Attorney General Won’t Intervene in Mayo’s Albert Lea Plans

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's attorney general says she will not intervene in Mayo Clinic's plan to cut services at its Albert Lea hospital.

Lori Swanson said Monday she would not file a lawsuit to block the consolidation.

The Post Bulletin reports Swanson says Mayo followed its bylaws. She says her office "cannot file a lawsuit simply because a corporation that is abiding by the law undertakes an unpopular action."

The Rochester-based health care system announced its plan in June to cut inpatient services like birthing and intensive care from its Albert Lea facility. Those services will be moved to Austin, a 30-minute drive away. The Albert Lea campus will still have an emergency room.

Hospital officials say the changes are necessary due to financial losses and a steep decline in long-term hospital stays.