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Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

SF 1724

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/03/2017 09:25am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

Line numbers 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 2.1 2.2 2.3
2.4 2.5
2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.29 4.30 4.31 4.32 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 5.21 5.22 5.23 5.24 5.25 5.26 5.27 5.28 5.29 5.30 5.31 5.32 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 6.21 6.22 6.23 6.24 6.25 6.26 6.27 6.28 6.29 6.30 6.31 6.32 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 7.23 7.24 7.25 7.26 7.27 7.28 7.29 7.30 7.31 7.32 7.33 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 8.22 8.23 8.24 8.25 8.26 8.27 8.28 8.29 8.30 9.1 9.2 9.3
9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 9.17 9.18 9.19 9.20 9.21 9.22 9.23 9.24 9.25 9.26 9.27 9.28 9.29 9.30 9.31 9.32 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11
10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 10.27 10.28 10.29 10.30 10.31 10.32 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 11.15 11.16 11.17 11.18 11.19 11.20 11.21 11.22 11.23 11.24 11.25 11.26 11.27 11.28 11.29 11.30 11.31 11.32 11.33 11.34
12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 12.17 12.18 12.19 12.20 12.21 12.22 12.23 12.24 12.25 12.26 12.27 12.28 12.29 12.30 12.31 12.32 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 13.9 13.10 13.11 13.12 13.13 13.14 13.15 13.16 13.17 13.18 13.19 13.20 13.21 13.22 13.23 13.24 13.25 13.26 13.27
13.28 13.29 13.30 13.31 13.32 13.33 13.34 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 14.8 14.9 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 14.16 14.17 14.18 14.19 14.20 14.21
14.22 14.23 14.24 14.25 14.26 14.27 14.28 14.29 14.30 14.31 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 15.10 15.11 15.12 15.13 15.14 15.15 15.16 15.17 15.18 15.19 15.20 15.21 15.22 15.23 15.24 15.25 15.26 15.27 15.28 15.29 15.30 15.31 15.32 15.33 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8 16.9 16.10 16.11 16.12 16.13 16.14 16.15 16.16 16.17 16.18 16.19 16.20 16.21 16.22 16.23 16.24 16.25 16.26 16.27 16.28 16.29 16.30 16.31 16.32 16.33 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5
17.6 17.7 17.8 17.9 17.10 17.11
17.12 17.13 17.14 17.15 17.16 17.17 17.18 17.19 17.20 17.21 17.22 17.23 17.24 17.25 17.26 17.27 17.28 17.29 17.30 17.31 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 18.8 18.9 18.10 18.11 18.12 18.13 18.14 18.15 18.16 18.17 18.18 18.19 18.20 18.21 18.22 18.23 18.24 18.25 18.26 18.27 18.28 18.29 18.30 18.31 18.32 18.33 18.34 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 19.7 19.8 19.9 19.10 19.11 19.12 19.13 19.14 19.15 19.16 19.17 19.18 19.19 19.20 19.21 19.22 19.23 19.24 19.25 19.26 19.27 19.28 19.29 19.30 19.31 19.32 19.33 19.34 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 20.8 20.9 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 20.15 20.16 20.17 20.18 20.19 20.20 20.21 20.22 20.23 20.24 20.25 20.26 20.27 20.28 20.29 20.30 20.31 20.32 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 21.8 21.9 21.10 21.11 21.12 21.13 21.14 21.15 21.16 21.17 21.18 21.19 21.20 21.21 21.22 21.23 21.24 21.25 21.26 21.27 21.28 21.29 21.30 21.31 21.32 21.33 21.34 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 22.7 22.8 22.9 22.10 22.11 22.12 22.13 22.14 22.15 22.16 22.17 22.18 22.19 22.20
22.21 22.22 22.23 22.24 22.25 22.26 22.27 22.28 22.29 22.30 22.31 22.32 22.33 22.34 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 23.6 23.7 23.8 23.9 23.10 23.11 23.12 23.13 23.14 23.15 23.16 23.17 23.18 23.19 23.20 23.21 23.22 23.23 23.24 23.25 23.26 23.27 23.28 23.29 23.30 23.31 23.32 23.33 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 24.7 24.8 24.9 24.10 24.11 24.12 24.13 24.14 24.15 24.16 24.17 24.18 24.19 24.20 24.21 24.22 24.23 24.24 24.25 24.26 24.27 24.28 24.29 24.30 24.31 24.32 24.33 24.34 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6 25.7 25.8 25.9 25.10 25.11 25.12 25.13 25.14 25.15 25.16
25.17 25.18 25.19 25.20 25.21 25.22 25.23 25.24 25.25 25.26 25.27 25.28 25.29 25.30 25.31 25.32 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 26.6 26.7 26.8 26.9 26.10 26.11 26.12 26.13 26.14 26.15 26.16 26.17 26.18 26.19 26.20 26.21 26.22 26.23 26.24 26.25 26.26 26.27 26.28 26.29 26.30 26.31 26.32 26.33 26.34 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 27.6 27.7 27.8 27.9 27.10 27.11 27.12 27.13 27.14 27.15 27.16 27.17 27.18 27.19 27.20 27.21 27.22 27.23 27.24 27.25 27.26 27.27 27.28 27.29 27.30 27.31 27.32 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 28.6 28.7 28.8 28.9 28.10 28.11 28.12 28.13 28.14 28.15 28.16 28.17 28.18 28.19 28.20 28.21 28.22 28.23 28.24 28.25 28.26 28.27 28.28 28.29 28.30 28.31 28.32 28.33 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 29.7 29.8 29.9 29.10 29.11 29.12 29.13 29.14 29.15 29.16 29.17 29.18 29.19 29.20 29.21 29.22 29.23 29.24 29.25 29.26 29.27 29.28 29.29 29.30 29.31 29.32 29.33 29.34 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 30.6 30.7 30.8 30.9 30.10 30.11 30.12 30.13 30.14 30.15 30.16 30.17 30.18 30.19 30.20 30.21 30.22 30.23 30.24 30.25 30.26 30.27 30.28 30.29 30.30 30.31 30.32 30.33 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 31.5 31.6 31.7 31.8 31.9 31.10 31.11 31.12
31.13 31.14 31.15 31.16 31.17 31.18 31.19 31.20 31.21 31.22 31.23 31.24 31.25 31.26 31.27 31.28 31.29 31.30 31.31 31.32 31.33 31.34 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 32.5 32.6 32.7 32.8 32.9 32.10 32.11 32.12 32.13 32.14 32.15 32.16 32.17 32.18 32.19 32.20 32.21 32.22 32.23 32.24 32.25 32.26 32.27 32.28 32.29 32.30 32.31 32.32 32.33 32.34 32.35 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4 33.5 33.6 33.7 33.8 33.9 33.10 33.11 33.12 33.13 33.14 33.15 33.16 33.17 33.18 33.19 33.20 33.21 33.22 33.23 33.24 33.25 33.26 33.27 33.28 33.29 33.30 33.31 33.32 33.33 33.34
34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 34.5 34.6 34.7 34.8 34.9 34.10 34.11 34.12 34.13 34.14 34.15 34.16 34.17 34.18 34.19 34.20 34.21 34.22 34.23 34.24 34.25 34.26 34.27 34.28 34.29 34.30
34.31 34.32 34.33 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 35.5 35.6 35.7 35.8 35.9 35.10 35.11 35.12 35.13 35.14 35.15 35.16 35.17 35.18 35.19 35.20 35.21 35.22 35.23 35.24 35.25 35.26 35.27 35.28 35.29 35.30 35.31 35.32 35.33 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 36.6 36.7 36.8 36.9 36.10 36.11 36.12 36.13 36.14 36.15 36.16 36.17 36.18 36.19 36.20 36.21 36.22 36.23 36.24 36.25 36.26 36.27 36.28 36.29 36.30 36.31 36.32 36.33 36.34 36.35 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 37.5 37.6 37.7 37.8 37.9 37.10 37.11 37.12 37.13 37.14 37.15 37.16 37.17 37.18 37.19 37.20 37.21 37.22 37.23 37.24 37.25 37.26 37.27 37.28 37.29 37.30 37.31 37.32 37.33 37.34 37.35 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 38.5 38.6 38.7 38.8 38.9 38.10 38.11 38.12 38.13 38.14 38.15 38.16 38.17 38.18 38.19 38.20 38.21 38.22 38.23 38.24 38.25 38.26 38.27 38.28 38.29 38.30 38.31 38.32 38.33 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 39.6 39.7 39.8 39.9 39.10 39.11 39.12 39.13 39.14 39.15 39.16 39.17 39.18 39.19 39.20 39.21 39.22 39.23 39.24 39.25 39.26 39.27 39.28 39.29 39.30 39.31 39.32 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 40.7 40.8 40.9 40.10 40.11 40.12
40.13 40.14 40.15 40.16 40.17 40.18 40.19 40.20 40.21 40.22 40.23 40.24 40.25 40.26
40.27 40.28 40.29 40.30 40.31 40.32 40.33 41.1 41.2
41.3 41.4
41.5 41.6
41.7 41.8 41.9 41.10 41.11 41.12 41.13 41.14 41.15 41.16 41.17 41.18 41.19 41.20 41.21 41.22 41.23 41.24 41.25 41.26 41.27 41.28 41.29 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 42.5 42.6 42.7 42.8 42.9 42.10 42.11 42.12 42.13 42.14 42.15 42.16 42.17 42.18 42.19 42.20 42.21 42.22 42.23 42.24 42.25 42.26 42.27 42.28 42.29 42.30 42.31 42.32 42.33 43.1 43.2 43.3 43.4 43.5 43.6 43.7 43.8 43.9 43.10 43.11 43.12 43.13 43.14
43.15 43.16 43.17 43.18 43.19 43.20 43.21 43.22 43.23 43.24 43.25 43.26
43.27 43.28 43.29 43.30 43.31 43.32 43.33 44.1 44.2 44.3 44.4 44.5
44.6 44.7 44.8 44.9 44.10 44.11 44.12 44.13 44.14 44.15 44.16 44.17 44.18 44.19 44.20 44.21 44.22 44.23 44.24 44.25 44.26 44.27 44.28 44.29
44.30 44.31 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 45.6 45.7 45.8 45.9 45.10 45.11 45.12 45.13 45.14 45.15 45.16 45.17 45.18 45.19 45.20 45.21 45.22 45.23 45.24 45.25 45.26 45.27 45.28 45.29 45.30 45.31 45.32 45.33 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 46.6 46.7 46.8 46.9 46.10 46.11 46.12 46.13 46.14 46.15 46.16 46.17 46.18 46.19 46.20 46.21 46.22 46.23 46.24 46.25 46.26 46.27 46.28 46.29 46.30 46.31 46.32 46.33 47.1 47.2 47.3 47.4 47.5 47.6 47.7 47.8 47.9 47.10 47.11 47.12 47.13 47.14 47.15 47.16 47.17 47.18 47.19 47.20 47.21 47.22 47.23 47.24 47.25 47.26 47.27 47.28 47.29 47.30 47.31 47.32 47.33 47.34 48.1 48.2 48.3 48.4 48.5 48.6 48.7 48.8 48.9 48.10 48.11 48.12 48.13 48.14 48.15 48.16 48.17 48.18 48.19 48.20 48.21 48.22
48.23 48.24 48.25 48.26 48.27 48.28 48.29
48.30 48.31 48.32 49.1 49.2
49.3 49.4 49.5 49.6 49.7 49.8 49.9 49.10 49.11 49.12 49.13 49.14 49.15 49.16 49.17 49.18 49.19 49.20 49.21 49.22 49.23 49.24 49.25 49.26 49.27 49.28 49.29 49.30 49.31 49.32 50.1 50.2 50.3 50.4
50.5 50.6 50.7 50.8 50.9 50.10 50.11 50.12 50.13 50.14 50.15 50.16
50.17 50.18 50.19 50.20 50.21 50.22 50.23 50.24 50.25 50.26 50.27 50.28
51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 51.5 51.6 51.7 51.8 51.9 51.10 51.11 51.12 51.13 51.14 51.15 51.16 51.17 51.18 51.19 51.20 51.21 51.22 51.23 51.24 51.25 51.26 51.27 51.28 51.29 51.30 51.31 52.1 52.2 52.3 52.4 52.5 52.6 52.7 52.8 52.9 52.10 52.11 52.12 52.13 52.14
52.15 52.16 52.17 52.18 52.19 52.20 52.21 52.22 52.23 52.24
52.25 52.26 52.27 52.28 52.29 52.30 52.31 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 53.6 53.7 53.8 53.9 53.10 53.11 53.12 53.13 53.14 53.15 53.16 53.17 53.18 53.19 53.20 53.21 53.22 53.23 53.24 53.25 53.26 53.27 53.28 53.29 53.30 53.31 53.32
54.1 54.2 54.3 54.4 54.5 54.6 54.7 54.8 54.9 54.10 54.11 54.12 54.13 54.14 54.15 54.16 54.17 54.18 54.19 54.20 54.21 54.22 54.23 54.24 54.25 54.26 54.27 54.28 54.29 54.30 54.31 54.32 54.33 55.1 55.2 55.3 55.4 55.5 55.6 55.7 55.8 55.9 55.10 55.11 55.12 55.13 55.14 55.15 55.16 55.17 55.18 55.19 55.20 55.21 55.22 55.23 55.24 55.25 55.26 55.27 55.28 55.29 55.30 55.31
55.32 55.33 55.34 55.35 56.1 56.2 56.3 56.4 56.5 56.6 56.7 56.8 56.9 56.10 56.11 56.12 56.13 56.14 56.15 56.16 56.17 56.18 56.19 56.20 56.21 56.22 56.23 56.24 56.25 56.26 56.27 56.28 56.29 56.30 56.31 56.32 56.33 56.34 57.1 57.2 57.3 57.4 57.5 57.6 57.7 57.8 57.9 57.10 57.11 57.12 57.13
57.14 57.15 57.16 57.17 57.18 57.19 57.20 57.21 57.22 57.23 57.24 57.25 57.26 57.27 57.28 57.29 57.30 57.31 57.32 58.1 58.2 58.3
58.4 58.5 58.6 58.7 58.8 58.9
58.10 58.11 58.12 58.13 58.14 58.15 58.16 58.17 58.18 58.19
58.20 58.21 58.22 58.23 58.24 58.25 58.26 58.27 58.28 58.29 58.30
59.1 59.2 59.3 59.4 59.5 59.6 59.7 59.8 59.9 59.10 59.11 59.12 59.13 59.14 59.15 59.16 59.17 59.18 59.19 59.20 59.21 59.22 59.23 59.24 59.25 59.26 59.27 59.28 59.29 59.30 59.31 59.32 59.33 59.34 60.1 60.2 60.3 60.4 60.5 60.6
60.7 60.8 60.9 60.10 60.11 60.12 60.13 60.14 60.15 60.16 60.17 60.18 60.19 60.20 60.21 60.22 60.23 60.24 60.25 60.26 60.27
60.28 60.29 60.30 60.31 61.1 61.2 61.3 61.4 61.5 61.6 61.7 61.8 61.9 61.10 61.11 61.12 61.13 61.14 61.15 61.16 61.17 61.18 61.19 61.20 61.21 61.22 61.23 61.24 61.25 61.26 61.27 61.28 61.29 61.30 61.31 62.1 62.2 62.3 62.4 62.5 62.6 62.7 62.8 62.9 62.10 62.11 62.12 62.13 62.14 62.15 62.16 62.17
62.18 62.19 62.20 62.21 62.22 62.23 62.24 62.25 62.26 62.27 62.28 62.29 62.30 62.31
63.1 63.2 63.3 63.4 63.5 63.6 63.7 63.8 63.9 63.10 63.11 63.12 63.13 63.14 63.15 63.16 63.17 63.18
63.19 63.20 63.21 63.22 63.23 63.24 63.25 63.26 63.27 63.28 63.29 63.30 63.31 64.1 64.2 64.3 64.4 64.5
64.6 64.7 64.8 64.9 64.10 64.11 64.12 64.13 64.14 64.15 64.16
64.17 64.18 64.19 64.20 64.21 64.22 64.23 64.24 64.25 64.26 64.27 64.28 64.29
65.1 65.2 65.3 65.4 65.5 65.6 65.7 65.8 65.9 65.10 65.11
65.12 65.13 65.14 65.15 65.16 65.17 65.18 65.19 65.20 65.21 65.22 65.23
65.24 65.25 65.26
65.27 65.28 65.29 65.30 65.31
66.1 66.2 66.3 66.4 66.5 66.6 66.7 66.8 66.9 66.10 66.11 66.12 66.13
66.14 66.15 66.16 66.17 66.18 66.19 66.20 66.21 66.22 66.23 66.24 66.25 66.26 66.27 66.28 66.29 66.30 67.1 67.2 67.3 67.4 67.5 67.6 67.7 67.8 67.9 67.10 67.11 67.12 67.13 67.14 67.15 67.16 67.17 67.18 67.19 67.20 67.21 67.22 67.23 67.24 67.25 67.26 67.27 67.28 67.29 67.30 67.31 68.1 68.2 68.3 68.4 68.5 68.6 68.7 68.8 68.9 68.10 68.11 68.12 68.13 68.14 68.15 68.16 68.17 68.18 68.19 68.20 68.21 68.22 68.23 68.24 68.25 68.26 68.27 68.28 68.29 68.30
68.31 68.32 68.33 68.34 69.1 69.2 69.3 69.4 69.5 69.6 69.7 69.8 69.9 69.10 69.11 69.12
69.13 69.14 69.15 69.16 69.17 69.18 69.19 69.20 69.21 69.22 69.23 69.24 69.25 69.26 69.27 69.28 69.29 69.30 69.31 69.32 69.33 69.34 70.1 70.2 70.3 70.4 70.5 70.6 70.7 70.8 70.9 70.10 70.11 70.12 70.13 70.14 70.15 70.16 70.17 70.18 70.19 70.20
70.21 70.22 70.23 70.24 70.25 70.26 70.27 70.28 70.29 70.30 70.31 70.32
71.1 71.2 71.3 71.4 71.5 71.6 71.7 71.8 71.9
71.10 71.11 71.12 71.13 71.14 71.15 71.16 71.17 71.18 71.19 71.20 71.21 71.22 71.23 71.24 71.25 71.26 71.27 71.28 71.29 71.30 72.1 72.2 72.3 72.4
72.5 72.6 72.7 72.8 72.9 72.10 72.11 72.12 72.13 72.14 72.15
72.16 72.17 72.18 72.19 72.20 72.21 72.22 72.23 72.24 72.25 72.26 72.27 72.28 72.29 72.30 72.31 72.32 73.1 73.2 73.3 73.4 73.5 73.6 73.7 73.8 73.9 73.10 73.11 73.12 73.13 73.14 73.15 73.16 73.17 73.18 73.19 73.20 73.21 73.22 73.23 73.24 73.25 73.26 73.27 73.28 73.29 73.30 73.31 73.32 73.33 73.34 73.35 74.1 74.2 74.3 74.4 74.5 74.6 74.7 74.8 74.9 74.10 74.11 74.12 74.13 74.14 74.15 74.16 74.17 74.18 74.19 74.20 74.21 74.22 74.23 74.24 74.25 74.26 74.27 74.28 74.29
74.30 74.31 74.32 74.33 74.34 75.1 75.2 75.3 75.4 75.5 75.6 75.7
75.8 75.9 75.10 75.11 75.12 75.13 75.14 75.15 75.16 75.17 75.18 75.19 75.20 75.21 75.22 75.23 75.24 75.25 75.26 75.27 75.28 75.29 75.30 75.31 75.32 75.33 75.34 76.1 76.2 76.3 76.4 76.5 76.6 76.7 76.8 76.9 76.10 76.11 76.12 76.13 76.14 76.15 76.16 76.17 76.18 76.19 76.20 76.21 76.22 76.23 76.24 76.25 76.26 76.27 76.28 76.29 76.30 76.31 76.32 76.33 76.34 77.1 77.2 77.3 77.4 77.5 77.6 77.7 77.8 77.9 77.10 77.11 77.12 77.13 77.14 77.15 77.16 77.17 77.18
77.19 77.20 77.21 77.22 77.23 77.24 77.25
77.26 77.27 77.28 77.29 77.30 77.31 78.1 78.2 78.3 78.4 78.5 78.6 78.7 78.8 78.9 78.10 78.11 78.12 78.13 78.14 78.15 78.16 78.17 78.18 78.19 78.20 78.21 78.22 78.23 78.24 78.25 78.26 78.27 78.28 78.29 78.30 78.31 78.32 79.1 79.2 79.3
79.4 79.5 79.6 79.7 79.8 79.9 79.10 79.11 79.12 79.13 79.14 79.15
79.16 79.17 79.18 79.19 79.20 79.21 79.22 79.23 79.24 79.25 79.26 79.27 79.28
80.1 80.2 80.3 80.4 80.5 80.6 80.7 80.8 80.9 80.10 80.11 80.12 80.13 80.14 80.15 80.16 80.17 80.18 80.19
80.20 80.21 80.22 80.23 80.24 80.25 80.26 80.27 80.28 80.29 80.30 80.31 81.1 81.2
81.3 81.4 81.5 81.6 81.7 81.8 81.9 81.10 81.11 81.12 81.13 81.14 81.15 81.16 81.17 81.18 81.19 81.20 81.21 81.22 81.23 81.24 81.25 81.26 81.27 81.28 81.29 81.30 81.31 81.32 81.33 81.34 82.1 82.2 82.3 82.4 82.5 82.6 82.7 82.8 82.9 82.10 82.11 82.12 82.13 82.14 82.15 82.16 82.17 82.18 82.19 82.20
82.21 82.22 82.23 82.24 82.25 82.26 82.27 82.28 82.29 82.30 82.31 82.32 83.1 83.2 83.3 83.4 83.5 83.6 83.7 83.8 83.9 83.10 83.11 83.12 83.13 83.14 83.15 83.16 83.17 83.18 83.19 83.20 83.21 83.22 83.23 83.24
83.25 83.26 83.27 83.28 83.29 83.30 83.31 83.32 84.1 84.2 84.3 84.4 84.5 84.6 84.7 84.8 84.9 84.10 84.11 84.12 84.13 84.14 84.15 84.16 84.17 84.18 84.19 84.20 84.21 84.22 84.23 84.24 84.25 84.26 84.27 84.28 84.29 84.30 84.31 85.1 85.2 85.3 85.4 85.5 85.6 85.7 85.8 85.9
85.10 85.11 85.12 85.13 85.14 85.15 85.16 85.17 85.18 85.19 85.20 85.21 85.22 85.23 85.24 85.25 85.26 85.27 85.28 85.29 85.30 85.31 85.32 85.33 86.1 86.2 86.3 86.4 86.5 86.6 86.7 86.8 86.9 86.10 86.11 86.12 86.13 86.14 86.15 86.16 86.17 86.18 86.19 86.20 86.21 86.22 86.23 86.24 86.25 86.26 86.27
86.28 86.29 86.30 86.31 86.32 87.1 87.2 87.3 87.4 87.5 87.6 87.7 87.8
87.9 87.10 87.11 87.12 87.13 87.14 87.15 87.16 87.17 87.18 87.19 87.20 87.21 87.22 87.23 87.24 87.25 87.26 87.27 87.28 87.29 87.30 87.31 87.32
88.1 88.2 88.3 88.4 88.5 88.6 88.7 88.8 88.9 88.10 88.11 88.12 88.13 88.14 88.15 88.16 88.17 88.18 88.19 88.20 88.21 88.22 88.23 88.24 88.25 88.26 88.27 88.28 88.29 88.30 88.31
89.1 89.2 89.3 89.4 89.5 89.6 89.7 89.8 89.9 89.10 89.11 89.12 89.13
89.14 89.15 89.16 89.17 89.18 89.19 89.20 89.21 89.22 89.23 89.24 89.25 89.26 89.27 89.28 89.29 89.30 89.31 90.1 90.2 90.3 90.4 90.5 90.6 90.7 90.8 90.9 90.10 90.11 90.12 90.13 90.14 90.15 90.16 90.17 90.18 90.19 90.20 90.21 90.22 90.23 90.24 90.25 90.26 90.27 90.28 90.29 90.30 90.31
91.1 91.2 91.3 91.4 91.5 91.6 91.7 91.8 91.9 91.10
91.11 91.12 91.13 91.14 91.15 91.16 91.17 91.18 91.19 91.20
91.21 91.22 91.23 91.24 91.25 91.26 91.27 91.28 91.29 91.30 92.1 92.2 92.3 92.4 92.5 92.6 92.7 92.8 92.9 92.10 92.11 92.12
92.13 92.14 92.15 92.16 92.17 92.18 92.19 92.20 92.21 92.22 92.23 92.24 92.25 92.26 92.27 92.28 92.29 92.30 92.31 92.32 93.1 93.2 93.3 93.4 93.5 93.6 93.7 93.8 93.9
93.10 93.11 93.12 93.13 93.14 93.15 93.16 93.17 93.18 93.19 93.20 93.21 93.22 93.23 93.24 93.25 93.26 93.27 93.28 93.29 93.30 93.31 93.32 94.1 94.2 94.3 94.4 94.5 94.6 94.7 94.8 94.9 94.10 94.11 94.12 94.13 94.14 94.15 94.16 94.17 94.18 94.19 94.20 94.21 94.22 94.23 94.24 94.25 94.26 94.27
94.28 94.29 94.30 94.31 94.32 95.1 95.2 95.3 95.4 95.5 95.6 95.7 95.8 95.9 95.10 95.11 95.12 95.13 95.14 95.15 95.16 95.17 95.18 95.19 95.20 95.21 95.22 95.23 95.24 95.25 95.26 95.27 95.28
95.29 95.30 95.31 96.1 96.2 96.3 96.4 96.5 96.6 96.7 96.8 96.9 96.10 96.11 96.12 96.13 96.14 96.15 96.16 96.17 96.18 96.19 96.20 96.21 96.22 96.23 96.24 96.25 96.26 96.27 96.28 96.29 96.30 96.31 96.32 97.1 97.2
97.3 97.4 97.5 97.6
97.7 97.8 97.9 97.10 97.11 97.12 97.13 97.14 97.15
97.16 97.17 97.18 97.19 97.20 97.21 97.22 97.23 97.24
97.25 97.26 97.27 97.28 97.29 98.1 98.2
98.3 98.4 98.5 98.6 98.7 98.8 98.9 98.10 98.11 98.12 98.13 98.14 98.15 98.16 98.17 98.18 98.19 98.20 98.21 98.22 98.23 98.24 98.25 98.26 98.27 98.28 98.29 98.30 98.31 99.1 99.2 99.3 99.4 99.5
99.6 99.7 99.8 99.9 99.10 99.11 99.12 99.13 99.14 99.15 99.16 99.17 99.18 99.19 99.20 99.21 99.22 99.23 99.24 99.25 99.26 99.27 99.28 99.29 99.30 100.1 100.2 100.3 100.4 100.5 100.6 100.7 100.8 100.9 100.10 100.11 100.12 100.13 100.14 100.15 100.16 100.17 100.18 100.19 100.20 100.21 100.22 100.23 100.24 100.25 100.26 100.27
100.28 100.29 101.1 101.2 101.3 101.4 101.5 101.6 101.7 101.8 101.9 101.10 101.11 101.12 101.13 101.14 101.15 101.16 101.17 101.18 101.19 101.20 101.21
101.22 101.23 101.24 101.25 101.26 101.27 101.28 101.29 101.30 101.31 102.1 102.2 102.3 102.4 102.5 102.6 102.7 102.8 102.9 102.10 102.11 102.12 102.13 102.14 102.15 102.16 102.17
102.18 102.19 102.20 102.21 102.22 102.23 102.24 102.25 102.26 102.27 102.28 102.29 102.30 102.31 102.32 102.33 102.34 103.1 103.2 103.3 103.4 103.5 103.6 103.7 103.8 103.9 103.10 103.11 103.12 103.13 103.14
103.15 103.16 103.17 103.18 103.19 103.20 103.21 103.22 103.23 103.24 103.25 103.26 103.27 103.28 103.29 103.30 103.31 103.32 103.33 103.34 104.1 104.2 104.3 104.4 104.5 104.6 104.7 104.8 104.9 104.10 104.11 104.12 104.13 104.14 104.15 104.16 104.17 104.18 104.19 104.20 104.21 104.22 104.23 104.24 104.25 104.26 104.27 104.28 104.29 104.30 104.31 104.32 104.33 104.34 105.1 105.2
105.3 105.4 105.5 105.6 105.7 105.8 105.9 105.10 105.11 105.12 105.13 105.14 105.15 105.16 105.17 105.18 105.19 105.20 105.21 105.22 105.23 105.24 105.25 105.26 105.27 105.28 105.29 105.30 105.31 105.32 106.1 106.2 106.3 106.4 106.5 106.6 106.7 106.8 106.9 106.10 106.11 106.12 106.13 106.14 106.15 106.16 106.17 106.18 106.19 106.20 106.21 106.22 106.23 106.24 106.25 106.26 106.27 106.28 106.29 106.30 106.31 107.1 107.2 107.3 107.4 107.5 107.6 107.7 107.8 107.9 107.10 107.11 107.12 107.13 107.14 107.15 107.16 107.17 107.18 107.19 107.20
107.21 107.22 107.23 107.24 107.25 107.26 107.27 107.28 107.29 107.30 107.31 107.32 107.33 107.34 108.1 108.2 108.3 108.4 108.5 108.6 108.7 108.8 108.9 108.10 108.11 108.12 108.13 108.14 108.15 108.16 108.17 108.18 108.19 108.20 108.21 108.22 108.23 108.24 108.25 108.26 108.27 108.28 108.29 108.30 108.31 108.32 108.33 108.34
109.1 109.2 109.3 109.4 109.5 109.6 109.7 109.8 109.9 109.10 109.11 109.12 109.13 109.14 109.15 109.16 109.17 109.18 109.19 109.20 109.21 109.22 109.23 109.24 109.25 109.26 109.27 109.28 109.29 109.30 109.31 109.32 110.1 110.2 110.3 110.4 110.5 110.6 110.7 110.8 110.9 110.10 110.11 110.12 110.13 110.14 110.15 110.16 110.17 110.18 110.19 110.20 110.21 110.22 110.23 110.24 110.25 110.26 110.27 110.28 110.29 110.30 110.31 110.32 110.33 110.34 111.1 111.2 111.3 111.4 111.5 111.6 111.7 111.8 111.9 111.10 111.11 111.12 111.13 111.14 111.15 111.16 111.17 111.18 111.19 111.20 111.21 111.22 111.23 111.24 111.25 111.26 111.27 111.28
111.29 111.30 111.31 111.32 111.33 112.1 112.2 112.3 112.4 112.5 112.6 112.7 112.8 112.9 112.10 112.11 112.12 112.13 112.14 112.15 112.16 112.17 112.18 112.19 112.20 112.21 112.22 112.23 112.24 112.25 112.26 112.27 112.28 112.29 112.30 112.31
113.1 113.2 113.3 113.4 113.5 113.6 113.7 113.8 113.9 113.10 113.11 113.12 113.13 113.14 113.15 113.16 113.17 113.18 113.19 113.20 113.21 113.22 113.23 113.24 113.25 113.26 113.27 113.28 113.29 113.30 113.31 113.32 113.33 113.34 113.35 114.1 114.2 114.3 114.4 114.5 114.6 114.7 114.8 114.9 114.10 114.11 114.12 114.13 114.14 114.15 114.16 114.17 114.18 114.19 114.20 114.21 114.22 114.23 114.24 114.25 114.26 114.27 114.28 114.29 114.30 114.31 114.32 114.33 114.34 114.35 115.1 115.2 115.3 115.4 115.5
115.6 115.7 115.8 115.9 115.10 115.11 115.12 115.13 115.14 115.15 115.16 115.17 115.18 115.19 115.20 115.21 115.22 115.23 115.24 115.25 115.26 115.27 115.28 115.29 115.30 115.31 116.1 116.2
116.3 116.4 116.5 116.6 116.7 116.8 116.9 116.10 116.11
116.12 116.13 116.14 116.15 116.16 116.17 116.18 116.19 116.20 116.21 116.22 116.23 116.24 116.25 116.26 116.27 116.28 116.29 116.30 117.1 117.2 117.3 117.4 117.5 117.6 117.7 117.8 117.9
117.10 117.11 117.12 117.13 117.14 117.15 117.16 117.17 117.18 117.19
117.20 117.21 117.22 117.23 117.24 117.25 117.26
117.27 117.28 117.29 117.30 117.31 118.1 118.2 118.3 118.4 118.5 118.6 118.7 118.8 118.9 118.10 118.11 118.12 118.13 118.14 118.15 118.16 118.17 118.18 118.19 118.20 118.21 118.22 118.23 118.24 118.25 118.26 118.27 118.28 118.29 118.30 118.31 119.1 119.2 119.3 119.4 119.5 119.6 119.7 119.8 119.9 119.10 119.11 119.12 119.13 119.14 119.15 119.16 119.17 119.18 119.19 119.20
119.21 119.22 119.23 119.24 119.25
119.26 119.27 119.28 119.29 119.30 119.31 119.32 120.1 120.2 120.3 120.4
120.5 120.6 120.7 120.8 120.9 120.10 120.11 120.12 120.13 120.14 120.15 120.16 120.17 120.18 120.19 120.20 120.21 120.22 120.23 120.24 120.25 120.26 120.27 120.28 120.29 120.30 120.31 121.1 121.2 121.3 121.4 121.5 121.6 121.7 121.8 121.9 121.10
121.11 121.12 121.13 121.14 121.15 121.16 121.17 121.18 121.19 121.20 121.21 121.22 121.23 121.24 121.25 121.26 121.27 121.28 121.29 121.30 121.31 122.1 122.2 122.3 122.4 122.5 122.6 122.7 122.8 122.9 122.10 122.11 122.12 122.13 122.14 122.15 122.16 122.17 122.18 122.19 122.20 122.21 122.22 122.23
122.24 122.25 122.26 122.27
122.28 122.29 122.30 123.1 123.2 123.3 123.4 123.5 123.6 123.7
123.8 123.9 123.10 123.11 123.12 123.13 123.14 123.15 123.16 123.17 123.18 123.19 123.20 123.21 123.22 123.23 123.24 123.25 123.26 123.27 123.28 123.29
124.1 124.2 124.3 124.4 124.5 124.6 124.7 124.8 124.9 124.10 124.11 124.12 124.13 124.14
124.15 124.16 124.17 124.18 124.19 124.20 124.21 124.22 124.23 124.24 124.25 124.26 124.27
124.28 124.29 124.30 124.31 124.32 124.33 125.1 125.2 125.3 125.4 125.5 125.6 125.7 125.8 125.9 125.10 125.11 125.12 125.13 125.14
125.15 125.16 125.17 125.18 125.19 125.20 125.21 125.22 125.23 125.24 125.25 125.26 125.27 125.28
126.1 126.2 126.3 126.4 126.5 126.6 126.7 126.8 126.9 126.10 126.11 126.12 126.13 126.14 126.15 126.16 126.17 126.18 126.19 126.20 126.21 126.22 126.23 126.24 126.25 126.26 126.27 126.28 126.29 126.30 126.31 126.32 126.33 126.34 127.1 127.2 127.3 127.4
127.5 127.6 127.7 127.8 127.9 127.10 127.11 127.12 127.13
127.14 127.15 127.16 127.17 127.18 127.19 127.20 127.21 127.22 127.23 127.24 127.25 127.26 127.27 127.28 127.29 127.30 127.31 127.32 128.1 128.2 128.3 128.4 128.5 128.6 128.7 128.8 128.9 128.10 128.11 128.12 128.13 128.14 128.15 128.16 128.17 128.18 128.19 128.20 128.21 128.22 128.23 128.24 128.25 128.26 128.27 128.28 128.29 128.30 128.31 128.32 129.1 129.2 129.3 129.4 129.5 129.6 129.7 129.8 129.9 129.10 129.11 129.12 129.13 129.14 129.15 129.16 129.17 129.18 129.19 129.20 129.21 129.22 129.23 129.24 129.25 129.26 129.27 129.28 129.29 129.30 129.31 129.32 129.33 130.1 130.2 130.3 130.4 130.5 130.6 130.7 130.8 130.9 130.10 130.11 130.12 130.13 130.14 130.15 130.16 130.17 130.18 130.19 130.20 130.21 130.22 130.23 130.24 130.25 130.26 130.27 130.28 130.29 130.30 130.31 131.1 131.2 131.3 131.4 131.5 131.6 131.7 131.8 131.9 131.10 131.11 131.12 131.13 131.14 131.15 131.16 131.17 131.18
131.19 131.20 131.21 131.22 131.23 131.24 131.25 131.26 131.27 131.28 131.29 131.30 131.31 131.32 131.33 131.34 132.1 132.2 132.3 132.4 132.5 132.6 132.7 132.8 132.9 132.10 132.11 132.12 132.13 132.14 132.15 132.16 132.17 132.18 132.19 132.20 132.21 132.22
132.23 132.24 132.25 132.26 132.27 132.28 132.29 132.30
133.1 133.2 133.3 133.4 133.5 133.6 133.7 133.8 133.9 133.10 133.11 133.12 133.13 133.14 133.15 133.16 133.17 133.18 133.19 133.20 133.21 133.22 133.23 133.24 133.25 133.26 133.27 133.28 133.29 133.30 133.31 134.1 134.2 134.3 134.4 134.5 134.6 134.7 134.8 134.9 134.10 134.11 134.12 134.13 134.14 134.15 134.16 134.17 134.18 134.19 134.20 134.21 134.22 134.23 134.24 134.25 134.26 134.27 134.28 134.29 134.30 134.31 134.32 134.33 134.34 134.35 135.1 135.2 135.3 135.4 135.5 135.6 135.7 135.8 135.9 135.10 135.11 135.12 135.13 135.14 135.15 135.16 135.17 135.18 135.19
135.20 135.21 135.22 135.23 135.24 135.25
135.26 135.27 135.28 135.29 135.30 136.1 136.2
136.3 136.4 136.5 136.6 136.7 136.8 136.9 136.10 136.11 136.12 136.13 136.14 136.15 136.16 136.17 136.18 136.19 136.20 136.21 136.22 136.23 136.24 136.25 136.26 136.27 136.28 136.29 136.30 136.31 137.1 137.2 137.3 137.4 137.5 137.6 137.7 137.8 137.9 137.10 137.11 137.12 137.13 137.14 137.15 137.16 137.17 137.18 137.19 137.20 137.21 137.22 137.23 137.24 137.25 137.26 137.27 137.28
137.29 137.30 138.1 138.2 138.3 138.4 138.5 138.6
138.7 138.8 138.9 138.10 138.11 138.12
138.13 138.14 138.15 138.16 138.17 138.18 138.19 138.20 138.21 138.22 138.23 138.24 138.25 138.26 138.27 138.28 138.29 138.30 138.31 138.32 139.1 139.2 139.3 139.4 139.5 139.6 139.7 139.8 139.9 139.10 139.11 139.12 139.13 139.14 139.15 139.16 139.17 139.18 139.19
139.20 139.21 139.22 139.23 139.24 139.25 139.26 139.27
139.28 139.29 139.30 139.31 139.32 140.1 140.2 140.3 140.4 140.5 140.6 140.7
140.8 140.9 140.10 140.11 140.12 140.13 140.14 140.15 140.16 140.17 140.18 140.19 140.20 140.21 140.22 140.23 140.24 140.25 140.26 140.27 140.28 140.29 140.30 140.31 140.32 140.33 141.1 141.2 141.3 141.4 141.5 141.6 141.7 141.8 141.9 141.10 141.11 141.12 141.13 141.14 141.15 141.16 141.17 141.18 141.19 141.20 141.21 141.22 141.23 141.24 141.25 141.26 141.27 141.28 141.29 141.30 141.31 141.32 142.1 142.2 142.3 142.4 142.5 142.6 142.7 142.8 142.9 142.10 142.11 142.12 142.13 142.14 142.15 142.16 142.17 142.18 142.19 142.20 142.21 142.22 142.23 142.24 142.25 142.26 142.27 142.28 142.29 142.30 142.31 142.32 143.1 143.2 143.3 143.4 143.5 143.6 143.7 143.8 143.9 143.10 143.11 143.12 143.13 143.14 143.15 143.16 143.17
143.18 143.19 143.20 143.21 143.22 143.23 143.24 143.25 143.26 143.27 143.28 143.29 143.30 143.31 143.32 143.33 143.34
144.1 144.2 144.3 144.4 144.5 144.6 144.7 144.8 144.9 144.10 144.11 144.12 144.13 144.14 144.15 144.16 144.17
144.18 144.19 144.20 144.21 144.22
144.23 144.24 144.25 144.26 144.27 144.28 144.29 144.30 144.31 145.1 145.2 145.3 145.4 145.5 145.6 145.7 145.8 145.9 145.10 145.11 145.12 145.13 145.14 145.15 145.16 145.17 145.18 145.19 145.20 145.21 145.22 145.23 145.24 145.25 145.26 145.27 145.28 145.29 145.30 145.31 145.32 145.33 145.34 145.35 146.1 146.2 146.3 146.4 146.5 146.6 146.7 146.8 146.9 146.10 146.11 146.12 146.13 146.14 146.15 146.16 146.17 146.18 146.19 146.20 146.21 146.22 146.23 146.24 146.25 146.26 146.27 146.28 146.29 146.30 146.31 146.32 147.1 147.2 147.3 147.4 147.5 147.6 147.7 147.8 147.9 147.10 147.11 147.12 147.13 147.14 147.15 147.16 147.17 147.18 147.19 147.20 147.21 147.22 147.23 147.24 147.25 147.26 147.27 147.28 147.29 147.30 147.31 147.32
148.1 148.2 148.3 148.4 148.5 148.6 148.7 148.8 148.9 148.10 148.11 148.12 148.13 148.14 148.15 148.16 148.17 148.18 148.19 148.20 148.21 148.22 148.23 148.24 148.25 148.26 148.27 148.28 148.29 148.30 148.31 149.1 149.2 149.3 149.4 149.5 149.6 149.7 149.8
149.9 149.10 149.11 149.12 149.13 149.14 149.15 149.16 149.17 149.18 149.19 149.20 149.21 149.22 149.23 149.24 149.25 149.26 149.27 149.28 149.29 149.30 149.31 149.32 150.1 150.2 150.3 150.4 150.5 150.6 150.7 150.8 150.9 150.10 150.11 150.12 150.13 150.14 150.15 150.16 150.17 150.18 150.19 150.20 150.21 150.22 150.23 150.24 150.25 150.26 150.27 150.28 150.29 150.30 150.31 150.32 151.1 151.2 151.3 151.4 151.5 151.6 151.7 151.8 151.9 151.10 151.11 151.12 151.13 151.14 151.15
151.16 151.17 151.18 151.19 151.20 151.21
151.22 151.23 151.24 151.25 151.26 151.27 151.28 151.29 151.30 151.31 152.1 152.2 152.3 152.4
152.5 152.6 152.7 152.8 152.9 152.10 152.11 152.12 152.13 152.14 152.15 152.16 152.17 152.18 152.19
152.20 152.21 152.22 152.23 152.24 152.25 152.26 152.27 152.28 152.29 152.30 152.31 152.32
153.1 153.2 153.3 153.4 153.5 153.6 153.7 153.8 153.9 153.10 153.11 153.12 153.13 153.14
153.15 153.16 153.17 153.18 153.19 153.20 153.21 153.22 153.23 153.24 153.25 153.26 153.27 153.28 153.29 153.30 153.31 153.32 153.33 153.34 154.1 154.2 154.3 154.4 154.5 154.6 154.7 154.8 154.9 154.10 154.11 154.12 154.13
154.14 154.15 154.16 154.17 154.18 154.19 154.20 154.21 154.22 154.23 154.24 154.25 154.26 154.27 154.28 154.29 154.30 154.31 154.32 154.33 154.34 155.1 155.2 155.3 155.4 155.5 155.6 155.7 155.8 155.9 155.10 155.11
155.12 155.13 155.14 155.15 155.16 155.17 155.18 155.19 155.20 155.21 155.22 155.23 155.24 155.25 155.26 155.27 155.28 155.29 155.30 155.31 155.32 155.33 155.34 156.1 156.2 156.3 156.4 156.5 156.6 156.7 156.8 156.9 156.10 156.11 156.12 156.13 156.14 156.15 156.16 156.17 156.18 156.19 156.20 156.21 156.22 156.23 156.24 156.25 156.26 156.27 156.28 156.29 156.30 156.31 156.32 156.33 156.34 157.1 157.2 157.3 157.4 157.5 157.6 157.7 157.8 157.9 157.10 157.11 157.12 157.13 157.14 157.15 157.16 157.17 157.18 157.19 157.20 157.21 157.22 157.23 157.24 157.25 157.26 157.27 157.28 157.29 157.30 157.31 157.32 157.33 157.34 158.1 158.2 158.3 158.4 158.5 158.6 158.7 158.8 158.9 158.10 158.11 158.12 158.13 158.14 158.15 158.16 158.17 158.18 158.19 158.20 158.21 158.22 158.23 158.24 158.25 158.26 158.27 158.28 158.29 158.30 158.31 158.32 158.33 158.34 159.1 159.2
159.3 159.4 159.5 159.6 159.7 159.8 159.9 159.10 159.11 159.12 159.13 159.14 159.15 159.16 159.17 159.18 159.19 159.20 159.21 159.22 159.23 159.24 159.25 159.26 159.27
159.28 159.29 159.30 159.31
160.1 160.2 160.3 160.4 160.5 160.6 160.7 160.8 160.9 160.10 160.11 160.12
160.13 160.14 160.15
160.16 160.17 160.18 160.19 160.20 160.21 160.22 160.23
160.24 160.25 160.26 160.27 160.28 161.1 161.2 161.3 161.4 161.5 161.6 161.7 161.8 161.9 161.10 161.11 161.12 161.13 161.14 161.15 161.16 161.17
161.18 161.19 161.20 161.21 161.22 161.23 161.24 161.25 161.26 161.27 161.28 161.29 161.30 161.31 161.32 162.1 162.2 162.3 162.4 162.5 162.6
162.7 162.8 162.9 162.10 162.11
162.12 162.13 162.14 162.15 162.16 162.17 162.18 162.19 162.20 162.21 162.22 162.23 162.24 162.25 162.26 162.27 162.28 162.29 162.30 162.31 162.32 163.1 163.2 163.3 163.4
163.5 163.6 163.7 163.8
163.9 163.10 163.11 163.12 163.13 163.14 163.15 163.16 163.17
163.18 163.19 163.20 163.21 163.22 163.23 163.24 163.25 163.26 163.27 163.28 163.29 163.30 163.31 163.32 164.1 164.2 164.3 164.4 164.5 164.6 164.7 164.8 164.9 164.10 164.11 164.12 164.13 164.14 164.15 164.16 164.17 164.18 164.19 164.20 164.21 164.22 164.23 164.24 164.25 164.26 164.27 164.28 164.29 164.30 164.31 164.32 164.33 164.34 164.35 165.1 165.2 165.3 165.4 165.5 165.6 165.7 165.8 165.9 165.10 165.11 165.12 165.13 165.14 165.15 165.16 165.17 165.18 165.19 165.20 165.21 165.22 165.23 165.24 165.25 165.26 165.27 165.28 165.29 165.30 165.31 165.32 165.33 166.1 166.2 166.3 166.4 166.5 166.6 166.7 166.8 166.9 166.10 166.11 166.12 166.13 166.14 166.15 166.16 166.17 166.18 166.19 166.20 166.21 166.22 166.23 166.24
166.25 166.26 166.27 166.28 166.29 166.30 166.31 166.32 166.33 166.34 167.1 167.2 167.3 167.4 167.5 167.6 167.7 167.8 167.9 167.10 167.11 167.12 167.13 167.14 167.15 167.16 167.17 167.18 167.19 167.20 167.21 167.22
167.23 167.24 167.25 167.26 167.27 167.28 167.29 167.30 167.31 167.32 167.33 167.34
168.1 168.2 168.3 168.4 168.5 168.6 168.7 168.8 168.9 168.10 168.11 168.12 168.13 168.14 168.15 168.16 168.17 168.18 168.19 168.20 168.21 168.22 168.23 168.24 168.25 168.26 168.27 168.28 168.29 168.30 168.31
169.1 169.2 169.3 169.4 169.5 169.6 169.7
169.8 169.9 169.10 169.11 169.12 169.13 169.14 169.15 169.16 169.17 169.18 169.19 169.20 169.21 169.22 169.23 169.24 169.25 169.26 169.27 169.28 169.29 169.30 169.31 169.32 169.33
170.1 170.2 170.3 170.4 170.5 170.6 170.7 170.8 170.9 170.10 170.11
170.12 170.13 170.14 170.15 170.16 170.17 170.18 170.19 170.20

A bill for an act
relating to children; recodifying the Maltreatment of Minors Act; correcting
cross-references; amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 13.32, subdivision
3; 13.3805, subdivision 3; 13.43, subdivision 14; 13.46, subdivisions 3, 4; 13.82,
subdivisions 8, 9, 17; 13.821; 13.84, subdivision 9; 13.871, subdivision 6; 13.88;
122A.20, subdivision 2; 122A.40, subdivision 13; 122A.41, subdivision 6;
125A.0942, subdivision 4; 135A.15, subdivision 10; 144.225, subdivision 2b;
144.343, subdivision 4; 144.7065, subdivision 10; 144.7068; 144A.472, subdivision
1; 144A.479, subdivision 6; 144A.4796, subdivisions 2, 6; 145.902, subdivision
3; 145.952; 146A.025; 148B.593; 148E.240, subdivision 7; 148F.13, subdivision
12; 148F.205, subdivision 1; 153B.70; 214.103, subdivision 8; 214.104; 243.166,
subdivision 7; 245.8261, subdivision 9; 245A.04, subdivision 5; 245A.06,
subdivision 8; 245A.07, subdivisions 3, 5; 245A.08, subdivision 2a; 245A.085;
245A.11, subdivision 7b; 245A.145, subdivision 1; 245A.40, subdivision 1;
245A.66, subdivision 3; 245C.05, subdivision 6; 245C.15, subdivision 4; 245C.16,
subdivision 1; 245C.17, subdivision 3; 245C.21, subdivision 2; 245C.24,
subdivision 4; 245C.25; 245C.27, subdivisions 1, 2; 245C.28, subdivision 1;
245C.29, subdivision 1; 245C.31, subdivision 1; 245C.32, subdivision 2; 245D.02,
subdivision 11; 245D.06, subdivisions 1, 6; 245D.09, subdivision 4; 245D.32,
subdivision 5; 245F.04, subdivision 1; 245F.15, subdivisions 3, 5; 245F.16,
subdivisions 1, 2; 245F.18; 254A.09; 254B.04, subdivision 1; 256.01, subdivisions
12, 14b, 15; 256.045, subdivisions 3, 3b, 4; 256B.0621, subdivision 4; 256B.0625,
subdivision 33; 256B.0945, subdivision 1; 256B.0951, subdivision 5; 256B.0954;
256B.097, subdivisions 4, 6; 256B.77, subdivision 17; 256B.85, subdivisions 10,
12a; 256E.21, subdivision 5; 256F.10, subdivisions 1, 4; 256L.07, subdivision 4;
256M.10, subdivision 2; 256M.40, subdivision 1; 256M.41, subdivisions 1, 3;
257.0764; 260.012; 260.761, subdivision 2; 260B.171, subdivision 6; 260B.198,
subdivision 1; 260C.007, subdivisions 3, 5, 6, 13; 260C.139, subdivision 3;
260C.150, subdivision 3; 260C.171, subdivision 3; 260C.177; 260C.178,
subdivision 1; 260C.201, subdivision 6; 260C.209, subdivision 2; 260C.212,
subdivision 12; 260C.221; 260C.503, subdivision 2; 260D.01; 260D.02,
subdivisions 3, 5; 299C.093; 388.051, subdivision 2; 518.165, subdivisions 2, 5;
524.5-118, subdivision 2; 595.02, subdivisions 1, 2; 609.26, subdivision 7;
609.3457, subdivision 2; 609.379, subdivision 2; 609.507; 609.7495, subdivision
1; 611A.203, subdivision 4; 611A.90, subdivision 1; 626.5561, subdivisions 1, 3;
626.5562, subdivision 2; 626.557, subdivision 9d; 626.558, subdivision 3; 626.559,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 626.5591, subdivision 1; 626.561, subdivisions 2, 3; proposing
coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 626B; repealing Minnesota
Statutes 2016, section 626.556.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

