Public hearing set for Jan. 17 on closure of Sanford Bemidji's inpatient rehabilitation unit

By Pioneer Staff Report

January 06, 2024 at 3:00 PM

BEMIDJI 鈥� The Minnesota Department of Health will hold a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, regarding Sanford Bemidji Medical Center's planned closure of its inpatient rehabilitation unit.

According to a submission filed by Sanford Health, the inpatient rehabilitation unit beds will be transferred to other units within the medical center beginning April 1. Patients requiring inpatient rehabilitation will be referred to swing-beds, skilled nursing facilities or other facilities outside of the area.

The hearing will be hosted by MDH's Health Regulation Division to provide a forum for the greater Bemidji community to discuss the transition.

Those interested in participating can join the public hearing via the or by calling (651) 395-7448 and using the access code 238 345 226#.

More information about the hearing, including accessibility accommodations and a form to submit public comments or questions, is available on the webpage.

In June 2021, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation requiring a public notice and a public hearing before the closure of a hospital or hospital campus, relocation of services or cessation in offering certain services. Details regarding the legislation are available at .

By Pioneer Staff Report

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