible alcohol withdrawal, but he refused.
The facility had an alcohol plan allowing two shots per hour because Brambrink said he was trying to drown out voices; the owner said the home serves extreme alcoholics and plans to appeal the neglect finding.
The case highlights the tension between Minnesota residents’ rights to make lawful personal choices and assisted living facilities’ duty to protect vulnerable people with severe addiction and mental health problems.