RECODIFICATION

Section 1.

new text begin [626B.01] POLICY.
new text end

new text begin (a) The legislature hereby declares that the public policy of this state is to protect children
whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through maltreatment. While it is recognized
that most parents want to keep their children safe, sometimes circumstances or conditions
interfere with their ability to do so. When this occurs, the health and safety of the children
must be of paramount concern. Intervention and prevention efforts must address immediate
concerns for child safety and the ongoing risk of maltreatment and should engage the
protective capacities of families. In furtherance of this public policy, it is the intent of the
legislature under this section to:
new text end

new text begin (1) protect children and promote child safety;
new text end

new text begin (2) strengthen the family;
new text end

new text begin (3) make the home, school, and community safe for children by promoting responsible
child care in all settings; and
new text end

new text begin (4) provide, when necessary, a safe temporary or permanent home environment for
maltreated children.
new text end

new text begin (b) In addition, it is the policy of this state to:
new text end

new text begin (1) require the reporting of maltreatment of children in the home, school, and community
settings;
new text end

new text begin (2) provide for the voluntary reporting of maltreatment of children;
new text end

new text begin (3) require an investigation when the report alleges sexual abuse or substantial child
endangerment;
new text end

new text begin (4) provide a family assessment, if appropriate, when the report does not allege sexual
abuse or substantial child endangerment; and
new text end

new text begin (5) provide protective, family support, and family preservation services when needed
in appropriate cases.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [626B.02] DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings
given them unless the specific content indicates otherwise.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Accidental. new text end

new text begin "Accidental" means a sudden, not reasonably foreseeable, and
unexpected occurrence or event which:
new text end

new text begin (1) is not likely to occur and could not have been prevented by exercise of due care; and
new text end

new text begin (2) if occurring while a child is receiving services from a facility, happens when the
facility and the employee or person providing services in the facility are in compliance with
the laws and rules relevant to the occurrence or event.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Child fatality. new text end

new text begin "Child fatality" means the death of a child from maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Facility. new text end

new text begin "Facility" means:
new text end

new text begin (1) a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital,
sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to
144.58, 241.021, or 245A.01 to 245A.16, or chapter 245D;
new text end

new text begin (2) a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and chapter 124E;
or
new text end

new text begin (3) a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in section 256B.0625,
subdivision 19a
.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Family assessment. new text end

new text begin "Family assessment" means a comprehensive assessment
of child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs that
is applied to a child maltreatment report that does not allege sexual abuse or substantial
child endangerment. Family assessment does not include a determination as to whether
child maltreatment occurred but does determine the need for services to address the safety
of family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Findings and information. new text end

new text begin "Findings and information" means a written
summary described in section 626B.14, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), of actions taken or
services rendered by a local social services agency following receipt of a report.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Immediately. new text end

new text begin "Immediately" means as soon as possible but in no event longer
than 24 hours.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Interested person acting on behalf of the child. new text end

new text begin "Interested person acting on
behalf of the child" means a parent or legal guardian; stepparent; grandparent; guardian ad
litem; adult stepbrother, stepsister, or sibling; or adult aunt or uncle; unless the person has
been determined to be the offender who committed the maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Investigation. new text end

new text begin "Investigation" means fact gathering related to the current
safety of a child and the risk of subsequent maltreatment that determines whether child
maltreatment occurred and whether child protective services are needed. An investigation
must be used when reports involve sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment, and for
reports of maltreatment in facilities required to be licensed under chapter 245A or 245D;
under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 241.021; in a school as defined in section 120A.05,
subdivisions 9
, 11, and 13, and chapter 124E; or in a nonlicensed personal care provider
association as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Maltreatment. new text end

new text begin "Maltreatment" means any of the following acts or omissions:
new text end

new text begin (1) physical abuse as defined in section 626B.02, subdivision 16;
new text end

new text begin (2) neglect as defined in section 626B.02, subdivision 14;
new text end

new text begin (3) sexual abuse as defined in section 626B.02, subdivision 18;
new text end

new text begin (4) mental injury as defined in section 626B.02, subdivision 12; or
new text end

new text begin (5) maltreatment of a child in a facility as defined in section 626B.02, subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Mental injury. new text end

new text begin "Mental injury" means an injury to the psychological capacity
or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment
in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with
due regard to the child's culture.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Near fatality. new text end

new text begin "Near fatality" means a case in which a physician determines
that a child is in serious or critical condition as the result of sickness or injury caused by
child maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Neglect. new text end

new text begin (a) "Neglect" means the commission or omission of any of the acts
specified under clauses (1) to (8), other than by accidental means:
new text end

new text begin (1) failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary
food, clothing, shelter, health, medical, or other care required for the child's physical or
mental health when reasonably able to do so;
new text end

new text begin (2) failure to protect a child from conditions or actions that seriously endanger the child's
physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so, including a growth delay, which
may be referred to as a failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due
to parental neglect;
new text end

new text begin (3) failure to provide for necessary supervision or child care arrangements appropriate
for a child after considering factors as the child's age, mental ability, physical condition,
length of absence, or environment, when the child is unable to care for the child's own basic
needs or safety, or the basic needs or safety of another child in their care;
new text end

new text begin (4) failure to ensure that the child is educated as defined in sections 120A.22 and
260C.163, subdivision 11, which does not include a parent's refusal to provide the parent's
child with sympathomimetic medications, consistent with section 125A.091, subdivision
5
;
new text end

new text begin (5) prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision
2, used by the mother for a nonmedical purpose, as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms in
the child at birth, results of a toxicology test performed on the mother at delivery or the
child at birth, medical effects or developmental delays during the child's first year of life
that medically indicate prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, or the presence of a
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder;
new text end

new text begin (6) "medical neglect," as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5);
new text end

new text begin (7) chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance by a parent or person
responsible for the care of the child that adversely affects the child's basic needs and safety;
or
new text end

new text begin (8) emotional harm from a pattern of behavior which contributes to impaired emotional
functioning of the child which may be demonstrated by a substantial and observable effect
in the child's behavior, emotional response, or cognition that is not within the normal range
for the child's age and stage of development, with due regard to the child's culture.
new text end

new text begin (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a child is neglected solely
because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good
faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or
remedial care of the child in lieu of medical care; except that a parent, guardian, or caretaker,
or a person mandated to report pursuant to section 626B.03, subdivision 1, has a duty to
report if a lack of medical care may cause serious danger to the child's health. This section
does not impose upon persons, not otherwise legally responsible for providing a child with
necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care, a duty to provide that care.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Person responsible for the child's care. new text end

new text begin "Person responsible for the child's
care" means (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities
for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other person having similar care
responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having
responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, other school
employees or agents, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full-time or short-term
care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day care, babysitting whether paid or
unpaid, counseling, teaching, and coaching.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Physical abuse. new text end

new text begin (a) "Physical abuse" means any physical injury, mental injury,
or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other
than by accidental means, or any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be
explained by the child's history of injuries, or any aversive or deprivation procedures, or
regulated interventions, that have not been authorized under section 125A.0942 or 245.825.
new text end

new text begin (b) Abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child
administered by a parent or legal guardian which does not result in an injury. Abuse does
not include the use of reasonable force by a teacher, principal, or school employee as allowed
by section 121A.582.
new text end

new text begin (c) For the purpose of this subdivision, actions which are not reasonable and moderate
include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) throwing, kicking, burning, biting, or cutting a child;
new text end

new text begin (2) striking a child with a closed fist;
new text end

new text begin (3) shaking a child under age three;
new text end

new text begin (4) striking or other actions which result in any nonaccidental injury to a child under 18
months of age;
new text end

new text begin (5) unreasonable interference with a child's breathing;
new text end

new text begin (6) threatening a child with a weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6;
new text end

new text begin (7) striking a child under age one on the face or head;
new text end

new text begin (8) striking a child who is at least age one but under age four on the face or head, which
results in an injury;
new text end

new text begin (9) purposely giving a child poison, alcohol, or dangerous, harmful, or controlled
substances which were not prescribed for the child by a practitioner, in order to control or
punish the child; or other substances that substantially affect the child's behavior, motor
coordination, or judgment or that results in sickness or internal injury, or subjects the child
to medical procedures that would be unnecessary if the child were not exposed to the
substances;
new text end

new text begin (10) unreasonable physical confinement or restraint not permitted under section 609.379,
including but not limited to tying, caging, or chaining; or
new text end

new text begin (11) in a school facility or school zone, an act by a person responsible for the child's
care that is a violation under section 121A.58.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin "Report" means any communication received by the local welfare
agency, police department, county sheriff, or agency responsible for child protection pursuant
to this section that describes maltreatment of a child and contains sufficient content to
identify the child and any person believed to be responsible for the neglect or abuse, if
known.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Sexual abuse. new text end

new text begin "Sexual abuse" means the subjection of a child by a person
responsible for the child's care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child,
as defined in section 609.341, or by a person in a position of authority, as defined in section
609.341, subdivision 10, to any act which constitutes a violation of section 609.342 (criminal
sexual conduct in the first degree), 609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree),
609.344 (criminal sexual conduct in the third degree), 609.345 (criminal sexual conduct in
the fourth degree), or 609.3451 (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree). Sexual abuse
also includes any act involving a minor which constitutes a violation of prostitution offenses
under sections 609.321 to 609.324 or 617.246. Effective May 29, 2017, sexual abuse includes
all reports of known or suspected child sex trafficking involving a child who is identified
as a victim of sex trafficking. Sexual abuse includes child sex trafficking as defined in
section 609.321, subdivisions 7a and 7b. Sexual abuse includes threatened sexual abuse
which includes the status of a parent or household member who has committed a violation
which requires registration as an offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph
(a) or (b), or required registration under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or
(b).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end

new text begin Substantial child endangerment. new text end

new text begin "Substantial child endangerment" means
that a person responsible for a child's care, by act or omission, commits or attempts to
commit an act against a child under their care that constitutes any of the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;
new text end

new text begin (2) abandonment under section 260C.301, subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (3) neglect as defined in subdivision 14, that substantially endangers the child's physical
or mental health, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as failure to thrive,
that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;
new text end

new text begin (4) murder in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.185, 609.19, or 609.195;
new text end

new text begin (5) manslaughter in the first or second degree under section 609.20 or 609.205;
new text end

new text begin (6) assault in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223;
new text end

new text begin (7) solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution under section 609.322;
new text end

new text begin (8) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;
new text end

new text begin (9) solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct under section 609.352;
new text end

new text begin (10) malicious punishment or neglect or endangerment of a child under section 609.377
or 609.378;
new text end

new text begin (11) use of a minor in sexual performance under section 617.246; or
new text end

new text begin (12) parental behavior, status, or condition which mandates that the county attorney file
a termination of parental rights petition under section 260C.503, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end

new text begin Threatened injury. new text end

new text begin (a) "Threatened injury" means a statement, overt act,
condition, or status that represents a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental
injury.
new text end

new text begin (b) Threatened injury includes, but is not limited to, exposing a child to a person
responsible for the child's care, as defined in subdivision 15, who has:
new text end

new text begin (1) subjected a child to, or failed to protect a child from, an overt act or condition that
constitutes egregious harm, as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14, or a similar law
of another jurisdiction;
new text end

new text begin (2) been found to be palpably unfit under section 260C.301, subdivision 1, paragraph
(b), clause (4), or a similar law of another jurisdiction;
new text end

new text begin (3) committed an act that resulted in an involuntary termination of parental rights under
section 260C.301, or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or
new text end

new text begin (4) committed an act that resulted in the involuntary transfer of permanent legal and
physical custody of a child to a relative under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201,
subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clause (1), section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or a similar law
of another jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin (c) A child is the subject of a report of threatened injury when the responsible social
services agency receives birth match data under section 626B.14, subdivision 6, from the
Department of Human Services.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [626B.03] REPORTERS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Mandatory reporters. new text end

new text begin (a) A person who knows or has reason to believe
a child is being maltreated, as defined in section 626B.02, or has been maltreated within
the preceding three years, shall immediately report the information to the local welfare
agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, police department,
county sheriff, tribal social services agency, or tribal police department if the person is:
new text end

new text begin (1) a professional or professional's delegate who is engaged in the practice of the healing
arts, social services, hospital administration, psychological or psychiatric treatment, child
care, education, correctional supervision, probation and correctional services, or law
enforcement; or
new text end

new text begin (2) employed as a member of the clergy and received the information while engaged in
ministerial duties, provided that a member of the clergy is not required by this subdivision
to report information that is otherwise privileged under section 595.02, subdivision 1,
paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) "Practice of social services," for the purposes of this subdivision, includes but is not
limited to employee assistance counseling and the provision of guardian ad litem and
parenting time expeditor services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Voluntary reporters. new text end

new text begin Any person may voluntarily report to the local welfare
agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, police department,
county sheriff, tribal social services agency, or tribal police department if the person knows,
has reason to believe, or suspects a child is being or has been neglected or subjected to
physical or sexual abuse.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Retaliation prohibited. new text end

new text begin (a) An employer of any person required to make reports
under subdivision 1 shall not retaliate against the person for reporting in good faith
maltreatment pursuant to this section, or against a child with respect to whom a report is
made, because of the report.
new text end

new text begin (b) The employer of any person required to report under subdivision 1 who retaliates
against the person because of a report of maltreatment is liable to that person for actual
damages and, in addition, a penalty up to $10,000.
new text end

new text begin (c) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that any adverse action within 90 days of a
report is retaliatory. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "adverse action" refers to action
taken by an employer of a person required to report under subdivision 1, which is involved
in a report against the person making the report or the child with respect to whom the report
was made because of the report, and includes, but is not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) discharge, suspension, termination, or transfer from the facility, institution, school,
or agency;
new text end

new text begin (2) discharge from or termination of employment;
new text end

new text begin (3) demotion or reduction in remuneration for services; or
new text end

new text begin (4) restriction or prohibition of access to the facility, institution, school, agency, or
persons affiliated with it.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [626B.04] REPORTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Reports by mandated reporters. new text end

new text begin (a) A person mandated to report child
maltreatment occurring within a licensed facility shall report the information to the agency
responsible for licensing the facility under sections 144.50 to 144.58; 241.021; 245A.01 to
245A.16; or chapter 245D; or a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined
in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person mandated to report under section 626B.03, subdivision 1, who knows or
has reason to know of a violation of section 609.25 or 609.26, shall report the information
to the local police department or the county sheriff.
new text end

new text begin (c) When a person required to report under the provisions of subdivision 3 knows or has
reason to believe a child has died as a result of maltreatment, the person shall report that
information to the appropriate medical examiner or coroner instead of the local welfare
agency, police department, or county sheriff. The medical examiner or coroner shall notify
the local welfare agency or police department or county sheriff in instances in which the
medical examiner or coroner believes that the child has died as a result of maltreatment.
The medical examiner or coroner shall complete an investigation as soon as feasible and
report the findings to the police department or county sheriff and the local welfare agency.
If the child was receiving services or treatment for mental illness, developmentally disabled,
chemical dependency, or emotional disturbance from an agency, facility, or program as
defined in section 245.91, the medical examiner or coroner shall also notify and report
findings to the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Report requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) An oral report shall be made immediately by
telephone or otherwise. An oral report made by a person required under section 626B.03,
subdivision 1, to report shall be followed within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and
holidays, by a report in writing to the appropriate police department, the county sheriff, the
agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, or the local welfare agency.
new text end

new text begin (b) Any report shall be of sufficient content to identify the child, any person believed
to be responsible for the maltreatment of the child if the person is known, the nature and
extent of the maltreatment and the name and address of the reporter. The local welfare
agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall accept a report
made under section 626B.03 notwithstanding refusal by a reporter to provide the reporter's
name or address as long as the report is otherwise sufficient under this paragraph.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Failure to report. new text end

new text begin (a) A person mandated by this section to report who knows
or has reason to believe that a child is maltreated, as defined in section 626B.02, or has been
maltreated within the preceding three years, and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person mandated by this section to report who knows or has reason to believe that
two or more children not related to the offender have been maltreated, as defined in section
626B.02, by the same offender within the preceding ten years, and fails to report is guilty
of a gross misdemeanor.
new text end

new text begin (c) A parent, guardian, or caretaker who knows or reasonably should know that the
child's health is in serious danger and who fails to report as required by section 626B.02,
subdivision 14, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the child suffers substantial or great
bodily harm because of the lack of medical care. If the child dies because of the lack of
medical care, the person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not
more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $4,000, or both. The provision
in section 609.378, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1), providing that a parent, guardian,
or caretaker may, in good faith, select and depend on spiritual means or prayer for treatment
or care of a child, does not exempt a parent, guardian, or caretaker from the duty to report
under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin False reports. new text end

new text begin Any person who knowingly or recklessly makes a false report
under the provisions of this chapter shall be liable in a civil suit for any actual damages
suffered by the person or persons so reported and for any punitive damages set by the court
or jury, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Notification requirements. new text end

new text begin Notification requirements under section 626B.05
apply to all reports received under this section.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [626B.05] ACTIONS UPON RECEIPT OF REPORT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Police department or county sheriff. new text end

new text begin (a) The police department or the
county sheriff shall immediately notify the local welfare agency or agency responsible for
child protection reports under this chapter orally and in writing when a report is received.
new text end

new text begin (b) Written reports received by a police department or the county sheriff shall be
forwarded immediately to the local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing
or investigating the report. The police department or the county sheriff may keep copies of
reports received by them.
new text end

new text begin (c) The county sheriff and the head of each local welfare agency, agency responsible
for child protection reports, and police department shall designate a person within the agency,
department, or office who is responsible for ensuring that the notification duties of this
section are carried out. When the alleged maltreatment occurred on tribal land, the local
welfare agency or agency responsible for child protection reports and the local police
department or the county sheriff shall immediately notify the tribe's social services agency
and tribal law enforcement orally and in writing when a report is received.
new text end

new text begin (d) If a child is the victim of an alleged crime under subdivision 2, paragraph (c), the
law enforcement agency shall immediately notify the local welfare agency, which shall
offer appropriate social services for the purpose of safeguarding and enhancing the welfare
of the abused or neglected minor.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Local welfare agency or agency responsible. new text end

new text begin (a) The local welfare agency or
agency responsible for child protection reports shall immediately notify the local police
department or the county sheriff orally and in writing when a report is received.
new text end

new text begin (b) Copies of written reports received by a local welfare agency or the agency responsible
for assessing or investigating the report shall be forwarded immediately to the local police
department or the county sheriff.
new text end

new text begin (c) If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a person who is not
a parent, guardian, sibling, person responsible for the child's care functioning within the
family unit, or a person who lives in the child's household and who has a significant
relationship to the child, in a setting other than a facility as defined in section 626B.02, the
local welfare agency shall immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency,
which shall conduct an investigation of the alleged maltreatment if a violation of a criminal
statute is alleged.
new text end

new text begin (d) Receipt by a local welfare agency of a report or notification of a report of a violation
of section 609.25 or 609.26 shall not be construed to invoke the duties of this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report to ombudsman. new text end

new text begin When a local agency receives a report or otherwise
has information indicating that a child who is a client, as defined in section 245.91, has been
the subject of maltreatment at an agency, facility, or program as defined in section 245.91,
it shall, in addition to its other duties under this section, immediately inform the ombudsman
established under sections 245.91 to 245.97. The commissioner of education shall inform
the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97 of reports regarding a child
defined as a client in section 245.91 that maltreatment occurred at a school as defined in
section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and chapter 124E.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Request for assistance. new text end

new text begin A health or corrections agency receiving a report may
request the local welfare agency to provide assistance pursuant to this section and sections
626B.07 and 626B.09. A board or other entity whose licensees perform work within a school
facility, upon receiving a complaint of alleged maltreatment, shall provide information about
the circumstances of the alleged maltreatment to the commissioner of education.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Penalties for failure to notify. new text end

new text begin (a) If a local welfare agency receives a report
under section 626B.03, subdivision 1 or 2, and fails to notify the local police department
or county sheriff as required by subdivision 2, the person within the agency who is
responsible for ensuring that notification is made shall be subject to disciplinary action in
keeping with the agency's existing policy or collective bargaining agreement on discipline
of employees.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a local police department or a county sheriff receives a report under section
626B.03, subdivision 1 or 2, and fails to notify the local welfare agency as required by
subdivision 2, the person within the police department or county sheriff's office who is
responsible for ensuring that notification is made shall be subject to disciplinary action in
keeping with the agency's existing policy or collective bargaining agreement on discipline
of employees.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [626B.06] AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSMENT OR
INVESTIGATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) The county local welfare agency is the agency responsible for assessing or
investigating an allegation of maltreatment in child foster care, family child care, legally
unlicensed child care, a juvenile correctional facility licensed under section 241.021 located
in the local welfare agency's county, and a report involving a child served by an unlicensed
personal care provider organization under section 256B.0659. A copy of findings related
to personal care provider organizations under section 256B.0659 must be forwarded to the
Department of Human Services provider enrollment.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Department of Human Services is the agency responsible for assessing or
investigating an allegation of maltreatment in a facility licensed under chapters 245A and
245D, except for child foster care and family child care.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Department of Health is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating
an allegation of child maltreatment in a facility licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58
and 144A.43 to 144A.482.
new text end

new text begin (d) The Department of Education is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating
an allegation of child maltreatment in a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions
9, 11, and 13
; and chapter 124E.
new text end

new text begin (e) The local welfare agency is the agency responsible for investigating an allegation of
sexual abuse if the alleged offender is the parent, guardian, sibling, or an individual
functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the child's care, or a person
with a significant relationship to the child if that person resides in the child's household.
Effective May 29, 2017, the local welfare agency is also responsible for investigating when
a child is identified as a victim of sex trafficking.
new text end

new text begin (f) The local law enforcement agency is the agency responsible for investigating a report
of child maltreatment if a violation of a criminal statute is alleged. Law enforcement and
the responsible agency must coordinate their investigations or assessments as required under
sections 626B.07 and 626B.09, subdivision 4.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [626B.07] SCREENING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Screening procedure. new text end

new text begin (a) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare
agency shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as
appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for child maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin (b) The local welfare agency:
new text end

new text begin (1) shall conduct an investigation on reports involving sexual abuse or substantial child
endangerment;
new text end

new text begin (2) shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time when it is using a family
assessment response, it determines that there is reason to believe that sexual abuse or
substantial child endangerment or a serious threat to the child's safety exists;
new text end

new text begin (3) may conduct a family assessment for reports that do not allege sexual abuse or
substantial child endangerment. In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the
local welfare agency may consider issues of child safety, parental cooperation, and the need
for an immediate response;
new text end

new text begin (4) may conduct a family assessment on a report that was initially screened and assigned
for an investigation. In determining that a complete investigation is not required, the local
welfare agency must document the reason for terminating the investigation and notify the
local law enforcement agency if the local law enforcement agency is conducting a joint
investigation; and
new text end

new text begin (5) shall provide immediate notice, according to section 260.761, subdivision 2, to an
Indian child's tribe when the agency has reason to believe the family assessment or
investigation may involve an Indian child. For purposes of this clause, "immediate notice"
means notice provided within 24 hours.
new text end

new text begin (c) If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a parent, guardian,
or individual functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the child's care,
or sexual abuse by a person with a significant relationship to the child when that person
resides in the child's household or by a sibling, the local welfare agency shall immediately
conduct a family assessment or investigation as identified in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to
(4). In conducting a family assessment or investigation, the local welfare agency shall gather
information on the existence of substance abuse and domestic violence and offer services
to prevent future child maltreatment, safeguarding and enhancing the welfare of the abused
or neglected minor, and supporting and preserving family life whenever possible.
new text end

new text begin (d) If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving sexual abuse, physical
abuse, or neglect or endangerment, under section 609.378, the local law enforcement agency
and local welfare agency shall coordinate the planning and execution of their respective
investigation and assessment efforts to avoid a duplication of fact-finding efforts and multiple
interviews. Each agency shall prepare a separate report of the results of the agency's
investigation or assessment. In cases of alleged child maltreatment resulting in death, the
local agency may rely on the fact-finding efforts of a law enforcement investigation to make
a determination of whether or not maltreatment occurred. When necessary, the local welfare
agency shall seek authority to remove the child from the custody of a parent, guardian, or
adult with whom the child is living. In performing any of these duties, the local welfare
agency shall maintain an appropriate record.
new text end

new text begin (e) If the family assessment or investigation indicates there is a potential for abuse of
alcohol or other drugs by the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the child's care,
the local welfare agency shall conduct a chemical use assessment pursuant to Minnesota
Rules, part 9530.6615.
new text end

new text begin (f) Child protection staff, supervisors, and others involved in child protection screening
shall follow the guidance provided in the child maltreatment screening guidelines issued
by the commissioner and, when notified by the commissioner, shall immediately implement
updated procedures and protocols.
new text end

new text begin (g) Any modification to the screening guidelines must be preapproved by the
commissioner and must not be less protective of children than is mandated by statute. The
county agency must consult with the county attorney before proposing modifications to the
commissioner. The guidelines may provide additional protection for children but must not
limit reports that are screened in or provide additional limits on consideration of reports
that were screened out in making a screening determination.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Timeline. new text end

new text begin The local welfare agency shall determine if the report is to be screened
in or out as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours after the report is received.
When determining whether a report will be screened in or out, the agency receiving the
report must consider, when relevant, all previous history, including reports that were screened
out. The agency may communicate with treating professionals and individuals specified
under section 626B.09, subdivision 4, paragraph (d), clause (3), item (iii).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Face-to-face contact. new text end

new text begin After a report is screened in, the local welfare agency
shall conduct a face-to-face contact with the child reported to be maltreated and with the
child's primary caregiver sufficient to complete a safety assessment and ensure the immediate
safety of the child. The face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver shall occur
immediately if sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment is alleged and within five
calendar days for all other reports. If the alleged offender was not already interviewed as
the primary caregiver, the local welfare agency shall also conduct a face-to-face interview
with the alleged offender in the early stages of the assessment or investigation. At the initial
contact, the local child welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating
the report must inform the alleged offender of the complaints or allegations made against
the individual in a manner consistent with laws protecting the rights of the person who made
the report. The interview with the alleged offender may be postponed if it would jeopardize
an active law enforcement investigation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Post-screening notification. new text end

new text begin If requested, the agency responsible for assessing
or investigating a report shall inform the reporter within ten days after the report was made,
either orally or in writing, whether the report was accepted or not. If the responsible agency
determines the report does not constitute a report under this section, the agency shall advise
the reporter the report was screened out.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [626B.08] SCREENED-OUT REPORTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Records. new text end

new text begin A report that is screened out must be maintained according to
section 626B.14, subdivision 4, paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Offer of social services. new text end

new text begin A local welfare agency or agency responsible for
investigating or assessing a report may use a screened-out report for making an offer of
social services to the subjects of the screened-out report.
new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [626B.09] CONDUCTING ASSESSMENT OR INVESTIGATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Immediate assessment or investigation for alleged maltreatment in
a facility.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services, health, or education, whichever is
responsible for assessing or investigating the report, shall immediately assess or investigate
if the report alleges that:
new text end

new text begin (1) a child who is in the care of a facility as defined in section 626B.02 is neglected,
physically abused, sexually abused, or is the victim of maltreatment in a facility by an
individual in that facility, or has been neglected or abused, or been the victim of maltreatment
in a facility by an individual in that facility within the three years preceding the report; or
new text end

new text begin (2) a child was neglected, physically abused, sexually abused, or is the victim of
maltreatment in a facility by an individual in a facility defined in section 626B.02, while in
the care of that facility within the three years preceding the report.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report
shall arrange for the transmittal to the commissioner of reports received by local agencies
and may delegate to a local welfare agency the duty to investigate reports. In conducting
an investigation under this section, the commissioner has the powers and duties specified
for a local welfare agency under this section. The commissioner of the agency responsible
for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency may interview any children
who are or have been in the care of a facility under investigation and the children's parents,
guardians, or legal custodians.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Consultation regarding alleged medical neglect. new text end

new text begin If the report alleges medical
neglect as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5), the local welfare agency
shall, in addition to its other duties under this section, immediately consult with designated
hospital staff and with the parents of the infant to verify that appropriate nutrition, hydration,
and medication are being provided; and shall immediately secure an independent medical
review of the infant's medical charts and records and, if necessary, seek a court order for
an independent medical examination of the infant. If the review or examination leads to a
conclusion of medical neglect, the agency shall intervene on behalf of the infant by initiating
legal proceedings under section 260C.141 and by filing an expedited motion to prevent the
withholding of medically indicated treatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Facility records. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services, the ombudsman for
mental health and developmental disabilities, the local welfare agencies responsible for
investigating reports, the commissioner of education, and the local law enforcement agencies
have the right to enter a facility as defined in section 626B.02 and to inspect and copy the
facility's records, including medical records, as part of the investigation. Notwithstanding
the provisions of chapter 13, the commissioner of human services, the ombudsman for
mental health and developmental disabilities, the local welfare agencies responsible for
investigating reports, the commissioner of education, and the local law enforcement agencies
also have the right to inform the facility under investigation that an investigation is being
conducted, to disclose to the facility the names of the individuals under investigation for
abusing or neglecting a child, and to provide the facility with a copy of the report and the
investigative findings.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Collection of information. new text end

new text begin (a) The local welfare agency responsible for
conducting a family assessment or investigation shall collect available and relevant
information to determine child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family
strengths and needs and share not public information with an Indian's tribal social services
agency without violating any law of the state that may otherwise impose a duty of
confidentiality on the local welfare agency in order to implement the tribal state agreement.
new text end

new text begin (b) The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report shall
collect available and relevant information to ascertain whether maltreatment occurred and
whether protective services are needed.
new text end

new text begin (c) Information collected includes, when relevant, information with regard to the person
reporting the alleged maltreatment, including the nature of the reporter's relationship to the
child and to the alleged offender, and the basis of the reporter's knowledge for the report;
the child allegedly being maltreated; the alleged offender; the child's caretaker; and other
collateral sources having relevant information related to the alleged maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin (d) Information relevant to the assessment or investigation must be asked for, and may
include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the child's sex and age; prior reports of maltreatment, including any maltreatment
reports that were screened out and not accepted for assessment or investigation; information
relating to developmental functioning; credibility of the child's statement; and whether the
information provided under this clause is consistent with other information collected during
the course of the assessment or investigation;
new text end

new text begin (2) the alleged offender's age, a record check for prior reports of maltreatment, and
criminal charges and convictions. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for
assessing or investigating the report must provide the alleged offender with an opportunity
to make a statement. The alleged offender may submit supporting documentation relevant
to the assessment or investigation;
new text end

new text begin (3) collateral source information regarding the alleged maltreatment and care of the
child. Collateral information includes, when relevant: (i) a medical examination of the child;
(ii) prior medical records relating to the alleged maltreatment or the care of the child
maintained by any facility, clinic, or health care professional and an interview with the
treating professionals; and (iii) interviews with the child's caretakers, including the child's
parent, guardian, foster parent, child care provider, teachers, counselors, family members,
relatives, and other persons who may have knowledge regarding the alleged maltreatment
and the care of the child; and
new text end

new text begin (4) information on the existence of domestic abuse and violence in the home of the child,
and substance abuse.
new text end

new text begin (e) Nothing in this subdivision precludes the local welfare agency, the local law
enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report from
collecting other relevant information necessary to conduct the assessment or investigation.
Notwithstanding sections 13.384 or 144.291 to 144.298, the local welfare agency has access
to medical data and records for purposes of paragraph (d), clause (3). Notwithstanding the
data's classification in the possession of any other agency, data acquired by the local welfare
agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report during the course
of the assessment or investigation are private data on individuals and must be maintained
according to section 626B.14. Data of the commissioner of education collected or maintained
during and for the purpose of an investigation of alleged maltreatment in a school are
governed by this section, notwithstanding the data's classification as educational, licensing,
or personnel data under chapter 13.
new text end

new text begin (f) In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined
in section 626B.02, subdivision 5, clause (2), the commissioner of education shall collect
investigative reports and data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are from local
law enforcement and the school facility.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Law enforcement fact finding. new text end

new text begin The local agency may rely on the fact-finding
efforts of the law enforcement investigation conducted under this section to make a
determination whether or not threatened injury or other maltreatment has occurred under
section 626B.02, if an alleged offender has minor children or lives with minors.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Access to information. new text end

new text begin (a) In conducting investigations under this subdivision
the commissioner or local welfare agency shall obtain access to information consistent with
subdivisions 4 and 5 and section 626B.07, subdivision 3. In conducting assessments or
investigations under this section, the commissioner of education shall obtain access to reports
and investigative data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are in the possession
of a school facility as defined in section 626B.02, subdivision 5, clause (2), notwithstanding
the classification of the data as educational or personnel data under chapter 13. This includes,
but is not limited to, school investigative reports, information concerning the conduct of
school personnel alleged to have committed maltreatment of students, information about
witnesses, and any protective or corrective action taken by the school facility regarding the
school personnel alleged to have committed maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may request assistance from the local social services agency.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Conflict of interest. new text end

new text begin (a) A potential conflict of interest related to assisting in
an assessment under this section resulting in a direct or shared financial interest with a child
abuse and neglect treatment provider or resulting from a personal or family relationship
with a party in the investigation must be considered by the local welfare agency in an effort
to prevent unethical relationships.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person who conducts an assessment under this section or section 626.5561 may
not have:
new text end

new text begin (1) any direct or shared financial interest or referral relationship resulting in a direct
shared financial gain with a child abuse and neglect treatment provider; or
new text end

new text begin (2) a personal or family relationship with a party in the investigation.
new text end

new text begin (c) If an independent assessor is not available, the person responsible for making the
determination under this section may use the services of an assessor with a financial interest,
referral, or personal or family relationship.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Cultural practices. new text end

new text begin A person who conducts an assessment or investigation
under this section shall take into account accepted child-rearing practices of the culture in
which a child participates and accepted teacher discipline practices that are not injurious to
the child's health, welfare, and safety.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Assessment or investigation involving school facility. new text end

new text begin In conducting an
assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined in section 626B.02,
subdivision 5, clause (2), the commissioner of education shall collect available and relevant
information and use the procedures in sections 626B.07, subdivision 3, and 626B.10,
subdivisions 2 and 3, except that the requirement for face-to-face observation of the child
and face-to-face interview of the alleged offender is to occur in the initial stages of the
assessment or investigation provided that the commissioner may also base the assessment
or investigation on investigative reports and data received from the school facility and local
law enforcement, to the extent those investigations satisfy the requirements of sections
626B.07, subdivision 3, and 626B.10, subdivisions 2 and 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Notification requirements for school facility. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding section
626B.04, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), the commissioner of education must inform the
parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child who is the subject of a report of alleged
maltreatment in a school facility within ten days of receiving the report, either orally or in
writing, whether the commissioner is assessing or investigating the report of alleged
maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin (b) Regardless of whether a report is made under this subdivision, as soon as practicable
after a school receives information regarding an incident that may constitute maltreatment
of a child in a school facility, the school shall inform the parent, legal guardian, or custodian
of the child that an incident occurred that may constitute maltreatment of the child, when
the incident occurred, and the nature of the conduct that may constitute maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Notification requirements for other types of facilities. new text end

new text begin When a report is
received that alleges maltreatment of a child while in the care of a licensed or unlicensed
day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or
institution required to be licensed according to sections 144.50 to 144.58; 241.021; or
245A.01 to 245A.16; or chapter 245D, or a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions
9, 11, and 13
; and chapter 124E; or a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as
defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, the commissioner of the agency responsible
for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency investigating the report
shall provide the following information to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child
alleged to have been neglected, physically abused, sexually abused, or the victim of
maltreatment of a child in the facility: the name of the facility; the fact that a report alleging
maltreatment of a child in the facility has been received; the nature of the alleged
maltreatment of a child in the facility; that the agency is conducting an assessment or
investigation; any protective or corrective measures being taken pending the outcome of
the investigation; and that a written memorandum will be provided when the investigation
is completed.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Optional notification. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the agency responsible for
assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency may also provide the information
in paragraph (a) to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any other child in the facility
if the investigative agency knows or has reason to believe the alleged maltreatment of a
child in the facility occurred. In determining whether to exercise this authority, the
commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local
welfare agency shall consider the seriousness of the alleged maltreatment of a child in the
facility; the number of alleged victims of maltreatment of a child in the facility; the number
of alleged offenders; and the length of the investigation. The facility shall be notified
whenever this discretion is exercised.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [626B.10] INTERVIEWS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Preinterview notification. new text end

new text begin Before any interview related to maltreatment
in a facility, the commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the
report or local welfare agency shall notify the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child
who will be interviewed in the manner provided for in section 626B.09, subdivision 11. If
reasonable efforts to reach the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child in an
out-of-home placement have failed, the child may be interviewed if there is reason to believe
the interview is necessary to protect the child or other children in the facility. The
commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local
agency must provide the information required in this subdivision to the parent, guardian,
or legal custodian of a child interviewed without parental notification as soon as possible
after the interview. When the investigation is completed, any parent, guardian, or legal
custodian notified under this subdivision shall receive the written memorandum provided
for in section 626B.11, subdivision 7.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Authority to interview. new text end

new text begin (a) The agency responsible for assessing or investigating
reports of child maltreatment has the authority to interview the child, the person or persons
responsible for the child's care, the alleged offender, and any other person with knowledge
of the maltreatment for the purpose of gathering the facts, assessing safety and risk to the
child, and formulating a plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Authority of the local welfare agency responsible for assessing or investigating the
child maltreatment report, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report,
and of the local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the alleged
maltreatment includes, but is not limited to, authority to interview, without parental consent,
the alleged victim and any other minors who currently reside with or who have resided with
the alleged offender.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Interview procedure. new text end

new text begin (a) The interview may take place at school or at any
facility or other place where the alleged victim or other minors might be found or the child
may be transported to, and the interview may be conducted at a place appropriate for the
interview of a child designated by the local welfare agency or law enforcement agency.
new text end

new text begin (b) The interview may take place outside the presence of the alleged offender or parent,
legal custodian, guardian, or school official.
new text end

new text begin (c) For a family assessment, it is the preferred practice to request a parent or guardian's
permission to interview the child before conducting the child interview, unless doing so
would compromise the safety assessment.
new text end

new text begin (d) Except as provided in this subdivision, the parent, legal custodian, or guardian shall
be notified by the responsible local welfare or law enforcement agency no later than the
conclusion of the investigation or assessment that this interview has occurred.
new text end

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding rule 32 of the Minnesota Rules of Procedure for Juvenile Courts,
the juvenile court may, after hearing on an ex parte motion by the local welfare agency,
order that, where reasonable cause exists, the agency withhold notification of this interview
from the parent, legal custodian, or guardian. If the interview took place or is to take place
on school property, the order shall specify that school officials may not disclose to the
parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification of intent to interview
the child on school property, as provided under this subdivision, and any other related
information regarding the interview that may be a part of the child's school record. A copy
of the order shall be sent by the local welfare or law enforcement agency to the appropriate
school official.
new text end

new text begin (f) When interviewing a minor under this section, an individual does not include the
parent or guardian of the minor for purposes of section 13.04, subdivision 2, when the parent
or guardian is the alleged offender.
new text end

new text begin (g) Where the alleged offender or a person responsible for the care of the alleged victim
or other minor prevents access to the victim or other minor by the local welfare agency, the
juvenile court may order the parents, legal custodian, or guardian to produce the alleged
victim or other minor for questioning by the local welfare agency or the local law
enforcement agency outside the presence of the alleged offender or any person responsible
for the child's care at reasonable places and times as specified by court order.
new text end

new text begin (h) Before making an order under paragraph (g), the court shall issue an order to show
cause, either upon its own motion or upon a verified petition, specifying the basis for the
requested interview and fixing the time and place of the hearing. The order to show cause
shall be served personally and shall be heard in the same manner as provided in other cases
in the juvenile court. The court shall consider the need for appointment of a guardian ad
litem to protect the best interests of the child. If appointed, the guardian ad litem shall be
present at the hearing on the order to show cause.
new text end

new text begin (i) When conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall use a question and
answer interviewing format with questioning as nondirective as possible to elicit spontaneous
responses. For investigations only, the following interviewing methods and procedures must
be used whenever possible when collecting information:
new text end

new text begin (1) audio recording of all interviews with witnesses and collateral sources; and
new text end

new text begin (2) in a case of alleged sexual abuse, audio-video recording of each interview with the
alleged victim and a child witness.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Interviews on school property. new text end

new text begin (a) When the local welfare, local law
enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of
maltreatment determines that an interview should take place on school property, written
notification of intent to interview the child on school property must be received by school
officials before the interview. The notification shall include the name of the child to be
interviewed, the purpose of the interview, and a reference to the statutory authority to conduct
an interview on school property. For an interview conducted by the local welfare agency,
the notification shall be signed by the chair of the local social services agency or the chair's
designee. The notification shall be private data on individuals subject to the provisions of
this subdivision. School officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian
the contents of the notification or any other related information regarding the interview until
notified in writing by the local welfare or law enforcement agency that the investigation or
assessment has been concluded, unless a school employee or agent is alleged to have
maltreated the child. Until that time, the local welfare or law enforcement agency or the
agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment shall be solely
responsible for any disclosure regarding the nature of the assessment or investigation.
new text end

new text begin (b) Except where the alleged offender is believed to be a school official or employee,
the time, place, and manner of the interview on school premises shall be within the discretion
of school officials, but the local welfare or law enforcement agency shall have the exclusive
authority to determine who may attend the interview. The conditions as to time, place, and
manner of the interview set by the school officials shall be reasonable and the interview
shall be conducted not more than 24 hours after the receipt of the notification unless another
time is considered necessary by agreement between the school officials and the local welfare
or law enforcement agency. Where the school fails to comply with the provisions of this
paragraph, the juvenile court may order the school to comply. Every effort must be made
to reduce the disruption of the educational program of the child, other students, or school
staff when an interview is conducted on school premises.
new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [626B.11] CONCLUSION OF ASSESSMENT OR INVESTIGATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Local welfare agency. new text end

new text begin (a) The local welfare agency shall conclude the
family assessment or the investigation within 45 days of the receipt of a report. The
conclusion of the assessment or investigation may be extended to permit the completion of
a criminal investigation or the receipt of expert information requested within 45 days of the
receipt of the report.
new text end

new text begin (b) After conducting a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall determine
whether services are needed to address the safety of the child and other family members
and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin (c) After conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall make two
determinations: first, whether maltreatment occurred; and second, whether child protective
services are needed. No determination of maltreatment shall be made when the alleged
offender is a child under the age of ten.
new text end

new text begin (d) The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report may
make a determination of no maltreatment early in an investigation, and close the case and
retain immunity, if the collected information shows no basis for a full investigation.
new text end

new text begin (e) This subdivision does not mean that maltreatment occurred solely because the child's
parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and
depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of
the child, in lieu of medical care. However, if lack of medical care may result in serious
danger to the child's health, the local welfare agency may ensure that necessary medical
services are provided to the child.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Commissioner of education. new text end

new text begin If the commissioner of education conducts an
assessment or investigation, the commissioner shall determine whether maltreatment occurred
and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility. If a determination
is made that maltreatment occurred, the commissioner shall report to the employer, the
school board, and any appropriate licensing entity the determination that maltreatment
occurred and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility. In all
other cases, the commissioner shall inform the school board or employer that a report was
received, the subject of the report, the date of the initial report, the category of maltreatment
alleged as defined in section 626B.02, subdivision 11, the fact that maltreatment was not
determined, and a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Investigation involving a facility. new text end

new text begin (a) When maltreatment is determined in an
investigation involving a facility, the investigating agency shall also determine whether the
facility or individual was responsible, or whether both the facility and the individual were
responsible for the maltreatment using the mitigating factors in subdivision 6. Determinations
under this subdivision must be made based on a preponderance of the evidence and are
private data on individuals or nonpublic data as maintained by the commissioner of education.
new text end

new text begin (b) Any operator, employee, or volunteer worker at any facility who intentionally neglects,
physically abuses, or sexually abuses any child in the care of that facility may be charged
with a violation of section 609.255, 609.377, or 609.378. Any operator of a facility who
knowingly permits conditions to exist that result in maltreatment of a child in a facility
while in the care of that facility may be charged with a violation of section 609.378. The
facility operator shall inform all mandated reporters employed by or otherwise associated
with the facility of the duties required of mandated reporters and shall inform all mandatory
reporters of the prohibition against retaliation for reports made in good faith under this
section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Nonmaltreatment mistake. new text end

new text begin (a) If paragraph (b) applies, rather than making a
determination of substantiated maltreatment by the individual, the commissioner of human
services shall determine that a nonmaltreatment mistake was made by the individual.
new text end

new text begin (b) A nonmaltreatment mistake occurs when:
new text end

new text begin (1) at the time of the incident, the individual was performing duties identified in the
center's child care program plan required under Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0045;
new text end

new text begin (2) the individual has not been determined responsible for a similar incident that resulted
in a finding of maltreatment for at least seven years;
new text end

new text begin (3) the individual has not been determined to have committed a similar nonmaltreatment
mistake under this paragraph for at least four years;
new text end

new text begin (4) any injury to a child resulting from the incident, if treated, is treated only with
remedies that are available over the counter, whether ordered by a medical professional or
not; and
new text end

new text begin (5) except for the period when the incident occurred, the facility and the individual
providing services were both in compliance with all licensing requirements relevant to the
incident.
new text end

new text begin (c) This subdivision only applies to child care centers licensed under Minnesota Rules,
chapter 9503.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Child protective services. new text end

new text begin For the purposes of this section, a determination
that child protective services are needed means that the local welfare agency documented
conditions during the assessment or investigation sufficient to cause a child protection
worker, as defined in section 626.559, subdivision 1, to conclude that a child is at significant
risk of maltreatment if protective intervention is not provided and that the individual or
individuals responsible for the child's care have not taken or are not likely to take action to
protect the child from maltreatment or risk of maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Mitigating factors in investigating facilities. new text end

new text begin (a) When determining whether
the facility or individual is the responsible party, or whether both the facility and the
individual are responsible for determined maltreatment in a facility, the investigating agency
shall consider at least the following mitigating factors:
new text end

new text begin (1) whether the actions of the facility or the individual caregivers were according to,
and followed the terms of, an erroneous physician order, prescription, individual care plan,
or directive; however, this is not a mitigating factor when the facility or caregiver was
responsible for the issuance of the erroneous order, prescription, individual care plan, or
directive or knew or should have known of the errors and took no reasonable measures to
correct the defect before administering care;
new text end

new text begin (2) comparative responsibility between the facility, other caregivers, and requirements
placed upon an employee, including the facility's compliance with related regulatory standards
and the adequacy of facility policies and procedures, facility training, an individual's
participation in the training, the caregiver's supervision, and facility staffing levels and the
scope of the individual employee's authority and discretion; and
new text end

new text begin (3) whether the facility or individual followed professional standards in exercising
professional judgment.
new text end

new text begin (b) The evaluation of the facility's responsibility under paragraph (a), clause (2), must
not be based on the completeness of the risk assessment or risk reduction plan required
under section 245A.66, but must be based on the facility's compliance with the regulatory
standards for policies and procedures, training, and supervision as cited in Minnesota Statutes
and Minnesota Rules.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), when maltreatment is determined to have
been committed by an individual who is also the facility license holder, both the individual
and the facility must be determined responsible for the maltreatment, and both the background
study disqualification standards under section 245C.15, subdivision 4, and the licensing
actions under sections 245A.06 or 245A.07 apply.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Notification when assessment or investigation is completed. new text end

new text begin (a) This
subdivision applies to a report under section 626B.09, subdivision 11. When the
commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local
welfare agency has completed its investigation, every parent, guardian, or legal custodian
previously notified of the investigation by the commissioner or local welfare agency shall
be provided with the following information in a written memorandum: the name of the
facility investigated; the nature of the alleged maltreatment of a child in the facility; the
investigator's name; a summary of the investigation findings; a statement whether
maltreatment was found; and the protective or corrective measures that are being or will be
taken.
new text end

new text begin (b) The memorandum shall be written in a manner that protects the identity of the reporter
and the child and shall not contain the name or, to the extent possible, reveal the identity
of the alleged offender or the identity of individuals interviewed during the investigation.
new text end

new text begin (c) If maltreatment is determined to exist, the commissioner or local welfare agency
shall also provide the written memorandum to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of
each child in the facility who had contact with the individual responsible for the maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin (d) When the facility is the responsible party for maltreatment, the commissioner or
local welfare agency shall also provide the written memorandum to the parent, guardian,
or legal custodian of each child who received services in the population of the facility where
the maltreatment occurred.
new text end

new text begin (e) This notification must be provided to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of each
child receiving services from the time the maltreatment occurred until either the individual
responsible for maltreatment is no longer in contact with a child or children in the facility
or the conclusion of the investigation.
new text end

new text begin (f) In the case of maltreatment within a school facility, as defined in section 120A.05,
subdivisions 9, 11, and 13
, and chapter 124E, the commissioner of education need not
provide notification to parents, guardians, or legal custodians of each child in the facility,
but shall, within ten days after the investigation is completed, provide written notification
to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any student alleged to have been maltreated.
new text end

new text begin (g) The commissioner of education may notify the parent, guardian, or legal custodian
of any student involved as a witness to alleged maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Notification following assessment or investigation. new text end

new text begin (a) Within ten working
days of the conclusion of a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall notify the
parent or guardian of the child of the need for services to address child safety concerns or
significant risk of subsequent child maltreatment. The local welfare agency and the family
may also jointly agree that family support and family preservation services are needed.
new text end

new text begin (b) Within ten working days of the conclusion of an investigation, the local welfare
agency or agency responsible for investigating the report shall notify the parent or guardian
of the child, the person determined to be maltreating the child, and, if applicable, the director
of the facility, of the determination and a summary of the specific reasons for the
determination. When the investigation involves a child foster care setting that is monitored
by a private licensing agency under section 245A.16, the local welfare agency responsible
for investigating the report shall notify the private licensing agency of the determination
and shall provide a summary of the specific reasons for the determination. The notice to
the private licensing agency must include identifying private data, but not the identity of
the reporter of maltreatment. The notice must also include a certification that the information
collection procedures under sections 626B.07, subdivision 3, and 626B.09, subdivisions 3
and 4, were followed and a notice of the right of a data subject to obtain access to other
private data on the subject collected, created, or maintained under this section. In addition,
the notice shall include the length of time that the records will be kept under section 626B.14,
subdivision 4. The investigating agency shall notify the parent or guardian of the child who
is the subject of the report, and any person or facility determined to have maltreated a child,
of their appeal or review rights under this section. The notice must also state that a finding
of maltreatment may result in denial of a license application or background study
disqualification under chapter 245C related to employment or services that are licensed by
the Department of Human Services under chapter 245A, the Department of Health under
chapter 144 or 144A, the Department of Corrections under section 241.021, and from
providing services related to an unlicensed personal care provider organization under chapter
256B.
new text end

