One of Minnesota's few inpatient addiction treatment units will close in a few months. Nurses say some will suffer due to the decision by Allina Health, but healthcare system leaders say this type of care has evolved.

"This unit was one of the pioneering units in the state and also one of the last," said Joe Clubb, Vice President for Allina Health Mental Health and Addiction Services.

In a public hearing on Thursday, Allina Health leadership explained why they're closing the inpatient chemical dependency unit at Mercy Hospital in Fridley.

"For the last two years, we've seen a significant change to receive authorization for payment for inpatient chemical dependency treatment," said Clubb.

On the healthcare system's website, it says the 24-bed unit focuses on addiction treatment for alco

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