Full Breakdown
Minnesota Settlement Allows Nexus East Bethel Psychiatric Facility to Remain Open Under New Oversight
6/18/2026, 10:58:54 AM
Settlement Allows Facility to Remain Open With New Limits
Late Friday, Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) settled with Nexus East Bethel Family Healing, allowing its psychiatric residential treatment center to stay open under conditions. The census is capped at six youth, down from the 40 licensed, and the facility must repair broken doors and bathroom glass tiles, submit monthly restraint and seclusion reports, provide overnight supervisory staff, and keep a psychiatric nurse or licensed mental-health provider on site until 8 p.m. Weekly updates will monitor compliance. Settlement follows a May 15 notice to CEO Michelle Murray ordering relocation of 21 residents, extended to June 15.
Background and Violations
In May, DHS temporarily suspended the license, stating it could not ensure the health and safety of residents. Investigators found staff failures to protect rights, maintain campus repairs, administer medication safely, retain trained staff, and report suspected neglect or abuse. Since opening three years ago, the program has accrued more than three dozen state licensing violations, a $1,400 fine, and several corrective action plans. The center, originally licensed for 40 youth, now operates at six; all 21 residents were moved by June 15. Minnesota’s three other psychiatric residential facilities are licensed for a total of 118 youth, far below demand.
Impact on Youth Care
The reduced bed count intensifies placement challenges for county agencies and families, as the state’s limited psychiatric capacity forces some youth to remain in emergency departments after discharge approval. The stalled bill for a new 30-bed state-run secure facility highlights legislative inaction amid growing demand for treatment beds.
Official Statements & Criticism
State officials said Nexus “has agreed to implement additional terms” and will operate only if it meets the settlement conditions. The agreement notes that Nexus has taken “significant steps to implement changes” and will “continue to review and update current practices” to meet youth needs. Advocates question whether a six-bed operation can address the broader statewide shortage, and the settlement does not disclose the precise number of violations beyond “more than three dozen.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “All youth placed previously at the East Bethel facility have been moved to new locations,” — State spokesperson
- “Nexus has agreed to implement additional terms under the new agreement and can continue operations according to these terms.” — State spokesperson
- “significant steps to implement changes to its program that address some of the conditions that led to DHS’s determination that youth were at an imminent risk of harm,” — Settlement statement
- “It was just last month that the department ordered a temporary suspension of the facility’s license because the state could not “ensure the health and safety” of the young people living there.” — Department of Human Services
Next Steps
The facility must file monthly restraint and seclusion reports, complete repairs, and keep the required staffing for the next 60 days. Weekly updates will determine whether DHS lifts the six-bed cap. Lawmakers may revisit the stalled 30-bed state-run facility bill as demand for youth treatment beds persists.