new text begin (c) This subdivision applies only to local agency assessments and investigations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Final notifications. new text end

new text begin Any person mandated to report shall receive a summary
of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, including whether the case has been
opened for child protection or other services, or if a referral has been made to a community
organization, unless release would be detrimental to the best interests of the child. Any
person who is not mandated to report shall, upon request to the local welfare agency, receive
a concise summary of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, unless release
would be detrimental to the best interests of the child.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Documentation of outcome. new text end

new text begin When a case is closed that has been open for
services, the local welfare agency shall document the outcome of the family assessment or
investigation, including a description of services provided and the removal or reduction of
risk to the child, if it existed.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Local welfare agency actions following determination that services are
needed.
new text end

new text begin (a) The local welfare agency shall create a written plan, in collaboration with the
family whenever possible, within 30 days of the determination that child protective services
are needed or upon joint agreement of the local welfare agency and the family that family
support and preservation services are needed. Child protective services for a family are
voluntary unless ordered by the court.
new text end

new text begin (b) The local welfare agency shall consult with the county attorney to determine the
appropriateness of filing a petition alleging the child is in need of protection or services
under section 260C.007, subdivision 6, if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the family does not accept or comply with a plan for child protective services;
new text end

new text begin (2) voluntary child protective services may not provide sufficient protection for the child;
or
new text end

new text begin (3) the family is not cooperating with an investigation or assessment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Child under age three. new text end

new text begin A child under age three who is involved in a
substantiated case of maltreatment shall be referred for screening under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, part C. The child's parent must be informed that the evaluation
and acceptance of services are voluntary. The commissioner shall monitor referral rates by
county and annually report the information to the legislature beginning March 15, 2014.
Refusal to have a child screened is not a basis for a child in need of protection or services
petition under chapter 260C.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Evidence. new text end

new text begin No evidence relating to the neglect or abuse of a child or to any
prior incident of neglect or abuse involving any of the same persons accused of neglect or
abuse shall be excluded in any proceeding arising out of the alleged maltreatment on the
grounds of privilege set forth in section 595.02, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (d), or (g).
new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin [626B.12] APPEALS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Following family assessment. new text end

new text begin Administrative reconsideration is not
applicable in a family assessment since no determination concerning maltreatment is made.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Request for reconsideration. new text end

new text begin (a) For an investigation, except as provided
under subdivision 5, an individual or facility that the commissioner of human services, a
local social service agency, or the commissioner of education determines has maltreated a
child, an interested person acting on behalf of the child, regardless of the determination,
who contests the investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment, may
request the investigating agency to reconsider its final determination regarding maltreatment.
The request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the investigating agency
within 15 calendar days after receipt of notice of the final determination regarding
maltreatment or, if the request is made by an interested person who is not entitled to notice,
within 15 days after receipt of the notice by the parent or guardian of the child. If mailed,
the request for reconsideration must be postmarked and sent to the investigating agency
within 15 calendar days of the individual's or facility's receipt of the final determination. If
the request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the
investigating agency within 15 calendar days after the individual's or facility's receipt of
the final determination.
new text end

new text begin (b) An individual who was determined to have maltreated a child under this section and
who was disqualified on the basis of serious or recurring maltreatment under sections
245C.14 and 245C.15, may request reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and
the disqualification. The request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and
the disqualification must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt
of the notice of disqualification under sections 245C.16 and 245C.17. If mailed, the request
for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification must be
postmarked and sent to the investigating agency within 30 calendar days of the individual's
receipt of the maltreatment determination and notice of disqualification. If the request for
reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the investigating agency
within 30 calendar days after the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Fair hearing request. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as provided under subdivisions 5 and 6, if
the investigating agency denies the request or fails to act upon the request within 15 working
days after receiving the request for reconsideration, the person or facility entitled to a fair
hearing under section 256.045 may submit to the commissioner of human services or the
commissioner of education a written request for a hearing under that section. Section 256.045
also governs hearings requested to contest a final determination of the commissioner of
education. The investigating agency shall notify persons who request reconsideration of
their rights under this paragraph. The hearings specified under this section are the only
administrative appeal of a decision issued under subdivision 2. Determinations under this
section are not subject to accuracy and completeness challenges under section 13.04.
new text end

new text begin (b) Except as provided under subdivision 6, if an individual or facility contests the
investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment by requesting a fair
hearing under section 256.045, the commissioner of human services shall assure that the
hearing is conducted and a decision is reached within 90 days of receipt of the request for
a hearing. The time for action on the decision may be extended for as many days as the
hearing is postponed or the record is held open for the benefit of either party.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Change of final determination. new text end

new text begin If, as a result of a reconsideration or review,
the investigating agency changes the final determination of maltreatment, that agency shall
notify every parent, guardian, or legal custodian previously notified of the investigation,
the commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, the
local welfare agency, and, if applicable, the director of the facility and the private licensing
agency.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Consolidation. new text end

new text begin If an individual was disqualified under sections 245C.14 and
245C.15, on the basis of a determination of maltreatment, which was serious or recurring,
and the individual requested reconsideration of the maltreatment determination under
subdivision 2 and requested reconsideration of the disqualification under sections 245C.21
to 245C.27, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and reconsideration of the
disqualification shall be consolidated into a single reconsideration. If reconsideration of the
maltreatment determination is denied and the individual remains disqualified following a
reconsideration decision, the individual may request a fair hearing under section 256.045.
If an individual requests a fair hearing on the maltreatment determination and the
disqualification, the scope of the fair hearing shall include both the maltreatment
determination and the disqualification.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Contested case hearing. new text end

new text begin If a maltreatment determination or a disqualification
based on serious or recurring maltreatment is the basis for a denial of a license under section
245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, the license holder has the right to
a contested case hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to
1400.8612. As provided for under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, the scope of the contested
case hearing shall include the maltreatment determination, disqualification, and licensing
sanction or denial of a license. In such cases, a fair hearing regarding the maltreatment
determination and disqualification shall not be conducted under section 256.045. Except
for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment determination
as provided under this subdivision, and reconsideration of a disqualification as provided
under section 245C.22, shall also not be conducted when:
new text end

new text begin (1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section
245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment
or the disqualification of a license holder based on serious or recurring maltreatment;
new text end

new text begin (2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the
maltreatment determination or disqualification; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, and
denial of a license or licensing sanction.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment
determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing
sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections
626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d, and reconsideration of the
disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22. In such cases, a fair hearing shall
also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, 626.556, subdivision 10i, and
626.557, subdivision 9d.
new text end

new text begin If the disqualified subject is an individual other than the license holder and upon whom
a background study must be conducted under chapter 245C, the hearings of all parties may
be consolidated into a single contested case hearing upon consent of all parties and the
administrative law judge.
new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin [626B.13] IMMUNITY.
new text end

new text begin (a) The following persons are immune from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise
might result from the person's actions, if the person is acting in good faith:
new text end

new text begin (1) a person making a voluntary or mandated report under section 626B.03 or under
section 626.5561 or assisting in an assessment under this section or under section 626.5561;
new text end

new text begin (2) a person with responsibility for performing duties under this section or supervisor
employed by a local welfare agency, the commissioner of an agency responsible for operating
or supervising a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital,
sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to
144.58; 241.021; 245A.01 to 245A.16; or 245B, or a school as defined in section 120A.05,
subdivisions 9, 11, and 13
; and chapter 124E; or a nonlicensed personal care provider
organization as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, complying with sections
626B.09, subdivisions 11 and 12, and 626B.11, subdivision 7; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a public or private school, facility as defined in section 626B.02, or the employee of
any public or private school or facility who permits access by a local welfare agency, the
Department of Education, or a local law enforcement agency and assists in an investigation
or assessment pursuant to section 626B.05, 626B.06, 626B.07, or 626.5561.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person who is a supervisor or person with responsibility for performing duties
under this section employed by a local welfare agency, the commissioner of human services,
or the commissioner of education complying with section 626B.05, 626B.06, 626B.07,
626B.14, or 626.5561 or any related rule or provision of law is immune from any civil or
criminal liability that might otherwise result from the person's actions, if the person is (1)
acting in good faith and exercising due care, or (2) acting in good faith and following the
information collection procedures established under section 626B.05, subdivision 4, or
626B.09, subdivisions 3 and 4.
new text end

new text begin (c) This subdivision does not provide immunity to any person for failure to make a
required report or for committing neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse of a child.
new text end

new text begin (d) If a person who makes a voluntary or mandatory report under section 626B.03 prevails
in a civil action from which the person has been granted immunity under this section, the
court may award the person attorney fees and costs.
new text end

Sec. 14.

new text begin [626B.14] DATA PRACTICES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Classification and release of data. new text end

new text begin (a) A written copy of a report
maintained by personnel of agencies, other than welfare or law enforcement agencies, which
are subject to chapter 13 shall be confidential. An individual subject of the report may obtain
access to the original report as provided by subdivision 11.
new text end

new text begin (b) All reports and records created, collected, or maintained under this chapter by a local
social service agency or law enforcement agency may be disclosed to a local social service
or other child welfare agency of another state when the agency certifies that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the reports and records are necessary to conduct an investigation of actions that would
qualify as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect under this section; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the reports and records will be used only for purposes of a child protection assessment
or investigation and will not be further disclosed to any other person or agency.
new text end

new text begin (c) The local social service agency or law enforcement agency in this state shall keep a
record of all records or reports disclosed pursuant to this subdivision and of any agency to
which the records or reports are disclosed. If in any case records or reports are disclosed
before a determination is made under section 626B.11, or a disposition of any criminal
proceedings is reached, the local social service agency or law enforcement agency in this
state shall forward the determination or disposition to any agency that has received any
report or record under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (d) The responsible authority or its designee of a local welfare agency may release private
or confidential data on an active case involving assessment or investigation of actions that
are defined as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect under this section to a court services
agency if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the court services agency has an active case involving a common client who is the
subject of the data; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the data are necessary for the court services agency to effectively process the court
services' case, including investigating or performing other duties relating to the case required
by law.
new text end

new text begin (e) The data disclosed under paragraph (d) may be used only for purposes of the active
court services case described in paragraph (d), clause (1), and may not be further disclosed
to any other person or agency, except as authorized by law.
new text end

new text begin (f) Records maintained under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), may be shared with another
local welfare agency that requests the information because it is conducting an assessment
or investigation under this section of the subject of the records.
new text end

new text begin (g) Except as provided in paragraphs (h) and (i), subdivision 1, paragraphs (b) and (c),
and section 626B.09, subdivisions 7 and 11, all records concerning individuals maintained
by a local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report
under this section, including any written reports filed under section 626B.04, shall be private
data on individuals, except insofar as copies of reports are required by section 626B.05,
subdivision 1 or 2, to be sent to the local police department or the county sheriff. All records
concerning determinations of maltreatment by a facility are nonpublic data as maintained
by the Department of Education, except insofar as copies of reports are required by section
626B.05, subdivision 1 or 2, to be sent to the local police department or the county sheriff.
Reports maintained by any police department or the county sheriff shall be private data on
individuals except the reports shall be made available to the investigating, petitioning, or
prosecuting authority, including county medical examiners or county coroners. Section
13.82, subdivisions 8, 9, and 14, apply to law enforcement data other than the reports. The
local social services agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report
shall make available to the investigating, petitioning, or prosecuting authority, including a
county medical examiner or county coroner or a professional delegate, any records which
contain information relating to a specific incident of neglect or abuse which is under
investigation, petition, or prosecution and information relating to any prior incident of
neglect or abuse involving any of the same persons. The records shall be collected and
maintained according to chapter 13. In conducting investigations and assessments pursuant
to this section, the notice required by section 13.04, subdivision 2, need not be provided to
a minor under the age of ten who is the alleged victim of maltreatment. An individual subject
of a record shall have access to the record according to those sections, except that the name
of the reporter shall be confidential while the report is under assessment or investigation
except as otherwise permitted by this subdivision. Any person conducting an investigation
or assessment under this section who intentionally discloses the identity of a reporter before
the completion of the investigation or assessment is guilty of a misdemeanor. After the
assessment or investigation is completed, the name of the reporter shall be confidential. The
subject of the report may compel disclosure of the name of the reporter only with the consent
of the reporter or upon a written finding by the court that the report was false and that there
is evidence that the report was made in bad faith. This subdivision does not alter disclosure
responsibilities or obligations under the Rules of Criminal Procedure.
new text end

new text begin (h) Upon request of the legislative auditor, data on individuals maintained under this
section must be released to the legislative auditor in order for the auditor to fulfill the auditor's
duties under section 3.971. The auditor shall maintain the data according to chapter 13.
new text end

new text begin (i) Active law enforcement investigative data received by a local welfare agency or
agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report under this chapter are confidential
data on individuals. When this data become inactive in the law enforcement agency, the
data are private data on individuals.
new text end

new text begin (j) Section 13.03, subdivision 4, applies to data received by the commissioner of education
from a licensing entity.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Data disclosed to reporter. new text end

new text begin (a) A local social services or child protection
agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report of maltreatment,
shall provide relevant private data on individuals obtained under this chapter to a mandated
reporter who made the report and who has an ongoing responsibility for the health, education,
or welfare of a child affected by the data, unless the agency determines that providing the
data would not be in the best interests of the child. The agency may provide the data to other
mandated reporters with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of the
child. Mandated reporters with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare
of a child affected by the data include the child's teachers or other appropriate school
personnel, foster parents, health care providers, respite care workers, therapists, social
workers, child care providers, residential care staff, crisis nursery staff, probation officers,
and court services personnel. Under this chapter, a mandated reporter need not have made
the report to be considered a person with ongoing responsibility for the health, education,
or welfare of a child affected by the data. Data provided under this chapter must be limited
to data pertinent to the individual's responsibility for caring for the child.
new text end

new text begin (b) A reporter who receives private data on individuals under this subdivision must treat
the data according to that classification, regardless of whether the reporter is an employee
of a government entity. The remedies and penalties under sections 13.08 and 13.09 apply
if a reporter releases data in violation of this chapter or other law.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Data provided to the commissioner of education. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of
education must be provided with all requested data that are relevant to a report of
maltreatment and are in possession of a school facility as defined in section 626B.02,
subdivision 5, clause (2), when the data are requested pursuant to an assessment or
investigation of a maltreatment report of a student in a school. If the commissioner of
education makes a determination of maltreatment involving an individual performing work
within a school facility who is licensed by a board or other agency, the commissioner shall
provide necessary and relevant information to the licensing entity to enable the entity to
fulfill its statutory duties. Notwithstanding section 13.03, subdivision 4, data received by a
licensing entity under this paragraph are governed by section 13.41 or other applicable law
governing data of the receiving entity, except that this section applies to the classification
of and access to data on the reporter of the maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Data retention. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding sections 138.163 and 138.17, a record
maintained or a record derived from a report of abuse by a local welfare agency, agency
responsible for assessing or investigating the report, court services agency, or school under
this chapter shall be destroyed as provided in paragraphs (b) to (e) by the responsible
authority.
new text end

new text begin (b) For a report alleging child maltreatment that was not accepted for assessment or
investigation, a family assessment case, and a case where an investigation results in no
determination of maltreatment or the need for child protective services, the record must be
maintained for a period of five years after the date the report was not accepted for assessment
or investigation or of the final entry in the case record. A record of a report that was not
accepted must contain sufficient information to identify the subjects of the report, the nature
of the alleged maltreatment, and the reasons as to why the report was not accepted. Records
under this paragraph may not be used for employment, background checks, or purposes
other than to assist in future screening decisions and risk and safety assessments.
new text end

new text begin (c) All records relating to reports which, upon investigation, indicate either maltreatment
or a need for child protective services shall be maintained for ten years after the date of the
final entry in the case record.
new text end

new text begin (d) All records regarding a report of maltreatment, including any notification of intent
to interview which was received by a school under section 626B.10, subdivision 3, shall be
destroyed by the school when ordered to do so by the agency conducting the assessment or
investigation. The agency shall order the destruction of the notification when other records
relating to the report under investigation or assessment are destroyed under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (e) Private or confidential data released to a court services agency under subdivision 1,
paragraphs (d) and (e), must be destroyed by the court services agency when ordered to do
so by the local welfare agency that released the data. The local welfare agency or agency
responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall order destruction of the data when
other records relating to the assessment or investigation are destroyed under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Disclosure to the public. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and
subject to this subdivision, a public agency shall disclose to the public, upon request, the
findings and information related to a child fatality or near fatality if:
new text end

new text begin (1) a person is criminally charged with having caused the child fatality or near fatality;
new text end

new text begin (2) a county attorney certifies that a person would have been charged with having caused
the child fatality or near fatality but for that person's death; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a child protection investigation resulted in a determination of child maltreatment.
new text end

new text begin (b) Findings and information disclosed under this subdivision consist of a written
summary that includes any of the following information the agency is able to provide:
new text end

new text begin (1) the cause and circumstances regarding the child fatality or near fatality;
new text end

new text begin (2) the age and gender of the child;
new text end

new text begin (3) information on any previous reports of child maltreatment that are pertinent to the
maltreatment that led to the child fatality or near fatality;
new text end

new text begin (4) information on any previous investigations that are pertinent to the maltreatment that
led to the child fatality or near fatality;
new text end

new text begin (5) the result of any investigations described in clause (4);
new text end

new text begin (6) actions of and services provided by the local social services agency on behalf of a
child that are pertinent to the child maltreatment that led to the child fatality or near fatality;
and
new text end

new text begin (7) the result of any review of the state child mortality review panel, a local child mortality
review panel, a local community child protection team, or any public agency.
new text end

new text begin (c) Nothing in this subdivision authorizes access to the private data in the custody of a
local social services agency, or the disclosure to the public of the records or content of any
psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic evaluation, or the disclosure of information that
would reveal the identities of persons who provided information related to maltreatment of
the child.
new text end

new text begin (d) A person whose request is denied may apply to the appropriate court for an order
compelling disclosure of all or part of the findings and information of the public agency.
The application must set forth, with reasonable particularity, factors supporting the
application. The court has jurisdiction to issue these orders. Actions under this chapter must
be set down for immediate hearing, and subsequent proceedings in those actions must be
given priority by the appellate courts.
new text end

new text begin (e) A public agency or its employees acting in good faith in disclosing or declining to
disclose information under this chapter are immune from criminal or civil liability that might
otherwise be incurred or imposed for that action.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Birth match data. new text end

new text begin Upon receiving data under section 144.225, subdivision 2b,
contained in a birth record or recognition of parentage identifying a child who is subject to
threatened injury under section 626B.02, subdivision 20, the Department of Human Services
shall send the data to the responsible social services agency. The data is known as "birth
match" data. Unless the responsible social services agency has already begun an investigation
or assessment of the report due to the birth of the child or execution of the recognition of
parentage and the parent's previous history with child protection, the agency shall accept
the birth match data as a report under this section. The agency may use either a family
assessment or investigation to determine whether the child is safe. All of the provisions of
this chapter apply. If the child is determined to be safe, the agency shall consult with the
county attorney to determine the appropriateness of filing a petition alleging the child is in
need of protection or services under section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (16), in order
to deliver needed services. If the child is determined not to be safe, the agency and the
county attorney shall take appropriate action as required under section 260C.503, subdivision
2.
new text end

Sec. 15.

new text begin [626B.15] AUDIT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Audit required. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall regularly audit for accuracy
the data reported by counties on maltreatment of minors.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Audit procedure. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop a plan to perform quality
assurance reviews of local welfare agency screening practices and decisions. The
commissioner shall provide oversight and guidance to counties to ensure consistent
application of screening guidelines, thorough and appropriate screening decisions, and
correct documentation and maintenance of reports.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report required. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall produce an annual report of the
summary results of the reviews. The report must only contain aggregate data and may not
include any data that could be used to personally identify any subject whose data is included
in the report. The report is public information and must be provided to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over child protection
issues.
new text end

Sec. 16. new text beginREVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes shall make necessary cross-reference changes and remove statutory
cross-references in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules to conform with the
recodification and repealer in this act. The revisor may make technical and other necessary
changes to sentence structure to preserve the meaning of the text. The revisor may alter the
statutory coding in this act to incorporate statutory changes made by other law in the 2017
regular legislative session. If a provision repealed in this act is also amended in the 2017
regular legislative session by other law, the revisor shall merge the amendment into the
recodification, notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 645.30.
new text end

Sec. 17. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.556, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

CONFORMING CHANGES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.32, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Private data; when disclosure is permitted.

Except as provided in subdivision
5, educational data is private data on individuals and shall not be disclosed except as follows:

(a) pursuant to section 13.05;

(b) pursuant to a valid court order;

(c) pursuant to a statute specifically authorizing access to the private data;

(d) to disclose information in health, including mental health, and safety emergencies
pursuant to the provisions of United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(1)(I) and Code
of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.36;

(e) pursuant to the provisions of United States Code, title 20, sections 1232g(b)(1),
(b)(4)(A), (b)(4)(B), (b)(1)(B), (b)(3), (b)(6), (b)(7), and (i), and Code of Federal Regulations,
title 34, sections 99.31, 99.32, 99.33, 99.34, 99.35, and 99.39;

(f) to appropriate health authorities to the extent necessary to administer immunization
programs and for bona fide epidemiologic investigations which the commissioner of health
determines are necessary to prevent disease or disability to individuals in the public
educational agency or institution in which the investigation is being conducted;

(g) when disclosure is required for institutions that participate in a program under title
IV of the Higher Education Act, United States Code, title 20, section 1092;

(h) to the appropriate school district officials to the extent necessary under subdivision
6, annually to indicate the extent and content of remedial instruction, including the results
of assessment testing and academic performance at a postsecondary institution during the
previous academic year by a student who graduated from a Minnesota school district within
two years before receiving the remedial instruction;

(i) to appropriate authorities as provided in United States Code, title 20, section
1232g(b)(1)(E)(ii), if the data concern the juvenile justice system and the ability of the
system to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released;
provided that the authorities to whom the data are released submit a written request for the
data that certifies that the data will not be disclosed to any other person except as authorized
by law without the written consent of the parent of the student and the request and a record
of the release are maintained in the student's file;

(j) to volunteers who are determined to have a legitimate educational interest in the data
and who are conducting activities and events sponsored by or endorsed by the educational
agency or institution for students or former students;

(k) to provide student recruiting information, from educational data held by colleges
and universities, as required by and subject to Code of Federal Regulations, title 32, section
216;

(l) to the juvenile justice system if information about the behavior of a student who poses
a risk of harm is reasonably necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other
individuals;

(m) with respect to Social Security numbers of students in the adult basic education
system, to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Department of Employment
and Economic Development for the purpose and in the manner described in section 124D.52,
subdivision 7
;

(n) to the commissioner of education for purposes of an assessment or investigation of
a report of alleged maltreatment of a student as mandated by deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.
Upon request by the commissioner of education, data that are relevant to a report of
maltreatment and are from charter school and school district investigations of alleged
maltreatment of a student must be disclosed to the commissioner, including, but not limited
to, the following:

(1) information regarding the student alleged to have been maltreated;

(2) information regarding student and employee witnesses;

(3) information regarding the alleged perpetrator; and

(4) what corrective or protective action was taken, if any, by the school facility in response
to a report of maltreatment by an employee or agent of the school or school district;

(o) when the disclosure is of the final results of a disciplinary proceeding on a charge
of a crime of violence or nonforcible sex offense to the extent authorized under United
States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(6)(A) and (B) and Code of Federal Regulations, title
34, sections 99.31 (a)(13) and (14);

(p) when the disclosure is information provided to the institution under United States
Code, title 42, section 14071, concerning registered sex offenders to the extent authorized
under United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(7); or

(q) when the disclosure is to a parent of a student at an institution of postsecondary
education regarding the student's violation of any federal, state, or local law or of any rule
or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol or of a controlled
substance, to the extent authorized under United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(i), and
Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.31 (a)(15), and provided the institution
has an information release form signed by the student authorizing disclosure to a parent.
The institution must notify parents and students about the purpose and availability of the
information release forms. At a minimum, the institution must distribute the information
release forms at parent and student orientation meetings.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.3805, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Office of Health Facility Complaints; investigative data.

Except for
investigative data under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, all investigative data maintained by
the Department of Health's Office of Health Facility Complaints are subject to provisions
of and classified pursuant to section 626.557, subdivision 12b, paragraphs (b) to (d).
Notwithstanding sections deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 12b, paragraph
(b),new text begin 626B.14, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (g) and (h), and 3,new text end data identifying an individual
substantiated as the perpetrator are public data. For purposes of this subdivision, an individual
is substantiated as the perpetrator if the commissioner of health determines that the individual
is the perpetrator and the determination of the commissioner is upheld after the individual
either exercises applicable administrative appeal rights or fails to exercise these rights within
the time allowed by law.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.43, subdivision 14, is amended to read:


Subd. 14.

Maltreatment data.

(a) When a report of alleged maltreatment of a student
in a school facility, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2, paragraph (c)deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02,
subdivision 5
new text end, is made to the commissioner of education under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter
626B
new text end, data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are collected by the school
facility about the person alleged to have committed maltreatment must be provided to the
commissioner of education upon request for purposes of an assessment or investigation of
the maltreatment report. Data received by the commissioner of education pursuant to these
assessments or investigations are classified under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

(b) Personnel data may be released for purposes of providing information to a parent,
legal guardian, or custodian of a child under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 7deleted text endnew text begin 626B.09,
subdivision 10
new text end.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.46, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Investigative data.

(a) Data on persons, including data on vendors of services,
licensees, and applicants that is collected, maintained, used, or disseminated by the welfare
system in an investigation, authorized by statute, and relating to the enforcement of rules
or law are confidential data on individuals pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 3, or
protected nonpublic data not on individuals pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 13, and
shall not be disclosed except:

(1) pursuant to section 13.05;

(2) pursuant to statute or valid court order;

(3) to a party named in a civil or criminal proceeding, administrative or judicial, for
preparation of defense; or

(4) to provide notices required or permitted by statute.

The data referred to in this subdivision shall be classified as public data upon submission
to an administrative law judge or court in an administrative or judicial proceeding. Inactive
welfare investigative data shall be treated as provided in section 13.39, subdivision 3.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in law, the commissioner of human services
shall provide all active and inactive investigative data, including the name of the reporter
of alleged maltreatment under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end or new text beginsection new text end626.557, to the
ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities upon the request of the
ombudsman.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) and section 13.39, the existence of an investigation
by the commissioner of possible overpayments of public funds to a service provider or
recipient may be disclosed if the commissioner determines that it will not compromise the
investigation.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.46, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Licensing data.

(a) As used in this subdivision:

(1) "licensing data" are all data collected, maintained, used, or disseminated by the
welfare system pertaining to persons licensed or registered or who apply for licensure or
registration or who formerly were licensed or registered under the authority of the
commissioner of human services;

(2) "client" means a person who is receiving services from a licensee or from an applicant
for licensure; and

(3) "personal and personal financial data" are Social Security numbers, identity of and
letters of reference, insurance information, reports from the Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension, health examination reports, and social/home studies.

(b)(1)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (c), the following data on applicants, license
holders, and former licensees are public: name, address, telephone number of licensees,
date of receipt of a completed application, dates of licensure, licensed capacity, type of
client preferred, variances granted, record of training and education in child care and child
development, type of dwelling, name and relationship of other family members, previous
license history, class of license, the existence and status of complaints, and the number of
serious injuries to or deaths of individuals in the licensed program as reported to the
commissioner of human services, the local social services agency, or any other county
welfare agency. For purposes of this clause, a serious injury is one that is treated by a
physician.

(ii) When a correction order, an order to forfeit a fine, an order of license suspension,
an order of temporary immediate suspension, an order of license revocation, an order of
license denial, or an order of conditional license has been issued, or a complaint is resolved,
the following data on current and former licensees and applicants are public: the general
nature of the complaint or allegations leading to the temporary immediate suspension; the
substance and investigative findings of the licensing or maltreatment complaint, licensing
violation, or substantiated maltreatment; the existence of settlement negotiations; the record
of informal resolution of a licensing violation; orders of hearing; findings of fact; conclusions
of law; specifications of the final correction order, fine, suspension, temporary immediate
suspension, revocation, denial, or conditional license contained in the record of licensing
action; whether a fine has been paid; and the status of any appeal of these actions.

(iii) When a license denial under section 245A.05 or a sanction under section 245A.07
is based on a determination that a license holder, applicant, or controlling individual is
responsible for maltreatment under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end ornew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557, the
identity of the applicant, license holder, or controlling individual as the individual responsible
for maltreatment is public data at the time of the issuance of the license denial or sanction.

(iv) When a license denial under section 245A.05 or a sanction under section 245A.07
is based on a determination that a license holder, applicant, or controlling individual is
disqualified under chapter 245C, the identity of the license holder, applicant, or controlling
individual as the disqualified individual and the reason for the disqualification are public
data at the time of the issuance of the licensing sanction or denial. If the applicant, license
holder, or controlling individual requests reconsideration of the disqualification and the
disqualification is affirmed, the reason for the disqualification and the reason to not set aside
the disqualification are public data.

(2) For applicants who withdraw their application prior to licensure or denial of a license,
the following data are public: the name of the applicant, the city and county in which the
applicant was seeking licensure, the dates of the commissioner's receipt of the initial
application and completed application, the type of license sought, and the date of withdrawal
of the application.

(3) For applicants who are denied a license, the following data are public: the name and
address of the applicant, the city and county in which the applicant was seeking licensure,
the dates of the commissioner's receipt of the initial application and completed application,
the type of license sought, the date of denial of the application, the nature of the basis for
the denial, the existence of settlement negotiations, the record of informal resolution of a
denial, orders of hearings, findings of fact, conclusions of law, specifications of the final
order of denial, and the status of any appeal of the denial.

(4) When maltreatment is substantiated under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end ornew text begin sectionnew text end
626.557 and the victim and the substantiated perpetrator are affiliated with a program
licensed under chapter 245A, the commissioner of human services, local social services
agency, or county welfare agency may inform the license holder where the maltreatment
occurred of the identity of the substantiated perpetrator and the victim.

(5) Notwithstanding clause (1), for child foster care, only the name of the license holder
and the status of the license are public if the county attorney has requested that data otherwise
classified as public data under clause (1) be considered private data based on the best interests
of a child in placement in a licensed program.

(c) The following are private data on individuals under section 13.02, subdivision 12,
or nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9: personal and personal financial data
on family day care program and family foster care program applicants and licensees and
their family members who provide services under the license.

(d) The following are private data on individuals: the identity of persons who have made
reports concerning licensees or applicants that appear in inactive investigative data, and the
records of clients or employees of the licensee or applicant for licensure whose records are
received by the licensing agency for purposes of review or in anticipation of a contested
matter. The names of reporters of complaints or alleged violations of licensing standards
under chapters 245A, 245B, 245C, and 245D, and applicable rules and alleged maltreatment
under deleted text beginsections 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end andnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557, are confidential data and may
be disclosed only as provided in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11, ordeleted text end 626.557, subdivision
12bnew text begin, or 626B.14, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (g) and (h), and 3new text end
.

(e) Data classified as private, confidential, nonpublic, or protected nonpublic under this
subdivision become public data if submitted to a court or administrative law judge as part
of a disciplinary proceeding in which there is a public hearing concerning a license which
has been suspended, immediately suspended, revoked, or denied.

(f) Data generated in the course of licensing investigations that relate to an alleged
violation of law are investigative data under subdivision 3.

(g) Data that are not public data collected, maintained, used, or disseminated under this
subdivision that relate to or are derived from a report as defined in section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 2
, or
deleted text end 626.5572, subdivision 18new text begin, or 626B.02new text end, are subject to the destruction
provisions of sections deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11c, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 12bnew text begin, and 626B.14,
subdivision 4
new text end
.

(h) Upon request, not public data collected, maintained, used, or disseminated under
this subdivision that relate to or are derived from a report of substantiated maltreatment as
defined in deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end ornew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557 may be exchanged with the
Department of Health for purposes of completing background studies pursuant to section
144.057 and with the Department of Corrections for purposes of completing background
studies pursuant to section 241.021.

(i) Data on individuals collected according to licensing activities under chapters 245A
and 245C, data on individuals collected by the commissioner of human services according
to investigations under chapters 245A, 245B, 245C, deleted text beginanddeleted text end 245D, deleted text beginand sections deleted text enddeleted text begin626.556deleted text end new text beginand
626B,
new text endand new text beginsection new text end626.557 may be shared with the Department of Human Rights, the
Department of Health, the Department of Corrections, the ombudsman for mental health
and developmental disabilities, and the individual's professional regulatory board when
there is reason to believe that laws or standards under the jurisdiction of those agencies may
have been violated or the information may otherwise be relevant to the board's regulatory
jurisdiction. Background study data on an individual who is the subject of a background
study under chapter 245C for a licensed service for which the commissioner of human
services is the license holder may be shared with the commissioner and the commissioner's
delegate by the licensing division. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the identity
of a reporter of alleged maltreatment or licensing violations may not be disclosed.

(j) In addition to the notice of determinations required under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision
10f
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.11, subdivision 8new text end, if the commissioner or the local social services agency has
determined that an individual is a substantiated perpetrator of maltreatment of a child based
on sexual abuse, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end, and the commissioner
or local social services agency knows that the individual is a person responsible for a child's
care in another facility, the commissioner or local social services agency shall notify the
head of that facility of this determination. The notification must include an explanation of
the individual's available appeal rights and the status of any appeal. If a notice is given under
this paragraph, the government entity making the notification shall provide a copy of the
notice to the individual who is the subject of the notice.

(k) All not public data collected, maintained, used, or disseminated under this subdivision
and subdivision 3 may be exchanged between the Department of Human Services, Licensing
Division, and the Department of Corrections for purposes of regulating services for which
the Department of Human Services and the Department of Corrections have regulatory
authority.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.82, subdivision 8, is amended to read:


Subd. 8.

Child abuse identity data.

Active or inactive investigative data that identify
a victim of child abuse or neglect reported under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end are private
data on individuals. Active or inactive investigative data that identify a reporter of child
abuse or neglect under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end are confidential data on individuals,
unless the subject of the report compels disclosure under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11deleted text endnew text begin
626B.14, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (g) and (h), and 3
new text end.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.82, subdivision 9, is amended to read:


Subd. 9.

Inactive child abuse data.

Investigative data that become inactive under
subdivision 7, clause (a) or (b), and that relate to the alleged abuse or neglect of a child by
a person responsible for the child's care, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end,
are private data.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.82, subdivision 17, is amended to read:


Subd. 17.

Protection of identities.

A law enforcement agency or a law enforcement
dispatching agency working under direction of a law enforcement agency shall withhold
public access to data on individuals to protect the identity of individuals in the following
circumstances:

(a) when access to the data would reveal the identity of an undercover law enforcement
officer, as provided in section 13.43, subdivision 5;

(b) when access to the data would reveal the identity of a victim or alleged victim of
criminal sexual conduct or sex trafficking under section 609.322, 609.341 to 609.3451, or
617.246, subdivision 2;

(c) when access to the data would reveal the identity of a paid or unpaid informant being
used by the agency if the agency reasonably determines that revealing the identity of the
informant would threaten the personal safety of the informant;

(d) when access to the data would reveal the identity of a victim of or witness to a crime
if the victim or witness specifically requests not to be identified publicly, unless the agency
reasonably determines that revealing the identity of the victim or witness would not threaten
the personal safety or property of the individual;

(e) when access to the data would reveal the identity of a deceased person whose body
was unlawfully removed from a cemetery in which it was interred;

(f) when access to the data would reveal the identity of a person who placed a call to a
911 system or the identity or telephone number of a service subscriber whose phone is used
to place a call to the 911 system and: (1) the agency determines that revealing the identity
may threaten the personal safety or property of any person; or (2) the object of the call is
to receive help in a mental health emergency. For the purposes of this paragraph, a voice
recording of a call placed to the 911 system is deemed to reveal the identity of the caller;

(g) when access to the data would reveal the identity of a juvenile witness and the agency
reasonably determines that the subject matter of the investigation justifies protecting the
identity of the witness; or

(h) when access to the data would reveal the identity of a mandated reporter under section
609.456deleted text begin, 626.556,deleted text end or 626.557new text begin, or chapter 626Bnew text end.

Data concerning individuals whose identities are protected by this subdivision are private
data about those individuals. Law enforcement agencies shall establish procedures to acquire
the data and make the decisions necessary to protect the identity of individuals described
in clauses (c), (d), (f), and (g).

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.821, is amended to read:


13.821 VIDEOTAPES OF CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS.

(a) Notwithstanding section 13.04, subdivision 3, an individual subject of data may not
obtain a copy of a videotape in which a child victim or alleged victim is alleging, explaining,
denying, or describing an act of physical or sexual abuse without a court order under section
13.03, subdivision 6, or 611A.90. The definitions of physical abuse and sexual abuse in
section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2,deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end apply to this section, except that abuse is not limited
to acts by a person responsible for the child's care or in a significant relationship with the
child or position of authority.

(b) This section does not limit other rights of access to data by an individual under section
13.04, subdivision 3, other than the right to obtain a copy of the videotape, nor prohibit
rights of access pursuant to discovery in a court proceeding.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.84, subdivision 9, is amended to read:


Subd. 9.

Child abuse data; release to child protective services.

A court services agency
may release private or confidential data on an active case involving assessment or
investigation of actions that are defined as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect underdeleted text begin
section 626.556
deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end to a local welfare agency if:

(1) the local welfare agency has an active case involving a common client or clients who
are the subject of the data; and

(2) the data are necessary for the local welfare agency to effectively process the agency's
case, including investigating or performing other duties relating to the case required by law.

Court services data disclosed under this subdivision may be used only for purposes of
the active case described in clause (1) and may not be further disclosed to any other person
or agency, except as authorized by law.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.871, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Training; investigation; apprehension; reports.

(a) Reports of gunshot
wounds.
Disclosure of the name of a person making a report under section 626.52,
subdivision 2
, is governed by section 626.53.

(b) Child abuse report records. Data contained in child abuse report records are
classified under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

(c) Interstate data exchange. Disclosure of child abuse reports to agencies of another
state is classified under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10gdeleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision 1, paragraphs
(b) and (c)
new text end.

(d) Release to family court services. Release of child abuse data to a court services
agency is authorized under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10hdeleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision 1,
paragraphs (d) and (e)
new text end.

(e) Release of data to mandated reporters. Release of child abuse data to mandated
reporters who have an ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child
affected by the data is authorized under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10jdeleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision
2
new text end.

(f) Release of child abuse assessment or investigative records to other counties.
Release of child abuse investigative records to local welfare agencies is authorized under
section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10kdeleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision 1, paragraph (f)new text end.

(g) Classifying and sharing records and reports of child abuse. The classification of
child abuse data and the sharing of records and reports of child abuse by and between local
welfare agencies and law enforcement agencies are governed under section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 11
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (g) and (h), and 3new text end.

(h) Disclosure of information not required in certain cases. Disclosure of certain data
obtained from interviewing a minor is governed by section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11adeleted text endnew text begin 626B.11,
subdivision 3, paragraph (f)
new text end.

(i) Data received from law enforcement. Classifying child abuse data received by
certain agencies from law enforcement agencies is governed under section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 11b
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision 1, paragraph (i)new text end.

(j) Disclosure in child fatality cases. Disclosure of information relating to a child fatality
is governed under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11ddeleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision 5new text end.

(k) Reports of prenatal exposure to controlled substances. Data on persons making
reports under section 626.5561 are classified under section 626.5561, subdivision 3.

(l) Vulnerable adult report records. Data contained in vulnerable adult report records
are classified under section 626.557, subdivision 12b.

(m) Adult protection team information sharing. Sharing of local welfare agency
vulnerable adult data with a protection team is governed by section 626.5571, subdivision
3
.

(n) Child protection team. Data acquired by a case consultation committee or
subcommittee of a child protection team are classified by section 626.558, subdivision 3.

(o) Peace officer discipline procedures. Access by an officer under investigation to
the investigating agency's investigative report on the officer is governed by section 626.89,
subdivision 6
.

(p) Racial profiling study data. Racial profiling study data is governed by Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 626.951.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.88, is amended to read:


13.88 COMMUNITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER DATA.

The guidelines shall provide that all files relating to a case in a community dispute
resolution program are to be classified as private data on individuals, pursuant to section
13.02, subdivision 12, with the following exceptions:

(1) When a party to the case has been formally charged with a criminal offense, the data
are to be classified as public data on individuals, pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 15.

(2) Data relating to suspected neglect or physical or sexual abuse of children or
maltreatment of vulnerable adults are to be subject to the reporting requirements of deleted text beginsections
626.556 and
deleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and chapter 626Bnew text end.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 122A.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Mandatory reporting.

A school board must report to the Board of Teaching,
the Board of School Administrators, or the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities, whichever has jurisdiction over the teacher's or administrator's license,
when its teacher or administrator is discharged or resigns from employment after a charge
is filed with the school board under section 122A.41, subdivisions 6, clauses (1), (2), and
(3), and 7, or after charges are filed that are grounds for discharge under section 122A.40,
subdivision 13
, paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5), or when a teacher or administrator is
suspended or resigns while an investigation is pending under section 122A.40, subdivision
13
, paragraph (a) clauses (1) to (5)deleted text begin;deleted text endnew text begin, ornew text end 122A.41, subdivisions 6, clauses (1), (2), and (3),
and 7; or deleted text begin626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, or when a teacher or administrator is suspended without
an investigation under section 122A.41, subdivisions 6, paragraph (a), clauses (1), (2), and
(3), and 7deleted text begin;deleted text endnew text begin,new text end or deleted text begin626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. The report must be made to the appropriate licensing
board within ten days after the discharge, suspension, or resignation has occurred. The
licensing board to which the report is made must investigate the report for violation of
subdivision 1 and the reporting board must cooperate in the investigation. Notwithstanding
any provision in chapter 13 or any law to the contrary, upon written request from the licensing
board having jurisdiction over the license, a board or school superintendent shall provide
the licensing board with information about the teacher or administrator from the district's
files, any termination or disciplinary proceeding, any settlement or compromise, or any
investigative file. Upon written request from the appropriate licensing board, a board or
school superintendent may, at the discretion of the board or school superintendent, solicit
the written consent of a student and the student's parent to provide the licensing board with
information that may aid the licensing board in its investigation and license proceedings.
The licensing board's request need not identify a student or parent by name. The consent
of the student and the student's parent must meet the requirements of chapter 13 and Code
of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.30. The licensing board may provide a consent
form to the district. Any data transmitted to any board under this section is private data
under section 13.02, subdivision 12, notwithstanding any other classification of the data
when it was in the possession of any other agency.

The licensing board to which a report is made must transmit to the Attorney General's
Office any record or data it receives under this subdivision for the sole purpose of having
the Attorney General's Office assist that board in its investigation. When the Attorney
General's Office has informed an employee of the appropriate licensing board in writing
that grounds exist to suspend or revoke a teacher's license to teach, that licensing board
must consider suspending or revoking or decline to suspend or revoke the teacher's or
administrator's license within 45 days of receiving a stipulation executed by the teacher or
administrator under investigation or a recommendation from an administrative law judge
that disciplinary action be taken.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 122A.40, subdivision 13, is amended to read:


Subd. 13.

Immediate discharge.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), a
board may discharge a continuing-contract teacher, effective immediately, upon any of the
following grounds:

(1) immoral conduct, insubordination, or conviction of a felony;

(2) conduct unbecoming a teacher which requires the immediate removal of the teacher
from classroom or other duties;

(3) failure without justifiable cause to teach without first securing the written release of
the school board;

(4) gross inefficiency which the teacher has failed to correct after reasonable written
notice;

(5) willful neglect of duty; or

(6) continuing physical or mental disability subsequent to a 12 months leave of absence
and inability to qualify for reinstatement in accordance with subdivision 12.

For purposes of this paragraph, conduct unbecoming a teacher includes an unfair
discriminatory practice described in section 363A.13.

Prior to discharging a teacher under this paragraph, the board must notify the teacher in
writing and state its ground for the proposed discharge in reasonable detail. Within ten days
after receipt of this notification the teacher may make a written request for a hearing before
the board and it shall be granted before final action is taken. The board may suspend a
teacher with pay pending the conclusion of the hearing and determination of the issues
raised in the hearing after charges have been filed which constitute ground for discharge.
If a teacher has been charged with a felony and the underlying conduct that is the subject
of the felony charge is a ground for a proposed immediate discharge, the suspension pending
the conclusion of the hearing and determination of the issues may be without pay. If a
hearing under this paragraph is held, the board must reimburse the teacher for any salary
or compensation withheld if the final decision of the board or the arbitrator does not result
in a penalty to or suspension, termination, or discharge of the teacher.

(b) A board must discharge a continuing-contract teacher, effective immediately, upon
receipt of notice under section 122A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), that the teacher's
license has been revoked due to a conviction for child abuse, as defined in section 609.185;
sex trafficking in the first degree under section 609.322, subdivision 1; sex trafficking in
the second degree under section 609.322, subdivision 1a; engaging in hiring or agreeing to
hire a minor to engage in prostitution under section 609.324, subdivision 1; sexual abuse
under section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.3451, subdivision 3, or 617.23,
subdivision 3
; solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct or communication of
sexually explicit materials to children under section 609.352; interference with privacy
under section 609.746 or stalking under section 609.749 and the victim was a minor; using
minors in a sexual performance under section 617.246; possessing pornographic works
involving a minor under section 617.247; or any other offense not listed in this paragraph
that requires the person to register as a predatory offender under section 243.166, or a crime
under a similar law of another state or the United States.

(c) When a teacher is discharged under paragraph (b) or when the commissioner makes
a final determination of child maltreatment involving a teacher under section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 11
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (g) and (h), and 3new text end, the school principal
or other person having administrative control of the school must include in the teacher's
employment record the information contained in the record of the disciplinary action or the
final maltreatment determination, consistent with the definition of public data under section
13.41, subdivision 5, and must provide the Board of Teaching and the licensing division at
the department with the necessary and relevant information to enable the Board of Teaching
and the department's licensing division to fulfill their statutory and administrative duties
related to issuing, renewing, suspending, or revoking a teacher's license. Information received
by the Board of Teaching or the licensing division at the department under this paragraph
is governed by section 13.41 or other applicable law governing data of the receiving entity.
In addition to the background check required under section 123B.03, a school board or other
school hiring authority must contact the Board of Teaching and the department to determine
whether the teacher's license has been suspended or revoked, consistent with the discharge
and final maltreatment determinations identified in this paragraph. Unless restricted by
federal or state data practices law or by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, the
responsible authority for a school district must disseminate to another school district private
personnel data on a current or former teacher employee or contractor of the district, including
the results of background investigations, if the requesting school district seeks the information
because the subject of the data has applied for employment with the requesting school
district.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 122A.41, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Grounds for discharge or demotion.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in
paragraph (b), causes for the discharge or demotion of a teacher either during or after the
probationary period must be:

(1) immoral character, conduct unbecoming a teacher, or insubordination;

(2) failure without justifiable cause to teach without first securing the written release of
the school board having the care, management, or control of the school in which the teacher
is employed;

(3) inefficiency in teaching or in the management of a school, consistent with subdivision
5, paragraph (b);

(4) affliction with a communicable disease must be considered as cause for removal or
suspension while the teacher is suffering from such disability; or

(5) discontinuance of position or lack of pupils.

For purposes of this paragraph, conduct unbecoming a teacher includes an unfair
discriminatory practice described in section 363A.13.

(b) A probationary or continuing-contract teacher must be discharged immediately upon
receipt of notice under section 122A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), that the teacher's
license has been revoked due to a conviction for child abuse, as defined in section 609.185;
sex trafficking in the first degree under section 609.322, subdivision 1; sex trafficking in
the second degree under section 609.322, subdivision 1a; engaging in hiring or agreeing to
hire a minor to engage in prostitution under section 609.324, subdivision 1; sexual abuse
under section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.3451, subdivision 3, or 617.23,
subdivision 3
; solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct or communication of
sexually explicit materials to children under section 609.352; interference with privacy
under section 609.746 or stalking under section 609.749 and the victim was a minor; using
minors in a sexual performance under section 617.246; possessing pornographic works
involving a minor under section 617.247; or any other offense not listed in this paragraph
that requires the person to register as a predatory offender under section 243.166, or a crime
under a similar law of another state or the United States.

(c) When a teacher is discharged under paragraph (b) or when the commissioner makes
a final determination of child maltreatment involving a teacher under section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 11
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (g) and (h), and 3new text end, the school principal
or other person having administrative control of the school must include in the teacher's
employment record the information contained in the record of the disciplinary action or the
final maltreatment determination, consistent with the definition of public data under section
13.41, subdivision 5, and must provide the Board of Teaching and the licensing division at
the department with the necessary and relevant information to enable the Board of Teaching
and the department's licensing division to fulfill their statutory and administrative duties
related to issuing, renewing, suspending, or revoking a teacher's license. Information received
by the Board of Teaching or the licensing division at the department under this paragraph
is governed by section 13.41 or other applicable law governing data of the receiving entity.
In addition to the background check required under section 123B.03, a school board or other
school hiring authority must contact the Board of Teaching and the department to determine
whether the teacher's license has been suspended or revoked, consistent with the discharge
and final maltreatment determinations identified in this paragraph. Unless restricted by
federal or state data practices law or by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, the
responsible authority for a school district must disseminate to another school district private
personnel data on a current or former teacher employee or contractor of the district, including
the results of background investigations, if the requesting school district seeks the information
because the subject of the data has applied for employment with the requesting school
district.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 125A.0942, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Prohibitions.

The following actions or procedures are prohibited:

(1) engaging in conduct prohibited under section 121A.58;

(2) requiring a child to assume and maintain a specified physical position, activity, or
posture that induces physical pain;

(3) totally or partially restricting a child's senses as punishment;

(4) presenting an intense sound, light, or other sensory stimuli using smell, taste,
substance, or spray as punishment;

(5) denying or restricting a child's access to equipment and devices such as walkers,
wheelchairs, hearing aids, and communication boards that facilitate the child's functioning,
except when temporarily removing the equipment or device is needed to prevent injury to
the child or others or serious damage to the equipment or device, in which case the equipment
or device shall be returned to the child as soon as possible;

(6) interacting with a child in a manner that constitutes sexual abuse, neglect, or physical
abuse under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end;

(7) withholding regularly scheduled meals or water;

(8) denying access to bathroom facilities;

(9) physical holding that restricts or impairs a child's ability to breathe, restricts or impairs
a child's ability to communicate distress, places pressure or weight on a child's head, throat,
neck, chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, or abdomen, or results in straddling a child's
torso; and

(10) prone restraint.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 135A.15, subdivision 10, is amended to read:


Subd. 10.

Applicability of other laws.

This section does not exempt mandatory reporters
from the requirements of section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557 new text beginor chapter 626B new text endgoverning the reporting
of maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults. Nothing in this section limits the authority
of an institution to comply with other applicable state or federal laws related to investigations
or reports of sexual harassment, sexual violence, or sexual assault.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144.225, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:


Subd. 2b.

Commissioner of health; duties.

Notwithstanding the designation of certain
of this data as confidential under subdivision 2 or private under subdivision 2a, the
commissioner shall give the commissioner of human services access to birth record data
and data contained in recognitions of parentage prepared according to section 257.75
necessary to enable the commissioner of human services to identify a child who is subject
to threatened injury, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2, paragraph (p)deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02,
subdivision 20
new text end, by a person responsible for the child's care, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 2
, paragraph (j)
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02, subdivision 15new text end, clause (1). The commissioner shall
be given access to all data included on official birth records.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144.343, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Limitations.

