Audit raises concerns at North Dakota Veterans Home, including choking death caused by improper meal

LISBON, N.D. — An audit of the North Dakota Veterans Home, located in Lisbon, identified several areas of concern including a choking death caused by a dietary plan not being followed by staff. The audit was conducted by the North Dakota State Auditor's Office for the biennium that ended June 30, 2025, and some key information from the audit was shared by press release Thursday, Nov. 12. After a resident died by choking when their physician-ordered dietary plan was not followed, according to the release, the auditor's office reviewed the veterans home's dietary processes. Because residents may have medical conditions that require a special diet, it's important that their meals match their doctor's orders — failing to do so can put their health at risk. An onsite visit by the auditor's office revealed that one resident was served the incorrect diet during lunch service because the dining system didn't match the doctor's orders, the release said. After the choking dea