Some of the most vulnerable Minnesotans are being left in hospitals for weeks, even months, with no way out.

Health professionals call it “boarding,” where kids and teens with behavioral, mental health, or substance abuse issues are dropped off at a hospital but can’t be released because of a lack of beds at mental health facilities.

“Why is it OK for a child to be left in a hospital?” asks Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin.

On Friday, a panel of medical experts testified before state lawmakers about “boarding” practices — an issue they say is getting worse.

To view the full article, follow this link to KSTP.