No notice shall be required under this section if:

(a) The attending physician certifies in the pregnant woman's medical record that the
abortion is necessary to prevent the woman's death and there is insufficient time to provide
the required notice; or

(b) The abortion is authorized in writing by the person or persons who are entitled to
notice; or

(c) The pregnant minor woman declares that she is a victim of sexual abuse, neglect, or
physical abuse as defined in deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. Notice of that declaration shall
be made to the proper authorities as provided in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3deleted text endnew text begin 626B.03,
subdivisions 1 and 2
new text end.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144.7065, subdivision 10, is amended to read:


Subd. 10.

Relation to other law; data classification.

(a) Adverse health events described
in subdivisions 2 to 6 do not constitute "maltreatment," "neglect," or "a physical injury that
is not reasonably explained" under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end and are
excluded from the reporting requirements of deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text end new text begin section new text end626.557new text begin and
chapter 626B
new text end
, provided the facility makes a determination within 24 hours of the discovery
of the event that this section is applicable and the facility files the reports required under
this section in a timely fashion.

(b) A facility that has determined that an event described in subdivisions 2 to 6 has
occurred must inform persons who are mandated reporters under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision
3
, or
deleted text end 626.5572, subdivision 16,new text begin or 626B.03,new text end of that determination. A mandated reporter
otherwise required to report under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3, ordeleted text end 626.557, subdivision
3
, paragraph (e),new text begin or 626B.03,new text end is relieved of the duty to report an event that the facility
determines under paragraph (a) to be reportable under subdivisions 2 to 6.

(c) The protections and immunities applicable to voluntary reports under deleted text beginsections 626.556
and
deleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557 new text beginand chapter 626B new text endare not affected by this section.

(d) Notwithstanding section deleted text begin626.556,deleted text end 626.557,new text begin chapter 626B,new text end or any other provision of
Minnesota statute or rule to the contrary, a lead agency under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision
3c
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.06new text end, a lead investigative agency under section 626.5572, subdivision 13, the
commissioner of health, or the director of the Office of Health Facility Complaints is not
required to conduct an investigation of or obtain or create investigative data or reports
regarding an event described in subdivisions 2 to 6. If the facility satisfies the requirements
described in paragraph (a), the review or investigation shall be conducted and data or reports
shall be obtained or created only under sections 144.706 to 144.7069, except as permitted
or required under sections 144.50 to 144.564, or as necessary to carry out the state's
certification responsibility under the provisions of sections 1864 and 1867 of the Social
Security Act. If a licensed health care provider reports an event to the facility required to
be reported under subdivisions 2 to 6 in a timely manner, the provider's licensing board is
not required to conduct an investigation of or obtain or create investigative data or reports
regarding the individual reporting of the events described in subdivisions 2 to 6.

(e) Data contained in the following records are nonpublic and, to the extent they contain
data on individuals, confidential data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02:

(1) reports provided to the commissioner under sections 147.155, 147A.155, 148.267,
151.301, and 153.255;

(2) event reports, findings of root cause analyses, and corrective action plans filed by a
facility under this section; and

(3) records created or obtained by the commissioner in reviewing or investigating the
reports, findings, and plans described in clause (2).

For purposes of the nonpublic data classification contained in this paragraph, the reporting
facility shall be deemed the subject of the data.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144.7068, is amended to read:


144.7068 REPORTS FROM LICENSING BOARDS.

(a) Effective upon full implementation of the adverse health care events reporting system,
the records maintained under sections 147.155, 147A.155, 148.267, 151.301, and 153.255,
shall be reported to the commissioner on the schedule established in those sections.

(b) The commissioner shall forward these reports to the facility named in the report.

(c) The facility shall determine whether the event has been previously reported under
section 144.7065. The facility shall notify the commissioner whether the event has been
reported previously. If the event has not been previously reported, the facility shall make a
determination whether the event was reportable under section 144.7065. If the facility
determines the event was reportable, the date of discovery of the event for the purposes of
section 144.7065, subdivision 10, paragraph (d), shall be as follows:

(1) if the commissioner determines that the facility knew or reasonably should have
known about the occurrence of the event, the date the event occurred shall be the date of
discovery. The facility shall be considered out of compliance with the reporting act, and
the event shall be subject to deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and chapter 626Bnew text end; or

(2) if the commissioner determines that the facility did not know about the occurrence
of the event, the date the facility receives the report from the commissioner shall serve as
the date of discovery.

If the facility determines that the event was not reportable under section 144.7065, the
facility shall notify the commissioner of that determination.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144A.472, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

License applications.

Each application for a home care provider license
must include information sufficient to show that the applicant meets the requirements of
licensure, including:

(1) the applicant's name, e-mail address, physical address, and mailing address, including
the name of the county in which the applicant resides and has a principal place of business;

(2) the initial license fee in the amount specified in subdivision 7;

(3) the e-mail address, physical address, mailing address, and telephone number of the
principal administrative office;

(4) the e-mail address, physical address, mailing address, and telephone number of each
branch office, if any;

(5) the names, e-mail and mailing addresses, and telephone numbers of all owners and
managerial officials;

(6) documentation of compliance with the background study requirements of section
144A.476 for all persons involved in the management, operation, or control of the home
care provider;

(7) documentation of a background study as required by section 144.057 for any
individual seeking employment, paid or volunteer, with the home care provider;

(8) evidence of workers' compensation coverage as required by sections 176.181 and
176.182;

(9) documentation of liability coverage, if the provider has it;

(10) identification of the license level the provider is seeking;

(11) documentation that identifies the managerial official who is in charge of day-to-day
operations and attestation that the person has reviewed and understands the home care
provider regulations;

(12) documentation that the applicant has designated one or more owners, managerial
officials, or employees as an agent or agents, which shall not affect the legal responsibility
of any other owner or managerial official under this chapter;

(13) the signature of the officer or managing agent on behalf of an entity, corporation,
association, or unit of government;

(14) verification that the applicant has the following policies and procedures in place so
that if a license is issued, the applicant will implement the policies and procedures and keep
them current:

(i) requirements in deleted text beginsections 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, reporting of maltreatment of minors,
and new text beginsection new text end626.557, reporting of maltreatment of vulnerable adults;

(ii) conducting and handling background studies on employees;

(iii) orientation, training, and competency evaluations of home care staff, and a process
for evaluating staff performance;

(iv) handling complaints from clients, family members, or client representatives regarding
staff or services provided by staff;

(v) conducting initial evaluation of clients' needs and the providers' ability to provide
those services;

(vi) conducting initial and ongoing client evaluations and assessments and how changes
in a client's condition are identified, managed, and communicated to staff and other health
care providers as appropriate;

(vii) orientation to and implementation of the home care client bill of rights;

(viii) infection control practices;

(ix) reminders for medications, treatments, or exercises, if provided; and

(x) conducting appropriate screenings, or documentation of prior screenings, to show
that staff are free of tuberculosis, consistent with current United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention standards; and

(15) other information required by the department.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144A.479, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Reporting maltreatment of vulnerable adults and minors.

(a) All home care
providers must comply with requirements for the reporting of maltreatment of minors in
deleted text begin section 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end and the requirements for the reporting of maltreatment of
vulnerable adults in section 626.557. Each home care provider must establish and implement
a written procedure to ensure that all cases of suspected maltreatment are reported.

(b) Each home care provider must develop and implement an individual abuse prevention
plan for each vulnerable minor or adult for whom home care services are provided by a
home care provider. The plan shall contain an individualized review or assessment of the
person's susceptibility to abuse by another individual, including other vulnerable adults or
minors; the person's risk of abusing other vulnerable adults or minors; and statements of
the specific measures to be taken to minimize the risk of abuse to that person and other
vulnerable adults or minors. For purposes of the abuse prevention plan, the term abuse
includes self-abuse.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144A.4796, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Content.

The orientation must contain the following topics:

(1) an overview of sections 144A.43 to 144A.4798;

(2) introduction and review of all the provider's policies and procedures related to the
provision of home care services;

(3) handling of emergencies and use of emergency services;

(4) compliance with and reporting of the maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults
under deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and chapter 626Bnew text end;

(5) home care bill of rights under section 144A.44;

(6) handling of clients' complaints, reporting of complaints, and where to report
complaints including information on the Office of Health Facility Complaints and the
Common Entry Point;

(7) consumer advocacy services of the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care,
Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Managed Care
Ombudsman at the Department of Human Services, county managed care advocates, or
other relevant advocacy services; and

(8) review of the types of home care services the employee will be providing and the
provider's scope of licensure.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 144A.4796, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Required annual training.

All staff that perform direct home care services
must complete at least eight hours of annual training for each 12 months of employment.
The training may be obtained from the home care provider or another source and must
include topics relevant to the provision of home care services. The annual training must
include:

(1) training on reporting of maltreatment of minors under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end
and maltreatment of vulnerable adults under section 626.557, whichever is applicable to
the services provided;

(2) review of the home care bill of rights in section 144A.44;

(3) review of infection control techniques used in the home and implementation of
infection control standards including a review of hand-washing techniques; the need for
and use of protective gloves, gowns, and masks; appropriate disposal of contaminated
materials and equipment, such as dressings, needles, syringes, and razor blades; disinfecting
reusable equipment; disinfecting environmental surfaces; and reporting of communicable
diseases; and

(4) review of the provider's policies and procedures relating to the provision of home
care services and how to implement those policies and procedures.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 145.902, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Immunity.

(a) A safe place with responsibility for performing duties under
this section, and any employee, doctor, ambulance personnel, or other medical professional
working at the safe place, are immune from any criminal liability that otherwise might result
from their actions, if they are acting in good faith in receiving a newborn, and are immune
from any civil liability that otherwise might result from merely receiving a newborn.

(b) A safe place performing duties under this section, or an employee, doctor, ambulance
personnel, or other medical professional working at the safe place who is a mandated reporter
under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, is immune from any criminal or civil liability that
otherwise might result from the failure to make a report under that section if the person is
acting in good faith in complying with this section.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 145.952, is amended to read:


145.952 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Scope.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 145.951 to 145.957.

Subd. 2.

Abuse.

"Abuse" means physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, mental injury,
and threatened injury, as those terms are defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end.

Subd. 3.

CHILD program or program.

"CHILD program" or "program" means the
children helped in long-term development program that the commissioner shall plan to be
implemented under sections 145.951 to 145.957.

Subd. 4.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health or the
commissioner's designee.

Subd. 5.

Local organization.

"Local organization" means an organization that contracts
with the commissioner under section 145.953, subdivision 1, to administer the CHILD
program on a local level.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 146A.025, is amended to read:


146A.025 MALTREATMENT OF MINORS.

Nothing in this chapter shall restrict the ability of a local welfare agency, local law
enforcement agency, the commissioner of human services, or the state to take action regarding
the maltreatment of minors under section 609.378 or deleted text begin626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. A parent who
obtains complementary and alternative health care for the parent's minor child is not relieved
of the duty to seek necessary medical care consistent with the requirements of deleted text beginsectionsdeleted text endnew text begin
section
new text end 609.378 and deleted text begin626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. A complementary or alternative health care
practitioner who is providing services to a child who is not receiving necessary medical
care must make a report under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. A complementary or alternative
health care provider is a mandated reporter under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3deleted text endnew text begin 626B.03new text end.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 148B.593, is amended to read:


148B.593 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.

(a) A person licensed under sections 148B.50 to 148B.593 may not disclose without
written consent of the client any communication made by the client to the licensee in the
course of the practice of professional counseling, nor may any employee of the licensee
reveal the information without the consent of the employer or client except as provided
under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end.

(b) For purposes of sections 148B.50 to 148B.593, the confidential relations and
communications between the licensee and a client are placed upon the same basis as those
that exist between a licensed psychologist and client. Nothing in sections 148B.50 to
148B.593 may be construed to require any communications to be disclosed except by court
order.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 148E.240, subdivision 7, is amended to read:


Subd. 7.

Reporting maltreatment of minors.

An applicant or licensee must comply
with the reporting of maltreatment of minors established by deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 148F.13, subdivision 12, is amended to read:


Subd. 12.

Abuse or neglect of minors or vulnerable adults.

An applicant or licensee
must comply with the reporting of maltreatment of minors established in deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin
chapter 626B
new text end and the reporting of maltreatment of vulnerable adults established in section
626.557.

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 148F.205, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Mandatory reporting requirements.

A provider is required to file a
complaint when the provider knows or has reason to believe that another provider:

(1) is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety as a result of a physical or mental
illness or condition, including, but not limited to, substance abuse or dependence, except
that this mandated reporting requirement is deemed fulfilled by a report made to the Health
Professionals Services Program (HPSP) as provided by section 214.33, subdivision 1;

(2) is engaging in or has engaged in sexual behavior with a client or former client in
violation of section 148F.165, subdivision 6 or 7;

(3) has failed to report abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults in violation of
section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end; or

(4) has employed fraud or deception in obtaining or renewing an alcohol and drug
counseling license.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 153B.70, is amended to read:


153B.70 GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

(a) The board may refuse to issue or renew a license, revoke or suspend a license, or
place on probation or reprimand a licensee for one or any combination of the following:

(1) making a material misstatement in furnishing information to the board;

(2) violating or intentionally disregarding the requirements of this chapter;

(3) conviction of a crime, including a finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt,
or a no-contest plea, in this state or elsewhere, reasonably related to the practice of the
profession. Conviction, as used in this clause, includes a conviction of an offense which, if
committed in this state, would be deemed a felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor,
without regard to its designation elsewhere, or a criminal proceeding where a finding or
verdict of guilty is made or returned but the adjudication of guilt is either withheld or not
entered;

(4) making a misrepresentation in order to obtain or renew a license;

(5) displaying a pattern of practice or other behavior that demonstrates incapacity or
incompetence to practice;

(6) aiding or assisting another person in violating the provisions of this chapter;

(7) failing to provide information within 60 days in response to a written request from
the board, including documentation of completion of continuing education requirements;

(8) engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct;

(9) engaging in conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public;

(10) inability to practice due to habitual intoxication, addiction to drugs, or mental or
physical illness;

(11) being disciplined by another state or territory of the United States, the federal
government, a national certification organization, or foreign nation, if at least one of the
grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to one of the grounds in
this section;

(12) directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from a person, firm, corporation,
partnership, or association a fee, commission, rebate, or other form of compensation for
professional services not actually or personally rendered;

(13) incurring a finding by the board that the licensee, after the licensee has been placed
on probationary status, has violated the conditions of the probation;

(14) abandoning a patient or client;

(15) willfully making or filing false records or reports in the course of the licensee's
practice including, but not limited to, false records or reports filed with state or federal
agencies;

(16) willfully failing to report child maltreatment as required under the Maltreatment of
Minors Act, deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end; or

(17) soliciting professional services using false or misleading advertising.

(b) A license to practice is automatically suspended if (1) a guardian of a licensee is
appointed by order of a court pursuant to sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502, for reasons other
than the minority of the licensee, or (2) the licensee is committed by order of a court pursuant
to chapter 253B. The license remains suspended until the licensee is restored to capacity
by a court and, upon petition by the licensee, the suspension is terminated by the board after
a hearing. The licensee may be reinstated to practice, either with or without restrictions, by
demonstrating clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation. The regulated person is not
required to prove rehabilitation if the subsequent court decision overturns previous court
findings of public risk.

(c) If the board has probable cause to believe that a licensee or applicant has violated
paragraph (a), clause (10), it may direct the person to submit to a mental or physical
examination. For the purpose of this section, every person is deemed to have consented to
submit to a mental or physical examination when directed in writing by the board and to
have waived all objections to the admissibility of the examining physician's testimony or
examination report on the grounds that the testimony or report constitutes a privileged
communication. Failure of a regulated person to submit to an examination when directed
constitutes an admission of the allegations against the person, unless the failure was due to
circumstances beyond the person's control, in which case a default and final order may be
entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. A regulated person
affected under this paragraph shall at reasonable intervals be given an opportunity to
demonstrate that the person can resume the competent practice of the regulated profession
with reasonable skill and safety to the public. In any proceeding under this paragraph, neither
the record of proceedings nor the orders entered by the board shall be used against a regulated
person in any other proceeding.

(d) In addition to ordering a physical or mental examination, the board may,
notwithstanding section 13.384 or 144.293, or any other law limiting access to medical or
other health data, obtain medical data and health records relating to a licensee or applicant
without the person's or applicant's consent if the board has probable cause to believe that a
licensee is subject to paragraph (a), clause (10). The medical data may be requested from
a provider as defined in section 144.291, subdivision 2, paragraph (i), an insurance company,
or a government agency, including the Department of Human Services. A provider, insurance
company, or government agency shall comply with any written request of the board under
this section and is not liable in any action for damages for releasing the data requested by
the board if the data are released pursuant to a written request under this section, unless the
information is false and the provider giving the information knew, or had reason to know,
the information was false. Information obtained under this section is private data on
individuals as defined in section 13.02.

(e) If the board issues an order of immediate suspension of a license, a hearing must be
held within 30 days of the suspension and completed without delay.

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 214.103, subdivision 8, is amended to read:


Subd. 8.

Dismissal and reopening of a complaint.

(a) A complaint may not be dismissed
without the concurrence of at least two board members and, upon the request of the
complainant, a review by a representative of the attorney general's office. The designee of
the attorney general must review before dismissal any complaints which allege any violation
of chapter 609, any conduct which would be required to be reported under section deleted text begin626.556
or
deleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, any sexual contact or sexual conduct with a client, any violation
of a federal law, any actual or potential inability to practice the regulated profession or
occupation by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other materials, or
as a result of any mental or physical condition, any violation of state medical assistance
laws, or any disciplinary action related to credentialing in another jurisdiction or country
which was based on the same or related conduct specified in this subdivision.

(b) The board may reopen a dismissed complaint if the board receives newly discovered
information that was not available to the board during the initial investigation of the
complaint, or if the board receives a new complaint that indicates a pattern of behavior or
conduct.

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 214.104, is amended to read:


214.104 HEALTH-RELATED LICENSING BOARDS; SUBSTANTIATED
MALTREATMENT.

(a) A health-related licensing board shall make determinations as to whether regulated
persons who are under the board's jurisdiction should be the subject of disciplinary or
corrective action because of substantiated maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin
or chapter 626B
new text end
. The board shall make a determination upon receipt, and after the review,
of an investigation memorandum or other notice of substantiated maltreatment under section
deleted text begin 626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, or of a notice from the commissioner of human services
that a background study of a regulated person shows substantiated maltreatment.

(b) Upon completion of its review of a report of substantiated maltreatment, the board
shall notify the commissioner of human services of its determination. The board shall notify
the commissioner of human services if, following a review of the report of substantiated
maltreatment, the board determines that it does not have jurisdiction in the matter and the
commissioner shall make the appropriate disqualification decision regarding the regulated
person as otherwise provided in chapter 245C. The board shall also notify the commissioner
of health or the commissioner of human services immediately upon receipt of knowledge
of a facility or program allowing a regulated person to provide direct contact services at the
facility or program while not complying with requirements placed on the regulated person.

(c) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may, through its designated
board member, temporarily suspend the license of a licensee; deny a credential to an
applicant; or require the regulated person to be continuously supervised, if the board finds
there is probable cause to believe the regulated person referred to the board according to
paragraph (a) poses an immediate risk of harm to vulnerable persons. The board shall
consider all relevant information available, which may include but is not limited to:

(1) the extent the action is needed to protect persons receiving services or the public;

(2) the recency of the maltreatment;

(3) the number of incidents of maltreatment;

(4) the intrusiveness or violence of the maltreatment; and

(5) the vulnerability of the victim of maltreatment.

The action shall take effect upon written notice to the regulated person, served by certified
mail, specifying the statute violated. The board shall notify the commissioner of health or
the commissioner of human services of the suspension or denial of a credential. The action
shall remain in effect until the board issues a temporary stay or a final order in the matter
after a hearing or upon agreement between the board and the regulated person. At the time
the board issues the notice, the regulated person shall inform the board of all settings in
which the regulated person is employed or practices. The board shall inform all known
employment and practice settings of the board action and schedule a disciplinary hearing
to be held under chapter 14. The board shall provide the regulated person with at least 30
days' notice of the hearing, unless the parties agree to a hearing date that provides less than
30 days' notice, and shall schedule the hearing to begin no later than 90 days after issuance
of the notice of hearing.

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 243.166, subdivision 7, is amended to read:


Subd. 7.

Use of data.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 7a or sections
244.052 and 299C.093, the data provided under this section is private data on individuals
under section 13.02, subdivision 12.

(b) The data may be used only by law enforcement and corrections agencies for law
enforcement and corrections purposes. Law enforcement may disclose the status of an
individual as a predatory offender to a child protection worker with a local welfare agency
for purposes of doing a family assessment under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

(c) The commissioner of human services is authorized to have access to the data for:

(1) state-operated services, as defined in section 246.014, for the purposes described in
section 246.13, subdivision 2, paragraph (b); and

(2) purposes of completing background studies under chapter 245C.

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245.8261, subdivision 9, is amended to read:


Subd. 9.

Conditions on use of restrictive procedures.

Restrictive procedures must not:

(1) be implemented with a child in a manner that constitutes sexual abuse, neglect, or
physical abuse under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, the reporting of maltreatment of minors;

(2) restrict a child's normal access to a nutritious diet, drinking water, adequate ventilation,
necessary medical care, ordinary hygiene facilities, or necessary clothing or to any protection
required by state licensing standards and federal regulations governing the program;

(3) be used as punishment or for the convenience of staff; or

(4) deny the child visitation or contact with legal counsel and next of kin.

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.04, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Commissioner's right of access.

(a) When the commissioner is exercising the
powers conferred by this chapternew text begin, chapter 626B,new text end and sections 245.69deleted text begin, 626.556,deleted text end and 626.557,
the commissioner must be given access to:

(1) the physical plant and grounds where the program is provided;

(2) documents and records, including records maintained in electronic format;

(3) persons served by the program; and

(4) staff and personnel records of current and former staff whenever the program is in
operation and the information is relevant to inspections or investigations conducted by the
commissioner. Upon request, the license holder must provide the commissioner verification
of documentation of staff work experience, training, or educational requirements.

The commissioner must be given access without prior notice and as often as the
commissioner considers necessary if the commissioner is investigating alleged maltreatment,
conducting a licensing inspection, or investigating an alleged violation of applicable laws
or rules. In conducting inspections, the commissioner may request and shall receive assistance
from other state, county, and municipal governmental agencies and departments. The
applicant or license holder shall allow the commissioner to photocopy, photograph, and
make audio and video tape recordings during the inspection of the program at the
commissioner's expense. The commissioner shall obtain a court order or the consent of the
subject of the records or the parents or legal guardian of the subject before photocopying
hospital medical records.

(b) Persons served by the program have the right to refuse to consent to be interviewed,
photographed, or audio or videotaped. Failure or refusal of an applicant or license holder
to fully comply with this subdivision is reasonable cause for the commissioner to deny the
application or immediately suspend or revoke the license.

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.06, subdivision 8, is amended to read:


Subd. 8.

Requirement to post correction order.

For licensed family child care providers
and child care centers, upon receipt of any correction order or order of conditional license
issued by the commissioner under this section, and notwithstanding a pending request for
reconsideration of the correction order or order of conditional license by the license holder,
the license holder shall post the correction order or order of conditional license in a place
that is conspicuous to the people receiving services and all visitors to the facility for two
years. When the correction order or order of conditional license is accompanied by a
maltreatment investigation memorandum prepared under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or
chapter 626B
new text end
, the investigation memoranda must be posted with the correction order or
order of conditional license.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

License suspension, revocation, or fine.

(a) The commissioner may suspend
or revoke a license, or impose a fine if:

(1) a license holder fails to comply fully with applicable laws or rules;

(2) a license holder, a controlling individual, or an individual living in the household
where the licensed services are provided or is otherwise subject to a background study has
a disqualification which has not been set aside under section 245C.22;

(3) a license holder knowingly withholds relevant information from or gives false or
misleading information to the commissioner in connection with an application for a license,
in connection with the background study status of an individual, during an investigation,
or regarding compliance with applicable laws or rules; or

(4) after July 1, 2012, and upon request by the commissioner, a license holder fails to
submit the information required of an applicant under section 245A.04, subdivision 1,
paragraph (f) or (g).

A license holder who has had a license suspended, revoked, or has been ordered to pay
a fine must be given notice of the action by certified mail or personal service. If mailed, the
notice must be mailed to the address shown on the application or the last known address of
the license holder. The notice must state the reasons the license was suspended, revoked,
or a fine was ordered.

(b) If the license was suspended or revoked, the notice must inform the license holder
of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts
1400.8505 to 1400.8612. The license holder may appeal an order suspending or revoking
a license. The appeal of an order suspending or revoking a license must be made in writing
by certified mail or personal service. If mailed, the appeal must be postmarked and sent to
the commissioner within ten calendar days after the license holder receives notice that the
license has been suspended or revoked. If a request is made by personal service, it must be
received by the commissioner within ten calendar days after the license holder received the
order. Except as provided in subdivision 2a, paragraph (c), if a license holder submits a
timely appeal of an order suspending or revoking a license, the license holder may continue
to operate the program as provided in section 245A.04, subdivision 7, paragraphs (g) and
(h), until the commissioner issues a final order on the suspension or revocation.

(c)(1) If the license holder was ordered to pay a fine, the notice must inform the license
holder of the responsibility for payment of fines and the right to a contested case hearing
under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612. The appeal of an
order to pay a fine must be made in writing by certified mail or personal service. If mailed,
the appeal must be postmarked and sent to the commissioner within ten calendar days after
the license holder receives notice that the fine has been ordered. If a request is made by
personal service, it must be received by the commissioner within ten calendar days after
the license holder received the order.

(2) The license holder shall pay the fines assessed on or before the payment date specified.
If the license holder fails to fully comply with the order, the commissioner may issue a
second fine or suspend the license until the license holder complies. If the license holder
receives state funds, the state, county, or municipal agencies or departments responsible for
administering the funds shall withhold payments and recover any payments made while the
license is suspended for failure to pay a fine. A timely appeal shall stay payment of the fine
until the commissioner issues a final order.

(3) A license holder shall promptly notify the commissioner of human services, in writing,
when a violation specified in the order to forfeit a fine is corrected. If upon reinspection the
commissioner determines that a violation has not been corrected as indicated by the order
to forfeit a fine, the commissioner may issue a second fine. The commissioner shall notify
the license holder by certified mail or personal service that a second fine has been assessed.
The license holder may appeal the second fine as provided under this subdivision.

(4) Fines shall be assessed as follows: the license holder shall forfeit $1,000 for each
determination of maltreatment of a child under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end or the
maltreatment of a vulnerable adult under section 626.557 for which the license holder is
determined responsible for the maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10e,
paragraph (i), or
deleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9c, paragraph (c)new text begin, or 626B.11, subdivision 6new text end; the
license holder shall forfeit $200 for each occurrence of a violation of law or rule governing
matters of health, safety, or supervision, including but not limited to the provision of adequate
staff-to-child or adult ratios, and failure to comply with background study requirements
under chapter 245C; and the license holder shall forfeit $100 for each occurrence of a
violation of law or rule other than those subject to a $1,000 or $200 fine above. For purposes
of this section, "occurrence" means each violation identified in the commissioner's fine
order. Fines assessed against a license holder that holds a license to provide home and
community-based services, as identified in section 245D.03, subdivision 1, and a community
residential setting or day services facility license under chapter 245D where the services
are provided, may be assessed against both licenses for the same occurrence, but the
combined amount of the fines shall not exceed the amount specified in this clause for that
occurrence.

(5) When a fine has been assessed, the license holder may not avoid payment by closing,
selling, or otherwise transferring the licensed program to a third party. In such an event, the
license holder will be personally liable for payment. In the case of a corporation, each
controlling individual is personally and jointly liable for payment.

(d) Except for background study violations involving the failure to comply with an order
to immediately remove an individual or an order to provide continuous, direct supervision,
the commissioner shall not issue a fine under paragraph (c) relating to a background study
violation to a license holder who self-corrects a background study violation before the
commissioner discovers the violation. A license holder who has previously exercised the
provisions of this paragraph to avoid a fine for a background study violation may not avoid
a fine for a subsequent background study violation unless at least 365 days have passed
since the license holder self-corrected the earlier background study violation.

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.07, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Requirement to post licensing order or fine.

For licensed family child care
providers and child care centers, upon receipt of any order of license suspension, temporary
immediate suspension, fine, or revocation issued by the commissioner under this section,
and notwithstanding a pending appeal of the order of license suspension, temporary
immediate suspension, fine, or revocation by the license holder, the license holder shall
post the order of license suspension, temporary immediate suspension, fine, or revocation
in a place that is conspicuous to the people receiving services and all visitors to the facility
for two years. When the order of license suspension, temporary immediate suspension, fine,
or revocation is accompanied by a maltreatment investigation memorandum prepared under
section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, the investigation memoranda must be posted
with the order of license suspension, temporary immediate suspension, fine, or revocation.

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:


Subd. 2a.

Consolidated contested case hearings.

(a) When a denial of a license under
section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, subdivision 3, is based on
a disqualification for which reconsideration was timely requested and which was not set
aside under section 245C.22, the scope of the contested case hearing shall include the
disqualification and the licensing sanction or denial of a license, unless otherwise specified
in this subdivision. When the licensing sanction or denial of a license is based on a
determination of maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, or a
disqualification for serious or recurring maltreatment which was not set aside, the scope of
the contested case hearing shall include the maltreatment determination, disqualification,
and the licensing sanction or denial of a license, unless otherwise specified in this subdivision.
In such cases, a fair hearing under section 256.045 shall not be conducted as provided for
in sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10ideleted text enddeleted text begin, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end.

(b) Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment
determination under sections deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and
626B.12
new text end, and reconsideration of a disqualification under section 245C.22, shall not be
conducted when:

(1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05, or a licensing sanction under section
245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment
or the disqualification of a license holder is based on serious or recurring maltreatment;

(2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the
maltreatment determination or disqualification; and

(3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, and
denial of a license or licensing sanction. In these cases, a fair hearing shall not be conducted
under sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end.
The scope of the contested case hearing must include the maltreatment determination,
disqualification, and denial of a license or licensing sanction.

Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment
determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing
sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end, and reconsideration
of the disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22. In such cases, a fair hearing
shall also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end
626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end.

(c) In consolidated contested case hearings regarding sanctions issued in family child
care, child foster care, family adult day services, adult foster care, and community residential
settings, the county attorney shall defend the commissioner's orders in accordance with
section 245A.16, subdivision 4.

(d) The commissioner's final order under subdivision 5 is the final agency action on the
issue of maltreatment and disqualification, including for purposes of subsequent background
studies under chapter 245C and is the only administrative appeal of the final agency
determination, specifically, including a challenge to the accuracy and completeness of data
under section 13.04.

(e) When consolidated hearings under this subdivision involve a licensing sanction based
on a previous maltreatment determination for which the commissioner has issued a final
order in an appeal of that determination under section 256.045, or the individual failed to
exercise the right to appeal the previous maltreatment determination under section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 10i
, or
deleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, or 626B.12new text end, the commissioner's order is
conclusive on the issue of maltreatment. In such cases, the scope of the administrative law
judge's review shall be limited to the disqualification and the licensing sanction or denial
of a license. In the case of a denial of a license or a licensing sanction issued to a facility
based on a maltreatment determination regarding an individual who is not the license holder
or a household member, the scope of the administrative law judge's review includes the
maltreatment determination.

(f) The hearings of all parties may be consolidated into a single contested case hearing
upon consent of all parties and the administrative law judge, if:

(1) a maltreatment determination or disqualification, which was not set aside under
section 245C.22, is the basis for a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing
sanction under section 245A.07;

(2) the disqualified subject is an individual other than the license holder and upon whom
a background study must be conducted under section 245C.03; and

(3) the individual has a hearing right under section 245C.27.

(g) When a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under
section 245A.07 is based on a disqualification for which reconsideration was requested and
was not set aside under section 245C.22, and the individual otherwise has no hearing right
under section 245C.27, the scope of the administrative law judge's review shall include the
denial or sanction and a determination whether the disqualification should be set aside,
unless section 245C.24 prohibits the set-aside of the disqualification. In determining whether
the disqualification should be set aside, the administrative law judge shall consider the
factors under section 245C.22, subdivision 4, to determine whether the individual poses a
risk of harm to any person receiving services from the license holder.

(h) Notwithstanding section 245C.30, subdivision 5, when a licensing sanction under
section 245A.07 is based on the termination of a variance under section 245C.30, subdivision
4
, the scope of the administrative law judge's review shall include the sanction and a
determination whether the disqualification should be set aside, unless section 245C.24
prohibits the set-aside of the disqualification. In determining whether the disqualification
should be set aside, the administrative law judge shall consider the factors under section
245C.22, subdivision 4, to determine whether the individual poses a risk of harm to any
person receiving services from the license holder.

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.085, is amended to read:


245A.085 CONSOLIDATION OF HEARINGS; RECONSIDERATION.

Hearings authorized under this chapter, deleted text beginchapterdeleted text endnew text begin and chaptersnew text end 245Cdeleted text begin,deleted text endnew text begin and 626B,new text end and
sections 256.045, 256B.04, deleted text begin626.556,deleted text end and 626.557, shall be consolidated if feasible and in
accordance with other applicable statutes and rules. Reconsideration under sections 245C.28;
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10i; anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin; and 626B.12new text end, shall also be
consolidated if feasible.

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.11, subdivision 7b, is amended to read:


Subd. 7b.

Adult foster care data privacy and security.

(a) An adult foster care or
community residential setting license holder who creates, collects, records, maintains, stores,
or discloses any individually identifiable recipient data, whether in an electronic or any
other format, must comply with the privacy and security provisions of applicable privacy
laws and regulations, including:

(1) the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA),
Public Law 104-1; and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, part
160, and subparts A and E of part 164; and

(2) the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act as codified in chapter 13.

(b) For purposes of licensure, the license holder shall be monitored for compliance with
the following data privacy and security provisions:

(1) the license holder must control access to data on residents served by the program
according to the definitions of public and private data on individuals under section 13.02;
classification of the data on individuals as private under section 13.46, subdivision 2; and
control over the collection, storage, use, access, protection, and contracting related to data
according to section 13.05, in which the license holder is assigned the duties of a government
entity;

(2) the license holder must provide each resident served by the program with a notice
that meets the requirements under section 13.04, in which the license holder is assigned the
duties of the government entity, and that meets the requirements of Code of Federal
Regulations, title 45, part 164.52. The notice shall describe the purpose for collection of
the data, and to whom and why it may be disclosed pursuant to law. The notice must inform
the individual that the license holder uses electronic monitoring and, if applicable, that
recording technology is used;

(3) the license holder must not install monitoring cameras in bathrooms;

(4) electronic monitoring cameras must not be concealed from the residents served by
the program; and

(5) electronic video and audio recordings of residents served by the program shall be
stored by the license holder for five days unless: (i) a resident served by the program or
legal representative requests that the recording be held longer based on a specific report of
alleged maltreatment; or (ii) the recording captures an incident or event of alleged
maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end or a crime under chapter
609. When requested by a resident served by the program or when a recording captures an
incident or event of alleged maltreatment or a crime, the license holder must maintain the
recording in a secured area for no longer than 30 days to give the investigating agency an
opportunity to make a copy of the recording. The investigating agency will maintain the
electronic video or audio recordings as required in section 626.557, subdivision 12b.

(c) The commissioner shall develop, and make available to license holders and county
licensing workers, a checklist of the data privacy provisions to be monitored for purposes
of licensure.

Sec. 45.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.145, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Policies and procedures.

(a) All licensed child care providers must
develop policies and procedures for reporting suspected child maltreatment that fulfill the
requirements in deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end and must develop policies and procedures
for reporting complaints about the operation of a child care program. The policies and
procedures must include the telephone numbers of the local county child protection agency
for reporting suspected maltreatment; the county licensing agency for family and group
family child care providers; and the state licensing agency for child care centers.

(b) The policies and procedures required in paragraph (a) must:

(1) be provided to the parents of all children at the time of enrollment in the child care
program; and

(2) be made available upon request.

Sec. 46.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.40, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Orientation.

The child care center license holder must ensure that every
staff person and volunteer is given orientation training and successfully completes the
training before starting assigned duties. The orientation training in this subdivision applies
to volunteers who will have direct contact with or access to children and who are not under
the direct supervision of a staff person. Completion of the orientation must be documented
in the individual's personnel record. The orientation training must include information about:

(1) the center's philosophy, child care program, and procedures for maintaining health
and safety and handling emergencies and accidents;

(2) specific job responsibilities;

(3) the behavior guidance standards in Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0055; and

(4) the reporting responsibilities in deleted text beginsection 626.556,deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end and Minnesota Rules,
part 9503.0130.

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245A.66, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Orientation to risk reduction plan and annual review of plan.

(a) The license
holder shall ensure that all mandated reporters, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision
3
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.03new text end, who are under the control of the license holder, receive an orientation to the risk
reduction plan prior to first providing unsupervised direct contact services, as defined in
section 245C.02, subdivision 11, to children, not to exceed 14 days from the first supervised
direct contact, and annually thereafter. The license holder must document the orientation
to the risk reduction plan in the mandated reporter's personnel records.

(b) The license holder must review the risk reduction plan annually and document the
annual review. When conducting the review, the license holder must consider incidents that
have occurred in the center since the last review, including:

(1) the assessment factors in the plan;

(2) the internal reviews conducted under this section, if any;

(3) substantiated maltreatment findings, if any; and

(4) incidents that caused injury or harm to a child, if any, that occurred since the last
review.

Following any change to the risk reduction plan, the license holder must inform mandated
reporters, under the control of the license holder, of the changes in the risk reduction plan,
and document that the mandated reporters were informed of the changes.

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.05, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Applicant, license holder, other entities, and agencies.

(a) The applicant,
license holder, other entities as provided in this chapter, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,
law enforcement agencies, commissioner of health, and county agencies shall help with the
study by giving the commissioner criminal conviction data and reports about the maltreatment
of adults substantiated under section 626.557 and the maltreatment of minors substantiated
under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

(b) If a background study is initiated by an applicant, license holder, or other entities as
provided in this chapter, and the applicant, license holder, or other entity receives information
about the possible criminal or maltreatment history of an individual who is the subject of
the background study, the applicant, license holder, or other entity must immediately provide
the information to the commissioner.

(c) The program or county or other agency must provide written notice to the individual
who is the subject of the background study of the requirements under this subdivision.

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.15, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Seven-year disqualification.

(a) An individual is disqualified under section
245C.14 if: (1) less than seven years has passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed,
if any, for the offense; and (2) the individual has committed a misdemeanor-level violation
of any of the following offenses: sections 256.98 (wrongfully obtaining assistance); 268.182
(false representation; concealment of facts); 393.07, subdivision 10, paragraph (c) (federal
Food Stamp Program fraud); 609.2112, 609.2113, or 609.2114 (criminal vehicular homicide
or injury); 609.221 (assault in the first degree); 609.222 (assault in the second degree);
609.223 (assault in the third degree); 609.2231 (assault in the fourth degree); 609.224 (assault
in the fifth degree); 609.2242 (domestic assault); 609.2335 (financial exploitation of a
vulnerable adult); 609.234 (failure to report maltreatment of a vulnerable adult); 609.2672
(assault of an unborn child in the third degree); 609.27 (coercion); violation of an order for
protection under 609.3232 (protective order authorized; procedures; penalties); 609.466
(medical assistance fraud); 609.52 (theft); 609.525 (bringing stolen goods into Minnesota);
609.527 (identity theft); 609.53 (receiving stolen property); 609.535 (issuance of dishonored
checks); 609.611 (insurance fraud); 609.66 (dangerous weapons); 609.665 (spring guns);
609.746 (interference with privacy); 609.79 (obscene or harassing telephone calls); 609.795
(letter, telegram, or package; opening; harassment); 609.82 (fraud in obtaining credit);
609.821 (financial transaction card fraud); 617.23 (indecent exposure), not involving a
minor; 617.293 (harmful materials; dissemination and display to minors prohibited); or
Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 609.21; or violation of an order for protection under section
518B.01 (Domestic Abuse Act).

(b) An individual is disqualified under section 245C.14 if less than seven years has
passed since a determination or disposition of the individual's:

(1) failure to make required reports under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3, ordeleted text end 626.557,
subdivision 3new text begin, or 626B.03new text end
, for incidents in which: (i) the final disposition under section
deleted text begin 626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557 new text beginor chapter 626B new text endwas substantiated maltreatment, and (ii) the maltreatment
was recurring or serious; or

(2) substantiated serious or recurring maltreatment of a minor under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin
chapter 626B
new text end, a vulnerable adult under section 626.557, or serious or recurring maltreatment
in any other state, the elements of which are substantially similar to the elements of
maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end for which: (i) there is a
preponderance of evidence that the maltreatment occurred, and (ii) the subject was
responsible for the maltreatment.

(c) An individual is disqualified under section 245C.14 if less than seven years has
passed since the individual's aiding and abetting, attempt, or conspiracy to commit any of
the offenses listed in paragraphs (a) and (b), as each of these offenses is defined in Minnesota
Statutes.

(d) An individual is disqualified under section 245C.14 if less than seven years has
passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for an offense in any other state or
country, the elements of which are substantially similar to the elements of any of the offenses
listed in paragraphs (a) and (b).

(e) When a disqualification is based on a judicial determination other than a conviction,
the disqualification period begins from the date of the court order. When a disqualification
is based on an admission, the disqualification period begins from the date of an admission
in court. When a disqualification is based on an Alford Plea, the disqualification period
begins from the date the Alford Plea is entered in court. When a disqualification is based
on a preponderance of evidence of a disqualifying act, the disqualification date begins from
the date of the dismissal, the date of discharge of the sentence imposed for a conviction for
a disqualifying crime of similar elements, or the date of the incident, whichever occurs last.

(f) An individual is disqualified under section 245C.14 if less than seven years has passed
since the individual was disqualified under section 256.98, subdivision 8.

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Determining immediate risk of harm.

(a) If the commissioner determines
that the individual studied has a disqualifying characteristic, the commissioner shall review
the information immediately available and make a determination as to the subject's immediate
risk of harm to persons served by the program where the individual studied will have direct
contact with, or access to, people receiving services.

(b) The commissioner shall consider all relevant information available, including the
following factors in determining the immediate risk of harm:

(1) the recency of the disqualifying characteristic;

(2) the recency of discharge from probation for the crimes;

(3) the number of disqualifying characteristics;

(4) the intrusiveness or violence of the disqualifying characteristic;

(5) the vulnerability of the victim involved in the disqualifying characteristic;

(6) the similarity of the victim to the persons served by the program where the individual
studied will have direct contact;

(7) whether the individual has a disqualification from a previous background study that
has not been set aside; and

(8) if the individual has a disqualification which may not be set aside because it is a
permanent bar under section 245C.24, subdivision 1, the commissioner may order the
immediate removal of the individual from any position allowing direct contact with, or
access to, persons receiving services from the program.

(c) This section does not apply when the subject of a background study is regulated by
a health-related licensing board as defined in chapter 214, and the subject is determined to
be responsible for substantiated maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter
626B
new text end
.

(d) This section does not apply to a background study related to an initial application
for a child foster care license.

(e) Except for paragraph (f), this section does not apply to a background study that is
also subject to the requirements under section 256B.0659, subdivisions 11 and 13, for a
personal care assistant or a qualified professional as defined in section 256B.0659,
subdivision 1
.

(f) If the commissioner has reason to believe, based on arrest information or an active
maltreatment investigation, that an individual poses an imminent risk of harm to persons
receiving services, the commissioner may order that the person be continuously supervised
or immediately removed pending the conclusion of the maltreatment investigation or criminal
proceedings.

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.17, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Disqualification notification.

(a) The commissioner shall notify an applicant,
license holder, or other entity as provided in this chapter who is not the subject of the study:

(1) that the commissioner has found information that disqualifies the individual studied
from being in a position allowing direct contact with, or access to, people served by the
program; and

(2) the commissioner's determination of the individual's risk of harm under section
245C.16.

(b) If the commissioner determines under section 245C.16 that an individual studied
poses an imminent risk of harm to persons served by the program where the individual
studied will have direct contact with, or access to, people served by the program, the
commissioner shall order the license holder to immediately remove the individual studied
from any position allowing direct contact with, or access to, people served by the program.

(c) If the commissioner determines under section 245C.16 that an individual studied
poses a risk of harm that requires continuous, direct supervision, the commissioner shall
order the applicant, license holder, or other entities as provided in this chapter to:

(1) immediately remove the individual studied from any position allowing direct contact
with, or access to, people receiving services; or

(2) before allowing the disqualified individual to be in a position allowing direct contact
with, or access to, people receiving services, the applicant, license holder, or other entity,
as provided in this chapter, must:

(i) obtain from the disqualified individual a copy of the individual's notice of
disqualification from the commissioner that explains the reason for disqualification;

(ii) ensure that the individual studied is under continuous, direct supervision when in a
position allowing direct contact with, or access to, people receiving services during the
period in which the individual may request a reconsideration of the disqualification under
section 245C.21; and

(iii) ensure that the disqualified individual requests reconsideration within 30 days of
receipt of the notice of disqualification.

(d) If the commissioner determines under section 245C.16 that an individual studied
does not pose a risk of harm that requires continuous, direct supervision, the commissioner
shall order the applicant, license holder, or other entities as provided in this chapter to:

(1) immediately remove the individual studied from any position allowing direct contact
with, or access to, people receiving services; or

(2) before allowing the disqualified individual to be in any position allowing direct
contact with, or access to, people receiving services, the applicant, license holder, or other
entity as provided in this chapter must:

(i) obtain from the disqualified individual a copy of the individual's notice of
disqualification from the commissioner that explains the reason for disqualification; and

(ii) ensure that the disqualified individual requests reconsideration within 15 days of
receipt of the notice of disqualification.

(e) The commissioner shall not notify the applicant, license holder, or other entity as
provided in this chapter of the information contained in the subject's background study
unless:

(1) the basis for the disqualification is failure to cooperate with the background study
or substantiated maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end;

(2) the Data Practices Act under chapter 13 provides for release of the information; or

(3) the individual studied authorizes the release of the information.

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Time frame for requesting reconsideration.

(a) When the commissioner
sends an individual a notice of disqualification based on a finding under section 245C.16,
subdivision 2
, paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2), the disqualified individual must submit the
request for a reconsideration within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice
of disqualification. If mailed, the request for reconsideration must be postmarked and sent
to the commissioner within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of
disqualification. If a request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be
received by the commissioner within 30 calendar days after the individual's receipt of the
notice of disqualification. Upon showing that the information under subdivision 3 cannot
be obtained within 30 days, the disqualified individual may request additional time, not to
exceed 30 days, to obtain the information.

(b) When the commissioner sends an individual a notice of disqualification based on a
finding under section 245C.16, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (3), the disqualified
individual must submit the request for reconsideration within 15 calendar days of the
individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification. If mailed, the request for reconsideration
must be postmarked and sent to the commissioner within 15 calendar days of the individual's
receipt of the notice of disqualification. If a request for reconsideration is made by personal
service, it must be received by the commissioner within 15 calendar days after the individual's
receipt of the notice of disqualification.

(c) An individual who was determined to have maltreated a child under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin
chapter 626B
new text end or a vulnerable adult under section 626.557, and who is disqualified on the
basis of serious or recurring maltreatment, may request a reconsideration of both the
maltreatment and the disqualification determinations. The request must be submitted within
30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification. If mailed, the
request for reconsideration must be postmarked and sent to the commissioner within 30
calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification. If a request for
reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the commissioner within
30 calendar days after the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification.

(d) Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment
determination under sections deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9d,new text begin 626B.12,new text end
and reconsideration of a disqualification under section 245C.22, shall not be conducted
when:

(1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05, or a licensing sanction under section
245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment
or the disqualification of a license holder based on serious or recurring maltreatment;

(2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the
maltreatment determination or disqualification; and

(3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination, disqualification, and
denial of a license or licensing sanction. In such cases, a fair hearing under section 256.045
must not be conducted under sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557,
subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end. Under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, the scope of the
consolidated contested case hearing must include the maltreatment determination,
disqualification, and denial of a license or licensing sanction.

Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment
determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing
sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9d,new text begin and 626B.12,new text end and reconsideration
of the disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22. In such cases, a fair hearing
shall also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end
626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end.

Sec. 53.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.24, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Seven-year bar to set aside disqualification.

The commissioner may not set
aside the disqualification of an individual in connection with a license to provide family
child care for children, foster care for children in the provider's home, or foster care or day
care services for adults in the provider's home if within seven years preceding the study:

(1) the individual committed an act that constitutes maltreatment of a child under section
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10edeleted text endnew text begin 626B.11new text end, and the maltreatment resulted in substantial bodily harm
as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 7a, or substantial mental or emotional harm as
supported by competent psychological or psychiatric evidence; or

(2) the individual was determined under section 626.557 to be the perpetrator of a
substantiated incident of maltreatment of a vulnerable adult that resulted in substantial
bodily harm as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 7a, or substantial mental or emotional
harm as supported by competent psychological or psychiatric evidence.

Sec. 54.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.25, is amended to read:


245C.25 CONSOLIDATED RECONSIDERATION OF MALTREATMENT
DETERMINATION AND DISQUALIFICATION.

(a) If an individual is disqualified on the basis of a determination of maltreatment under
section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, which was serious or recurring, and the
individual requests reconsideration of the maltreatment determination under section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 10i
, or
deleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9d,new text begin or 626B.12,new text end and also requests reconsideration
of the disqualification under section 245C.21, the commissioner shall consolidate the
reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification into a single
reconsideration.

(b) For maltreatment and disqualification determinations made by county agencies, the
county agency shall conduct the consolidated reconsideration. If the county agency has
disqualified an individual on multiple bases, one of which is a county maltreatment
determination for which the individual has a right to request reconsideration, the county
shall conduct the reconsideration of all disqualifications.

(c) If the county has previously conducted a consolidated reconsideration under paragraph
(b) of a maltreatment determination and a disqualification based on serious or recurring
maltreatment, and the county subsequently disqualifies the individual based on that
determination, the county shall conduct the reconsideration of the subsequent disqualification.
The scope of the subsequent disqualification shall be limited to whether the individual poses
a risk of harm in accordance with section 245C.22, subdivision 4. If the commissioner
subsequently disqualifies the individual in connection with a child foster care license based
on the county's previous maltreatment determination, the commissioner shall conduct the
reconsideration of the subsequent disqualification.

Sec. 55.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Fair hearing following a reconsideration decision.

(a) An individual
who is disqualified on the basis of a preponderance of evidence that the individual committed
an act or acts that meet the definition of any of the crimes listed in section 245C.15; for a
determination under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end of substantiated
maltreatment that was serious or recurring under section 245C.15; or for failure to make
required reports under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3; ordeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 3new text begin, or 626B.03new text end,
pursuant to section 245C.15, subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (1), may request a fair
hearing under section 256.045, following a reconsideration decision issued under section
245C.23, unless the disqualification is deemed conclusive under section 245C.29.

(b) The fair hearing is the only administrative appeal of the final agency determination
for purposes of appeal by the disqualified individual. The disqualified individual does not
have the right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of data under section 13.04.

