Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) today released the following statement on the resignation of Dr. Ed Ehlinger from his position as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health.

“While we often disagreed, I respect Dr. Ehlinger’s perspective on the importance of public health and his passion for his work. I wish him the best.

“Though I hold Dr. Ehlinger in high regard for his dedication, his resignation is appropriate given the stories of mismanagement at the Office of Health Facilities Complaints. We have a lot of work to do to improve our protection of the elderly, and I look forward to working closely with Acting Commissioner Dan Pollock to investigate abuses within OHFC, to scrutinize and improve their operations, and to regain Minnesotans’ trust in our senior care facilities.”