(c) Except as provided under paragraph (e), if the individual was disqualified based on
a conviction of, admission to, or Alford Plea to any crimes listed in section 245C.15,
subdivisions 1 to 4, or for a disqualification under section 256.98, subdivision 8, the
reconsideration decision under section 245C.22 is the final agency determination for purposes
of appeal by the disqualified individual and is not subject to a hearing under section 256.045.
If the individual was disqualified based on a judicial determination, that determination is
treated the same as a conviction for purposes of appeal.

(d) This subdivision does not apply to a public employee's appeal of a disqualification
under section 245C.28, subdivision 3.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), if the commissioner does not set aside a
disqualification of an individual who was disqualified based on both a preponderance of
evidence and a conviction or admission, the individual may request a fair hearing under
section 256.045, unless the disqualifications are deemed conclusive under section 245C.29.
The scope of the hearing conducted under section 256.045 with regard to the disqualification
based on a conviction or admission shall be limited solely to whether the individual poses
a risk of harm, according to section 256.045, subdivision 3b. In this case, the reconsideration
decision under section 245C.22 is not the final agency decision for purposes of appeal by
the disqualified individual.

Sec. 56.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.27, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Consolidated fair hearing following a reconsideration decision.

(a) If an
individual who is disqualified on the bases of serious or recurring maltreatment requests a
fair hearing on the maltreatment determination under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, ordeleted text end
626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, or 626B.12new text end, and requests a fair hearing under this section on the
disqualification following a reconsideration decision under section 245C.23, the scope of
the fair hearing under section 256.045 shall include the maltreatment determination and the
disqualification.

(b) A fair hearing is the only administrative appeal of the final agency determination.
The disqualified individual does not have the right to challenge the accuracy and
completeness of data under section 13.04.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to a public employee's appeal of a disqualification
under section 245C.28, subdivision 3.

Sec. 57.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.28, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

License holder.

(a) If a maltreatment determination or a disqualification
for which reconsideration was timely requested and which was not set aside is the basis for
a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07,
the license holder has the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota
Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612. The license holder must submit the appeal under
section 245A.05 or 245A.07, subdivision 3.

(b) As provided under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, if the denial of a license or
licensing sanction is based on a disqualification for which reconsideration was timely
requested and was not set aside, the scope of the consolidated contested case hearing must
include:

(1) the disqualification, to the extent the license holder otherwise has a hearing right on
the disqualification under this chapter; and

(2) the licensing sanction or denial of a license.

(c) As provided for under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, if the denial of a license or
licensing sanction is based on a determination of maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end
626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, or a disqualification for serious or recurring maltreatment which
was not set aside, the scope of the contested case hearing must include:

(1) the maltreatment determination, if the maltreatment is not conclusive under section
245C.29;

(2) the disqualification, if the disqualification is not conclusive under section 245C.29;
and

(3) the licensing sanction or denial of a license. In such cases, a fair hearing must not
be conducted under section 256.045. If the disqualification was based on a determination
of substantiated serious or recurring maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or
chapter 626B
new text end
, the appeal must be submitted under sections 245A.07, subdivision 3, anddeleted text begin
626.556, subdivision 10i, or
deleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, or 626B.12new text end.

(d) Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment
determination under sections deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9d, new text beginand
626B.12,
new text endand reconsideration of a disqualification under section 245C.22, must not be
conducted when:

(1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05, or a licensing sanction under section
245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment
or the disqualification of a license holder based on serious or recurring maltreatment;

(2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the
maltreatment determination or disqualification; and

(3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination, disqualification, and
denial of a license or licensing sanction. In such cases a fair hearing under section 256.045
must not be conducted under sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557,
subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end. Under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, the scope of the
consolidated contested case hearing must include the maltreatment determination,
disqualification, and denial of a license or licensing sanction.

Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment
determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing
sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9d,new text begin and 626B.12,new text end and reconsideration
of the disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22. In such cases, a fair hearing
shall also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end
626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end.

Sec. 58.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Conclusive maltreatment determination or disposition.

Unless
otherwise specified in statute, a maltreatment determination or disposition under section
deleted text begin 626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end is conclusive, if:

(1) the commissioner has issued a final order in an appeal of that determination or
disposition under section 245A.08, subdivision 5, or 256.045;

(2) the individual did not request reconsideration of the maltreatment determination or
disposition under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end; or

(3) the individual did not request a hearing of the maltreatment determination or
disposition under section 256.045.

Sec. 59.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.31, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Board determines disciplinary or corrective action.

(a) When the
subject of a background study is regulated by a health-related licensing board as defined in
chapter 214, and the commissioner determines that the regulated individual is responsible
for substantiated maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, instead
of the commissioner making a decision regarding disqualification, the board shall make a
determination whether to impose disciplinary or corrective action under chapter 214.

(b) This section does not apply to a background study of an individual regulated by a
health-related licensing board if the individual's study is related to child foster care, adult
foster care, or family child care licensure.

Sec. 60.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245C.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Use.

(a) The commissioner may also use these systems and records to obtain
and provide criminal history data from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, criminal
history data held by the commissioner, and data about substantiated maltreatment under
section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, for other purposes, provided that:

(1) the background study is specifically authorized in statute; or

(2) the request is made with the informed consent of the subject of the study as provided
in section 13.05, subdivision 4.

(b) An individual making a request under paragraph (a), clause (2), must agree in writing
not to disclose the data to any other individual without the consent of the subject of the data.

(c) The commissioner may recover the cost of obtaining and providing background study
data by charging the individual or entity requesting the study a fee of no more than $20 per
study. The fees collected under this paragraph are appropriated to the commissioner for the
purpose of conducting background studies.

(d) The commissioner shall recover the cost of obtaining background study data required
under section 524.5-118 through a fee of $50 per study for an individual who has not lived
outside Minnesota for the past ten years, and a fee of $100 for an individual who has resided
outside of Minnesota for any period during the ten years preceding the background study.
The commissioner shall recover, from the individual, any additional fees charged by other
states' licensing agencies that are associated with these data requests. Fees under subdivision
3 also apply when criminal history data from the National Criminal Records Repository is
required.

Sec. 61.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245D.02, subdivision 11, is amended to read:


Subd. 11.

Incident.

"Incident" means an occurrence which involves a person and requires
the program to make a response that is not a part of the program's ordinary provision of
services to that person, and includes:

(1) serious injury of a person as determined by section 245.91, subdivision 6;

(2) a person's death;

(3) any medical emergency, unexpected serious illness, or significant unexpected change
in an illness or medical condition of a person that requires the program to call 911, physician
treatment, or hospitalization;

(4) any mental health crisis that requires the program to call 911, a mental health crisis
intervention team, or a similar mental health response team or service when available and
appropriate;

(5) an act or situation involving a person that requires the program to call 911, law
enforcement, or the fire department;

(6) a person's unauthorized or unexplained absence from a program;

(7) conduct by a person receiving services against another person receiving services
that:

(i) is so severe, pervasive, or objectively offensive that it substantially interferes with a
person's opportunities to participate in or receive service or support;

(ii) places the person in actual and reasonable fear of harm;

(iii) places the person in actual and reasonable fear of damage to property of the person;
or

(iv) substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the program;

(8) any sexual activity between persons receiving services involving force or coercion
as defined under section 609.341, subdivisions 3 and 14;

(9) any emergency use of manual restraint as identified in section 245D.061 or successor
provisions; or

(10) a report of alleged or suspected child or vulnerable adult maltreatment under section
deleted text begin 626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end.

Sec. 62.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245D.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Incident response and reporting.

(a) The license holder must respond
to incidents under section 245D.02, subdivision 11, that occur while providing services to
protect the health and safety of and minimize risk of harm to the person.

(b) The license holder must maintain information about and report incidents to the
person's legal representative or designated emergency contact and case manager within 24
hours of an incident occurring while services are being provided, within 24 hours of discovery
or receipt of information that an incident occurred, unless the license holder has reason to
know that the incident has already been reported, or as otherwise directed in a person's
coordinated service and support plan or coordinated service and support plan addendum.
An incident of suspected or alleged maltreatment must be reported as required under
paragraph (d), and an incident of serious injury or death must be reported as required under
paragraph (e).

(c) When the incident involves more than one person, the license holder must not disclose
personally identifiable information about any other person when making the report to each
person and case manager unless the license holder has the consent of the person.

(d) Within 24 hours of reporting maltreatment as required under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end
626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, the license holder must inform the case manager of the report
unless there is reason to believe that the case manager is involved in the suspected
maltreatment. The license holder must disclose the nature of the activity or occurrence
reported and the agency that received the report.

(e) The license holder must report the death or serious injury of the person as required
in paragraph (b) and to the Department of Human Services Licensing Division, and the
Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities as required under
section 245.94, subdivision 2a, within 24 hours of the death or serious injury, or receipt of
information that the death or serious injury occurred, unless the license holder has reason
to know that the death or serious injury has already been reported.

(f) When a death or serious injury occurs in a facility certified as an intermediate care
facility for persons with developmental disabilities, the death or serious injury must be
reported to the Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints, and the Office
of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, as required under sections
245.91 and 245.94, subdivision 2a, unless the license holder has reason to know that the
death or serious injury has already been reported.

(g) The license holder must conduct an internal review of incident reports of deaths and
serious injuries that occurred while services were being provided and that were not reported
by the program as alleged or suspected maltreatment, for identification of incident patterns,
and implementation of corrective action as necessary to reduce occurrences. The review
must include an evaluation of whether related policies and procedures were followed,
whether the policies and procedures were adequate, whether there is a need for additional
staff training, whether the reported event is similar to past events with the persons or the
services involved, and whether there is a need for corrective action by the license holder to
protect the health and safety of persons receiving services. Based on the results of this
review, the license holder must develop, document, and implement a corrective action plan
designed to correct current lapses and prevent future lapses in performance by staff or the
license holder, if any.

(h) The license holder must verbally report the emergency use of manual restraint of a
person as required in paragraph (b) within 24 hours of the occurrence. The license holder
must ensure the written report and internal review of all incident reports of the emergency
use of manual restraints are completed according to the requirements in section 245D.061
or successor provisions.

Sec. 63.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245D.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Restricted procedures.

(a) The following procedures are allowed when the
procedures are implemented in compliance with the standards governing their use as
identified in clauses (1) to (3). Allowed but restricted procedures include:

(1) permitted actions and procedures subject to the requirements in subdivision 7;

(2) procedures identified in a positive support transition plan subject to the requirements
in subdivision 8; or

(3) emergency use of manual restraint subject to the requirements in section 245D.061.

(b) A restricted procedure identified in paragraph (a) must not:

(1) be implemented with a child in a manner that constitutes sexual abuse, neglect,
physical abuse, or mental injury, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end;

(2) be implemented with an adult in a manner that constitutes abuse or neglect as defined
in section 626.5572, subdivision 2 or 17;

(3) be implemented in a manner that violates a person's rights identified in section
245D.04;

(4) restrict a person's normal access to a nutritious diet, drinking water, adequate
ventilation, necessary medical care, ordinary hygiene facilities, normal sleeping conditions,
necessary clothing, or any protection required by state licensing standards or federal
regulations governing the program;

(5) deny the person visitation or ordinary contact with legal counsel, a legal representative,
or next of kin;

(6) be used for the convenience of staff, as punishment, as a substitute for adequate
staffing, or as a consequence if the person refuses to participate in the treatment or services
provided by the program;

(7) use prone restraint. For purposes of this section, "prone restraint" means use of
manual restraint that places a person in a face-down position. Prone restraint does not include
brief physical holding of a person who, during an emergency use of manual restraint, rolls
into a prone position, if the person is restored to a standing, sitting, or side-lying position
as quickly as possible;

(8) apply back or chest pressure while a person is in a prone position as identified in
clause (7), supine position, or side-lying position; or

(9) be implemented in a manner that is contraindicated for any of the person's known
medical or psychological limitations.

Sec. 64.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245D.09, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Orientation to program requirements.

Except for a license holder who does
not supervise any direct support staff, within 60 calendar days of hire, unless stated otherwise,
the license holder must provide and ensure completion of ten hours of orientation for direct
support staff providing basic services and 30 hours of orientation for direct support staff
providing intensive services that combines supervised on-the-job training with review of
and instruction in the following areas:

(1) the job description and how to complete specific job functions, including:

(i) responding to and reporting incidents as required under section 245D.06, subdivision
1; and

(ii) following safety practices established by the license holder and as required in section
245D.06, subdivision 2;

(2) the license holder's current policies and procedures required under this chapter,
including their location and access, and staff responsibilities related to implementation of
those policies and procedures;

(3) data privacy requirements according to sections 13.01 to 13.10 and 13.46, the federal
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and staff
responsibilities related to complying with data privacy practices;

(4) the service recipient rights and staff responsibilities related to ensuring the exercise
and protection of those rights according to the requirements in section 245D.04;

(5) sections 245A.65, 245A.66, deleted text begin626.556,deleted text end and 626.557new text begin, and chapter 626Bnew text end, governing
maltreatment reporting and service planning for children and vulnerable adults, and staff
responsibilities related to protecting persons from maltreatment and reporting maltreatment.
This orientation must be provided within 72 hours of first providing direct contact services
and annually thereafter according to section 245A.65, subdivision 3;

(6) the principles of person-centered service planning and delivery as identified in section
245D.07, subdivision 1a, and how they apply to direct support service provided by the staff
person;

(7) the safe and correct use of manual restraint on an emergency basis according to the
requirements in section 245D.061 or successor provisions, and what constitutes the use of
restraints, time out, and seclusion, including chemical restraint;

(8) staff responsibilities related to prohibited procedures under section 245D.06,
subdivision 5, or successor provisions, why such procedures are not effective for reducing
or eliminating symptoms or undesired behavior, and why such procedures are not safe;

(9) basic first aid; and

(10) other topics as determined necessary in the person's coordinated service and support
plan by the case manager or other areas identified by the license holder.

Sec. 65.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245D.32, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Investigations of alleged or suspected maltreatment.

Nothing in this section
changes the commissioner's responsibilities to investigate alleged or suspected maltreatment
of a minor under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end or a vulnerable adult under section 626.557.

Sec. 66.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245F.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

General application and license requirements.

An applicant for licensure
as a clinically managed withdrawal management program or medically monitored withdrawal
management program must meet the following requirements, except where otherwise noted.
All programs must comply with federal requirements and the general requirements in
chapters 245A deleted text beginanddeleted text endnew text begin,new text end 245Cnew text begin, and 626B,new text end and sections deleted text begin626.556,deleted text end 626.557deleted text begin,deleted text end and 626.5572. A
withdrawal management program must be located in a hospital licensed under sections
144.50 to 144.581, or must be a supervised living facility with a class B license from the
Department of Health under Minnesota Rules, parts 4665.0100 to 4665.9900.

Sec. 67.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245F.15, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Program director qualifications.

A program director must:

(1) have at least one year of work experience in direct service to individuals with
substance use disorders or one year of work experience in the management or administration
of direct service to individuals with substance use disorders;

(2) have a baccalaureate degree or three years of work experience in administration or
personnel supervision in human services; and

(3) know and understand the requirements of this chapter and chapters 245A deleted text beginanddeleted text endnew text begin,new text end 245Cnew text begin,
and 626B
new text end, and sections 253B.04, 253B.05, deleted text begin626.556,deleted text end 626.557, and 626.5572.

Sec. 68.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245F.15, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Responsible staff person qualifications.

Each responsible staff person must
know and understand the requirements of this chapternew text begin, chapter 626B,new text end and sections 245A.65,
253B.04, 253B.05, deleted text begin626.556,deleted text end 626.557, and 626.5572. In a clinically managed program, the
responsible staff person must be a licensed practical nurse employed by or under contract
with the license holder. In a medically monitored program, the responsible staff person must
be a registered nurse, program director, or physician.

Sec. 69.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245F.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Policy requirements.

A license holder must have written personnel
policies and must make them available to staff members at all times. The personnel policies
must:

(1) ensure that a staff member's retention, promotion, job assignment, or pay are not
affected by a good-faith communication between the staff member and the Department of
Human Services, Department of Health, Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental
Disabilities, law enforcement, or local agencies that investigate complaints regarding patient
rights, health, or safety;

(2) include a job description for each position that specifies job responsibilities, degree
of authority to execute job responsibilities, standards of job performance related to specified
job responsibilities, and qualifications;

(3) provide for written job performance evaluations for staff members of the license
holder at least annually;

(4) describe behavior that constitutes grounds for disciplinary action, suspension, or
dismissal, including policies that address substance use problems and meet the requirements
of section 245F.15, subdivisions 1 and 2. The policies and procedures must list behaviors
or incidents that are considered substance use problems. The list must include:

(i) receiving treatment for substance use disorder within the period specified for the
position in the staff qualification requirements;

(ii) substance use that has a negative impact on the staff member's job performance;

(iii) substance use that affects the credibility of treatment services with patients, referral
sources, or other members of the community; and

(iv) symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal on the job;

(5) include policies prohibiting personal involvement with patients and policies
prohibiting patient maltreatment as specified under deleted text beginchapterdeleted text endnew text begin chaptersnew text end 604new text begin and 626Bnew text end and
sections 245A.65, deleted text begin626.556,deleted text end 626.557, and 626.5572;

(6) include a chart or description of organizational structure indicating the lines of
authority and responsibilities;

(7) include a written plan for new staff member orientation that, at a minimum, includes
training related to the specific job functions for which the staff member was hired, program
policies and procedures, patient needs, and the areas identified in subdivision 2, paragraphs
(b) to (e); and

(8) include a policy on the confidentiality of patient information.

Sec. 70.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245F.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Staff development.

(a) A license holder must ensure that each staff member
receives orientation training before providing direct patient care and at least 30 hours of
continuing education every two years. A written record must be kept to demonstrate
completion of training requirements.

(b) Within 72 hours of beginning employment, all staff having direct patient contact
must be provided orientation on the following:

(1) specific license holder and staff responsibilities for patient confidentiality;

(2) standards governing the use of protective procedures;

(3) patient ethical boundaries and patient rights, including the rights of patients admitted
under chapter 253B;

(4) infection control procedures;

(5) mandatory reporting under new text beginchapter 626B and new text endsections 245A.65deleted text begin, 626.556,deleted text end and 626.557,
including specific training covering the facility's policies concerning obtaining patient
releases of information;

(6) HIV minimum standards as required in section 245A.19;

(7) motivational counseling techniques and identifying stages of change; and

(8) eight hours of training on the program's protective procedures policy required in
section 245F.09, including:

(i) approved therapeutic holds;

(ii) protective procedures used to prevent patients from imminent danger of harming
self or others;

(iii) the emergency conditions under which the protective procedures may be used, if
any;

(iv) documentation standards for using protective procedures;

(v) how to monitor and respond to patient distress; and

(vi) person-centered planning and trauma-informed care.

(c) All staff having direct patient contact must be provided annual training on the
following:

(1) infection control procedures;

(2) mandatory reporting under new text beginchapter 626B and new text endsections 245A.65deleted text begin, 626.556,deleted text end and 626.557,
including specific training covering the facility's policies concerning obtaining patient
releases of information;

(3) HIV minimum standards as required in section 245A.19; and

(4) motivational counseling techniques and identifying stages of change.

(d) All staff having direct patient contact must be provided training every two years on
the following:

(1) specific license holder and staff responsibilities for patient confidentiality;

(2) standards governing use of protective procedures, including:

(i) approved therapeutic holds;

(ii) protective procedures used to prevent patients from imminent danger of harming
self or others;

(iii) the emergency conditions under which the protective procedures may be used, if
any;

(iv) documentation standards for using protective procedures;

(v) how to monitor and respond to patient distress; and

(vi) person-centered planning and trauma-informed care; and

(3) patient ethical boundaries and patient rights, including the rights of patients admitted
under chapter 253B.

(e) Continuing education that is completed in areas outside of the required topics must
provide information to the staff person that is useful to the performance of the individual
staff person's duties.

Sec. 71.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 245F.18, is amended to read:


245F.18 POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL.

A license holder must develop a written policy and procedures manual that is
alphabetically indexed and has a table of contents, so that staff have immediate access to
all policies and procedures, and that consumers of the services and other authorized parties
have access to all policies and procedures. The manual must contain the following materials:

(1) a description of patient education services as required in section 245F.06;

(2) personnel policies that comply with section 245F.16;

(3) admission information and referral and discharge policies that comply with section
245F.05;

(4) a health monitoring plan that complies with section 245F.12;

(5) a protective procedures policy that complies with section 245F.09, if the program
elects to use protective procedures;

(6) policies and procedures for assuring appropriate patient-to-staff ratios that comply
with section 245F.14;

(7) policies and procedures for assessing and documenting the susceptibility for risk of
abuse to the patient as the basis for the individual abuse prevention plan required by section
245A.65;

(8) procedures for mandatory reporting as required by sections 245A.65deleted text begin, 626.556,deleted text end and
626.557new text begin, and chapter 626Bnew text end;

(9) a medication control plan that complies with section 245F.13; and

(10) policies and procedures regarding HIV that meet the minimum standards under
section 245A.19.

Sec. 72.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 254A.09, is amended to read:


254A.09 CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS.

The Department of Human Services shall assure confidentiality to individuals who are
the subject of research by the state authority or are recipients of alcohol or drug abuse
information, assessment, or treatment from a licensed or approved program. The
commissioner shall withhold from all persons not connected with the conduct of the research
the names or other identifying characteristics of a subject of research unless the individual
gives written permission that information relative to treatment and recovery may be released.
Persons authorized to protect the privacy of subjects of research may not be compelled in
any federal, state or local, civil, criminal, administrative or other proceeding to identify or
disclose other confidential information about the individuals. Identifying information and
other confidential information related to alcohol or drug abuse information, assessment,
treatment, or aftercare services may be ordered to be released by the court for the purpose
of civil or criminal investigations or proceedings if, after review of the records considered
for disclosure, the court determines that the information is relevant to the purpose for which
disclosure is requested. The court shall order disclosure of only that information which is
determined relevant. In determining whether to compel disclosure, the court shall weigh
the public interest and the need for disclosure against the injury to the patient, to the treatment
relationship in the program affected and in other programs similarly situated, and the actual
or potential harm to the ability of programs to attract and retain patients if disclosure occurs.
This section does not exempt any person from the reporting obligations under deleted text beginsection
626.556
deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, nor limit the use of information reported in any proceeding arising
out of the abuse or neglect of a child. Identifying information and other confidential
information related to alcohol or drug abuse information, assessment, treatment, or aftercare
services may be ordered to be released by the court for the purpose of civil or criminal
investigations or proceedings. No information may be released pursuant to this section that
would not be released pursuant to section 595.02, subdivision 2.

Sec. 73.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 254B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Eligibility.

(a) Persons eligible for benefits under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 25, part 20, and persons eligible for medical assistance benefits under
sections 256B.055, 256B.056, and 256B.057, subdivisions 1, 5, and 6, or who meet the
income standards of section 256B.056, subdivision 4, are entitled to chemical dependency
fund services. State money appropriated for this paragraph must be placed in a separate
account established for this purpose.

Persons with dependent children who are determined to be in need of chemical
dependency treatment pursuant to an assessment under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin
626B.07, subdivision 1
new text end, or a case plan under section 260C.201, subdivision 6, or 260C.212,
shall be assisted by the local agency to access needed treatment services. Treatment services
must be appropriate for the individual or family, which may include long-term care treatment
or treatment in a facility that allows the dependent children to stay in the treatment facility.
The county shall pay for out-of-home placement costs, if applicable.

(b) A person not entitled to services under paragraph (a), but with family income that
is less than 215 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the applicable family size, shall
be eligible to receive chemical dependency fund services within the limit of funds
appropriated for this group for the fiscal year. If notified by the state agency of limited
funds, a county must give preferential treatment to persons with dependent children who
are in need of chemical dependency treatment pursuant to an assessment under section
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin 626B.07, subdivision 1new text end, or a case plan under section 260C.201,
subdivision 6
, or 260C.212. A county may spend money from its own sources to serve
persons under this paragraph. State money appropriated for this paragraph must be placed
in a separate account established for this purpose.

(c) Persons whose income is between 215 percent and 412 percent of the federal poverty
guidelines for the applicable family size shall be eligible for chemical dependency services
on a sliding fee basis, within the limit of funds appropriated for this group for the fiscal
year. Persons eligible under this paragraph must contribute to the cost of services according
to the sliding fee scale established under subdivision 3. A county may spend money from
its own sources to provide services to persons under this paragraph. State money appropriated
for this paragraph must be placed in a separate account established for this purpose.

Sec. 74.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256.01, subdivision 12, is amended to read:


Subd. 12.

Child mortality review panel.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a child
mortality review panel to review deaths of children in Minnesota, including deaths attributed
to maltreatment or in which maltreatment may be a contributing cause and to review near
fatalities as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11ddeleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end. The commissioners of
health, education, and public safety and the attorney general shall each designate a
representative to the child mortality review panel. Other panel members shall be appointed
by the commissioner, including a board-certified pathologist and a physician who is a coroner
or a medical examiner. The purpose of the panel shall be to make recommendations to the
state and to county agencies for improving the child protection system, including
modifications in statute, rule, policy, and procedure.

(b) The commissioner may require a county agency to establish a local child mortality
review panel. The commissioner may establish procedures for conducting local reviews
and may require that all professionals with knowledge of a child mortality case participate
in the local review. In this section, "professional" means a person licensed to perform or a
person performing a specific service in the child protective service system. "Professional"
includes law enforcement personnel, social service agency attorneys, educators, and social
service, health care, and mental health care providers.

(c) If the commissioner of human services has reason to believe that a child's death was
caused by maltreatment or that maltreatment was a contributing cause, the commissioner
has access to not public data under chapter 13 maintained by state agencies, statewide
systems, or political subdivisions that are related to the child's death or circumstances
surrounding the care of the child. The commissioner shall also have access to records of
private hospitals as necessary to carry out the duties prescribed by this section. Access to
data under this paragraph is limited to police investigative data; autopsy records and coroner
or medical examiner investigative data; hospital, public health, or other medical records of
the child; hospital and other medical records of the child's parent that relate to prenatal care;
and records created by social service agencies that provided services to the child or family
within three years preceding the child's death. A state agency, statewide system, or political
subdivision shall provide the data upon request of the commissioner. Not public data may
be shared with members of the state or local child mortality review panel in connection with
an individual case.

(d) Notwithstanding the data's classification in the possession of any other agency, data
acquired by a local or state child mortality review panel in the exercise of its duties is
protected nonpublic or confidential data as defined in section 13.02, but may be disclosed
as necessary to carry out the purposes of the review panel. The data is not subject to subpoena
or discovery. The commissioner may disclose conclusions of the review panel, but shall
not disclose data that was classified as confidential or private data on decedents, under
section 13.10, or private, confidential, or protected nonpublic data in the disseminating
agency, except that the commissioner may disclose local social service agency data as
provided in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11ddeleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision 5new text end, on individual cases
involving a fatality or near fatality of a person served by the local social service agency
prior to the date of death.

(e) A person attending a child mortality review panel meeting shall not disclose what
transpired at the meeting, except to carry out the purposes of the mortality review panel.
The proceedings and records of the mortality review panel are protected nonpublic data as
defined in section 13.02, subdivision 13, and are not subject to discovery or introduction
into evidence in a civil or criminal action against a professional, the state or a county agency,
arising out of the matters the panel is reviewing. Information, documents, and records
otherwise available from other sources are not immune from discovery or use in a civil or
criminal action solely because they were presented during proceedings of the review panel.
A person who presented information before the review panel or who is a member of the
panel shall not be prevented from testifying about matters within the person's knowledge.
However, in a civil or criminal proceeding a person shall not be questioned about the person's
presentation of information to the review panel or opinions formed by the person as a result
of the review meetings.

Sec. 75.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256.01, subdivision 14b, is amended to read:


Subd. 14b.

American Indian child welfare projects.

(a) The commissioner of human
services may authorize projects to test tribal delivery of child welfare services to American
Indian children and their parents and custodians living on the reservation. The commissioner
has authority to solicit and determine which tribes may participate in a project. Grants may
be issued to Minnesota Indian tribes to support the projects. The commissioner may waive
existing state rules as needed to accomplish the projects. The commissioner may authorize
projects to use alternative methods of (1) investigating and assessing reports of child
maltreatment, and (2) administrative reconsideration, administrative appeal, and judicial
appeal of maltreatment determinations, provided the alternative methods used by the projects
comply with the provisions of deleted text beginsectionsdeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 256.045 and deleted text begin626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end dealing
with the rights of individuals who are the subjects of reports or investigations, including
notice and appeal rights and data practices requirements. The commissioner may seek any
federal approvals necessary to carry out the projects as well as seek and use any funds
available to the commissioner, including use of federal funds, foundation funds, existing
grant funds, and other funds. The commissioner is authorized to advance state funds as
necessary to operate the projects. Federal reimbursement applicable to the projects is
appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of the projects. The projects must be
required to address responsibility for safety, permanency, and well-being of children.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "American Indian child" means a person under 21
years old and who is a tribal member or eligible for membership in one of the tribes chosen
for a project under this subdivision and who is residing on the reservation of that tribe.

(c) In order to qualify for an American Indian child welfare project, a tribe must:

(1) be one of the existing tribes with reservation land in Minnesota;

(2) have a tribal court with jurisdiction over child custody proceedings;

(3) have a substantial number of children for whom determinations of maltreatment have
occurred;

(4) have capacity to respond to reports of abuse and neglect under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin
chapter 626B
new text end;

(5) provide a wide range of services to families in need of child welfare services; and

(6) have a tribal-state title IV-E agreement in effect.

(d) Grants awarded under this section may be used for the nonfederal costs of providing
child welfare services to American Indian children on the tribe's reservation, including costs
associated with:

(1) assessment and prevention of child abuse and neglect;

(2) family preservation;

(3) facilitative, supportive, and reunification services;

(4) out-of-home placement for children removed from the home for child protective
purposes; and

(5) other activities and services approved by the commissioner that further the goals of
providing safety, permanency, and well-being of American Indian children.

(e) When a tribe has initiated a project and has been approved by the commissioner to
assume child welfare responsibilities for American Indian children of that tribe under this
section, the affected county social service agency is relieved of responsibility for responding
to reports of abuse and neglect under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end for those children during
the time within which the tribal project is in effect and funded. The commissioner shall
work with tribes and affected counties to develop procedures for data collection, evaluation,
and clarification of ongoing role and financial responsibilities of the county and tribe for
child welfare services prior to initiation of the project. Children who have not been identified
by the tribe as participating in the project shall remain the responsibility of the county.
Nothing in this section shall alter responsibilities of the county for law enforcement or court
services.

(f) Participating tribes may conduct children's mental health screenings under section
245.4874, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (12), for children who are eligible for the
initiative and living on the reservation and who meet one of the following criteria:

(1) the child must be receiving child protective services;

(2) the child must be in foster care; or

(3) the child's parents must have had parental rights suspended or terminated.

Tribes may access reimbursement from available state funds for conducting the screenings.
Nothing in this section shall alter responsibilities of the county for providing services under
section 245.487.

(g) Participating tribes may establish a local child mortality review panel. In establishing
a local child mortality review panel, the tribe agrees to conduct local child mortality reviews
for child deaths or near-fatalities occurring on the reservation under subdivision 12. Tribes
with established child mortality review panels shall have access to nonpublic data and shall
protect nonpublic data under subdivision 12, paragraphs (c) to (e). The tribe shall provide
written notice to the commissioner and affected counties when a local child mortality review
panel has been established and shall provide data upon request of the commissioner for
purposes of sharing nonpublic data with members of the state child mortality review panel
in connection to an individual case.

(h) The commissioner shall collect information on outcomes relating to child safety,
permanency, and well-being of American Indian children who are served in the projects.
Participating tribes must provide information to the state in a format and completeness
deemed acceptable by the state to meet state and federal reporting requirements.

(i) In consultation with the White Earth Band, the commissioner shall develop and submit
to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over health and human services a plan to transfer legal responsibility for providing child
protective services to White Earth Band member children residing in Hennepin County to
the White Earth Band. The plan shall include a financing proposal, definitions of key terms,
statutory amendments required, and other provisions required to implement the plan. The
commissioner shall submit the plan by January 15, 2012.

Sec. 76.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256.01, subdivision 15, is amended to read:


Subd. 15.

Citizen review panels.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a minimum of
three citizen review panels to examine the policies and procedures of state and local welfare
agencies to evaluate the extent to which the agencies are effectively discharging their child
protection responsibilities. Local social service agencies shall cooperate and work with the
citizen review panels. Where appropriate, the panels may examine specific cases to evaluate
the effectiveness of child protection activities. The panels must examine the extent to which
the state and local agencies are meeting the requirements of the federal Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Act and the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act. The
commissioner may authorize mortality review panels or child protection teams to carry out
the duties of a citizen review panel if membership meets or is expanded to meet the
requirements of this section.

(b) The panel membership must include volunteers who broadly represent the community
in which the panel is established, including members who have expertise in the prevention
and treatment of child abuse and neglect, child protection advocates, and representatives of
the councils of color and ombudsperson for families.

(c) A citizen review panel has access to the following data for specific case review under
this paragraph: police investigative data; autopsy records and coroner or medical examiner
investigative data; hospital, public health, or other medical records of the child; hospital
and other medical records of the child's parent that relate to prenatal care; records created
by social service agencies that provided services to the child or family; and personnel data
related to an employee's performance in discharging child protection responsibilities. A
state agency, statewide system, or political subdivision shall provide the data upon request
of the commissioner. Not public data may be shared with members of the state or local
citizen review panel in connection with an individual case.

(d) Notwithstanding the data's classification in the possession of any other agency, data
acquired by a local or state citizen review panel in the exercise of its duties are protected
nonpublic or confidential data as defined in section 13.02, but may be disclosed as necessary
to carry out the purposes of the review panel. The data are not subject to subpoena or
discovery. The commissioner may disclose conclusions of the review panel, but may not
disclose data on individuals that were classified as confidential or private data on individuals
in the possession of the state agency, statewide system, or political subdivision from which
the data were received, except that the commissioner may disclose local social service
agency data as provided in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11ddeleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivision 5new text end, on
individual cases involving a fatality or near fatality of a person served by the local social
service agency prior to the date of death.

(e) A person attending a citizen review panel meeting may not disclose what transpired
at the meeting, except to carry out the purposes of the review panel. The proceedings and
records of the review panel are protected nonpublic data as defined in section 13.02,
subdivision 13
, and are not subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in a civil or
criminal action against a professional, the state, or county agency arising out of the matters
the panel is reviewing. Information, documents, and records otherwise available from other
sources are not immune from discovery or use in a civil or criminal action solely because
they were presented during proceedings of the review panel. A person who presented
information before the review panel or who is a member of the panel is not prevented from
testifying about matters within the person's knowledge. However, in a civil or criminal
proceeding, a person must not be questioned about the person's presentation of information
to the review panel or opinions formed by the person as a result of the review panel meetings.

Sec. 77.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256.045, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

State agency hearings.

(a) State agency hearings are available for the following:

(1) any person applying for, receiving or having received public assistance, medical
care, or a program of social services granted by the state agency or a county agency or the
federal Food Stamp Act whose application for assistance is denied, not acted upon with
reasonable promptness, or whose assistance is suspended, reduced, terminated, or claimed
to have been incorrectly paid;

(2) any patient or relative aggrieved by an order of the commissioner under section
252.27;

(3) a party aggrieved by a ruling of a prepaid health plan;

(4) except as provided under chapter 245C, any individual or facility determined by a
lead investigative agency to have maltreated a vulnerable adult under section 626.557 after
they have exercised their right to administrative reconsideration under section 626.557;

(5) any person whose claim for foster care payment according to a placement of the
child resulting from a child protection assessment under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end is
denied or not acted upon with reasonable promptness, regardless of funding source;

(6) any person to whom a right of appeal according to this section is given by other
provision of law;

(7) an applicant aggrieved by an adverse decision to an application for a hardship waiver
under section 256B.15;

(8) an applicant aggrieved by an adverse decision to an application or redetermination
for a Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy under section 256B.04, subdivision 4a;

(9) except as provided under chapter 245A, an individual or facility determined to have
maltreated a minor under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, after the individual or facility has
exercised the right to administrative reconsideration under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end;

(10) except as provided under chapter 245C, an individual disqualified under sections
245C.14 and 245C.15, following a reconsideration decision issued under section 245C.23,
on the basis of serious or recurring maltreatment; a preponderance of the evidence that the
individual has committed an act or acts that meet the definition of any of the crimes listed
in section 245C.15, subdivisions 1 to 4; or for failing to make reports required under section
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 3, ordeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 3new text begin, or 626B.03new text end. Hearings regarding a
maltreatment determination under clause (4) or (9) and a disqualification under this clause
in which the basis for a disqualification is serious or recurring maltreatment, shall be
consolidated into a single fair hearing. In such cases, the scope of review by the human
services judge shall include both the maltreatment determination and the disqualification.
The failure to exercise the right to an administrative reconsideration shall not be a bar to a
hearing under this section if federal law provides an individual the right to a hearing to
dispute a finding of maltreatment;

(11) any person with an outstanding debt resulting from receipt of public assistance,
medical care, or the federal Food Stamp Act who is contesting a setoff claim by the
Department of Human Services or a county agency. The scope of the appeal is the validity
of the claimant agency's intention to request a setoff of a refund under chapter 270A against
the debt;

(12) a person issued a notice of service termination under section 245D.10, subdivision
3a, from residential supports and services as defined in section 245D.03, subdivision 1,
paragraph (c), clause (3), that is not otherwise subject to appeal under subdivision 4a; or

(13) an individual disability waiver recipient based on a denial of a request for a rate
exception under section 256B.4914.

(b) The hearing for an individual or facility under paragraph (a), clause (4), (9), or (10),
is the only administrative appeal to the final agency determination specifically, including
a challenge to the accuracy and completeness of data under section 13.04. Hearings requested
under paragraph (a), clause (4), apply only to incidents of maltreatment that occur on or
after October 1, 1995. Hearings requested by nursing assistants in nursing homes alleged
to have maltreated a resident prior to October 1, 1995, shall be held as a contested case
proceeding under the provisions of chapter 14. Hearings requested under paragraph (a),
clause (9), apply only to incidents of maltreatment that occur on or after July 1, 1997. A
hearing for an individual or facility under paragraph (a), clauses (4), (9), and (10), is only
available when there is no district court action pending. If such action is filed in district
court while an administrative review is pending that arises out of some or all of the events
or circumstances on which the appeal is based, the administrative review must be suspended
until the judicial actions are completed. If the district court proceedings are completed,
dismissed, or overturned, the matter may be considered in an administrative hearing.

(c) For purposes of this section, bargaining unit grievance procedures are not an
administrative appeal.

(d) The scope of hearings involving claims to foster care payments under paragraph (a),
clause (5), shall be limited to the issue of whether the county is legally responsible for a
child's placement under court order or voluntary placement agreement and, if so, the correct
amount of foster care payment to be made on the child's behalf and shall not include review
of the propriety of the county's child protection determination or child placement decision.

(e) The scope of hearings under paragraph (a), clause (12), shall be limited to whether
the proposed termination of services is authorized under section 245D.10, subdivision 3a,
paragraph (b), and whether the requirements of section 245D.10, subdivision 3a, paragraph
(c), were met. If the appeal includes a request for a temporary stay of termination of services,
the scope of the hearing shall also include whether the case management provider has
finalized arrangements for a residential facility, a program, or services that will meet the
assessed needs of the recipient by the effective date of the service termination.

(f) A vendor of medical care as defined in section 256B.02, subdivision 7, or a vendor
under contract with a county agency to provide social services is not a party and may not
request a hearing under this section, except if assisting a recipient as provided in subdivision
4.

(g) An applicant or recipient is not entitled to receive social services beyond the services
prescribed under chapter 256M or other social services the person is eligible for under state
law.

(h) The commissioner may summarily affirm the county or state agency's proposed
action without a hearing when the sole issue is an automatic change due to a change in state
or federal law.

(i) Unless federal or Minnesota law specifies a different time frame in which to file an
appeal, an individual or organization specified in this section may contest the specified
action, decision, or final disposition before the state agency by submitting a written request
for a hearing to the state agency within 30 days after receiving written notice of the action,
decision, or final disposition, or within 90 days of such written notice if the applicant,
recipient, patient, or relative shows good cause, as defined in section 256.0451, subdivision
13, why the request was not submitted within the 30-day time limit. The individual filing
the appeal has the burden of proving good cause by a preponderance of the evidence.

Sec. 78.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256.045, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:


Subd. 3b.

Standard of evidence for maltreatment and disqualification hearings.

(a)
The state human services judge shall determine that maltreatment has occurred if a
preponderance of evidence exists to support the final disposition under deleted text beginsections 626.556
and
deleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and chapter 626Bnew text end. For purposes of hearings regarding disqualification,
the state human services judge shall affirm the proposed disqualification in an appeal under
subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (9), if a preponderance of the evidence shows the
individual has:

(1) committed maltreatment under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end, which
is serious or recurring;

(2) committed an act or acts meeting the definition of any of the crimes listed in section
245C.15, subdivisions 1 to 4; or

(3) failed to make required reports under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end,
for incidents in which the final disposition under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter
626B
new text end
was substantiated maltreatment that was serious or recurring.

(b) If the disqualification is affirmed, the state human services judge shall determine
whether the individual poses a risk of harm in accordance with the requirements of section
245C.22, and whether the disqualification should be set aside or not set aside. In determining
whether the disqualification should be set aside, the human services judge shall consider
all of the characteristics that cause the individual to be disqualified, including those
characteristics that were not subject to review under paragraph (a), in order to determine
whether the individual poses a risk of harm. A decision to set aside a disqualification that
is the subject of the hearing constitutes a determination that the individual does not pose a
risk of harm and that the individual may provide direct contact services in the individual
program specified in the set aside.

(c) If a disqualification is based solely on a conviction or is conclusive for any reason
under section 245C.29, the disqualified individual does not have a right to a hearing under
this section.

(d) The state human services judge shall recommend an order to the commissioner of
health, education, or human services, as applicable, who shall issue a final order. The
commissioner shall affirm, reverse, or modify the final disposition. Any order of the
commissioner issued in accordance with this subdivision is conclusive upon the parties
unless appeal is taken in the manner provided in subdivision 7. In any licensing appeal under
chapters 245A and 245C and sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 144A.02 to 144A.482, the
commissioner's determination as to maltreatment is conclusive, as provided under section
245C.29.

Sec. 79.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256.045, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Conduct of hearings.

(a) All hearings held pursuant to subdivision 3, 3a, 3b,
or 4a shall be conducted according to the provisions of the federal Social Security Act and
the regulations implemented in accordance with that act to enable this state to qualify for
federal grants-in-aid, and according to the rules and written policies of the commissioner
of human services. County agencies shall install equipment necessary to conduct telephone
hearings. A state human services judge may schedule a telephone conference hearing when
the distance or time required to travel to the county agency offices will cause a delay in the
issuance of an order, or to promote efficiency, or at the mutual request of the parties. Hearings
may be conducted by telephone conferences unless the applicant, recipient, former recipient,
person, or facility contesting maltreatment objects. A human services judge may grant a
request for a hearing in person by holding the hearing by interactive video technology or
in person. The human services judge must hear the case in person if the person asserts that
either the person or a witness has a physical or mental disability that would impair the
person's or witness's ability to fully participate in a hearing held by interactive video
technology. The hearing shall not be held earlier than five days after filing of the required
notice with the county or state agency. The state human services judge shall notify all
interested persons of the time, date, and location of the hearing at least five days before the
date of the hearing. Interested persons may be represented by legal counsel or other
representative of their choice, including a provider of therapy services, at the hearing and
may appear personally, testify and offer evidence, and examine and cross-examine witnesses.
The applicant, recipient, former recipient, person, or facility contesting maltreatment shall
have the opportunity to examine the contents of the case file and all documents and records
to be used by the county or state agency at the hearing at a reasonable time before the date
of the hearing and during the hearing. In hearings under subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses
(4), (8), and (9), either party may subpoena the private data relating to the investigation
prepared by the agency under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end that is not
otherwise accessible under section 13.04, provided the identity of the reporter may not be
disclosed.

(b) The private data obtained by subpoena in a hearing under subdivision 3, paragraph
(a), clause (4), (8), or (9), must be subject to a protective order which prohibits its disclosure
for any other purpose outside the hearing provided for in this section without prior order of
the district court. Disclosure without court order is punishable by a sentence of not more
than 90 days imprisonment or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. These restrictions on
the use of private data do not prohibit access to the data under section 13.03, subdivision
6
. Except for appeals under subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses (4), (5), (8), and (9), upon
request, the county agency shall provide reimbursement for transportation, child care,
photocopying, medical assessment, witness fee, and other necessary and reasonable costs
incurred by the applicant, recipient, or former recipient in connection with the appeal. All
evidence, except that privileged by law, commonly accepted by reasonable people in the
conduct of their affairs as having probative value with respect to the issues shall be submitted
at the hearing and such hearing shall not be "a contested case" within the meaning of section
14.02, subdivision 3. The agency must present its evidence prior to or at the hearing, and
may not submit evidence after the hearing except by agreement of the parties at the hearing,
provided the petitioner has the opportunity to respond.

(c) In hearings under subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses (4), (8), and (9), involving
determinations of maltreatment or disqualification made by more than one county agency,
by a county agency and a state agency, or by more than one state agency, the hearings may
be consolidated into a single fair hearing upon the consent of all parties and the state human
services judge.

(d) For hearings under subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (4) or (10), involving a
vulnerable adult, the human services judge shall notify the vulnerable adult who is the
subject of the maltreatment determination and, if known, a guardian of the vulnerable adult
appointed under section 524.5-310, or a health care agent designated by the vulnerable adult
in a health care directive that is currently effective under section 145C.06 and whose authority
to make health care decisions is not suspended under section 524.5-310, of the hearing. The
notice must be sent by certified mail and inform the vulnerable adult of the right to file a
signed written statement in the proceedings. A guardian or health care agent who prepares
or files a written statement for the vulnerable adult must indicate in the statement that the
person is the vulnerable adult's guardian or health care agent and sign the statement in that
capacity. The vulnerable adult, the guardian, or the health care agent may file a written
statement with the human services judge hearing the case no later than five business days
before commencement of the hearing. The human services judge shall include the written
statement in the hearing record and consider the statement in deciding the appeal. This
subdivision does not limit, prevent, or excuse the vulnerable adult from being called as a
witness testifying at the hearing or grant the vulnerable adult, the guardian, or health care
agent a right to participate in the proceedings or appeal the human services judge's decision
in the case. The lead investigative agency must consider including the vulnerable adult
victim of maltreatment as a witness in the hearing. If the lead investigative agency determines
that participation in the hearing would endanger the well-being of the vulnerable adult or
not be in the best interests of the vulnerable adult, the lead investigative agency shall inform
the human services judge of the basis for this determination, which must be included in the
final order. If the human services judge is not reasonably able to determine the address of
the vulnerable adult, the guardian, or the health care agent, the human services judge is not
required to send a hearing notice under this subdivision.

Sec. 80.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.0621, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Relocation targeted county case management provider qualifications.

(a)
A relocation targeted county case management provider is an enrolled medical assistance
provider who is determined by the commissioner to have all of the following characteristics:

(1) the legal authority to provide public welfare under sections 393.01, subdivision 7;
and 393.07; or a federally recognized Indian tribe;

(2) the demonstrated capacity and experience to provide the components of case
management to coordinate and link community resources needed by the eligible population;

(3) the administrative capacity and experience to serve the target population for whom
it will provide services and ensure quality of services under state and federal requirements;

(4) the legal authority to provide complete investigative and protective services under
deleted text begin section 626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin sections 626B.05, 626B.07, 626B.09, and 626B.10new text end; and
child welfare and foster care services under section 393.07, subdivisions 1 and 2; or a
federally recognized Indian tribe;

(5) a financial management system that provides accurate documentation of services
and costs under state and federal requirements; and

(6) the capacity to document and maintain individual case records under state and federal
requirements.

(b) A provider of targeted case management under section 256B.0625, subdivision 20,
may be deemed a certified provider of relocation targeted case management.

(c) A relocation targeted county case management provider may subcontract with another
provider to deliver relocation targeted case management services. Subcontracted providers
must demonstrate the ability to provide the services outlined in subdivision 6, and have a
procedure in place that notifies the recipient and the recipient's legal representative of any
conflict of interest if the contracted targeted case management provider also provides, or
will provide, the recipient's services and supports. Counties must require that contracted
providers must provide information on all conflicts of interest and obtain the recipient's
informed consent or provide the recipient with alternatives.

Sec. 81.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.0625, subdivision 33, is amended to read:


Subd. 33.

Child welfare targeted case management.

Medical assistance, subject to
federal approval, covers child welfare targeted case management services as defined in
section 256B.094 to children under age 21 who have been assessed and determined in
accordance with section 256F.10 to be:

(1) at risk of placement or in placement as defined in section 260C.212, subdivision 1;

(2) at risk of maltreatment or experiencing maltreatment as defined in section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 10e
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.11new text end; or

(3) in need of protection or services as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6.

Sec. 82.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.0945, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Residential services; provider qualifications.

(a) Counties must arrange
to provide residential services for children with severe emotional disturbance according to
sections 245.4882, 245.4885, and this section.

(b) Services must be provided by a facility that is licensed according to section 245.4882
and administrative rules promulgated thereunder, and under contract with the county.

(c) Eligible service costs may be claimed for a facility that is located in a state that
borders Minnesota if:

(1) the facility is the closest facility to the child's home, providing the appropriate level
of care; and

(2) the commissioner of human services has completed an inspection of the out-of-state
program according to the interagency agreement with the commissioner of corrections under
section 260B.198, subdivision 11, paragraph (b), and the program has been certified by the
commissioner of corrections under section 260B.198, subdivision 11, paragraph (a), to
substantially meet the standards applicable to children's residential mental health treatment
programs under Minnesota Rules, chapter 2960. Nothing in this section requires the
commissioner of human services to enforce the background study requirements under chapter
245C or the requirements related to prevention and investigation of alleged maltreatment
under section deleted text begin626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end. Complaints received by the commissioner
of human services must be referred to the out-of-state licensing authority for possible
follow-up.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), eligible service costs may be claimed for an
out-of-state inpatient treatment facility if:

(1) the facility specializes in providing mental health services to children who are deaf,
deafblind, or hard-of-hearing and who use American Sign Language as their first language;

(2) the facility is licensed by the state in which it is located; and

(3) the state in which the facility is located is a member state of the Interstate Compact
on Mental Health.

Sec. 83.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.0951, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Variance of certain standards prohibited.

The safety standards, rights, or
procedural protections under deleted text beginchapterdeleted text endnew text begin chaptersnew text end 245Cnew text begin and 626Bnew text end and sections 245.825; 245.91
to 245.97; 245A.09, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), clauses (2) and (5); 245A.12; 245A.13;
252.41, subdivision 9; 256B.092, subdivisions 1b, clause (7), and 10; deleted text begin626.556;deleted text end 626.557,
and procedures for the monitoring of psychotropic medications shall not be varied under
the alternative quality assurance licensing system. The commission may make
recommendations to the commissioners of human services and health or to the legislature
regarding alternatives to or modifications of the rules and procedures referenced in this
subdivision.

Sec. 84.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.0954, is amended to read:


256B.0954 CERTAIN PERSONS DEFINED AS MANDATED REPORTERS.

Members of the Quality Assurance Commission established under section 256B.0951,
members of quality assurance review councils established under section 256B.0952, quality
assurance managers appointed under section 256B.0952, and members of quality assurance
teams established under section 256B.0952 are mandated reporters as that term is defined
in sections deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3, anddeleted text end 626.5572, subdivision 16new text begin, and 626B.03new text end.

Sec. 85.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.097, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Regional quality councils.

(a) The commissioner shall establish, as selected
by the State Quality Council, regional quality councils of key stakeholders, including regional
representatives of:

(1) disability service recipients and their family members;

(2) disability service providers;

(3) disability advocacy groups; and

(4) county human services agencies and staff from the Department of Human Services
and Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

(b) Each regional quality council shall:

(1) direct and monitor the community-based, person-directed quality assurance system
in this section;

(2) approve a training program for quality assurance team members under clause (13);

(3) review summary reports from quality assurance team reviews and make
recommendations to the State Quality Council regarding program licensure;

(4) make recommendations to the State Quality Council regarding the system;

(5) resolve complaints between the quality assurance teams, counties, providers, persons
receiving services, their families, and legal representatives;

(6) analyze and review quality outcomes and critical incident data reporting incidents
of life safety concerns immediately to the Department of Human Services licensing division;

(7) provide information and training programs for persons with disabilities and their
families and legal representatives on service options and quality expectations;

(8) disseminate information and resources developed to other regional quality councils;

(9) respond to state-level priorities;

(10) establish regional priorities for quality improvement;

(11) submit an annual report to the State Quality Council on the status, outcomes,
improvement priorities, and activities in the region;

(12) choose a representative to participate on the State Quality Council and assume other
responsibilities consistent with the priorities of the State Quality Council; and

(13) recruit, train, and assign duties to members of quality assurance teams, taking into
account the size of the service provider, the number of services to be reviewed, the skills
necessary for the team members to complete the process, and ensure that no team member
has a financial, personal, or family relationship with the facility, program, or service being
reviewed or with anyone served at the facility, program, or service. Quality assurance teams
must be comprised of county staff, persons receiving services or the person's families, legal
representatives, members of advocacy organizations, providers, and other involved
community members. Team members must complete the training program approved by the
regional quality council and must demonstrate performance-based competency. Team
members may be paid a per diem and reimbursed for expenses related to their participation
in the quality assurance process.

(c) The commissioner shall monitor the safety standards, rights, and procedural
protections for the monitoring of psychotropic medications and those identified undernew text begin chapter
626B and
new text end sections 245.825; 245.91 to 245.97; 245A.09, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), clauses
(2) and (5); 245A.12; 245A.13; 252.41, subdivision 9; 256B.092, subdivision 1b, clause
(7); deleted text begin626.556;deleted text end and 626.557.

(d) The regional quality councils may hire staff to perform the duties assigned in this
subdivision.

(e) The regional quality councils may charge fees for their services.

(f) The quality assurance process undertaken by a regional quality council consists of
an evaluation by a quality assurance team of the facility, program, or service. The process
must include an evaluation of a random sample of persons served. The sample must be
representative of each service provided. The sample size must be at least five percent but
not less than two persons served. All persons must be given the opportunity to be included
in the quality assurance process in addition to those chosen for the random sample.

(g) A facility, program, or service may contest a licensing decision of the regional quality
council as permitted under chapter 245A.

Sec. 86.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.097, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Mandated reporters.

Members of the State Quality Council under subdivision
3, the regional quality councils under subdivision 4, and quality assurance team members
under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (13), are mandated reporters as defined in sections
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 3, anddeleted text end 626.5572, subdivision 16new text begin, and 626B.03new text end.

Sec. 87.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.77, subdivision 17, is amended to read:


Subd. 17.

Approval of alternatives.

The commissioner may approve alternatives to
administrative rules if the commissioner determines that appropriate alternative measures
are in place to protect the health, safety, and rights of enrollees and to assure that services
are of sufficient quality to produce the outcomes described in the personal support plans.
Prior approved waivers, if needed by the demonstration project, shall be extended. The
commissioner shall not waive the rights or procedural protections undernew text begin chapter 626B andnew text end
sections 245.825; 245.91 to 245.97; 252.41, subdivision 9; 256B.092, subdivision 10;
deleted text begin 626.556;deleted text end and 626.557; or procedures for the monitoring of psychotropic medications.
Prohibited practices as defined in statutes and rules governing service delivery to eligible
individuals are applicable to services delivered under this demonstration project.

Sec. 88.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.85, subdivision 10, is amended to read:


Subd. 10.

Agency-provider and FMS provider qualifications and duties.

(a)
Agency-providers identified in subdivision 11 and FMS providers identified in subdivision
13a shall:

(1) enroll as a medical assistance Minnesota health care programs provider and meet all
applicable provider standards and requirements;

(2) demonstrate compliance with federal and state laws and policies for CFSS as
determined by the commissioner;

(3) comply with background study requirements under chapter 245C and maintain
documentation of background study requests and results;

(4) verify and maintain records of all services and expenditures by the participant,
including hours worked by support workers;

(5) not engage in any agency-initiated direct contact or marketing in person, by telephone,
or other electronic means to potential participants, guardians, family members, or participants'
representatives;

(6) directly provide services and not use a subcontractor or reporting agent;

(7) meet the financial requirements established by the commissioner for financial
solvency;

(8) have never had a lead agency contract or provider agreement discontinued due to
fraud, or have never had an owner, board member, or manager fail a state or FBI-based
criminal background check while enrolled or seeking enrollment as a Minnesota health care
programs provider; and

(9) have an office located in Minnesota.

(b) In conducting general duties, agency-providers and FMS providers shall:

(1) pay support workers based upon actual hours of services provided;

(2) pay for worker training and development services based upon actual hours of services
provided or the unit cost of the training session purchased;

(3) withhold and pay all applicable federal and state payroll taxes;

(4) make arrangements and pay unemployment insurance, taxes, workers' compensation,
liability insurance, and other benefits, if any;

(5) enter into a written agreement with the participant, participant's representative, or
legal representative that assigns roles and responsibilities to be performed before services,
supports, or goods are provided;

(6) report maltreatment as required under deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and
chapter 626B
new text end
; and

(7) comply with any data requests from the department consistent with the Minnesota
Government Data Practices Act under chapter 13.

Sec. 89.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.85, subdivision 12a, is amended to read:


Subd. 12a.

CFSS agency-provider requirements; policies for complaint process and
incident response.

(a) The CFSS agency-provider must establish policies and procedures
that promote service recipient rights by providing a simple complaint process for participants
served by the program and their authorized representatives to bring a grievance. The
complaint process must:

(1) provide staff assistance with the complaint process when requested;

(2) allow the participant to bring the complaint to the highest level of authority in the
program if the grievance cannot be resolved by other staff members, and provide the name,
address, and telephone number of that person;

(3) provide the addresses and telephone numbers of outside agencies to assist the
participant;

(4) require a prompt response to all complaints affecting a participant's health and safety
and a timely response to all other complaints;

(5) require an evaluation of whether:

(i) related policies and procedures were followed and adequate;

(ii) there is a need for additional staff training;

(iii) the complaint is similar to past complaints with the persons, staff, or services
involved; and

(iv) there is a need for corrective action by the agency-provider to protect the health and
safety of participants receiving services;

(6) provide a written summary of the complaint and a notice of the complaint resolution
to the participant and, if applicable, case manager or care coordinator; and

(7) require that the complaint summary and resolution notice be maintained in the
participant's service record.

(b) The CFSS agency-provider must establish policies and procedures for responding
to incidents that occur while services are being provided. When a participant has a legal
representative or a participant's representative, incidents must be reported to these
representatives. For the purposes of this paragraph, "incident" means an occurrence that
involves a participant and requires a response that is not a part of the ordinary provision of
the services to that participant, and includes:

(1) serious injury of a participant as determined by section 245.91, subdivision 6;

(2) a participant's death;

(3) any medical emergency, unexpected serious illness, or significant unexpected change
in a participant's illness or medical condition that requires a call to 911, physician treatment,
or hospitalization;

(4) any mental health crisis that requires a call to 911 or a mental health crisis intervention
team;

(5) an act or situation involving a participant that requires a call to 911, law enforcement,
or the fire department;

(6) a participant's unexplained absence;

(7) behavior that creates an imminent risk of harm to the participant or another; and

(8) a report of alleged or suspected child or vulnerable adult maltreatment under section
deleted text begin 626.556 ordeleted text end 626.557new text begin or chapter 626Bnew text end.

Sec. 90.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256E.21, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Child abuse.

"Child abuse" means sexual abuse, neglect, or physical abuse as
defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2, paragraphs (g), (k), and (n)deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02, subdivisions
14, 16, and 18
new text end.

Sec. 91.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256F.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Eligibility.

Persons under 21 years of age who are eligible to receive
medical assistance are eligible for child welfare targeted case management services under
section 256B.094 and this section if they have received an assessment and have been
determined by the local county or tribal social services agency to be:

(1) at risk of placement or in placement as described in section 260C.212, subdivision
1
;

(2) at risk of maltreatment or experiencing maltreatment as defined in section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 10e
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.11new text end; or

(3) in need of protection or services as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6.

Sec. 92.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256F.10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Provider qualifications and certification standards.

The commissioner must
certify each provider before enrolling it as a child welfare targeted case management provider
of services under section 256B.094 and this section. The certification process shall examine
the provider's ability to meet the qualification requirements and certification standards in
this subdivision and other federal and state requirements of this service. A certified child
welfare targeted case management provider is an enrolled medical assistance provider who
is determined by the commissioner to have all of the following:

(1) the legal authority to provide public welfare under sections 393.01, subdivision 7,
and 393.07 or a federally recognized Indian tribe;

(2) the demonstrated capacity and experience to provide the components of case
management to coordinate and link community resources needed by the eligible population;

(3) administrative capacity and experience in serving the target population for whom it
will provide services and in ensuring quality of services under state and federal requirements;

(4) the legal authority to provide complete investigative and protective services under
deleted text begin section 626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin sections 626B.05, 626B.07, 626B.09, and 626B.10new text end, and
child welfare and foster care services under section 393.07, subdivisions 1 and 2, or a
federally recognized Indian tribe;

(5) a financial management system that provides accurate documentation of services
and costs under state and federal requirements; and

(6) the capacity to document and maintain individual case records under state and federal
requirements.

Sec. 93.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256L.07, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Families with children in need of chemical dependency treatment.

Premiums
for families with children when a parent has been determined to be in need of chemical
dependency treatment pursuant to an assessment conducted by the county under section
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin 626B.07, subdivision 1new text end, or a case plan under section 260C.201,
subdivision 6
, or 260C.212, who are eligible for MinnesotaCare under section 256L.04,
subdivision 1
, may be paid by the county of residence of the person in need of treatment
for one year from the date the family is determined to be eligible or if the family is currently
enrolled in MinnesotaCare from the date the person is determined to be in need of chemical
dependency treatment. Upon renewal, the family is responsible for any premiums owed
under section 256L.15. If the family is not currently enrolled in MinnesotaCare, the local
county human services agency shall determine whether the family appears to meet the
eligibility requirements and shall assist the family in applying for the MinnesotaCare
program.

Sec. 94.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256M.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Vulnerable children and adults services.

(a) "Vulnerable children and adults
services" means services provided or arranged for by county boards for vulnerable children
under deleted text beginchapterdeleted text endnew text begin chaptersnew text end 260Cnew text begin and 626Bnew text end, and deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.5561, and
adults under section 626.557 who experience dependency, abuse, or neglect, as well as
services for family members to support those individuals. These services may be provided
by professionals or nonprofessionals, including the person's natural supports in the
community. For the purpose of this chapter, "vulnerable children" means children and
adolescents.

(b) Vulnerable children and adults services do not include services under the public
assistance programs known as the Minnesota family investment program, Minnesota
supplemental aid, medical assistance, general assistance, MinnesotaCare, or community
health services.

Sec. 95.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256M.40, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Formula.

The commissioner shall allocate state funds appropriated under
this chapter to each county board on a calendar year basis in an amount determined according
to the formula in paragraphs (a) to (e).

(a) For calendar years 2011 and 2012, the commissioner shall allocate available funds
to each county in proportion to that county's share in calendar year 2010.

(b) For calendar year 2013 and each calendar year thereafter, the commissioner shall
allocate available funds to each county as follows:

(1) 75 percent must be distributed on the basis of the county share in calendar year 2012;

(2) five percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of persons residing in
the county as determined by the most recent data of the state demographer;

(3) ten percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of vulnerable children
that are subjects of reports under deleted text beginchapterdeleted text endnew text begin chaptersnew text end 260Cnew text begin and 626Bnew text end and deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin
section
new text end 626.5561, and in the county as determined by the most recent data of the
commissioner; and

(4) ten percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of vulnerable adults that
are subjects of reports under section 626.557 in the county as determined by the most recent
data of the commissioner.

(c) The commissioner is precluded from changing the formula under this subdivision or
recommending a change to the legislature without public review and input.

Sec. 96.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256M.41, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Formula for county staffing funds.

(a) The commissioner shall allocate
state funds appropriated under this section to each county board on a calendar year basis in
an amount determined according to the following formula:

(1) 50 percent must be distributed on the basis of the child population residing in the
county as determined by the most recent data of the state demographer;

(2) 25 percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of screened-in reports of
child maltreatment under deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.5561new text begin and chapter 626Bnew text end, and in
the county as determined by the most recent data of the commissioner; and

(3) 25 percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of open child protection
case management cases in the county as determined by the most recent data of the
commissioner.

(b) Notwithstanding this subdivision, no county shall be awarded an allocation of less
than $75,000.

Sec. 97.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256M.41, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Payments based on performance.

(a) The commissioner shall make payments
under this section to each county board on a calendar year basis in an amount determined
under paragraph (b).

(b) Calendar year allocations under subdivision 1 shall be paid to counties in the following
manner:

(1) 80 percent of the allocation as determined in subdivision 1 must be paid to counties
on or before July 10 of each year;

(2) ten percent of the allocation shall be withheld until the commissioner determines if
the county has met the performance outcome threshold of 90 percent based on face-to-face
contact with alleged child victims. In order to receive the performance allocation, the county
child protection workers must have a timely face-to-face contact with at least 90 percent of
all alleged child victims of screened-in maltreatment reports. The standard requires that
each initial face-to-face contact occur consistent with timelines defined in section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 10
, paragraph (i)
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.09, subdivision 4new text end. The commissioner shall make threshold
determinations in January of each year and payments to counties meeting the performance
outcome threshold shall occur in February of each year. Any withheld funds from this
appropriation for counties that do not meet this requirement shall be reallocated by the
commissioner to those counties meeting the requirement; and

(3) ten percent of the allocation shall be withheld until the commissioner determines
that the county has met the performance outcome threshold of 90 percent based on
face-to-face visits by the case manager. In order to receive the performance allocation, the
total number of visits made by caseworkers on a monthly basis to children in foster care
and children receiving child protection services while residing in their home must be at least
90 percent of the total number of such visits that would occur if every child were visited
once per month. The commissioner shall make such determinations in January of each year
and payments to counties meeting the performance outcome threshold shall occur in February
of each year. Any withheld funds from this appropriation for counties that do not meet this
requirement shall be reallocated by the commissioner to those counties meeting the
requirement. For 2015, the commissioner shall only apply the standard for monthly foster
care visits.

(c) The commissioner shall work with stakeholders and the Human Services Performance
Council under section 402A.16 to develop recommendations for specific outcome measures
that counties should meet in order to receive funds withheld under paragraph (b), and include
in those recommendations a determination as to whether the performance measures under
paragraph (b) should be modified or phased out. The commissioner shall report the
recommendations to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over child protection
issues by January 1, 2018.

Sec. 98.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 257.0764, is amended to read:


257.0764 COMPLAINTS.

An ombudsperson may receive a complaint from any source concerning an action of an
agency, facility, or program. After completing a review, the ombudsperson shall inform the
complainant, agency, facility, or program. Services to a child shall not be unfavorably altered
as a result of an investigation or complaint. An agency, facility, or program shall not retaliate
or take adverse action, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 4adeleted text endnew text begin 626B.03, subdivision
3
new text end, paragraph (c), against an individual who, in good faith, makes a complaint or assists in
an investigation.

Sec. 99.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260.012, is amended to read:


260.012 DUTY TO ENSURE PLACEMENT PREVENTION AND FAMILY
REUNIFICATION; REASONABLE EFFORTS.

(a) Once a child alleged to be in need of protection or services is under the court's
jurisdiction, the court shall ensure that reasonable efforts, including culturally appropriate
services, by the social services agency are made to prevent placement or to eliminate the
need for removal and to reunite the child with the child's family at the earliest possible time,
and the court must ensure that the responsible social services agency makes reasonable
efforts to finalize an alternative permanent plan for the child as provided in paragraph (e).
In determining reasonable efforts to be made with respect to a child and in making those
reasonable efforts, the child's best interests, health, and safety must be of paramount concern.
Reasonable efforts to prevent placement and for rehabilitation and reunification are always
required except upon a determination by the court that a petition has been filed stating a
prima facie case that:

(1) the parent has subjected a child to egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007,
subdivision 14
;

(2) the parental rights of the parent to another child have been terminated involuntarily;

(3) the child is an abandoned infant under section 260C.301, subdivision 2, paragraph
(a), clause (2);

(4) the parent's custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily transferred to a
relative under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d),
clause (1), section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(5) the parent has committed sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin
626B.02
new text end, against the child or another child of the parent;

(6) the parent has committed an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender
under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b); or

(7) the provision of services or further services for the purpose of reunification is futile
and therefore unreasonable under the circumstances.

(b) When the court makes one of the prima facie determinations under paragraph (a),
either permanency pleadings under section 260C.505, or a termination of parental rights
petition under sections 260C.141 and 260C.301 must be filed. A permanency hearing under
sections 260C.503 to 260C.521 must be held within 30 days of this determination.

(c) In the case of an Indian child, in proceedings under sections 260B.178, 260C.178,
260C.201, 260C.202, 260C.204, 260C.301, or 260C.503 to 260C.521, the juvenile court
must make findings and conclusions consistent with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978,
United States Code, title 25, section 1901 et seq., as to the provision of active efforts. In
cases governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section
1901, the responsible social services agency must provide active efforts as required under
United States Code, title 25, section 1911(d).

(d) "Reasonable efforts to prevent placement" means:

(1) the agency has made reasonable efforts to prevent the placement of the child in foster
care by working with the family to develop and implement a safety plan; or

(2) given the particular circumstances of the child and family at the time of the child's
removal, there are no services or efforts available which could allow the child to safely
remain in the home.

(e) "Reasonable efforts to finalize a permanent plan for the child" means due diligence
by the responsible social services agency to:

(1) reunify the child with the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed;

(2) assess a noncustodial parent's ability to provide day-to-day care for the child and,
where appropriate, provide services necessary to enable the noncustodial parent to safely
provide the care, as required by section 260C.219;

(3) conduct a relative search to identify and provide notice to adult relatives as required
under section 260C.221;

(4) place siblings removed from their home in the same home for foster care or adoption,
or transfer permanent legal and physical custody to a relative. Visitation between siblings
who are not in the same foster care, adoption, or custodial placement or facility shall be
consistent with section 260C.212, subdivision 2; and

(5) when the child cannot return to the parent or guardian from whom the child was
removed, to plan for and finalize a safe and legally permanent alternative home for the child,
and considers permanent alternative homes for the child inside or outside of the state,
preferably through adoption or transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of the child.

(f) Reasonable efforts are made upon the exercise of due diligence by the responsible
social services agency to use culturally appropriate and available services to meet the needs
of the child and the child's family. Services may include those provided by the responsible
social services agency and other culturally appropriate services available in the community.
At each stage of the proceedings where the court is required to review the appropriateness
of the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts as described in paragraphs (a),
(d), and (e), the social services agency has the burden of demonstrating that:

(1) it has made reasonable efforts to prevent placement of the child in foster care;

(2) it has made reasonable efforts to eliminate the need for removal of the child from
the child's home and to reunify the child with the child's family at the earliest possible time;

(3) it has made reasonable efforts to finalize an alternative permanent home for the child,
and considers permanent alternative homes for the child inside or outside of the state; or

(4) reasonable efforts to prevent placement and to reunify the child with the parent or
guardian are not required. The agency may meet this burden by stating facts in a sworn
petition filed under section 260C.141, by filing an affidavit summarizing the agency's
reasonable efforts or facts the agency believes demonstrate there is no need for reasonable
efforts to reunify the parent and child, or through testimony or a certified report required
under juvenile court rules.

(g) Once the court determines that reasonable efforts for reunification are not required
because the court has made one of the prima facie determinations under paragraph (a), the
court may only require reasonable efforts for reunification after a hearing according to
section 260C.163, where the court finds there is not clear and convincing evidence of the
facts upon which the court based its prima facie determination. In this case when there is
clear and convincing evidence that the child is in need of protection or services, the court
may find the child in need of protection or services and order any of the dispositions available
under section 260C.201, subdivision 1. Reunification of a child with a parent is not required
if the parent has been convicted of:

(1) a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a violation of, sections 609.185
to 609.20; 609.222, subdivision 2; or 609.223 in regard to another child of the parent;

(2) a violation of section 609.222, subdivision 2; or 609.223, in regard to the child;

(3) a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a violation of, United States
Code, title 18, section 1111(a) or 1112(a), in regard to another child of the parent;

(4) committing sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end,
against the child or another child of the parent; or

(5) an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender under section 243.166,
subdivision 1b
, paragraph (a) or (b).

(h) The juvenile court, in proceedings under sections 260B.178, 260C.178, 260C.201,
260C.202, 260C.204, 260C.301, or 260C.503 to 260C.521, shall make findings and
conclusions as to the provision of reasonable efforts. When determining whether reasonable
efforts have been made, the court shall consider whether services to the child and family
were:

(1) relevant to the safety and protection of the child;

(2) adequate to meet the needs of the child and family;

(3) culturally appropriate;

(4) available and accessible;

(5) consistent and timely; and

(6) realistic under the circumstances.

In the alternative, the court may determine that provision of services or further services
for the purpose of rehabilitation is futile and therefore unreasonable under the circumstances
or that reasonable efforts are not required as provided in paragraph (a).

(i) This section does not prevent out-of-home placement for treatment of a child with a
mental disability when it is determined to be medically necessary as a result of the child's
diagnostic assessment or individual treatment plan indicates that appropriate and necessary
treatment cannot be effectively provided outside of a residential or inpatient treatment
program and the level or intensity of supervision and treatment cannot be effectively and
safely provided in the child's home or community and it is determined that a residential
treatment setting is the least restrictive setting that is appropriate to the needs of the child.

(j) If continuation of reasonable efforts to prevent placement or reunify the child with
the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed is determined by the court to be
inconsistent with the permanent plan for the child or upon the court making one of the prima
facie determinations under paragraph (a), reasonable efforts must be made to place the child
in a timely manner in a safe and permanent home and to complete whatever steps are
necessary to legally finalize the permanent placement of the child.

(k) Reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or in another permanent placement
may be made concurrently with reasonable efforts to prevent placement or to reunify the
child with the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed. When the responsible
social services agency decides to concurrently make reasonable efforts for both reunification
and permanent placement away from the parent under paragraph (a), the agency shall disclose
its decision and both plans for concurrent reasonable efforts to all parties and the court.
When the agency discloses its decision to proceed on both plans for reunification and
permanent placement away from the parent, the court's review of the agency's reasonable
efforts shall include the agency's efforts under both plans.

Sec. 100.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260.761, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Agency and court notice to tribes.

(a) When a local social services agency
has information that a family assessment or investigation being conducted may involve an
Indian child, the local social services agency shall notify the Indian child's tribe of the family
assessment or investigation according to section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10, paragraph (a)deleted text endnew text begin
626B.07, subdivision 1, paragraph (b)
new text end, clause (5). Initial notice shall be provided by telephone
and by e-mail or facsimile. The local social services agency shall request that the tribe or a
designated tribal representative participate in evaluating the family circumstances, identifying
family and tribal community resources, and developing case plans.

(b) When a local social services agency has information that a child receiving services
may be an Indian child, the local social services agency shall notify the tribe by telephone
and by e-mail or facsimile of the child's full name and date of birth, the full names and dates
of birth of the child's biological parents, and, if known, the full names and dates of birth of
the child's grandparents and of the child's Indian custodian. This notification must be provided
so the tribe can determine if the child is enrolled in the tribe or eligible for membership,
and must be provided within seven days. If information regarding the child's grandparents
or Indian custodian is not available within the seven-day period, the local social services
agency shall continue to request this information and shall notify the tribe when it is received.
Notice shall be provided to all tribes to which the child may have any tribal lineage. If the
identity or location of the child's parent or Indian custodian and tribe cannot be determined,
the local social services agency shall provide the notice required in this paragraph to the
United States secretary of the interior.

(c) In accordance with sections 260C.151 and 260C.152, when a court has reason to
believe that a child placed in emergency protective care is an Indian child, the court
administrator or a designee shall, as soon as possible and before a hearing takes place, notify
the tribal social services agency by telephone and by e-mail or facsimile of the date, time,
and location of the emergency protective case hearing. The court shall make efforts to allow
appearances by telephone for tribal representatives, parents, and Indian custodians.

(d) A local social services agency must provide the notices required under this subdivision
at the earliest possible time to facilitate involvement of the Indian child's tribe. Nothing in
this subdivision is intended to hinder the ability of the local social services agency and the
court to respond to an emergency situation. Lack of participation by a tribe shall not prevent
the tribe from intervening in services and proceedings at a later date. A tribe may participate
at any time. At any stage of the local social services agency's involvement with an Indian
child, the agency shall provide full cooperation to the tribal social services agency, including
disclosure of all data concerning the Indian child. Nothing in this subdivision relieves the
local social services agency of satisfying the notice requirements in the Indian Child Welfare
Act.

Sec. 101.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260B.171, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Attorney access to records.

An attorney representing a child, parent, or guardian
ad litem in a proceeding under this chapter shall be given access to records, local social
services agency files, and reports which form the basis of any recommendation made to the
court. An attorney does not have access under this subdivision to the identity of a person
who made a report under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. The court may issue protective
orders to prohibit an attorney from sharing a specified record or portion of a record with a
client other than a guardian ad litem.

Sec. 102.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260B.198, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Court order, findings, remedies, treatment.

If the court finds that the
child is delinquent, it shall enter an order making any of the following dispositions of the
case which are deemed necessary to the rehabilitation of the child:

(1) counsel the child or the parents, guardian, or custodian;

(2) place the child under the supervision of a probation officer or other suitable person
in the child's own home under conditions prescribed by the court including reasonable rules
for the child's conduct and the conduct of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian, designed
for the physical, mental, and moral well-being and behavior of the child, or with the consent
of the commissioner of corrections, in a group foster care facility which is under the
management and supervision of said commissioner;

(3) if the court determines that the child is a danger to self or others, subject to the
supervision of the court, transfer legal custody of the child to one of the following:

(i) a child-placing agency; or

(ii) the local social services agency; or

(iii) a reputable individual of good moral character. No person may receive custody of
two or more unrelated children unless licensed as a residential facility pursuant to sections
245A.01 to 245A.16; or

(iv) a county home school, if the county maintains a home school or enters into an
agreement with a county home school; or

(v) a county probation officer for placement in a group foster home established under
the direction of the juvenile court and licensed pursuant to section 241.021;

(4) transfer legal custody by commitment to the commissioner of corrections;

(5) if the child is found to have violated a state or local law or ordinance which has
resulted in damage to the person or property of another, the court may order the child to
make reasonable restitution for such damage;

(6) require the child to pay a fine of up to $1,000. The court shall order payment of the
fine in accordance with a time payment schedule which shall not impose an undue financial
hardship on the child;

(7) if the child is in need of special treatment and care for reasons of physical or mental
health, the court may order the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to provide it. If the
parent, guardian, or custodian fails to provide this treatment or care, the court may order it
provided;

(8) if the court believes that it is in the best interests of the child and of public safety
that the driver's license of the child be canceled until the child's 18th birthday, the court
may recommend to the commissioner of public safety the cancellation of the child's license
for any period up to the child's 18th birthday, and the commissioner is hereby authorized
to cancel such license without a hearing. At any time before the termination of the period
of cancellation, the court may, for good cause, recommend to the commissioner of public
safety that the child be authorized to apply for a new license, and the commissioner may so
authorize;

(9) if the court believes that it is in the best interest of the child and of public safety that
the child is enrolled in school, the court may require the child to remain enrolled in a public
school until the child reaches the age of 18 or completes all requirements needed to graduate
from high school. Any child enrolled in a public school under this clause is subject to the
provisions of the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act in chapter 127;

(10) if the child is petitioned and found by the court to have committed a controlled
substance offense under sections 152.021 to 152.027, the court shall determine whether the
child unlawfully possessed or sold the controlled substance while driving a motor vehicle.
If so, the court shall notify the commissioner of public safety of its determination and order
the commissioner to revoke the child's driver's license for the applicable time period specified
in section 152.0271. If the child does not have a driver's license or if the child's driver's
license is suspended or revoked at the time of the delinquency finding, the commissioner
shall, upon the child's application for driver's license issuance or reinstatement, delay the
issuance or reinstatement of the child's driver's license for the applicable time period specified
in section 152.0271. Upon receipt of the court's order, the commissioner is authorized to
take the licensing action without a hearing;

(11) if the child is petitioned and found by the court to have committed or attempted to
commit an act in violation of section 609.342; 609.343; 609.344; 609.345; 609.3451;
609.746, subdivision 1; 609.79; or 617.23, or another offense arising out of a delinquency
petition based on one or more of those sections, the court shall order an independent
professional assessment of the child's need for sex offender treatment. An assessor providing
an assessment for the court must be experienced in the evaluation and treatment of juvenile
sex offenders. If the assessment indicates that the child is in need of and amenable to sex
offender treatment, the court shall include in its disposition order a requirement that the
child undergo treatment. Notwithstanding new text beginchapter 626B or new text endsections 13.384, 13.85, 144.291
to 144.298, new text beginor new text end260B.171deleted text begin, or 626.556deleted text end, the assessor has access to the following private or
confidential data on the child if access is relevant and necessary for the assessment:

(i) medical data under section 13.384;

(ii) corrections and detention data under section 13.85;

(iii) health records under sections 144.291 to 144.298;

(iv) juvenile court records under section 260B.171; and

(v) local welfare agency records under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

Data disclosed under this clause may be used only for purposes of the assessment and
may not be further disclosed to any other person, except as authorized by law;

(12) if the child is found delinquent due to the commission of an offense that would be
a felony if committed by an adult, the court shall make a specific finding on the record
regarding the juvenile's mental health and chemical dependency treatment needs;

(13) any order for a disposition authorized under this section shall contain written findings
of fact to support the disposition ordered and shall also set forth in writing the following
information:

(i) why the best interests of the child are served by the disposition ordered; and

(ii) what alternative dispositions were considered by the court and why such dispositions
were not appropriate in the instant case. Item (i) does not apply to a disposition under
subdivision 1a.

Sec. 103.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.007, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Case plan.

"Case plan" means any plan for the delivery of services to a child
and parent or guardian, or, when reunification is not required, the child alone, that is
developed according to the requirements of section 245.4871, subdivision 19 or 21; 245.492,
subdivision 16
; 256B.092; 260C.212, subdivision 1; or deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin 626B.11,
subdivision 11
new text end.

Sec. 104.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.007, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Child abuse.

"Child abuse" means an act that involves a minor victim that
constitutes a violation of section 609.221, 609.222, 609.223, 609.224, 609.2242, 609.322,
609.324, 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.377, 609.378, 617.246, or that is physical
or sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end, or an act committed
in another state that involves a minor victim and would constitute a violation of one of these
sections if committed in this state.

Sec. 105.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.007, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Child in need of protection or services.

"Child in need of protection or
services" means a child who is in need of protection or services because the child:

(1) is abandoned or without parent, guardian, or custodian;

(2)(i) has been a victim of physical or sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 2
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end, (ii) resides with or has resided with a victim of child abuse as defined
in subdivision 5 or domestic child abuse as defined in subdivision 13, (iii) resides with or
would reside with a perpetrator of domestic child abuse as defined in subdivision 13 or child
abuse as defined in subdivision 5 or 13, or (iv) is a victim of emotional maltreatment as
defined in subdivision 15;

(3) is without necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, or other required care for the
child's physical or mental health or morals because the child's parent, guardian, or custodian
is unable or unwilling to provide that care;

(4) is without the special care made necessary by a physical, mental, or emotional
condition because the child's parent, guardian, or custodian is unable or unwilling to provide
that care;

(5) is medically neglected, which includes, but is not limited to, the withholding of
medically indicated treatment from a disabled infant with a life-threatening condition. The
term "withholding of medically indicated treatment" means the failure to respond to the
infant's life-threatening conditions by providing treatment, including appropriate nutrition,
hydration, and medication which, in the treating physician's or physicians' reasonable medical
judgment, will be most likely to be effective in ameliorating or correcting all conditions,
except that the term does not include the failure to provide treatment other than appropriate
nutrition, hydration, or medication to an infant when, in the treating physician's or physicians'
reasonable medical judgment:

(i) the infant is chronically and irreversibly comatose;

(ii) the provision of the treatment would merely prolong dying, not be effective in
ameliorating or correcting all of the infant's life-threatening conditions, or otherwise be
futile in terms of the survival of the infant; or

(iii) the provision of the treatment would be virtually futile in terms of the survival of
the infant and the treatment itself under the circumstances would be inhumane;

(6) is one whose parent, guardian, or other custodian for good cause desires to be relieved
of the child's care and custody, including a child who entered foster care under a voluntary
placement agreement between the parent and the responsible social services agency under
section 260C.227;

(7) has been placed for adoption or care in violation of law;

(8) is without proper parental care because of the emotional, mental, or physical disability,
or state of immaturity of the child's parent, guardian, or other custodian;

(9) is one whose behavior, condition, or environment is such as to be injurious or
dangerous to the child or others. An injurious or dangerous environment may include, but
is not limited to, the exposure of a child to criminal activity in the child's home;

(10) is experiencing growth delays, which may be referred to as failure to thrive, that
have been diagnosed by a physician and are due to parental neglect;

(11) is a sexually exploited youth;

(12) has committed a delinquent act or a juvenile petty offense before becoming ten
years old;

(13) is a runaway;

(14) is a habitual truant;

(15) has been found incompetent to proceed or has been found not guilty by reason of
mental illness or mental deficiency in connection with a delinquency proceeding, a
certification under section 260B.125, an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution, or a
proceeding involving a juvenile petty offense; or

(16) has a parent whose parental rights to one or more other children were involuntarily
terminated or whose custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily transferred to
a relative and there is a case plan prepared by the responsible social services agency
documenting a compelling reason why filing the termination of parental rights petition under
section 260C.503, subdivision 2, is not in the best interests of the child.

Sec. 106.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.007, subdivision 13, is amended to read:


Subd. 13.

Domestic child abuse.

"Domestic child abuse" means:

(1) any physical injury to a minor family or household member inflicted by an adult
family or household member other than by accidental means;

(2) subjection of a minor family or household member by an adult family or household
member to any act which constitutes a violation of sections 609.321 to 609.324, 609.342,
609.343, 609.344, 609.345, or 617.246; or

(3) physical or sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end.

Sec. 107.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.139, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Status of child.

For purposes of proceedings under this chapter and adoption
proceedings, a newborn left at a safe place, pursuant to subdivision 3 and section 145.902,
is considered an abandoned child under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2, paragraph (o)deleted text endnew text begin
626B.02, subdivision 19
new text end, clause (2). The child is abandoned under sections 260C.007,
subdivision 6, clause (1), and 260C.301, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (1).

Sec. 108.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.150, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Identifying parents of child; diligent efforts; data.

(a) The responsible social
services agency shall make diligent efforts to identify and locate both parents of any child
who is the subject of proceedings under this chapter. Diligent efforts include:

(1) asking the custodial or known parent to identify any nonresident parent of the child
and provide information that can be used to verify the nonresident parent's identity including
the dates and locations of marriages and divorces; dates and locations of any legal
proceedings regarding paternity; date and place of the child's birth; nonresident parent's full
legal name; nonresident parent's date of birth, or if the nonresident parent's date of birth is
unknown, an approximate age; the nonresident parent's Social Security number; the
nonresident parent's whereabouts including last known whereabouts; and the whereabouts
of relatives of the nonresident parent. For purposes of this subdivision, "nonresident parent"
means a parent who does not reside in the same household as the child or did not reside in
the same household as the child at the time the child was removed when the child is in foster
care;

(2) obtaining information that will identify and locate the nonresident parent from the
county and state of Minnesota child support enforcement information system;

(3) requesting a search of the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry 30 days after the
child's birth; and

(4) using any other reasonable means to identify and locate the nonresident parent.

(b) The agency may disclose data which is otherwise private under section 13.46 or
deleted text begin 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end in order to carry out its duties under this subdivision.

(c) Upon the filing of a petition alleging the child to be in need of protection or services,
the responsible social services agency may contact a putative father who registered with
the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry more than 30 days after the child's birth. The
social service agency may consider a putative father for the day-to-day care of the child
under section 260C.219 if the putative father cooperates with genetic testing and there is a
positive test result under section 257.62, subdivision 5. Nothing in this paragraph:

(1) relieves a putative father who registered with the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption
Registry more than 30 days after the child's birth of the duty to cooperate with paternity
establishment proceedings under section 260C.219;

(2) gives a putative father who registered with the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry
more than 30 days after the child's birth the right to notice under section 260C.151 unless
the putative father is entitled to notice under sections 259.24 and 259.49, subdivision 1,
paragraph (a) or (b), clauses (1) to (7); or

(3) establishes a right to assert an interest in the child in a termination of parental rights
proceeding contrary to section 259.52, subdivision 6, unless the putative father is entitled
to notice under sections 259.24 and 259.49, subdivision 1, paragraph (a) or (b), clauses (1)
to (7).

Sec. 109.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.171, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Attorney access to records.

An attorney representing a child, parent, or guardian
ad litem in a proceeding under this chapter shall be given access to records, responsible
social services agency files, and reports which form the basis of any recommendation made
to the court. An attorney does not have access under this subdivision to the identity of a
person who made a report under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. The court may issue
protective orders to prohibit an attorney from sharing a specified record or portion of a
record with a client other than a guardian ad litem.

Sec. 110.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.177, is amended to read:


260C.177 PARENTAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT NOTIFICATION.

An emergency shelter and its agents, employees, and volunteers must comply with court
orders, deleted text beginsection 626.556,deleted text end this chapter,new text begin chapter 626B,new text end and all other applicable laws. In any
event, unless other legal requirements require earlier or different notification or actions, an
emergency shelter must attempt to notify a runaway's parent or legal guardian of the
runaway's location and status within 72 hours. The notification must include a description
of the runaway's physical and emotional condition and the circumstances surrounding the
runaway's admission to the emergency shelter, unless there are compelling reasons not to
provide the parent or legal guardian with this information. Compelling reasons may include
circumstances in which the runaway is or has been exposed to domestic violence or a victim
of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Sec. 111.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.178, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Hearing and release requirements.

(a) If a child was taken into custody
under section 260C.175, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2), item (ii), the court shall hold a
hearing within 72 hours of the time the child was taken into custody, excluding Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays, to determine whether the child should continue in custody.

(b) Unless there is reason to believe that the child would endanger self or others or not
return for a court hearing, or that the child's health or welfare would be immediately
endangered, the child shall be released to the custody of a parent, guardian, custodian, or
other suitable person, subject to reasonable conditions of release including, but not limited
to, a requirement that the child undergo a chemical use assessment as provided in section
260C.157, subdivision 1.

(c) If the court determines there is reason to believe that the child would endanger self
or others or not return for a court hearing, or that the child's health or welfare would be
immediately endangered if returned to the care of the parent or guardian who has custody
and from whom the child was removed, the court shall order the child into foster care under
the legal responsibility of the responsible social services agency or responsible probation
or corrections agency for the purposes of protective care as that term is used in the juvenile
court rules or into the home of a noncustodial parent and order the noncustodial parent to
comply with any conditions the court determines to be appropriate to the safety and care of
the child, including cooperating with paternity establishment proceedings in the case of a
man who has not been adjudicated the child's father. The court shall not give the responsible
social services legal custody and order a trial home visit at any time prior to adjudication
and disposition under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (3), but may
order the child returned to the care of the parent or guardian who has custody and from
whom the child was removed and order the parent or guardian to comply with any conditions
the court determines to be appropriate to meet the safety, health, and welfare of the child.

(d) In determining whether the child's health or welfare would be immediately
endangered, the court shall consider whether the child would reside with a perpetrator of
domestic child abuse.

(e) The court, before determining whether a child should be placed in or continue in
foster care under the protective care of the responsible agency, shall also make a
determination, consistent with section 260.012 as to whether reasonable efforts were made
to prevent placement or whether reasonable efforts to prevent placement are not required.
In the case of an Indian child, the court shall determine whether active efforts, according
to section 260.762 and the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25,
section 1912(d), were made to prevent placement. The court shall enter a finding that the
responsible social services agency has made reasonable efforts to prevent placement when
the agency establishes either:

(1) that it has actually provided services or made efforts in an attempt to prevent the
child's removal but that such services or efforts have not proven sufficient to permit the
child to safely remain in the home; or

(2) that there are no services or other efforts that could be made at the time of the hearing
that could safely permit the child to remain home or to return home. When reasonable efforts
to prevent placement are required and there are services or other efforts that could be ordered
which would permit the child to safely return home, the court shall order the child returned
to the care of the parent or guardian and the services or efforts put in place to ensure the
child's safety. When the court makes a prima facie determination that one of the
circumstances under paragraph (g) exists, the court shall determine that reasonable efforts
to prevent placement and to return the child to the care of the parent or guardian are not
required.

If the court finds the social services agency's preventive or reunification efforts have
not been reasonable but further preventive or reunification efforts could not permit the child
to safely remain at home, the court may nevertheless authorize or continue the removal of
the child.

(f) The court may not order or continue the foster care placement of the child unless the
court makes explicit, individualized findings that continued custody of the child by the
parent or guardian would be contrary to the welfare of the child and that placement is in the
best interest of the child.

(g) At the emergency removal hearing, or at any time during the course of the proceeding,
and upon notice and request of the county attorney, the court shall determine whether a
petition has been filed stating a prima facie case that:

(1) the parent has subjected a child to egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007,
subdivision 14
;

(2) the parental rights of the parent to another child have been involuntarily terminated;

(3) the child is an abandoned infant under section 260C.301, subdivision 2, paragraph
(a), clause (2);

(4) the parents' custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily transferred to a
relative under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (e),
clause (1); section 260C.515, subdivision 4; or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(5) the parent has committed sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin
626B.02
new text end, against the child or another child of the parent;

(6) the parent has committed an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender
under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b); or

(7) the provision of services or further services for the purpose of reunification is futile
and therefore unreasonable.

(h) When a petition to terminate parental rights is required under section 260C.301,
subdivision 4, or 260C.503, subdivision 2, but the county attorney has determined not to
proceed with a termination of parental rights petition, and has instead filed a petition to
transfer permanent legal and physical custody to a relative under section 260C.507, the
court shall schedule a permanency hearing within 30 days of the filing of the petition.

(i) If the county attorney has filed a petition under section 260C.307, the court shall
schedule a trial under section 260C.163 within 90 days of the filing of the petition except
when the county attorney determines that the criminal case shall proceed to trial first under
section 260C.503, subdivision 2, paragraph (c).

(j) If the court determines the child should be ordered into foster care and the child's
parent refuses to give information to the responsible social services agency regarding the
child's father or relatives of the child, the court may order the parent to disclose the names,
addresses, telephone numbers, and other identifying information to the responsible social
services agency for the purpose of complying with sections 260C.151, 260C.212, 260C.215,
and 260C.221.

(k) If a child ordered into foster care has siblings, whether full, half, or step, who are
also ordered into foster care, the court shall inquire of the responsible social services agency
of the efforts to place the children together as required by section 260C.212, subdivision 2,
paragraph (d), if placement together is in each child's best interests, unless a child is in
placement for treatment or a child is placed with a previously noncustodial parent who is
not a parent to all siblings. If the children are not placed together at the time of the hearing,
the court shall inquire at each subsequent hearing of the agency's reasonable efforts to place
the siblings together, as required under section 260.012. If any sibling is not placed with
another sibling or siblings, the agency must develop a plan to facilitate visitation or ongoing
contact among the siblings as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, unless it is
contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings to do so.

(l) When the court has ordered the child into foster care or into the home of a noncustodial
parent, the court may order a chemical dependency evaluation, mental health evaluation,
medical examination, and parenting assessment for the parent as necessary to support the
development of a plan for reunification required under subdivision 7 and section 260C.212,
subdivision 1
, or the child protective services plan under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin
626B.11, subdivision 11
new text end, and Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0228.

Sec. 112.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.201, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Case plan.

(a) For each disposition ordered where the child is placed away
from a parent or guardian, the court shall order the responsible social services agency to
prepare a written out-of-home placement plan according to the requirements of section
260C.212, subdivision 1.

(b) In cases where the child is not placed out of the home or is ordered into the home of
a noncustodial parent, the responsible social services agency shall prepare a plan for delivery
of social services to the child and custodial parent under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin
626B.11, subdivision 11
new text end, or any other case plan required to meet the needs of the child. The
plan shall be designed to safely maintain the child in the home or to reunite the child with
the custodial parent.

(c) The court may approve the case plan as presented or modify it after hearing from
the parties. Once the plan is approved, the court shall order all parties to comply with it. A
copy of the approved case plan shall be attached to the court's order and incorporated into
it by reference.

(d) A party has a right to request a court review of the reasonableness of the case plan
upon a showing of a substantial change of circumstances.

Sec. 113.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.209, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

General procedures.

(a) When accessing information under subdivision 1, the
agency shall require the individual being assessed to provide sufficient information to ensure
an accurate assessment under this section, including:

(1) the individual's first, middle, and last name and all other names by which the
individual has been known;

(2) home address, zip code, city, county, and state of residence for the past five years;

(3) sex;

(4) date of birth; and

(5) driver's license number or state identification number.

(b) When notified by the responsible social services agency that it is accessing information
under subdivision 1, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, commissioners of health and
human services, law enforcement, and county agencies must provide the responsible social
services agency or county attorney with the following information on the individual being
assessed: criminal history data, local law enforcement data about the household, reports
about the maltreatment of adults substantiated under section 626.557, and reports of
maltreatment of minors substantiated under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

Sec. 114.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.212, subdivision 12, is amended to read:


Subd. 12.

Fair hearing review.

Any person whose claim for foster care payment pursuant
to the placement of a child resulting from a child protection assessment under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin
chapter 626B
new text end is denied or not acted upon with reasonable promptness may appeal the
decision under section 256.045, subdivision 3.

Sec. 115.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.221, is amended to read:


260C.221 RELATIVE SEARCH.

(a) The responsible social services agency shall exercise due diligence to identify and
notify adult relatives prior to placement or within 30 days after the child's removal from the
parent. The county agency shall consider placement with a relative under this section without
delay and whenever the child must move from or be returned to foster care. The relative
search required by this section shall be comprehensive in scope. After a finding that the
agency has made reasonable efforts to conduct the relative search under this paragraph, the
agency has the continuing responsibility to appropriately involve relatives, who have
responded to the notice required under this paragraph, in planning for the child and to
continue to consider relatives according to the requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision
2
. At any time during the course of juvenile protection proceedings, the court may order
the agency to reopen its search for relatives when it is in the child's best interest to do so.

(b) The relative search required by this section shall include both maternal and paternal
adult relatives of the child; all adult grandparents; all legal parents, guardians or custodians
of the child's siblings; and any other adult relatives suggested by the child's parents, subject
to the exceptions due to family violence in paragraph (c). The search shall also include
getting information from the child in an age-appropriate manner about who the child
considers to be family members and important friends with whom the child has resided or
had significant contact. The relative search required under this section must fulfill the
agency's duties under the Indian Child Welfare Act regarding active efforts to prevent the
breakup of the Indian family under United States Code, title 25, section 1912(d), and to
meet placement preferences under United States Code, title 25, section 1915. The relatives
must be notified:

(1) of the need for a foster home for the child, the option to become a placement resource
for the child, and the possibility of the need for a permanent placement for the child;

(2) of their responsibility to keep the responsible social services agency and the court
informed of their current address in order to receive notice in the event that a permanent
placement is sought for the child and to receive notice of the permanency progress review
hearing under section 260C.204. A relative who fails to provide a current address to the
responsible social services agency and the court forfeits the right to receive notice of the
possibility of permanent placement and of the permanency progress review hearing under
section 260C.204. A decision by a relative not to be identified as a potential permanent
placement resource or participate in planning for the child at the beginning of the case shall
not affect whether the relative is considered for placement of the child with that relative
later;

(3) that the relative may participate in the care and planning for the child, including that
the opportunity for such participation may be lost by failing to respond to the notice sent
under this subdivision. "Participate in the care and planning" includes, but is not limited to,
participation in case planning for the parent and child, identifying the strengths and needs
of the parent and child, supervising visits, providing respite and vacation visits for the child,
providing transportation to appointments, suggesting other relatives who might be able to
help support the case plan, and to the extent possible, helping to maintain the child's familiar
and regular activities and contact with friends and relatives;

(4) of the family foster care licensing requirements, including how to complete an
application and how to request a variance from licensing standards that do not present a
safety or health risk to the child in the home under section 245A.04 and supports that are
available for relatives and children who reside in a family foster home; and

(5) of the relatives' right to ask to be notified of any court proceedings regarding the
child, to attend the hearings, and of a relative's right or opportunity to be heard by the court
as required under section 260C.152, subdivision 5.

(c) A responsible social services agency may disclose private data, as defined in deleted text beginsectionsdeleted text endnew text begin
section
new text end 13.02 and deleted text begin626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, to relatives of the child for the purpose of locating
and assessing a suitable placement and may use any reasonable means of identifying and
locating relatives including the Internet or other electronic means of conducting a search.
The agency shall disclose data that is necessary to facilitate possible placement with relatives
and to ensure that the relative is informed of the needs of the child so the relative can
participate in planning for the child and be supportive of services to the child and family.
If the child's parent refuses to give the responsible social services agency information
sufficient to identify the maternal and paternal relatives of the child, the agency shall ask
the juvenile court to order the parent to provide the necessary information. If a parent makes
an explicit request that a specific relative not be contacted or considered for placement due
to safety reasons including past family or domestic violence, the agency shall bring the
parent's request to the attention of the court to determine whether the parent's request is
consistent with the best interests of the child and the agency shall not contact the specific
relative when the juvenile court finds that contacting the specific relative would endanger
the parent, guardian, child, sibling, or any family member.

(d) At a regularly scheduled hearing not later than three months after the child's placement
in foster care and as required in section 260C.202, the agency shall report to the court:

(1) its efforts to identify maternal and paternal relatives of the child and to engage the
relatives in providing support for the child and family, and document that the relatives have
been provided the notice required under paragraph (a); and

(2) its decision regarding placing the child with a relative as required under section
260C.212, subdivision 2, and to ask relatives to visit or maintain contact with the child in
order to support family connections for the child, when placement with a relative is not
possible or appropriate.

(e) Notwithstanding chapter 13, the agency shall disclose data about particular relatives
identified, searched for, and contacted for the purposes of the court's review of the agency's
due diligence.

(f) When the court is satisfied that the agency has exercised due diligence to identify
relatives and provide the notice required in paragraph (a), the court may find that reasonable
efforts have been made to conduct a relative search to identify and provide notice to adult
relatives as required under section 260.012, paragraph (e), clause (3). If the court is not
satisfied that the agency has exercised due diligence to identify relatives and provide the
notice required in paragraph (a), the court may order the agency to continue its search and
notice efforts and to report back to the court.

(g) When the placing agency determines that permanent placement proceedings are
necessary because there is a likelihood that the child will not return to a parent's care, the
agency must send the notice provided in paragraph (h), may ask the court to modify the
duty of the agency to send the notice required in paragraph (h), or may ask the court to
completely relieve the agency of the requirements of paragraph (h). The relative notification
requirements of paragraph (h) do not apply when the child is placed with an appropriate
relative or a foster home that has committed to adopting the child or taking permanent legal
and physical custody of the child and the agency approves of that foster home for permanent
placement of the child. The actions ordered by the court under this section must be consistent
with the best interests, safety, permanency, and welfare of the child.

(h) Unless required under the Indian Child Welfare Act or relieved of this duty by the
court under paragraph (f), when the agency determines that it is necessary to prepare for
permanent placement determination proceedings, or in anticipation of filing a termination
of parental rights petition, the agency shall send notice to the relatives, any adult with whom
the child is currently residing, any adult with whom the child has resided for one year or
longer in the past, and any adults who have maintained a relationship or exercised visitation
with the child as identified in the agency case plan. The notice must state that a permanent
home is sought for the child and that the individuals receiving the notice may indicate to
the agency their interest in providing a permanent home. The notice must state that within
30 days of receipt of the notice an individual receiving the notice must indicate to the agency
the individual's interest in providing a permanent home for the child or that the individual
may lose the opportunity to be considered for a permanent placement.

Sec. 116.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.503, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Termination of parental rights.

(a) The responsible social services agency
must ask the county attorney to immediately file a termination of parental rights petition
when:

(1) the child has been subjected to egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007,
subdivision 14;

(2) the child is determined to be the sibling of a child who was subjected to egregious
harm;

(3) the child is an abandoned infant as defined in section 260C.301, subdivision 2,
paragraph (a), clause (2);

(4) the child's parent has lost parental rights to another child through an order involuntarily
terminating the parent's rights;

(5) the parent has committed sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin
626B.02
new text end, against the child or another child of the parent;

(6) the parent has committed an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender
under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b); or

(7) another child of the parent is the subject of an order involuntarily transferring
permanent legal and physical custody of the child to a relative under this chapter or a similar
law of another jurisdiction;

The county attorney shall file a termination of parental rights petition unless the conditions
of paragraph (d) are met.

(b) When the termination of parental rights petition is filed under this subdivision, the
responsible social services agency shall identify, recruit, and approve an adoptive family
for the child. If a termination of parental rights petition has been filed by another party, the
responsible social services agency shall be joined as a party to the petition.

(c) If criminal charges have been filed against a parent arising out of the conduct alleged
to constitute egregious harm, the county attorney shall determine which matter should
proceed to trial first, consistent with the best interests of the child and subject to the
defendant's right to a speedy trial.

(d) The requirement of paragraph (a) does not apply if the responsible social services
agency and the county attorney determine and file with the court:

(1) a petition for transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative under
sections 260C.505 and 260C.515, subdivision 3, including a determination that adoption is
not in the child's best interests and that transfer of permanent legal and physical custody is
in the child's best interests; or

(2) a petition under section 260C.141 alleging the child, and where appropriate, the
child's siblings, to be in need of protection or services accompanied by a case plan prepared
by the responsible social services agency documenting a compelling reason why filing a
termination of parental rights petition would not be in the best interests of the child.

Sec. 117.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260D.01, is amended to read:


260D.01 CHILD IN VOLUNTARY FOSTER CARE FOR TREATMENT.

(a) Sections 260D.01 to 260D.10, may be cited as the "child in voluntary foster care for
treatment" provisions of the Juvenile Court Act.

(b) The juvenile court has original and exclusive jurisdiction over a child in voluntary
foster care for treatment upon the filing of a report or petition required under this chapter.
All obligations of the agency to a child and family in foster care contained in chapter 260C
not inconsistent with this chapter are also obligations of the agency with regard to a child
in foster care for treatment under this chapter.

(c) This chapter shall be construed consistently with the mission of the children's mental
health service system as set out in section 245.487, subdivision 3, and the duties of an agency
under sections 256B.092 and 260C.157 and Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0004 to 9525.0016,
to meet the needs of a child with a developmental disability or related condition. This
chapter:

(1) establishes voluntary foster care through a voluntary foster care agreement as the
means for an agency and a parent to provide needed treatment when the child must be in
foster care to receive necessary treatment for an emotional disturbance or developmental
disability or related condition;

(2) establishes court review requirements for a child in voluntary foster care for treatment
due to emotional disturbance or developmental disability or a related condition;

(3) establishes the ongoing responsibility of the parent as legal custodian to visit the
child, to plan together with the agency for the child's treatment needs, to be available and
accessible to the agency to make treatment decisions, and to obtain necessary medical,
dental, and other care for the child; and

(4) applies to voluntary foster care when the child's parent and the agency agree that the
child's treatment needs require foster care either:

(i) due to a level of care determination by the agency's screening team informed by the
diagnostic and functional assessment under section 245.4885; or

(ii) due to a determination regarding the level of services needed by the responsible
social services' screening team under section 256B.092, and Minnesota Rules, parts
9525.0004 to 9525.0016.

(d) This chapter does not apply when there is a current determination under deleted text beginsection
626.556
deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end that the child requires child protective services or when the child is
in foster care for any reason other than treatment for the child's emotional disturbance or
developmental disability or related condition. When there is a determination under deleted text beginsection
626.556
deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end that the child requires child protective services based on an assessment
that there are safety and risk issues for the child that have not been mitigated through the
parent's engagement in services or otherwise, or when the child is in foster care for any
reason other than the child's emotional disturbance or developmental disability or related
condition, the provisions of chapter 260C apply.

(e) The paramount consideration in all proceedings concerning a child in voluntary foster
care for treatment is the safety, health, and the best interests of the child. The purpose of
this chapter is:

(1) to ensure a child with a disability is provided the services necessary to treat or
ameliorate the symptoms of the child's disability;

(2) to preserve and strengthen the child's family ties whenever possible and in the child's
best interests, approving the child's placement away from the child's parents only when the
child's need for care or treatment requires it and the child cannot be maintained in the home
of the parent; and

(3) to ensure the child's parent retains legal custody of the child and associated
decision-making authority unless the child's parent willfully fails or is unable to make
decisions that meet the child's safety, health, and best interests. The court may not find that
the parent willfully fails or is unable to make decisions that meet the child's needs solely
because the parent disagrees with the agency's choice of foster care facility, unless the
agency files a petition under chapter 260C, and establishes by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is in need of protection or services.

(f) The legal parent-child relationship shall be supported under this chapter by maintaining
the parent's legal authority and responsibility for ongoing planning for the child and by the
agency's assisting the parent, where necessary, to exercise the parent's ongoing right and
obligation to visit or to have reasonable contact with the child. Ongoing planning means:

(1) actively participating in the planning and provision of educational services, medical,
and dental care for the child;

(2) actively planning and participating with the agency and the foster care facility for
the child's treatment needs; and

(3) planning to meet the child's need for safety, stability, and permanency, and the child's
need to stay connected to the child's family and community.

(g) The provisions of section 260.012 to ensure placement prevention, family
reunification, and all active and reasonable effort requirements of that section apply. This
chapter shall be construed consistently with the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare
Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1901, et al., and the provisions of the
Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, sections 260.751 to 260.835.

Sec. 118.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260D.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Case plan.

"Case plan" means any plan for the delivery of services to a child
and parent, or when reunification is not required, the child alone, that is developed according
to the requirements of sections 245.4871, subdivision 19 or 21; 245.492, subdivision 16;
256B.092; 260C.212, subdivision 1; deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10deleted text endnew text begin 626B.11, subdivision 11new text end; and
Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0004 to 9525.0016.

Sec. 119.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260D.02, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Child in voluntary foster care for treatment.

"Child in voluntary foster care
for treatment" means a child who is emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled or
has a related condition and is in foster care under a voluntary foster care agreement between
the child's parent and the agency due to concurrence between the agency and the parent
when it is determined that foster care is medically necessary:

(1) due to a determination by the agency's screening team based on its review of the
diagnostic and functional assessment under section 245.4885; or

(2) due to a determination by the agency's screening team under section 256B.092 and
Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0004 to 9525.0016.

A child is not in voluntary foster care for treatment under this chapter when there is a
current determination under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end that the child requires child
protective services or when the child is in foster care for any reason other than the child's
emotional or developmental disability or related condition.

Sec. 120.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 299C.093, is amended to read:


299C.093 DATABASE OF REGISTERED PREDATORY OFFENDERS.

The superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension shall maintain a
computerized data system relating to individuals required to register as predatory offenders
under section 243.166. To the degree feasible, the system must include the data required to
be provided under section 243.166, subdivisions 4 and 4a, and indicate the time period that
the person is required to register. The superintendent shall maintain this data in a manner
that ensures that it is readily available to law enforcement agencies. This data is private data
on individuals under section 13.02, subdivision 12, but may be used for law enforcement
and corrections purposes. Law enforcement may disclose the status of an individual as a
predatory offender to a child protection worker with a local welfare agency for purposes of
doing a family assessment under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. The commissioner of human
services has access to the data for state-operated services, as defined in section 246.014,
for the purposes described in section 246.13, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and for purposes
of conducting background studies under chapter 245C.

Sec. 121.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 388.051, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Special provisions.

(a) In Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott, and
Washington Counties, only the county attorney shall prosecute gross misdemeanor violations
of sections 289A.63, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, and 6; 297B.10; 609.255, subdivision 3; 609.377;
609.378; 609.41; and 617.247.

(b) In Ramsey County, only the county attorney shall prosecute gross misdemeanor
violations of sections 609.255, subdivision 3; 609.377; and 609.378.

(c) The county attorney shall prosecute failure to report physical or sexual child abuse
or neglect as provided under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 6deleted text endnew text begin 626B.04, subdivision 3new text end, violations
of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct under section 609.3451, and environmental law
violations under sections 115.071, 299F.098, and 609.671.

(d) Except in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, only the county attorney shall prosecute
gross misdemeanor violations of section 152.025.

Sec. 122.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 518.165, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Required appointment of guardian ad litem.

In all proceedings for child
custody or for marriage dissolution or legal separation in which custody or parenting time
with a minor child is an issue, if the court has reason to believe that the minor child is a
victim of domestic child abuse or neglect, as those terms are defined in deleted text beginsectionsdeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end
260C.007 and deleted text begin626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, respectively, the court shall appoint a guardian ad
litem. The guardian ad litem shall represent the interests of the child and advise the court
with respect to custody and parenting time. If the child is represented by a guardian ad litem
in any other pending proceeding, the court may appoint that guardian to represent the child
in the custody or parenting time proceeding. No guardian ad litem need be appointed if the
alleged domestic child abuse or neglect is before the court on a juvenile dependency and
neglect petition. Nothing in this subdivision requires the court to appoint a guardian ad litem
in any proceeding for child custody, marriage dissolution, or legal separation in which an
allegation of domestic child abuse or neglect has not been made.

Sec. 123.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 518.165, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Procedure, criminal history, and maltreatment records background study.

(a) When the court requests a background study under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), the
request shall be submitted to the Department of Human Services through the department's
electronic online background study system.

(b) When the court requests a search of the National Criminal Records Repository, the
court must provide a set of classifiable fingerprints of the subject of the study on a fingerprint
card provided by the commissioner of human services.

(c) The commissioner of human services shall provide the court with criminal history
data as defined in section 13.87 from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the Department
of Public Safety, other criminal history data held by the commissioner of human services,
and data regarding substantiated maltreatment of a minor under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter
626B
new text end, and substantiated maltreatment of a vulnerable adult under section 626.557, within
15 working days of receipt of a request. If the subject of the study has been determined by
the Department of Human Services or the Department of Health to be the perpetrator of
substantiated maltreatment of a minor or vulnerable adult in a licensed facility, the response
must include a copy of the public portion of the investigation memorandum under section
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10fdeleted text endnew text begin 626B.11, subdivision 8new text end, or the public portion of the investigation
memorandum under section 626.557, subdivision 12b. When the background study shows
that the subject has been determined by a county adult protection or child protection agency
to have been responsible for maltreatment, the court shall be informed of the county, the
date of the finding, and the nature of the maltreatment that was substantiated. The
commissioner shall provide the court with information from the National Criminal Records
Repository within three working days of the commissioner's receipt of the data. When the
commissioner finds no criminal history or substantiated maltreatment on a background
study subject, the commissioner shall make these results available to the court electronically
through the secure online background study system.

(d) Notwithstanding section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10f, ordeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 12bnew text begin, or
626B.11, subdivision 8
new text end
, if the commissioner or county lead agency or lead investigative
agency has information that a person on whom a background study was previously done
under this section has been determined to be a perpetrator of maltreatment of a minor or
vulnerable adult, the commissioner or the county may provide this information to the court
that requested the background study.

Sec. 124.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 524.5-118, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Procedure; criminal history and maltreatment records background check.

(a) The court shall request the commissioner of human services to complete a background
study under section 245C.32. The request must be accompanied by the applicable fee and
the signed consent of the subject of the study authorizing the release of the data obtained
to the court. If the court is requesting a search of the National Criminal Records Repository,
the request must be accompanied by a set of classifiable fingerprints of the subject of the
study. The fingerprints must be recorded on a fingerprint card provided by the commissioner
of human services.

(b) The commissioner of human services shall provide the court with criminal history
data as defined in section 13.87 from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the Department
of Public Safety, other criminal history data held by the commissioner of human services,
and data regarding substantiated maltreatment of vulnerable adults under section 626.557
and substantiated maltreatment of minors under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end within 15
working days of receipt of a request. If the subject of the study has been the perpetrator of
substantiated maltreatment of a vulnerable adult or minor, the response must include a copy
of the public portion of the investigation memorandum under section 626.557, subdivision
12b
, or the public portion of the investigation memorandum under section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 10f
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.11, subdivision 8new text end. If the court did not request a search of the National
Criminal Records Repository and information from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
indicates that the subject is a multistate offender or that multistate offender status is
undetermined, the response must include this information. The commissioner shall provide
the court with information from the National Criminal Records Repository within three
working days of the commissioner's receipt of the data.

(c) Notwithstanding section 626.557, subdivision 12b, or deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10fdeleted text endnew text begin
626B.11, subdivision 8
new text end, if the commissioner of human services or a county lead agency or
lead investigative agency has information that a person on whom a background study was
previously done under this section has been determined to be a perpetrator of maltreatment
of a vulnerable adult or minor, the commissioner or the county may provide this information
to the court that requested the background study. The commissioner may also provide the
court with additional criminal history or substantiated maltreatment information that becomes
available after the background study is done.

Sec. 125.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 595.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Competency of witnesses.

Every person of sufficient understanding,
including a party, may testify in any action or proceeding, civil or criminal, in court or
before any person who has authority to receive evidence, except as provided in this
subdivision:

(a) A husband cannot be examined for or against his wife without her consent, nor a
wife for or against her husband without his consent, nor can either, during the marriage or
afterwards, without the consent of the other, be examined as to any communication made
by one to the other during the marriage. This exception does not apply to a civil action or
proceeding by one against the other, nor to a criminal action or proceeding for a crime
committed by one against the other or against a child of either or against a child under the
care of either spouse, nor to a criminal action or proceeding in which one is charged with
homicide or an attempt to commit homicide and the date of the marriage of the defendant
is subsequent to the date of the offense, nor to an action or proceeding for nonsupport,
neglect, dependency, or termination of parental rights.

(b) An attorney cannot, without the consent of the attorney's client, be examined as to
any communication made by the client to the attorney or the attorney's advice given thereon
in the course of professional duty; nor can any employee of the attorney be examined as to
the communication or advice, without the client's consent.

(c) A member of the clergy or other minister of any religion shall not, without the consent
of the party making the confession, be allowed to disclose a confession made to the member
of the clergy or other minister in a professional character, in the course of discipline enjoined
by the rules or practice of the religious body to which the member of the clergy or other
minister belongs; nor shall a member of the clergy or other minister of any religion be
examined as to any communication made to the member of the clergy or other minister by
any person seeking religious or spiritual advice, aid, or comfort or advice given thereon in
the course of the member of the clergy's or other minister's professional character, without
the consent of the person.

(d) A licensed physician or surgeon, dentist, or chiropractor shall not, without the consent
of the patient, be allowed to disclose any information or any opinion based thereon which
the professional acquired in attending the patient in a professional capacity, and which was
necessary to enable the professional to act in that capacity; after the decease of the patient,
in an action to recover insurance benefits, where the insurance has been in existence two
years or more, the beneficiaries shall be deemed to be the personal representatives of the
deceased person for the purpose of waiving this privilege, and no oral or written waiver of
the privilege shall have any binding force or effect except when made upon the trial or
examination where the evidence is offered or received.

(e) A public officer shall not be allowed to disclose communications made to the officer
in official confidence when the public interest would suffer by the disclosure.

(f) Persons of unsound mind and persons intoxicated at the time of their production for
examination are not competent witnesses if they lack capacity to remember or to relate
truthfully facts respecting which they are examined.

(g) A registered nurse, psychologist, consulting psychologist, or licensed social worker
engaged in a psychological or social assessment or treatment of an individual at the
individual's request shall not, without the consent of the professional's client, be allowed to
disclose any information or opinion based thereon which the professional has acquired in
attending the client in a professional capacity, and which was necessary to enable the
professional to act in that capacity. Nothing in this clause exempts licensed social workers
from compliance with the provisions of deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and chapter
626B
new text end
.

(h) An interpreter for a person disabled in communication shall not, without the consent
of the person, be allowed to disclose any communication if the communication would, if
the interpreter were not present, be privileged. For purposes of this section, a "person disabled
in communication" means a person who, because of a hearing, speech or other communication
disorder, or because of the inability to speak or comprehend the English language, is unable
to understand the proceedings in which the person is required to participate. The presence
of an interpreter as an aid to communication does not destroy an otherwise existing privilege.

(i) Licensed chemical dependency counselors shall not disclose information or an opinion
based on the information which they acquire from persons consulting them in their
professional capacities, and which was necessary to enable them to act in that capacity,
except that they may do so:

(1) when informed consent has been obtained in writing, except in those circumstances
in which not to do so would violate the law or would result in clear and imminent danger
to the client or others;

(2) when the communications reveal the contemplation or ongoing commission of a
crime; or

(3) when the consulting person waives the privilege by bringing suit or filing charges
against the licensed professional whom that person consulted.

(j) A parent or the parent's minor child may not be examined as to any communication
made in confidence by the minor to the minor's parent. A communication is confidential if
made out of the presence of persons not members of the child's immediate family living in
the same household. This exception may be waived by express consent to disclosure by a
parent entitled to claim the privilege or by the child who made the communication or by
failure of the child or parent to object when the contents of a communication are demanded.
This exception does not apply to a civil action or proceeding by one spouse against the other
or by a parent or child against the other, nor to a proceeding to commit either the child or
parent to whom the communication was made or to place the person or property or either
under the control of another because of an alleged mental or physical condition, nor to a
criminal action or proceeding in which the parent is charged with a crime committed against
the person or property of the communicating child, the parent's spouse, or a child of either
the parent or the parent's spouse, or in which a child is charged with a crime or act of
delinquency committed against the person or property of a parent or a child of a parent, nor
to an action or proceeding for termination of parental rights, nor any other action or
proceeding on a petition alleging child abuse, child neglect, abandonment or nonsupport
by a parent.

(k) Sexual assault counselors may not be allowed to disclose any opinion or information
received from or about the victim without the consent of the victim. However, a counselor
may be compelled to identify or disclose information in investigations or proceedings related
to neglect or termination of parental rights if the court determines good cause exists. In
determining whether to compel disclosure, the court shall weigh the public interest and need
for disclosure against the effect on the victim, the treatment relationship, and the treatment
services if disclosure occurs. Nothing in this clause exempts sexual assault counselors from
compliance with the provisions of deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and chapter 626Bnew text end.

"Sexual assault counselor" for the purpose of this section means a person who has
undergone at least 40 hours of crisis counseling training and works under the direction of
a supervisor in a crisis center, whose primary purpose is to render advice, counseling, or
assistance to victims of sexual assault.

(l) A domestic abuse advocate may not be compelled to disclose any opinion or
information received from or about the victim without the consent of the victim unless
ordered by the court. In determining whether to compel disclosure, the court shall weigh
the public interest and need for disclosure against the effect on the victim, the relationship
between the victim and domestic abuse advocate, and the services if disclosure occurs.
Nothing in this paragraph exempts domestic abuse advocates from compliance with the
provisions of deleted text beginsections 626.556 anddeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end 626.557new text begin and chapter 626Bnew text end.

For the purposes of this section, "domestic abuse advocate" means an employee or
supervised volunteer from a community-based battered women's shelter and domestic abuse
program eligible to receive grants under section 611A.32; that provides information,
advocacy, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, or support to victims of domestic abuse
and who is not employed by or under the direct supervision of a law enforcement agency,
a prosecutor's office, or by a city, county, or state agency.

(m) A person cannot be examined as to any communication or document, including
work notes, made or used in the course of or because of mediation pursuant to an agreement
to mediate or a collaborative law process pursuant to an agreement to participate in
collaborative law. This does not apply to the parties in the dispute in an application to a
court by a party to have a mediated settlement agreement or a stipulated agreement resulting
from the collaborative law process set aside or reformed. A communication or document
otherwise not privileged does not become privileged because of this paragraph. This
paragraph is not intended to limit the privilege accorded to communication during mediation
or collaborative law by the common law.

(n) A child under ten years of age is a competent witness unless the court finds that the
child lacks the capacity to remember or to relate truthfully facts respecting which the child
is examined. A child describing any act or event may use language appropriate for a child
of that age.

(o) A communication assistant for a telecommunications relay system for persons who
have communication disabilities shall not, without the consent of the person making the
communication, be allowed to disclose communications made to the communication assistant
for the purpose of relaying.

Sec. 126.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 595.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Exceptions.

(a) The exception provided by paragraphs (d) and (g) of subdivision
1 shall not apply to any testimony, records, or other evidence relating to the abuse or neglect
of a minor in any proceeding under chapter 260 or any proceeding under section 245A.08,
to revoke a day care or foster care license, arising out of the neglect or physical or sexual
abuse of a minor, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end.

(b) The exception provided by paragraphs (d) and (g) of subdivision 1 shall not apply
to criminal proceedings arising out of the neglect or physical or sexual abuse of a minor,
as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end, if the court finds that:

(1) there is a reasonable likelihood that the records in question will disclose material
information or evidence of substantial value in connection with the investigation or
prosecution; and

(2) there is no other practicable way of obtaining the information or evidence. This
clause shall not be construed to prohibit disclosure of the patient record when it supports
the otherwise uncorroborated statements of any material fact by a minor alleged to have
been abused or neglected by the patient; and

(3) the actual or potential injury to the patient-health professional relationship in the
treatment program affected, and the actual or potential harm to the ability of the program
to attract and retain patients, is outweighed by the public interest in authorizing the disclosure
sought.

No records may be disclosed under this paragraph other than the records of the specific
patient suspected of the neglect or abuse of a minor. Disclosure and dissemination of any
information from a patient record shall be limited under the terms of the order to assure that
no information will be disclosed unnecessarily and that dissemination will be no wider than
necessary for purposes of the investigation or prosecution.

Sec. 127.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 609.26, subdivision 7, is amended to read:


Subd. 7.

Reporting of deprivation of parental rights.

Any violation of this section
shall be reported pursuant to section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3adeleted text endnew text begin 626B.04, subdivision 1,
paragraph (b)
new text end.

Sec. 128.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 609.3457, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Access to data.

Notwithstanding new text beginchapter 626B or new text endsections 13.384, 13.85,
144.291 to 144.298, 260B.171, new text beginor new text end260C.171, deleted text beginor 626.556,deleted text end the assessor has access to the
following private or confidential data on the person if access is relevant and necessary for
the assessment:

(1) medical data under section 13.384;

(2) corrections and detention data under section 13.85;

(3) health records under sections 144.291 to 144.298;

(4) juvenile court records under sections 260B.171 and 260C.171; and

(5) local welfare agency records under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end.

Data disclosed under this section may be used only for purposes of the assessment and
may not be further disclosed to any other person, except as authorized by law.

Sec. 129.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 609.379, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Applicability.

This section applies to new text beginchapter 626B and new text endsections 260B.425,
260C.425, 609.255, 609.376, new text beginand new text end609.378deleted text begin, and 626.556deleted text end.

Sec. 130.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 609.507, is amended to read:


609.507 FALSELY REPORTING CHILD ABUSE.

A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who:

(1) informs another person that a person has committed sexual abuse, physical abuse,
or neglect of a child, as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end;

(2) knows that the allegation is false or is without reason to believe that the alleged
abuser committed the abuse or neglect; and

(3) has the intent that the information influence a child custody hearing.

Sec. 131.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 609.7495, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given them.

(a) "Facility" means any of the following:

(1) a hospital or other health institution licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56;

(2) a medical facility as defined in section 144.561;

(3) an agency, clinic, or office operated under the direction of or under contract with the
commissioner of health or a community health board, as defined in section 145A.02;

(4) a facility providing counseling regarding options for medical services or recovery
from an addiction;

(5) a facility providing emergency shelter services for battered women, as defined in
section 611A.31, subdivision 3, or a facility providing transitional housing for battered
women and their children;

(6) a facility as defined in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2, paragraph (c)deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02,
subdivision 5
new text end;

(7) a facility as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 6, where the services described
in that paragraph are provided;

(8) a place to or from which ambulance service, as defined in section 144E.001, is
provided or sought to be provided; and

(9) a hospice provider licensed under section 144A.753.

(b) "Aggrieved party" means a person whose access to or egress from a facility is
obstructed in violation of subdivision 2, or the facility.

Sec. 132.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 611A.203, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Duties; access to data.

(a) The domestic fatality review team shall collect,
review, and analyze death certificates and death data, including investigative reports, medical
and counseling records, victim service records, employment records, child abuse reports,
or other information concerning domestic violence deaths, survivor interviews and surveys,
and other information deemed by the team as necessary and appropriate concerning the
causes and manner of domestic violence deaths.

(b) The review team has access to the following not public data, as defined in section
13.02, subdivision 8a, relating to a case being reviewed by the team: inactive law enforcement
investigative data under section 13.82; autopsy records and coroner or medical examiner
investigative data under section 13.83; hospital, public health, or other medical records of
the victim under section 13.384; records under section 13.46, created by social service
agencies that provided services to the victim, the alleged perpetrator, or another victim who
experienced or was threatened with domestic abuse by the perpetrator; and child maltreatment
records under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, relating to the victim or a family or household
member of the victim. Access to medical records under this paragraph also includes records
governed by sections 144.291 to 144.298. The review team has access to corrections and
detention data as provided in section 13.85.

(c) As part of any review, the domestic fatality review team may compel the production
of other records by applying to the district court for a subpoena, which will be effective
throughout the state according to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Sec. 133.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 611A.90, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Definition.

For purposes of this section, "physical abuse" and "sexual
abuse" have the meanings given in section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 2deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end, except that
abuse is not limited to acts by a person responsible for the child's care or in a significant
relationship with the child or position of authority.

Sec. 134.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.5561, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Reports required.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person
mandated to report under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3deleted text endnew text begin 626B.03new text end, shall immediately report
to the local welfare agency if the person knows or has reason to believe that a woman is
pregnant and has used a controlled substance for a nonmedical purpose during the pregnancy,
including, but not limited to, tetrahydrocannabinol, or has consumed alcoholic beverages
during the pregnancy in any way that is habitual or excessive.

(b) A health care professional or a social service professional who is mandated to report
under section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 3deleted text endnew text begin 626B.03new text end, is exempt from reporting under paragraph
(a) a woman's use or consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol or alcoholic beverages during
pregnancy if the professional is providing the woman with prenatal care or other healthcare
services.

(c) Any person may make a voluntary report if the person knows or has reason to believe
that a woman is pregnant and has used a controlled substance for a nonmedical purpose
during the pregnancy, including, but not limited to, tetrahydrocannabinol, or has consumed
alcoholic beverages during the pregnancy in any way that is habitual or excessive.

(d) An oral report shall be made immediately by telephone or otherwise. An oral report
made by a person required to report shall be followed within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends
and holidays, by a report in writing to the local welfare agency. Any report shall be of
sufficient content to identify the pregnant woman, the nature and extent of the use, if known,
and the name and address of the reporter. The local welfare agency shall accept a report
made under paragraph (c) notwithstanding refusal by a voluntary reporter to provide the
reporter's name or address as long as the report is otherwise sufficient.

(e) For purposes of this section, "prenatal care" means the comprehensive package of
medical and psychological support provided throughout the pregnancy.

Sec. 135.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.5561, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Related provisions.

Reports under this section are governed by deleted text beginsection 626.556,
subdivisions 4, 4a, 5, 6, 8, and 11
deleted text endnew text begin sections 626B.03, subdivision 3; 626B.04, subdivisions
3 and 4; 626B.11, subdivision 13; 626B.13; and 626B.14, subdivisions 1 and 3
new text end.

Sec. 136.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.5562, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Newborns.

A physician shall administer to each newborn infant born under
the physician's care a toxicology test to determine whether there is evidence of prenatal
exposure to a controlled substance, if the physician has reason to believe based on a medical
assessment of the mother or the infant that the mother used a controlled substance for a
nonmedical purpose during the pregnancy. If the test results are positive, the physician shall
report the results as neglect under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end. A negative test result does
not eliminate the obligation to report under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end if other medical
evidence of prenatal exposure to a controlled substance is present.

Sec. 137.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.557, subdivision 9d, is amended to read:


Subd. 9d.

Administrative reconsideration; review panel.

(a) Except as provided under
paragraph (e), any individual or facility which a lead investigative agency determines has
maltreated a vulnerable adult, or the vulnerable adult or an interested person acting on behalf
of the vulnerable adult, regardless of the lead investigative agency's determination, who
contests the lead investigative agency's final disposition of an allegation of maltreatment,
may request the lead investigative agency to reconsider its final disposition. The request
for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the lead investigative agency within 15
calendar days after receipt of notice of final disposition or, if the request is made by an
interested person who is not entitled to notice, within 15 days after receipt of the notice by
the vulnerable adult or the vulnerable adult's guardian or health care agent. If mailed, the
request for reconsideration must be postmarked and sent to the lead investigative agency
within 15 calendar days of the individual's or facility's receipt of the final disposition. If the
request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the lead
investigative agency within 15 calendar days of the individual's or facility's receipt of the
final disposition. An individual who was determined to have maltreated a vulnerable adult
under this section and who was disqualified on the basis of serious or recurring maltreatment
under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, may request reconsideration of the maltreatment
determination and the disqualification. The request for reconsideration of the maltreatment
determination and the disqualification must be submitted in writing within 30 calendar days
of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification under sections 245C.16 and
245C.17. If mailed, the request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and
the disqualification must be postmarked and sent to the lead investigative agency within 30
calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification. If the request for
reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the lead investigative
agency within 30 calendar days after the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification.

(b) Except as provided under paragraphs (e) and (f), if the lead investigative agency
denies the request or fails to act upon the request within 15 working days after receiving
the request for reconsideration, the person or facility entitled to a fair hearing under section
256.045, may submit to the commissioner of human services a written request for a hearing
under that statute. The vulnerable adult, or an interested person acting on behalf of the
vulnerable adult, may request a review by the Vulnerable Adult Maltreatment Review Panel
under section 256.021 if the lead investigative agency denies the request or fails to act upon
the request, or if the vulnerable adult or interested person contests a reconsidered disposition.
The lead investigative agency shall notify persons who request reconsideration of their
rights under this paragraph. The request must be submitted in writing to the review panel
and a copy sent to the lead investigative agency within 30 calendar days of receipt of notice
of a denial of a request for reconsideration or of a reconsidered disposition. The request
must specifically identify the aspects of the lead investigative agency determination with
which the person is dissatisfied.

(c) If, as a result of a reconsideration or review, the lead investigative agency changes
the final disposition, it shall notify the parties specified in subdivision 9c, paragraph (f).

(d) For purposes of this subdivision, "interested person acting on behalf of the vulnerable
adult" means a person designated in writing by the vulnerable adult to act on behalf of the
vulnerable adult, or a legal guardian or conservator or other legal representative, a proxy
or health care agent appointed under chapter 145B or 145C, or an individual who is related
to the vulnerable adult, as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 13.

(e) If an individual was disqualified under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, on the basis
of a determination of maltreatment, which was serious or recurring, and the individual has
requested reconsideration of the maltreatment determination under paragraph (a) and
reconsideration of the disqualification under sections 245C.21 to 245C.27, reconsideration
of the maltreatment determination and requested reconsideration of the disqualification
shall be consolidated into a single reconsideration. If reconsideration of the maltreatment
determination is denied and the individual remains disqualified following a reconsideration
decision, the individual may request a fair hearing under section 256.045. If an individual
requests a fair hearing on the maltreatment determination and the disqualification, the scope
of the fair hearing shall include both the maltreatment determination and the disqualification.

(f) If a maltreatment determination or a disqualification based on serious or recurring
maltreatment is the basis for a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing
sanction under section 245A.07, the license holder has the right to a contested case hearing
under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612. As provided for
under section 245A.08, the scope of the contested case hearing must include the maltreatment
determination, disqualification, and licensing sanction or denial of a license. In such cases,
a fair hearing must not be conducted under section 256.045. Except for family child care
and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment determination under this subdivision,
and reconsideration of a disqualification under section 245C.22, must not be conducted
when:

(1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05, or a licensing sanction under section
245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment
or the disqualification of a license holder based on serious or recurring maltreatment;

(2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the
maltreatment determination or disqualification; and

(3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, and
denial of a license or licensing sanction.

Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment
determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing
sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections
deleted text begin 626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end 626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end, and reconsideration
of the disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22. In such cases, a fair hearing
shall also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 10i, anddeleted text end
626.557, subdivision 9dnew text begin, and 626B.12new text end.

If the disqualified subject is an individual other than the license holder and upon whom
a background study must be conducted under chapter 245C, the hearings of all parties may
be consolidated into a single contested case hearing upon consent of all parties and the
administrative law judge.

(g) Until August 1, 2002, an individual or facility that was determined by the
commissioner of human services or the commissioner of health to be responsible for neglect
under section 626.5572, subdivision 17, after October 1, 1995, and before August 1, 2001,
that believes that the finding of neglect does not meet an amended definition of neglect may
request a reconsideration of the determination of neglect. The commissioner of human
services or the commissioner of health shall mail a notice to the last known address of
individuals who are eligible to seek this reconsideration. The request for reconsideration
must state how the established findings no longer meet the elements of the definition of
neglect. The commissioner shall review the request for reconsideration and make a
determination within 15 calendar days. The commissioner's decision on this reconsideration
is the final agency action.

(1) For purposes of compliance with the data destruction schedule under subdivision
12b, paragraph (d), when a finding of substantiated maltreatment has been changed as a
result of a reconsideration under this paragraph, the date of the original finding of a
substantiated maltreatment must be used to calculate the destruction date.

(2) For purposes of any background studies under chapter 245C, when a determination
of substantiated maltreatment has been changed as a result of a reconsideration under this
paragraph, any prior disqualification of the individual under chapter 245C that was based
on this determination of maltreatment shall be rescinded, and for future background studies
under chapter 245C the commissioner must not use the previous determination of
substantiated maltreatment as a basis for disqualification or as a basis for referring the
individual's maltreatment history to a health-related licensing board under section 245C.31.

Sec. 138.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.558, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Information sharing.

(a) The local welfare agency may make available to the
case consultation committee or subcommittee, all records collected and maintained by the
agency under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end and in connection with case consultation. A
case consultation committee or subcommittee member may share information acquired in
the member's professional capacity with the committee or subcommittee to assist in case
consultation.

(b) Case consultation committee or subcommittee members must annually sign a data
sharing agreement, approved by the commissioner of human services, assuring compliance
with chapter 13. Not public data, as defined by section 13.02, subdivision 8a, may be shared
with members appointed to the committee or subcommittee in connection with an individual
case when the members have signed the data sharing agreement.

(c) All data acquired by the case consultation committee or subcommittee in exercising
case consultation duties, are confidential as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 3, and
shall not be disclosed except to the extent necessary to perform case consultation, and shall
not be subject to subpoena or discovery.

(d) No members of a case consultation committee or subcommittee meeting shall disclose
what transpired at a case consultation meeting, except to the extent necessary to carry out
the case consultation plan. The proceedings and records of the case consultation meeting
are not subject to discovery, and may not be introduced into evidence in any civil or criminal
action against a professional or local welfare agency arising out of the matter or matters
which are the subject of consideration of the case consultation meeting. Information,
documents, or records otherwise available from original sources are not immune from
discovery or use in any civil or criminal action merely because they were presented during
a case consultation meeting. Any person who presented information before the consultation
committee or subcommittee or who is a member shall not be prevented from testifying as
to matters within the person's knowledge. However, in a civil or criminal proceeding a
person shall not be questioned about the person's presentation of information before the
case consultation committee or subcommittee or about opinions formed as a result of the
case consultation meetings.

A person who violates this subdivision is subject to the civil remedies and penalties
provided under chapter 13.

Sec. 139.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.559, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Job classification; continuing education.

The commissioner of human
services, for employees subject to the Minnesota Merit System, and directors of county
personnel systems, for counties not subject to the Minnesota Merit System, shall establish
a job classification consisting exclusively of persons with the specialized knowledge, skills,
and experience required to satisfactorily perform child protection duties pursuant to deleted text beginsection
626.556, subdivisions 10, 10a, and 10b
deleted text endnew text begin sections 626B.05, 626B.07, 626B.09, and 626B.10new text end.

All child protection workers or social services staff having responsibility for child
protective duties under deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end shall receive 15 hours of continuing
education or in-service training each year relevant to providing child protective services.
The local social service agency shall maintain a record of training completed by each
employee having responsibility for performing child protective duties.

Sec. 140.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.559, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Joint training.

The commissioners of human services and public safety shall
cooperate in the development of a joint program for training child abuse services
professionals in the appropriate techniques for child abuse assessment and investigation.
The program shall include but need not be limited to the following areas:

(1) the public policy goals of the state as set forth in section 260C.001 and the role of
the assessment or investigation in meeting these goals;

(2) the special duties of child protection workers and law enforcement officers under
deleted text begin section 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end;

(3) the appropriate methods for directing and managing affiliated professionals who
may be utilized in providing protective services and strengthening family ties;

(4) the appropriate methods for interviewing alleged victims of child abuse and other
minors in the course of performing an assessment or an investigation;

(5) the dynamics of child abuse and neglect within family systems and the appropriate
methods for interviewing parents in the course of the assessment or investigation, including
training in recognizing cases in which one of the parents is a victim of domestic abuse and
in need of special legal or medical services;

(6) the legal, evidentiary considerations that may be relevant to the conduct of an
assessment or an investigation;

(7) the circumstances under which it is appropriate to remove the alleged abuser or the
alleged victim from the home;

(8) the protective social services that are available to protect alleged victims from further
abuse, to prevent child abuse and domestic abuse, and to preserve the family unit, and
training in the preparation of case plans to coordinate services for the alleged child abuse
victim with services for any parents who are victims of domestic abuse;

(9) the methods by which child protection workers and law enforcement workers
cooperate in conducting assessments and investigations in order to avoid duplication of
efforts; and

(10) appropriate methods for interviewing alleged victims of child abuse and conducting
investigations in cases where the alleged victim is developmentally, physically, or mentally
disabled.

Sec. 141.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.559, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Priority training.

The commissioners of human services and public safety
shall provide the program courses described in subdivision 2 at convenient times and
locations in the state. The commissioners shall give training priority in the program areas
cited in subdivision 2 to persons currently performing assessments and investigations
pursuant to deleted text beginsection 626.556, subdivisions 10, 10a, and 10bdeleted text endnew text begin sections 626B.05, 626B.07,
626B.09, and 626B.10
new text end.

Sec. 142.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.5591, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings
given unless the specific context indicates otherwise:

(a) "Child protection agency" means an agency authorized to receive reports, conduct
assessments and investigations, and make determinations pursuant to deleted text beginsection 626.556,
subdivision 10
deleted text endnew text begin sections 626B.05, 626B.07, 626B.09, and 626B.10new text end.

(b) "Child protection services" means the receipt and assessment of reports of child
maltreatment and the provision of services to families and children when maltreatment has
occurred or when there is risk of maltreatment. These services include: (1) the assessment
of risk to a child alleged to have been abused or neglected; (2) interviews of any person
alleged to have abused or neglected a child and the child or children involved in the report,
and interviews with persons having facts or knowledge necessary to assess the level of risk
to a child and the need for protective intervention; (3) the gathering of written or evidentiary
materials; (4) the recording of case findings and determinations; and (5) other actions
required by deleted text beginsection 626.556deleted text endnew text begin chapter 626Bnew text end, administrative rule, or agency policy.

(c) "Competency-based training" means a course of instruction that provides both
information and skills practice, which is based upon clearly stated and measurable
instructional objectives, and which requires demonstration of the achievement of a particular
standard of skills and knowledge for satisfactory completion.

(d) "Foundation training" means training provided to a local child protection worker
after the person has begun to perform child protection duties, but before the expiration of
six months of employment as a child protection worker. This foundation training must occur
during the performance of job duties and must include an evaluation of the employee's
application of skills and knowledge.

(e) "Advanced training" means training provided to a local child protection worker after
the person has performed an initial six months of employment as a child protection worker.

Sec. 143.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.561, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Definitions.

As used in this section:

(1) "child abuse" means physical or sexual abuse as defined in section deleted text begin626.556,
subdivision 2
deleted text endnew text begin 626B.02new text end;

(2) "government employee" means an employee of a state or local agency, and any
person acting as an agent of a state or local agency;

(3) "interview" means a statement of an alleged child abuse victim which is given or
made to a government employee during the course of a child abuse assessment, criminal
investigation, or prosecution; and

(4) "record" means an audio or videotape recording of an interview, or a written record
of an interview.

Sec. 144.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 626.561, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Record required.

Whenever an interview is conducted, the interviewer must
make a record of the interview. The record must contain the following information:

(1) the date, time, place, and duration of the interview;

(2) the identity of the persons present at the interview; and

(3) if the record is in writing, a summary of the information obtained during the interview.

The records shall be maintained by the interviewer in accordance with applicable
provisions of section deleted text begin626.556, subdivision 11deleted text endnew text begin 626B.14, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (g) and
(h), and 3,
new text end and chapter 13.

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 17-3669

626.556 REPORTING OF MALTREATMENT OF MINORS.

Subdivision 1.

Public policy.

(a) The legislature hereby declares that the public policy of this state is to protect children whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse. While it is recognized that most parents want to keep their children safe, sometimes circumstances or conditions interfere with their ability to do so. When this occurs, the health and safety of the children must be of paramount concern. Intervention and prevention efforts must address immediate concerns for child safety and the ongoing risk of abuse or neglect and should engage the protective capacities of families. In furtherance of this public policy, it is the intent of the legislature under this section to:

(1) protect children and promote child safety;

(2) strengthen the family;

(3) make the home, school, and community safe for children by promoting responsible child care in all settings; and

(4) provide, when necessary, a safe temporary or permanent home environment for physically or sexually abused or neglected children.

(b) In addition, it is the policy of this state to:

(1) require the reporting of neglect or physical or sexual abuse of children in the home, school, and community settings;

(2) provide for the voluntary reporting of abuse or neglect of children;

(3) require an investigation when the report alleges sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment;

(4) provide a family assessment, if appropriate, when the report does not allege sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment; and

(5) provide protective, family support, and family preservation services when needed in appropriate cases.

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them unless the specific content indicates otherwise:

(a) "Accidental" means a sudden, not reasonably foreseeable, and unexpected occurrence or event which:

(1) is not likely to occur and could not have been prevented by exercise of due care; and

(2) if occurring while a child is receiving services from a facility, happens when the facility and the employee or person providing services in the facility are in compliance with the laws and rules relevant to the occurrence or event.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(c) "Facility" means:

(1) a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, 241.021, or 245A.01 to 245A.16, or chapter 245D;

(2) a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and chapter 124E; or

(3) a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

(d) "Family assessment" means a comprehensive assessment of child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs that is applied to a child maltreatment report that does not allege sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment. Family assessment does not include a determination as to whether child maltreatment occurred but does determine the need for services to address the safety of family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

(e) "Investigation" means fact gathering related to the current safety of a child and the risk of subsequent maltreatment that determines whether child maltreatment occurred and whether child protective services are needed. An investigation must be used when reports involve sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment, and for reports of maltreatment in facilities required to be licensed under chapter 245A or 245D; under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 241.021; in a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and chapter 124E; or in a nonlicensed personal care provider association as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

(f) "Mental injury" means an injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with due regard to the child's culture.

(g) "Neglect" means the commission or omission of any of the acts specified under clauses (1) to (9), other than by accidental means:

(1) failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, health, medical, or other care required for the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so;

(2) failure to protect a child from conditions or actions that seriously endanger the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as a failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

(3) failure to provide for necessary supervision or child care arrangements appropriate for a child after considering factors as the child's age, mental ability, physical condition, length of absence, or environment, when the child is unable to care for the child's own basic needs or safety, or the basic needs or safety of another child in their care;

(4) failure to ensure that the child is educated as defined in sections 120A.22 and 260C.163, subdivision 11, which does not include a parent's refusal to provide the parent's child with sympathomimetic medications, consistent with section 125A.091, subdivision 5;

(5) nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a child is neglected solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child in lieu of medical care; except that a parent, guardian, or caretaker, or a person mandated to report pursuant to subdivision 3, has a duty to report if a lack of medical care may cause serious danger to the child's health. This section does not impose upon persons, not otherwise legally responsible for providing a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care, a duty to provide that care;

(6) prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision 2, used by the mother for a nonmedical purpose, as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms in the child at birth, results of a toxicology test performed on the mother at delivery or the child at birth, medical effects or developmental delays during the child's first year of life that medically indicate prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, or the presence of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder;

(7) "medical neglect" as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5);

(8) chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance by a parent or person responsible for the care of the child that adversely affects the child's basic needs and safety; or

(9) emotional harm from a pattern of behavior which contributes to impaired emotional functioning of the child which may be demonstrated by a substantial and observable effect in the child's behavior, emotional response, or cognition that is not within the normal range for the child's age and stage of development, with due regard to the child's culture.

(h) "Nonmaltreatment mistake" means:

(1) at the time of the incident, the individual was performing duties identified in the center's child care program plan required under Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0045;

(2) the individual has not been determined responsible for a similar incident that resulted in a finding of maltreatment for at least seven years;

(3) the individual has not been determined to have committed a similar nonmaltreatment mistake under this paragraph for at least four years;

(4) any injury to a child resulting from the incident, if treated, is treated only with remedies that are available over the counter, whether ordered by a medical professional or not; and

(5) except for the period when the incident occurred, the facility and the individual providing services were both in compliance with all licensing requirements relevant to the incident.

This definition only applies to child care centers licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503. If clauses (1) to (5) apply, rather than making a determination of substantiated maltreatment by the individual, the commissioner of human services shall determine that a nonmaltreatment mistake was made by the individual.

(i) "Operator" means an operator or agency as defined in section 245A.02.

(j) "Person responsible for the child's care" means (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other person having similar care responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, other school employees or agents, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full-time or short-term care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day care, babysitting whether paid or unpaid, counseling, teaching, and coaching.

(k) "Physical abuse" means any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other than by accidental means, or any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries, or any aversive or deprivation procedures, or regulated interventions, that have not been authorized under section 125A.0942 or 245.825.

Abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child administered by a parent or legal guardian which does not result in an injury. Abuse does not include the use of reasonable force by a teacher, principal, or school employee as allowed by section 121A.582. Actions which are not reasonable and moderate include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

(1) throwing, kicking, burning, biting, or cutting a child;

(2) striking a child with a closed fist;

(3) shaking a child under age three;

(4) striking or other actions which result in any nonaccidental injury to a child under 18 months of age;

(5) unreasonable interference with a child's breathing;

(6) threatening a child with a weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6;

(7) striking a child under age one on the face or head;

(8) striking a child who is at least age one but under age four on the face or head, which results in an injury;

(9) purposely giving a child poison, alcohol, or dangerous, harmful, or controlled substances which were not prescribed for the child by a practitioner, in order to control or punish the child; or other substances that substantially affect the child's behavior, motor coordination, or judgment or that results in sickness or internal injury, or subjects the child to medical procedures that would be unnecessary if the child were not exposed to the substances;

(10) unreasonable physical confinement or restraint not permitted under section 609.379, including but not limited to tying, caging, or chaining; or

(11) in a school facility or school zone, an act by a person responsible for the child's care that is a violation under section 121A.58.

(l) "Practice of social services," for the purposes of subdivision 3, includes but is not limited to employee assistance counseling and the provision of guardian ad litem and parenting time expeditor services.

(m) "Report" means any communication received by the local welfare agency, police department, county sheriff, or agency responsible for child protection pursuant to this section that describes neglect or physical or sexual abuse of a child and contains sufficient content to identify the child and any person believed to be responsible for the neglect or abuse, if known.

(n) "Sexual abuse" means the subjection of a child by a person responsible for the child's care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child, as defined in section 609.341, or by a person in a position of authority, as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 10, to any act which constitutes a violation of section 609.342 (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree), 609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree), 609.344 (criminal sexual conduct in the third degree), 609.345 (criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree), or 609.3451 (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree). Sexual abuse also includes any act which involves a minor which constitutes a violation of prostitution offenses under sections 609.321 to 609.324 or 617.246. Effective May 29, 2017, sexual abuse includes all reports of known or suspected child sex trafficking involving a child who is identified as a victim of sex trafficking. Sexual abuse includes child sex trafficking as defined in section 609.321, subdivisions 7a and 7b. Sexual abuse includes threatened sexual abuse which includes the status of a parent or household member who has committed a violation which requires registration as an offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b), or required registration under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b).

(o) "Substantial child endangerment" means a person responsible for a child's care, by act or omission, commits or attempts to commit an act against a child under their care that constitutes any of the following:

(1) egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

(2) abandonment under section 260C.301, subdivision 2;

(3) neglect as defined in paragraph (g), clause (2), that substantially endangers the child's physical or mental health, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

(4) murder in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.185, 609.19, or 609.195;

(5) manslaughter in the first or second degree under section 609.20 or 609.205;

(6) assault in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223;

(7) solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution under section 609.322;

(8) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;

(9) solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct under section 609.352;

(10) malicious punishment or neglect or endangerment of a child under section 609.377 or 609.378;

(11) use of a minor in sexual performance under section 617.246; or

(12) parental behavior, status, or condition which mandates that the county attorney file a termination of parental rights petition under section 260C.503, subdivision 2.

(p) "Threatened injury" means a statement, overt act, condition, or status that represents a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental injury. Threatened injury includes, but is not limited to, exposing a child to a person responsible for the child's care, as defined in paragraph (j), clause (1), who has:

(1) subjected a child to, or failed to protect a child from, an overt act or condition that constitutes egregious harm, as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14, or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(2) been found to be palpably unfit under section 260C.301, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (4), or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(3) committed an act that has resulted in an involuntary termination of parental rights under section 260C.301, or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or

(4) committed an act that has resulted in the involuntary transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child to a relative under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clause (1), section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or a similar law of another jurisdiction.

A child is the subject of a report of threatened injury when the responsible social services agency receives birth match data under paragraph (q) from the Department of Human Services.

(q) Upon receiving data under section 144.225, subdivision 2b, contained in a birth record or recognition of parentage identifying a child who is subject to threatened injury under paragraph (p), the Department of Human Services shall send the data to the responsible social services agency. The data is known as "birth match" data. Unless the responsible social services agency has already begun an investigation or assessment of the report due to the birth of the child or execution of the recognition of parentage and the parent's previous history with child protection, the agency shall accept the birth match data as a report under this section. The agency may use either a family assessment or investigation to determine whether the child is safe. All of the provisions of this section apply. If the child is determined to be safe, the agency shall consult with the county attorney to determine the appropriateness of filing a petition alleging the child is in need of protection or services under section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (16), in order to deliver needed services. If the child is determined not to be safe, the agency and the county attorney shall take appropriate action as required under section 260C.503, subdivision 2.

(r) Persons who conduct assessments or investigations under this section shall take into account accepted child-rearing practices of the culture in which a child participates and accepted teacher discipline practices, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, and safety.

Subd. 3.

Persons mandated to report; persons voluntarily reporting.

(a) A person who knows or has reason to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused, as defined in subdivision 2, or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years, shall immediately report the information to the local welfare agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, police department, county sheriff, tribal social services agency, or tribal police department if the person is:

(1) a professional or professional's delegate who is engaged in the practice of the healing arts, social services, hospital administration, psychological or psychiatric treatment, child care, education, correctional supervision, probation and correctional services, or law enforcement; or

(2) employed as a member of the clergy and received the information while engaged in ministerial duties, provided that a member of the clergy is not required by this subdivision to report information that is otherwise privileged under section 595.02, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).

(b) Any person may voluntarily report to the local welfare agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, police department, county sheriff, tribal social services agency, or tribal police department if the person knows, has reason to believe, or suspects a child is being or has been neglected or subjected to physical or sexual abuse.

(c) A person mandated to report physical or sexual child abuse or neglect occurring within a licensed facility shall report the information to the agency responsible for licensing the facility under sections 144.50 to 144.58; 241.021; 245A.01 to 245A.16; or chapter 245D; or a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19. A health or corrections agency receiving a report may request the local welfare agency to provide assistance pursuant to subdivisions 10, 10a, and 10b. A board or other entity whose licensees perform work within a school facility, upon receiving a complaint of alleged maltreatment, shall provide information about the circumstances of the alleged maltreatment to the commissioner of education. Section 13.03, subdivision 4, applies to data received by the commissioner of education from a licensing entity.

(d) Notification requirements under subdivision 10 apply to all reports received under this section.

(e) For purposes of this section, "immediately" means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours.

Subd. 3a.

Report of deprivation of parental rights or kidnapping.

A person mandated to report under subdivision 3, who knows or has reason to know of a violation of section 609.25 or 609.26, shall report the information to the local police department or the county sheriff. Receipt by a local welfare agency of a report or notification of a report of a violation of section 609.25 or 609.26 shall not be construed to invoke the duties of subdivision 10, 10a, or 10b.

Subd. 3b.

Agency responsible for assessing or investigating reports of maltreatment.

The Department of Education is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of child maltreatment in schools as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and chapter 124E.

Subd. 3c.

Local welfare agency, Department of Human Services or Department of Health responsible for assessing or investigating reports of maltreatment.

(a) The county local welfare agency is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of maltreatment in child foster care, family child care, legally unlicensed child care, juvenile correctional facilities licensed under section 241.021 located in the local welfare agency's county, and reports involving children served by an unlicensed personal care provider organization under section 256B.0659. Copies of findings related to personal care provider organizations under section 256B.0659 must be forwarded to the Department of Human Services provider enrollment.

(b) The Department of Human Services is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of maltreatment in facilities licensed under chapters 245A and 245D, except for child foster care and family child care.

(c) The Department of Health is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of child maltreatment in facilities licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 144A.43 to 144A.482.

Subd. 3d.

Authority to interview.

The agency responsible for assessing or investigating reports of child maltreatment has the authority to interview the child, the person or persons responsible for the child's care, the alleged perpetrator, and any other person with knowledge of the abuse or neglect for the purpose of gathering the facts, assessing safety and risk to the child, and formulating a plan.

Subd. 3e.

Agency responsible for assessing or investigating reports of sexual abuse.

The local welfare agency is the agency responsible for investigating allegations of sexual abuse if the alleged offender is the parent, guardian, sibling, or an individual functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the child's care, or a person with a significant relationship to the child if that person resides in the child's household. Effective May 29, 2017, the local welfare agency is also responsible for investigating when a child is identified as a victim of sex trafficking.

Subd. 3f.

Law enforcement agency responsible for investigating maltreatment.

The local law enforcement agency has responsibility for investigating any report of child maltreatment if a violation of a criminal statute is alleged. Law enforcement and the responsible agency must coordinate their investigations or assessments as required under subdivision 10.

Subd. 4.

Immunity from liability.

(a) The following persons are immune from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise might result from their actions, if they are acting in good faith:

(1) any person making a voluntary or mandated report under subdivision 3 or under section 626.5561 or assisting in an assessment under this section or under section 626.5561;

(2) any person with responsibility for performing duties under this section or supervisor employed by a local welfare agency, the commissioner of an agency responsible for operating or supervising a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58; 241.021; 245A.01 to 245A.16; or 245B, or a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and chapter 124E; or a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, complying with subdivision 10d; and

(3) any public or private school, facility as defined in subdivision 2, or the employee of any public or private school or facility who permits access by a local welfare agency, the Department of Education, or a local law enforcement agency and assists in an investigation or assessment pursuant to subdivision 10 or under section 626.5561.

(b) A person who is a supervisor or person with responsibility for performing duties under this section employed by a local welfare agency, the commissioner of human services, or the commissioner of education complying with subdivisions 10 and 11 or section 626.5561 or any related rule or provision of law is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the person's actions, if the person is (1) acting in good faith and exercising due care, or (2) acting in good faith and following the information collection procedures established under subdivision 10, paragraphs (h), (i), and (j).

(c) This subdivision does not provide immunity to any person for failure to make a required report or for committing neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse of a child.

(d) If a person who makes a voluntary or mandatory report under subdivision 3 prevails in a civil action from which the person has been granted immunity under this subdivision, the court may award the person attorney fees and costs.

Subd. 4a.

Retaliation prohibited.

(a) An employer of any person required to make reports under subdivision 3 shall not retaliate against the person for reporting in good faith abuse or neglect pursuant to this section, or against a child with respect to whom a report is made, because of the report.

(b) The employer of any person required to report under subdivision 3 who retaliates against the person because of a report of abuse or neglect is liable to that person for actual damages and, in addition, a penalty up to $10,000.

(c) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that any adverse action within 90 days of a report is retaliatory. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "adverse action" refers to action taken by an employer of a person required to report under subdivision 3 which is involved in a report against the person making the report or the child with respect to whom the report was made because of the report, and includes, but is not limited to:

(1) discharge, suspension, termination, or transfer from the facility, institution, school, or agency;

(2) discharge from or termination of employment;

(3) demotion or reduction in remuneration for services; or

(4) restriction or prohibition of access to the facility, institution, school, agency, or persons affiliated with it.

Subd. 5.

Malicious and reckless reports.

Any person who knowingly or recklessly makes a false report under the provisions of this section shall be liable in a civil suit for any actual damages suffered by the person or persons so reported and for any punitive damages set by the court or jury, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees.

Subd. 6.

Failure to report.

(a) A person mandated by this section to report who knows or has reason to believe that a child is neglected or physically or sexually abused, as defined in subdivision 2, or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years, and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) A person mandated by this section to report who knows or has reason to believe that two or more children not related to the perpetrator have been physically or sexually abused, as defined in subdivision 2, by the same perpetrator within the preceding ten years, and fails to report is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(c) A parent, guardian, or caretaker who knows or reasonably should know that the child's health is in serious danger and who fails to report as required by subdivision 2, paragraph (g), is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the child suffers substantial or great bodily harm because of the lack of medical care. If the child dies because of the lack of medical care, the person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $4,000, or both. The provision in section 609.378, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1), providing that a parent, guardian, or caretaker may, in good faith, select and depend on spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of a child, does not exempt a parent, guardian, or caretaker from the duty to report under this subdivision.

Subd. 6a.

Failure to notify.

If a local welfare agency receives a report under subdivision 3, paragraph (a) or (b), and fails to notify the local police department or county sheriff as required by subdivision 10, the person within the agency who is responsible for ensuring that notification is made shall be subject to disciplinary action in keeping with the agency's existing policy or collective bargaining agreement on discipline of employees. If a local police department or a county sheriff receives a report under subdivision 3, paragraph (a) or (b), and fails to notify the local welfare agency as required by subdivision 10, the person within the police department or county sheriff's office who is responsible for ensuring that notification is made shall be subject to disciplinary action in keeping with the agency's existing policy or collective bargaining agreement on discipline of employees.

Subd. 7.

Report; information provided to parent; reporter.

(a) An oral report shall be made immediately by telephone or otherwise. An oral report made by a person required under subdivision 3 to report shall be followed within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, by a report in writing to the appropriate police department, the county sheriff, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, or the local welfare agency.

(b) The local welfare agency shall determine if the report is to be screened in or out as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours after the report is received. When determining whether a report will be screened in or out, the agency receiving the report must consider, when relevant, all previous history, including reports that were screened out. The agency may communicate with treating professionals and individuals specified under subdivision 10, paragraph (i), clause (3), item (iii).

(c) Any report shall be of sufficient content to identify the child, any person believed to be responsible for the abuse or neglect of the child if the person is known, the nature and extent of the abuse or neglect and the name and address of the reporter. The local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall accept a report made under subdivision 3 notwithstanding refusal by a reporter to provide the reporter's name or address as long as the report is otherwise sufficient under this paragraph. Written reports received by a police department or the county sheriff shall be forwarded immediately to the local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report. The police department or the county sheriff may keep copies of reports received by them. Copies of written reports received by a local welfare department or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall be forwarded immediately to the local police department or the county sheriff.

(d) When requested, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report shall inform the reporter within ten days after the report was made, either orally or in writing, whether the report was accepted or not. If the responsible agency determines the report does not constitute a report under this section, the agency shall advise the reporter the report was screened out. Any person mandated to report shall receive a summary of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, including whether the case has been opened for child protection or other services, or if a referral has been made to a community organization, unless release would be detrimental to the best interests of the child. Any person who is not mandated to report shall, upon request to the local welfare agency, receive a concise summary of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, unless release would be detrimental to the best interests of the child.

(e) Reports that are screened out must be maintained in accordance with subdivision 11c, paragraph (a).

(f) A local welfare agency or agency responsible for investigating or assessing a report may use a screened-out report for making an offer of social services to the subjects of the screened-out report. A local welfare agency or agency responsible for evaluating a report alleging maltreatment of a child shall consider prior reports, including screened-out reports, to determine whether an investigation or family assessment must be conducted.

(g) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner of education must inform the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child who is the subject of a report of alleged maltreatment in a school facility within ten days of receiving the report, either orally or in writing, whether the commissioner is assessing or investigating the report of alleged maltreatment.

(h) Regardless of whether a report is made under this subdivision, as soon as practicable after a school receives information regarding an incident that may constitute maltreatment of a child in a school facility, the school shall inform the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of the child that an incident has occurred that may constitute maltreatment of the child, when the incident occurred, and the nature of the conduct that may constitute maltreatment.

(i) A written copy of a report maintained by personnel of agencies, other than welfare or law enforcement agencies, which are subject to chapter 13 shall be confidential. An individual subject of the report may obtain access to the original report as provided by subdivision 11.

Subd. 7a.

Guidance for screening reports.

(a) Child protection staff, supervisors, and others involved in child protection screening shall follow the guidance provided in the child maltreatment screening guidelines issued by the commissioner of human services and, when notified by the commissioner, shall immediately implement updated procedures and protocols.

(b) Any modifications to the screening guidelines must be preapproved by the commissioner of human services and must not be less protective of children than is mandated by statute. The county agency must consult with the county attorney before proposing modifications to the commissioner. The guidelines may provide additional protections for children but must not limit reports that are screened in or provide additional limits on consideration of reports that were screened out in making screening determinations.

Subd. 8.

Evidence not privileged.

No evidence relating to the neglect or abuse of a child or to any prior incidents of neglect or abuse involving any of the same persons accused of neglect or abuse shall be excluded in any proceeding arising out of the alleged neglect or physical or sexual abuse on the grounds of privilege set forth in section 595.02, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (d), or (g).

Subd. 9.

Mandatory reporting to medical examiner or coroner.

When a person required to report under the provisions of subdivision 3 knows or has reason to believe a child has died as a result of neglect or physical or sexual abuse, the person shall report that information to the appropriate medical examiner or coroner instead of the local welfare agency, police department, or county sheriff. Medical examiners or coroners shall notify the local welfare agency or police department or county sheriff in instances in which they believe that the child has died as a result of neglect or physical or sexual abuse. The medical examiner or coroner shall complete an investigation as soon as feasible and report the findings to the police department or county sheriff and the local welfare agency. If the child was receiving services or treatment for mental illness, developmentally disabled, chemical dependency, or emotional disturbance from an agency, facility, or program as defined in section 245.91, the medical examiner or coroner shall also notify and report findings to the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97.

Subd. 10.

Duties of local welfare agency and local law enforcement agency upon receipt of report; mandatory notification between police or sheriff and agency.

(a) The police department or the county sheriff shall immediately notify the local welfare agency or agency responsible for child protection reports under this section orally and in writing when a report is received. The local welfare agency or agency responsible for child protection reports shall immediately notify the local police department or the county sheriff orally and in writing when a report is received. The county sheriff and the head of every local welfare agency, agency responsible for child protection reports, and police department shall each designate a person within their agency, department, or office who is responsible for ensuring that the notification duties of this paragraph are carried out. When the alleged maltreatment occurred on tribal land, the local welfare agency or agency responsible for child protection reports and the local police department or the county sheriff shall immediately notify the tribe's social services agency and tribal law enforcement orally and in writing when a report is received.

(b) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for child maltreatment. The local welfare agency:

(1) shall conduct an investigation on reports involving sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment;

(2) shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time when it is using a family assessment response, it determines that there is reason to believe that sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment or a serious threat to the child's safety exists;

(3) may conduct a family assessment for reports that do not allege sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment. In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the local welfare agency may consider issues of child safety, parental cooperation, and the need for an immediate response;

(4) may conduct a family assessment on a report that was initially screened and assigned for an investigation. In determining that a complete investigation is not required, the local welfare agency must document the reason for terminating the investigation and notify the local law enforcement agency if the local law enforcement agency is conducting a joint investigation; and

(5) shall provide immediate notice, according to section 260.761, subdivision 2, to an Indian child's tribe when the agency has reason to believe the family assessment or investigation may involve an Indian child. For purposes of this clause, "immediate notice" means notice provided within 24 hours.

If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or individual functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the child's care, or sexual abuse by a person with a significant relationship to the child when that person resides in the child's household or by a sibling, the local welfare agency shall immediately conduct a family assessment or investigation as identified in clauses (1) to (4). In conducting a family assessment or investigation, the local welfare agency shall gather information on the existence of substance abuse and domestic violence and offer services for purposes of preventing future child maltreatment, safeguarding and enhancing the welfare of the abused or neglected minor, and supporting and preserving family life whenever possible. If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect or endangerment, under section 609.378, the local law enforcement agency and local welfare agency shall coordinate the planning and execution of their respective investigation and assessment efforts to avoid a duplication of fact-finding efforts and multiple interviews. Each agency shall prepare a separate report of the results of its investigation or assessment. In cases of alleged child maltreatment resulting in death, the local agency may rely on the fact-finding efforts of a law enforcement investigation to make a determination of whether or not maltreatment occurred. When necessary the local welfare agency shall seek authority to remove the child from the custody of a parent, guardian, or adult with whom the child is living. In performing any of these duties, the local welfare agency shall maintain appropriate records.

If the family assessment or investigation indicates there is a potential for abuse of alcohol or other drugs by the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the child's care, the local welfare agency shall conduct a chemical use assessment pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6615.

(c) When a local agency receives a report or otherwise has information indicating that a child who is a client, as defined in section 245.91, has been the subject of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect at an agency, facility, or program as defined in section 245.91, it shall, in addition to its other duties under this section, immediately inform the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97. The commissioner of education shall inform the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97 of reports regarding a child defined as a client in section 245.91 that maltreatment occurred at a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and chapter 124E.

(d) Authority of the local welfare agency responsible for assessing or investigating the child abuse or neglect report, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, and of the local law enforcement agency for investigating the alleged abuse or neglect includes, but is not limited to, authority to interview, without parental consent, the alleged victim and any other minors who currently reside with or who have resided with the alleged offender. The interview may take place at school or at any facility or other place where the alleged victim or other minors might be found or the child may be transported to, and the interview conducted at, a place appropriate for the interview of a child designated by the local welfare agency or law enforcement agency. The interview may take place outside the presence of the alleged offender or parent, legal custodian, guardian, or school official. For family assessments, it is the preferred practice to request a parent or guardian's permission to interview the child prior to conducting the child interview, unless doing so would compromise the safety assessment. Except as provided in this paragraph, the parent, legal custodian, or guardian shall be notified by the responsible local welfare or law enforcement agency no later than the conclusion of the investigation or assessment that this interview has occurred. Notwithstanding rule 32 of the Minnesota Rules of Procedure for Juvenile Courts, the juvenile court may, after hearing on an ex parte motion by the local welfare agency, order that, where reasonable cause exists, the agency withhold notification of this interview from the parent, legal custodian, or guardian. If the interview took place or is to take place on school property, the order shall specify that school officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification of intent to interview the child on school property, as provided under this paragraph, and any other related information regarding the interview that may be a part of the child's school record. A copy of the order shall be sent by the local welfare or law enforcement agency to the appropriate school official.

(e) When the local welfare, local law enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment determines that an interview should take place on school property, written notification of intent to interview the child on school property must be received by school officials prior to the interview. The notification shall include the name of the child to be interviewed, the purpose of the interview, and a reference to the statutory authority to conduct an interview on school property. For interviews conducted by the local welfare agency, the notification shall be signed by the chair of the local social services agency or the chair's designee. The notification shall be private data on individuals subject to the provisions of this paragraph. School officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification or any other related information regarding the interview until notified in writing by the local welfare or law enforcement agency that the investigation or assessment has been concluded, unless a school employee or agent is alleged to have maltreated the child. Until that time, the local welfare or law enforcement agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment shall be solely responsible for any disclosures regarding the nature of the assessment or investigation.

Except where the alleged offender is believed to be a school official or employee, the time and place, and manner of the interview on school premises shall be within the discretion of school officials, but the local welfare or law enforcement agency shall have the exclusive authority to determine who may attend the interview. The conditions as to time, place, and manner of the interview set by the school officials shall be reasonable and the interview shall be conducted not more than 24 hours after the receipt of the notification unless another time is considered necessary by agreement between the school officials and the local welfare or law enforcement agency. Where the school fails to comply with the provisions of this paragraph, the juvenile court may order the school to comply. Every effort must be made to reduce the disruption of the educational program of the child, other students, or school staff when an interview is conducted on school premises.

(f) Where the alleged offender or a person responsible for the care of the alleged victim or other minor prevents access to the victim or other minor by the local welfare agency, the juvenile court may order the parents, legal custodian, or guardian to produce the alleged victim or other minor for questioning by the local welfare agency or the local law enforcement agency outside the presence of the alleged offender or any person responsible for the child's care at reasonable places and times as specified by court order.

(g) Before making an order under paragraph (f), the court shall issue an order to show cause, either upon its own motion or upon a verified petition, specifying the basis for the requested interviews and fixing the time and place of the hearing. The order to show cause shall be served personally and shall be heard in the same manner as provided in other cases in the juvenile court. The court shall consider the need for appointment of a guardian ad litem to protect the best interests of the child. If appointed, the guardian ad litem shall be present at the hearing on the order to show cause.

(h) The commissioner of human services, the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities, the local welfare agencies responsible for investigating reports, the commissioner of education, and the local law enforcement agencies have the right to enter facilities as defined in subdivision 2 and to inspect and copy the facility's records, including medical records, as part of the investigation. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 13, they also have the right to inform the facility under investigation that they are conducting an investigation, to disclose to the facility the names of the individuals under investigation for abusing or neglecting a child, and to provide the facility with a copy of the report and the investigative findings.

(i) The local welfare agency responsible for conducting a family assessment or investigation shall collect available and relevant information to determine child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs and share not public information with an Indian's tribal social services agency without violating any law of the state that may otherwise impose duties of confidentiality on the local welfare agency in order to implement the tribal state agreement. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report shall collect available and relevant information to ascertain whether maltreatment occurred and whether protective services are needed. Information collected includes, when relevant, information with regard to the person reporting the alleged maltreatment, including the nature of the reporter's relationship to the child and to the alleged offender, and the basis of the reporter's knowledge for the report; the child allegedly being maltreated; the alleged offender; the child's caretaker; and other collateral sources having relevant information related to the alleged maltreatment. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report may make a determination of no maltreatment early in an investigation, and close the case and retain immunity, if the collected information shows no basis for a full investigation.

Information relevant to the assessment or investigation must be asked for, and may include:

(1) the child's sex and age; prior reports of maltreatment, including any maltreatment reports that were screened out and not accepted for assessment or investigation; information relating to developmental functioning; credibility of the child's statement; and whether the information provided under this clause is consistent with other information collected during the course of the assessment or investigation;

(2) the alleged offender's age, a record check for prior reports of maltreatment, and criminal charges and convictions. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report must provide the alleged offender with an opportunity to make a statement. The alleged offender may submit supporting documentation relevant to the assessment or investigation;

(3) collateral source information regarding the alleged maltreatment and care of the child. Collateral information includes, when relevant: (i) a medical examination of the child; (ii) prior medical records relating to the alleged maltreatment or the care of the child maintained by any facility, clinic, or health care professional and an interview with the treating professionals; and (iii) interviews with the child's caretakers, including the child's parent, guardian, foster parent, child care provider, teachers, counselors, family members, relatives, and other persons who may have knowledge regarding the alleged maltreatment and the care of the child; and

(4) information on the existence of domestic abuse and violence in the home of the child, and substance abuse.

Nothing in this paragraph precludes the local welfare agency, the local law enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report from collecting other relevant information necessary to conduct the assessment or investigation. Notwithstanding sections 13.384 or 144.291 to 144.298, the local welfare agency has access to medical data and records for purposes of clause (3). Notwithstanding the data's classification in the possession of any other agency, data acquired by the local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report during the course of the assessment or investigation are private data on individuals and must be maintained in accordance with subdivision 11. Data of the commissioner of education collected or maintained during and for the purpose of an investigation of alleged maltreatment in a school are governed by this section, notwithstanding the data's classification as educational, licensing, or personnel data under chapter 13.

In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c), the commissioner of education shall collect investigative reports and data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are from local law enforcement and the school facility.

(j) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall conduct a face-to-face contact with the child reported to be maltreated and with the child's primary caregiver sufficient to complete a safety assessment and ensure the immediate safety of the child. The face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver shall occur immediately if sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment is alleged and within five calendar days for all other reports. If the alleged offender was not already interviewed as the primary caregiver, the local welfare agency shall also conduct a face-to-face interview with the alleged offender in the early stages of the assessment or investigation. At the initial contact, the local child welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report must inform the alleged offender of the complaints or allegations made against the individual in a manner consistent with laws protecting the rights of the person who made the report. The interview with the alleged offender may be postponed if it would jeopardize an active law enforcement investigation.

(k) When conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall use a question and answer interviewing format with questioning as nondirective as possible to elicit spontaneous responses. For investigations only, the following interviewing methods and procedures must be used whenever possible when collecting information:

(1) audio recordings of all interviews with witnesses and collateral sources; and

(2) in cases of alleged sexual abuse, audio-video recordings of each interview with the alleged victim and child witnesses.

(l) In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c), the commissioner of education shall collect available and relevant information and use the procedures in paragraphs (j) and (k), and subdivision 3d, except that the requirement for face-to-face observation of the child and face-to-face interview of the alleged offender is to occur in the initial stages of the assessment or investigation provided that the commissioner may also base the assessment or investigation on investigative reports and data received from the school facility and local law enforcement, to the extent those investigations satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (j) and (k), and subdivision 3d.

Subd. 10a.

Law enforcement agency responsibility for investigation; welfare agency reliance on law enforcement fact-finding; welfare agency offer of services.

(a) If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a person who is not a parent, guardian, sibling, person responsible for the child's care functioning within the family unit, or a person who lives in the child's household and who has a significant relationship to the child, in a setting other than a facility as defined in subdivision 2, the local welfare agency shall immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency, which shall conduct an investigation of the alleged abuse or neglect if a violation of a criminal statute is alleged.

(b) The local agency may rely on the fact-finding efforts of the law enforcement investigation conducted under this subdivision to make a determination whether or not threatened injury or other maltreatment has occurred under subdivision 2 if an alleged offender has minor children or lives with minors.

(c) If a child is the victim of an alleged crime under paragraph (a), the law enforcement agency shall immediately notify the local welfare agency, which shall offer appropriate social services for the purpose of safeguarding and enhancing the welfare of the abused or neglected minor.

Subd. 10b.

Duties of commissioner; neglect or abuse in facility.

(a) This section applies to the commissioners of human services, health, and education. The commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall immediately assess or investigate if the report alleges that:

(1) a child who is in the care of a facility as defined in subdivision 2 is neglected, physically abused, sexually abused, or is the victim of maltreatment in a facility by an individual in that facility, or has been so neglected or abused, or been the victim of maltreatment in a facility by an individual in that facility within the three years preceding the report; or

(2) a child was neglected, physically abused, sexually abused, or is the victim of maltreatment in a facility by an individual in a facility defined in subdivision 2, while in the care of that facility within the three years preceding the report.

The commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall arrange for the transmittal to the commissioner of reports received by local agencies and may delegate to a local welfare agency the duty to investigate reports. In conducting an investigation under this section, the commissioner has the powers and duties specified for local welfare agencies under this section. The commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency may interview any children who are or have been in the care of a facility under investigation and their parents, guardians, or legal custodians.

(b) Prior to any interview, the commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency shall notify the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child who will be interviewed in the manner provided for in subdivision 10d, paragraph (a). If reasonable efforts to reach the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child in an out-of-home placement have failed, the child may be interviewed if there is reason to believe the interview is necessary to protect the child or other children in the facility. The commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local agency must provide the information required in this subdivision to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child interviewed without parental notification as soon as possible after the interview. When the investigation is completed, any parent, guardian, or legal custodian notified under this subdivision shall receive the written memorandum provided for in subdivision 10d, paragraph (c).

(c) In conducting investigations under this subdivision the commissioner or local welfare agency shall obtain access to information consistent with subdivision 10, paragraphs (h), (i), and (j). In conducting assessments or investigations under this subdivision, the commissioner of education shall obtain access to reports and investigative data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are in the possession of a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c), notwithstanding the classification of the data as educational or personnel data under chapter 13. This includes, but is not limited to, school investigative reports, information concerning the conduct of school personnel alleged to have committed maltreatment of students, information about witnesses, and any protective or corrective action taken by the school facility regarding the school personnel alleged to have committed maltreatment.

(d) The commissioner may request assistance from the local social services agency.

Subd. 10c.

Duties of local social service agency upon receipt of report of medical neglect.

If the report alleges medical neglect as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5), the local welfare agency shall, in addition to its other duties under this section, immediately consult with designated hospital staff and with the parents of the infant to verify that appropriate nutrition, hydration, and medication are being provided; and shall immediately secure an independent medical review of the infant's medical charts and records and, if necessary, seek a court order for an independent medical examination of the infant. If the review or examination leads to a conclusion of medical neglect, the agency shall intervene on behalf of the infant by initiating legal proceedings under section 260C.141 and by filing an expedited motion to prevent the withholding of medically indicated treatment.

Subd. 10d.

Notification of neglect or abuse in facility.

(a) When a report is received that alleges neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or maltreatment of a child while in the care of a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed according to sections 144.50 to 144.58; 241.021; or 245A.01 to 245A.16; or chapter 245D, or a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and chapter 124E; or a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, the commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency investigating the report shall provide the following information to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child alleged to have been neglected, physically abused, sexually abused, or the victim of maltreatment of a child in the facility: the name of the facility; the fact that a report alleging neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or maltreatment of a child in the facility has been received; the nature of the alleged neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or maltreatment of a child in the facility; that the agency is conducting an assessment or investigation; any protective or corrective measures being taken pending the outcome of the investigation; and that a written memorandum will be provided when the investigation is completed.

(b) The commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency may also provide the information in paragraph (a) to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any other child in the facility if the investigative agency knows or has reason to believe the alleged neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or maltreatment of a child in the facility has occurred. In determining whether to exercise this authority, the commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency shall consider the seriousness of the alleged neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or maltreatment of a child in the facility; the number of children allegedly neglected, physically abused, sexually abused, or victims of maltreatment of a child in the facility; the number of alleged perpetrators; and the length of the investigation. The facility shall be notified whenever this discretion is exercised.

(c) When the commissioner of the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report or local welfare agency has completed its investigation, every parent, guardian, or legal custodian previously notified of the investigation by the commissioner or local welfare agency shall be provided with the following information in a written memorandum: the name of the facility investigated; the nature of the alleged neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or maltreatment of a child in the facility; the investigator's name; a summary of the investigation findings; a statement whether maltreatment was found; and the protective or corrective measures that are being or will be taken. The memorandum shall be written in a manner that protects the identity of the reporter and the child and shall not contain the name, or to the extent possible, reveal the identity of the alleged perpetrator or of those interviewed during the investigation. If maltreatment is determined to exist, the commissioner or local welfare agency shall also provide the written memorandum to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of each child in the facility who had contact with the individual responsible for the maltreatment. When the facility is the responsible party for maltreatment, the commissioner or local welfare agency shall also provide the written memorandum to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of each child who received services in the population of the facility where the maltreatment occurred. This notification must be provided to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of each child receiving services from the time the maltreatment occurred until either the individual responsible for maltreatment is no longer in contact with a child or children in the facility or the conclusion of the investigation. In the case of maltreatment within a school facility, as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and chapter 124E, the commissioner of education need not provide notification to parents, guardians, or legal custodians of each child in the facility, but shall, within ten days after the investigation is completed, provide written notification to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any student alleged to have been maltreated. The commissioner of education may notify the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any student involved as a witness to alleged maltreatment.

Subd. 10e.

Determinations.

(a) The local welfare agency shall conclude the family assessment or the investigation within 45 days of the receipt of a report. The conclusion of the assessment or investigation may be extended to permit the completion of a criminal investigation or the receipt of expert information requested within 45 days of the receipt of the report.

(b) After conducting a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall determine whether services are needed to address the safety of the child and other family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

(c) After conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall make two determinations: first, whether maltreatment has occurred; and second, whether child protective services are needed. No determination of maltreatment shall be made when the alleged perpetrator is a child under the age of ten.

(d) If the commissioner of education conducts an assessment or investigation, the commissioner shall determine whether maltreatment occurred and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility. If a determination is made that maltreatment has occurred, the commissioner shall report to the employer, the school board, and any appropriate licensing entity the determination that maltreatment occurred and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility. In all other cases, the commissioner shall inform the school board or employer that a report was received, the subject of the report, the date of the initial report, the category of maltreatment alleged as defined in paragraph (f), the fact that maltreatment was not determined, and a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.

(e) When maltreatment is determined in an investigation involving a facility, the investigating agency shall also determine whether the facility or individual was responsible, or whether both the facility and the individual were responsible for the maltreatment using the mitigating factors in paragraph (i). Determinations under this subdivision must be made based on a preponderance of the evidence and are private data on individuals or nonpublic data as maintained by the commissioner of education.

(f) For the purposes of this subdivision, "maltreatment" means any of the following acts or omissions:

(1) physical abuse as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (k);

(2) neglect as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (g);

(3) sexual abuse as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (n);

(4) mental injury as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (f); or

(5) maltreatment of a child in a facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c).

(g) For the purposes of this subdivision, a determination that child protective services are needed means that the local welfare agency has documented conditions during the assessment or investigation sufficient to cause a child protection worker, as defined in section 626.559, subdivision 1, to conclude that a child is at significant risk of maltreatment if protective intervention is not provided and that the individuals responsible for the child's care have not taken or are not likely to take actions to protect the child from maltreatment or risk of maltreatment.

(h) This subdivision does not mean that maltreatment has occurred solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child, in lieu of medical care. However, if lack of medical care may result in serious danger to the child's health, the local welfare agency may ensure that necessary medical services are provided to the child.

(i) When determining whether the facility or individual is the responsible party, or whether both the facility and the individual are responsible for determined maltreatment in a facility, the investigating agency shall consider at least the following mitigating factors:

(1) whether the actions of the facility or the individual caregivers were according to, and followed the terms of, an erroneous physician order, prescription, individual care plan, or directive; however, this is not a mitigating factor when the facility or caregiver was responsible for the issuance of the erroneous order, prescription, individual care plan, or directive or knew or should have known of the errors and took no reasonable measures to correct the defect before administering care;

(2) comparative responsibility between the facility, other caregivers, and requirements placed upon an employee, including the facility's compliance with related regulatory standards and the adequacy of facility policies and procedures, facility training, an individual's participation in the training, the caregiver's supervision, and facility staffing levels and the scope of the individual employee's authority and discretion; and

(3) whether the facility or individual followed professional standards in exercising professional judgment.

The evaluation of the facility's responsibility under clause (2) must not be based on the completeness of the risk assessment or risk reduction plan required under section 245A.66, but must be based on the facility's compliance with the regulatory standards for policies and procedures, training, and supervision as cited in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.

(j) Notwithstanding paragraph (i), when maltreatment is determined to have been committed by an individual who is also the facility license holder, both the individual and the facility must be determined responsible for the maltreatment, and both the background study disqualification standards under section 245C.15, subdivision 4, and the licensing actions under sections 245A.06 or 245A.07 apply.

Subd. 10f.

Notice of determinations.

Within ten working days of the conclusion of a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall notify the parent or guardian of the child of the need for services to address child safety concerns or significant risk of subsequent child maltreatment. The local welfare agency and the family may also jointly agree that family support and family preservation services are needed. Within ten working days of the conclusion of an investigation, the local welfare agency or agency responsible for investigating the report shall notify the parent or guardian of the child, the person determined to be maltreating the child, and, if applicable, the director of the facility, of the determination and a summary of the specific reasons for the determination. When the investigation involves a child foster care setting that is monitored by a private licensing agency under section 245A.16, the local welfare agency responsible for investigating the report shall notify the private licensing agency of the determination and shall provide a summary of the specific reasons for the determination. The notice to the private licensing agency must include identifying private data, but not the identity of the reporter of maltreatment. The notice must also include a certification that the information collection procedures under subdivision 10, paragraphs (h), (i), and (j), were followed and a notice of the right of a data subject to obtain access to other private data on the subject collected, created, or maintained under this section. In addition, the notice shall include the length of time that the records will be kept under subdivision 11c. The investigating agency shall notify the parent or guardian of the child who is the subject of the report, and any person or facility determined to have maltreated a child, of their appeal or review rights under this section. The notice must also state that a finding of maltreatment may result in denial of a license application or background study disqualification under chapter 245C related to employment or services that are licensed by the Department of Human Services under chapter 245A, the Department of Health under chapter 144 or 144A, the Department of Corrections under section 241.021, and from providing services related to an unlicensed personal care provider organization under chapter 256B.

Subd. 10g.

Interstate data exchange.

All reports and records created, collected, or maintained under this section by a local social service agency or law enforcement agency may be disclosed to a local social service or other child welfare agency of another state when the agency certifies that:

(1) the reports and records are necessary in order to conduct an investigation of actions that would qualify as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect under this section; and

(2) the reports and records will be used only for purposes of a child protection assessment or investigation and will not be further disclosed to any other person or agency.

The local social service agency or law enforcement agency in this state shall keep a record of all records or reports disclosed pursuant to this subdivision and of any agency to which the records or reports are disclosed. If in any case records or reports are disclosed before a determination is made under subdivision 10e, or a disposition of any criminal proceedings is reached, the local social service agency or law enforcement agency in this state shall forward the determination or disposition to any agency that has received any report or record under this subdivision.

Subd. 10h.

Child abuse data; release to family court services.

The responsible authority or its designee of a local welfare agency may release private or confidential data on an active case involving assessment or investigation of actions that are defined as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect under this section to a court services agency if:

(1) the court services agency has an active case involving a common client or clients who are the subject of the data; and

(2) the data are necessary for the court services agency to effectively process the court services' case, including investigating or performing other duties relating to the case required by law.

The data disclosed under this subdivision may be used only for purposes of the active court services case described in clause (1) and may not be further disclosed to any other person or agency, except as authorized by law.

Subd. 10i.

Administrative reconsideration; review panel.

(a) Administrative reconsideration is not applicable in family assessments since no determination concerning maltreatment is made. For investigations, except as provided under paragraph (e), an individual or facility that the commissioner of human services, a local social service agency, or the commissioner of education determines has maltreated a child, an interested person acting on behalf of the child, regardless of the determination, who contests the investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment, may request the investigating agency to reconsider its final determination regarding maltreatment. The request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the investigating agency within 15 calendar days after receipt of notice of the final determination regarding maltreatment or, if the request is made by an interested person who is not entitled to notice, within 15 days after receipt of the notice by the parent or guardian of the child. If mailed, the request for reconsideration must be postmarked and sent to the investigating agency within 15 calendar days of the individual's or facility's receipt of the final determination. If the request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the investigating agency within 15 calendar days after the individual's or facility's receipt of the final determination. Effective January 1, 2002, an individual who was determined to have maltreated a child under this section and who was disqualified on the basis of serious or recurring maltreatment under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, may request reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification. The request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification under sections 245C.16 and 245C.17. If mailed, the request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification must be postmarked and sent to the investigating agency within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the maltreatment determination and notice of disqualification. If the request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the investigating agency within 30 calendar days after the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification.

(b) Except as provided under paragraphs (e) and (f), if the investigating agency denies the request or fails to act upon the request within 15 working days after receiving the request for reconsideration, the person or facility entitled to a fair hearing under section 256.045 may submit to the commissioner of human services or the commissioner of education a written request for a hearing under that section. Section 256.045 also governs hearings requested to contest a final determination of the commissioner of education. The investigating agency shall notify persons who request reconsideration of their rights under this paragraph. The hearings specified under this section are the only administrative appeal of a decision issued under paragraph (a). Determinations under this section are not subject to accuracy and completeness challenges under section 13.04.

(c) If, as a result of a reconsideration or review, the investigating agency changes the final determination of maltreatment, that agency shall notify the parties specified in subdivisions 10b, 10d, and 10f.

(d) Except as provided under paragraph (f), if an individual or facility contests the investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment by requesting a fair hearing under section 256.045, the commissioner of human services shall assure that the hearing is conducted and a decision is reached within 90 days of receipt of the request for a hearing. The time for action on the decision may be extended for as many days as the hearing is postponed or the record is held open for the benefit of either party.

(e) If an individual was disqualified under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, on the basis of a determination of maltreatment, which was serious or recurring, and the individual has requested reconsideration of the maltreatment determination under paragraph (a) and requested reconsideration of the disqualification under sections 245C.21 to 245C.27, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and reconsideration of the disqualification shall be consolidated into a single reconsideration. If reconsideration of the maltreatment determination is denied and the individual remains disqualified following a reconsideration decision, the individual may request a fair hearing under section 256.045. If an individual requests a fair hearing on the maltreatment determination and the disqualification, the scope of the fair hearing shall include both the maltreatment determination and the disqualification.

(f) If a maltreatment determination or a disqualification based on serious or recurring maltreatment is the basis for a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, the license holder has the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612. As provided for under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, the scope of the contested case hearing shall include the maltreatment determination, disqualification, and licensing sanction or denial of a license. In such cases, a fair hearing regarding the maltreatment determination and disqualification shall not be conducted under section 256.045. Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment determination as provided under this subdivision, and reconsideration of a disqualification as provided under section 245C.22, shall also not be conducted when:

(1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment or the disqualification of a license holder based on serious or recurring maltreatment;

(2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the maltreatment determination or disqualification; and

(3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, and denial of a license or licensing sanction.

Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d, and reconsideration of the disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22. In such cases, a fair hearing shall also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d.

If the disqualified subject is an individual other than the license holder and upon whom a background study must be conducted under chapter 245C, the hearings of all parties may be consolidated into a single contested case hearing upon consent of all parties and the administrative law judge.

(g) For purposes of this subdivision, "interested person acting on behalf of the child" means a parent or legal guardian; stepparent; grandparent; guardian ad litem; adult stepbrother, stepsister, or sibling; or adult aunt or uncle; unless the person has been determined to be the perpetrator of the maltreatment.

Subd. 10j.

Release of data to mandated reporters.

(a) A local social services or child protection agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report of maltreatment, shall provide relevant private data on individuals obtained under this section to a mandated reporter who made the report and who has an ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data, unless the agency determines that providing the data would not be in the best interests of the child. The agency may provide the data to other mandated reporters with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of the child. Mandated reporters with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data include the child's teachers or other appropriate school personnel, foster parents, health care providers, respite care workers, therapists, social workers, child care providers, residential care staff, crisis nursery staff, probation officers, and court services personnel. Under this section, a mandated reporter need not have made the report to be considered a person with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data. Data provided under this section must be limited to data pertinent to the individual's responsibility for caring for the child.

(b) A reporter who receives private data on individuals under this subdivision must treat the data according to that classification, regardless of whether the reporter is an employee of a government entity. The remedies and penalties under sections 13.08 and 13.09 apply if a reporter releases data in violation of this section or other law.

Subd. 10k.

Release of certain assessment or investigative records to other counties.

Records maintained under subdivision 11c, paragraph (a), may be shared with another local welfare agency that requests the information because it is conducting an assessment or investigation under this section of the subject of the records.

Subd. 10l.

Documentation.

When a case is closed that has been open for services, the local welfare agency shall document the outcome of the family assessment or investigation, including a description of services provided and the removal or reduction of risk to the child, if it existed.

Subd. 10m.

Provision of child protective services; consultation with county attorney.

(a) The local welfare agency shall create a written plan, in collaboration with the family whenever possible, within 30 days of the determination that child protective services are needed or upon joint agreement of the local welfare agency and the family that family support and preservation services are needed. Child protective services for a family are voluntary unless ordered by the court.

(b) The local welfare agency shall consult with the county attorney to determine the appropriateness of filing a petition alleging the child is in need of protection or services under section 260C.007, subdivision 6, if:

(1) the family does not accept or comply with a plan for child protective services;

(2) voluntary child protective services may not provide sufficient protection for the child; or

(3) the family is not cooperating with an investigation or assessment.

Subd. 10n.

Required referral to early intervention services.

A child under age three who is involved in a substantiated case of maltreatment shall be referred for screening under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, part C. Parents must be informed that the evaluation and acceptance of services are voluntary. The commissioner of human services shall monitor referral rates by county and annually report the information to the legislature beginning March 15, 2014. Refusal to have a child screened is not a basis for a child in need of protection or services petition under chapter 260C.

Subd. 11.

Records.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) and subdivisions 10b, 10d, 10g, and 11b, all records concerning individuals maintained by a local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report under this section, including any written reports filed under subdivision 7, shall be private data on individuals, except insofar as copies of reports are required by subdivision 7 to be sent to the local police department or the county sheriff. All records concerning determinations of maltreatment by a facility are nonpublic data as maintained by the Department of Education, except insofar as copies of reports are required by subdivision 7 to be sent to the local police department or the county sheriff. Reports maintained by any police department or the county sheriff shall be private data on individuals except the reports shall be made available to the investigating, petitioning, or prosecuting authority, including county medical examiners or county coroners. Section 13.82, subdivisions 8, 9, and 14, apply to law enforcement data other than the reports. The local social services agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall make available to the investigating, petitioning, or prosecuting authority, including county medical examiners or county coroners or their professional delegates, any records which contain information relating to a specific incident of neglect or abuse which is under investigation, petition, or prosecution and information relating to any prior incidents of neglect or abuse involving any of the same persons. The records shall be collected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of chapter 13. In conducting investigations and assessments pursuant to this section, the notice required by section 13.04, subdivision 2, need not be provided to a minor under the age of ten who is the alleged victim of abuse or neglect. An individual subject of a record shall have access to the record in accordance with those sections, except that the name of the reporter shall be confidential while the report is under assessment or investigation except as otherwise permitted by this subdivision. Any person conducting an investigation or assessment under this section who intentionally discloses the identity of a reporter prior to the completion of the investigation or assessment is guilty of a misdemeanor. After the assessment or investigation is completed, the name of the reporter shall be confidential. The subject of the report may compel disclosure of the name of the reporter only with the consent of the reporter or upon a written finding by the court that the report was false and that there is evidence that the report was made in bad faith. This subdivision does not alter disclosure responsibilities or obligations under the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(b) Upon request of the legislative auditor, data on individuals maintained under this section must be released to the legislative auditor in order for the auditor to fulfill the auditor's duties under section 3.971. The auditor shall maintain the data in accordance with chapter 13.

(c) The commissioner of education must be provided with all requested data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are in possession of a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c), when the data is requested pursuant to an assessment or investigation of a maltreatment report of a student in a school. If the commissioner of education makes a determination of maltreatment involving an individual performing work within a school facility who is licensed by a board or other agency, the commissioner shall provide necessary and relevant information to the licensing entity to enable the entity to fulfill its statutory duties. Notwithstanding section 13.03, subdivision 4, data received by a licensing entity under this paragraph are governed by section 13.41 or other applicable law governing data of the receiving entity, except that this section applies to the classification of and access to data on the reporter of the maltreatment.

Subd. 11a.

Disclosure of information not required in certain cases.

When interviewing a minor under subdivision 10, an individual does not include the parent or guardian of the minor for purposes of section 13.04, subdivision 2, when the parent or guardian is the alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect.

Subd. 11b.

Data received from law enforcement.

Active law enforcement investigative data received by a local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report under this section are confidential data on individuals. When this data become inactive in the law enforcement agency, the data are private data on individuals.

Subd. 11c.

Welfare, court services agency, and school records maintained.

Notwithstanding sections 138.163 and 138.17, records maintained or records derived from reports of abuse by local welfare agencies, agencies responsible for assessing or investigating the report, court services agencies, or schools under this section shall be destroyed as provided in paragraphs (a) to (d) by the responsible authority.

(a) For reports alleging child maltreatment that were not accepted for assessment or investigation, family assessment cases, and cases where an investigation results in no determination of maltreatment or the need for child protective services, the records must be maintained for a period of five years after the date the report was not accepted for assessment or investigation or of the final entry in the case record. Records of reports that were not accepted must contain sufficient information to identify the subjects of the report, the nature of the alleged maltreatment, and the reasons as to why the report was not accepted. Records under this paragraph may not be used for employment, background checks, or purposes other than to assist in future screening decisions and risk and safety assessments.

(b) All records relating to reports which, upon investigation, indicate either maltreatment or a need for child protective services shall be maintained for ten years after the date of the final entry in the case record.

(c) All records regarding a report of maltreatment, including any notification of intent to interview which was received by a school under subdivision 10, paragraph (d), shall be destroyed by the school when ordered to do so by the agency conducting the assessment or investigation. The agency shall order the destruction of the notification when other records relating to the report under investigation or assessment are destroyed under this subdivision.

(d) Private or confidential data released to a court services agency under subdivision 10h must be destroyed by the court services agency when ordered to do so by the local welfare agency that released the data. The local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall order destruction of the data when other records relating to the assessment or investigation are destroyed under this subdivision.

Subd. 11d.

Disclosure in child fatality or near-fatality cases.

(a) The definitions in this paragraph apply to this section.

(1) "Child fatality" means the death of a child from child abuse or neglect.

(2) "Near fatality" means a case in which a physician determines that a child is in serious or critical condition as the result of sickness or injury caused by child abuse or neglect.

(3) "Findings and information" means a written summary described in paragraph (c) of actions taken or services rendered by a local social services agency following receipt of a report.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to this subdivision, a public agency shall disclose to the public, upon request, the findings and information related to a child fatality or near fatality if:

(1) a person is criminally charged with having caused the child fatality or near fatality;

(2) a county attorney certifies that a person would have been charged with having caused the child fatality or near fatality but for that person's death; or

(3) a child protection investigation resulted in a determination of child abuse or neglect.

(c) Findings and information disclosed under this subdivision consist of a written summary that includes any of the following information the agency is able to provide:

(1) the cause and circumstances regarding the child fatality or near fatality;

(2) the age and gender of the child;

(3) information on any previous reports of child abuse or neglect that are pertinent to the abuse or neglect that led to the child fatality or near fatality;

(4) information on any previous investigations that are pertinent to the abuse or neglect that led to the child fatality or near fatality;

(5) the results of any investigations described in clause (4);

(6) actions of and services provided by the local social services agency on behalf of a child that are pertinent to the child abuse or neglect that led to the child fatality or near fatality; and

(7) the results of any review of the state child mortality review panel, a local child mortality review panel, a local community child protection team, or any public agency.

(d) Nothing in this subdivision authorizes access to the private data in the custody of a local social services agency, or the disclosure to the public of the records or content of any psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic evaluations, or the disclosure of information that would reveal the identities of persons who provided information related to abuse or neglect of the child.

(e) A person whose request is denied may apply to the appropriate court for an order compelling disclosure of all or part of the findings and information of the public agency. The application must set forth, with reasonable particularity, factors supporting the application. The court has jurisdiction to issue these orders. Actions under this section must be set down for immediate hearing, and subsequent proceedings in those actions must be given priority by the appellate courts.

(f) A public agency or its employees acting in good faith in disclosing or declining to disclose information under this section are immune from criminal or civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed for that action.

Subd. 12.

Duties of facility operators.

Any operator, employee, or volunteer worker at any facility who intentionally neglects, physically abuses, or sexually abuses any child in the care of that facility may be charged with a violation of section 609.255, 609.377, or 609.378. Any operator of a facility who knowingly permits conditions to exist which result in neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or maltreatment of a child in a facility while in the care of that facility may be charged with a violation of section 609.378. The facility operator shall inform all mandated reporters employed by or otherwise associated with the facility of the duties required of mandated reporters and shall inform all mandatory reporters of the prohibition against retaliation for reports made in good faith under this section.

Subd. 14.

Conflict of interest.

(a) A potential conflict of interest related to assisting in an assessment under this section resulting in a direct or shared financial interest with a child abuse and neglect treatment provider or resulting from a personal or family relationship with a party in the investigation must be considered by the local welfare agency in an effort to prevent unethical relationships.

(b) A person who conducts an assessment under this section or section 626.5561 may not have:

(1) any direct or shared financial interest or referral relationship resulting in a direct shared financial gain with a child abuse and neglect treatment provider; or

(2) a personal or family relationship with a party in the investigation.

If an independent assessor is not available, the person responsible for making the determination under this section may use the services of an assessor with a financial interest, referral, or personal or family relationship.

Subd. 15.

Auditing.

The commissioner of human services shall regularly audit for accuracy the data reported by counties on maltreatment of minors.

Subd. 16.

Commissioner's duty to provide oversight; quality assurance reviews; annual summary of reviews.

(a) The commissioner shall develop a plan to perform quality assurance reviews of local welfare agency screening practices and decisions. The commissioner shall provide oversight and guidance to counties to ensure consistent application of screening guidelines, thorough and appropriate screening decisions, and correct documentation and maintenance of reports. Quality assurance reviews must begin no later than September 30, 2015.

(b) The commissioner shall produce an annual report of the summary results of the reviews. The report must only contain aggregate data and may not include any data that could be used to personally identify any subject whose data is included in the report. The report is public information and must be provided to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over child protection issues.