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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 228--S.F.No. 1340

An act

relating to human services; modifying provisions related to licensing data, human services licensing, child care programs, financial fraud and abuse investigations, and vendors of chemical dependency treatment services; modifying background studies; establishing a foreign trained physician task force;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 13.46, subdivisions 3, 4; 119B.125, subdivision 1b; 168.012, subdivision 1; 245A.02, subdivision 5a; 245A.04, subdivisions 1, 5, 11; 245A.07, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 245A.08, subdivision 5a; 245A.146, subdivisions 3, 4; 245A.65, subdivision 1; 245A.66, subdivision 1; 245C.04, as amended; 245C.05, subdivision 6; 245C.16, subdivision 1; 245C.20, subdivision 1; 245C.22, subdivision 1; 245C.23, subdivision 2; 245C.28, subdivisions 1, 3; 245C.29, subdivision 2; 254B.05, subdivision 5; 256.01, subdivision 18d; 471.346; Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, sections 245A.07, subdivision 2a; 245A.08, subdivision 2a; 245A.50, subdivision 4; 245C.08, subdivision 1; 256.045, subdivision 3b; 268.19, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245A.

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

ARTICLE 1

DATA PRACTICES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, 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 section 626.556 or 626.557, 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 deleted text begin is public data during an investigationdeleted text end new text begin or recipient may be disclosed if the commissioner determines that it will not compromise the investigationnew text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, 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: new text begin the general nature of the complaint or allegations leading to the temporary immediate suspension; new text end the substance and investigative findings of the licensing or maltreatment complaint, licensing violation, or substantiated maltreatment; new text begin the existence of settlement negotiations; new text end 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 deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin anew text end license holder deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end applicantnew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end is responsible for maltreatment under section 626.556 or 626.557, the identity of the applicant deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end license holdernew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end 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 deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin anew text end license holder deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end applicantnew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end is disqualified under chapter 245C, the identity of the license holder deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end applicantnew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end 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 deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end license holdernew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end 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) Notwithstanding sections 626.556, subdivision 11, and 626.557, subdivision 12b, when any person subject to disqualification under section 245C.14 in connection with a license to provide family day care for children, child care center services, foster care for children in the provider's home, or foster care or day care services for adults in the provider's home is a substantiated perpetrator of maltreatment, and the substantiated maltreatment is a reason for a licensing action, the identity of the substantiated perpetrator of maltreatment is public data. For purposes of this clause, a person is a substantiated perpetrator if the maltreatment determination has been upheld under section 256.045; 626.556, subdivision 10i; 626.557, subdivision 9d; or chapter 14, or if an individual or facility has not timely exercised appeal rights under these sections, except as provided under clause (1).

(3) 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.

(4) 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, new text begin the existence of settlement negotiations, new text end 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.

(5) The following data on persons subject to disqualification under section 245C.14 in connection with a license to provide family day care for children, child care center services, foster care for children in the provider's home, or foster care or day care services for adults in the provider's home, are public: the nature of any disqualification set aside under section 245C.22, subdivisions 2 and 4, and the reasons for setting aside the disqualification; the nature of any disqualification for which a variance was granted under sections 245A.04, subdivision 9; and 245C.30, and the reasons for granting any variance under section 245A.04, subdivision 9; and, if applicable, the disclosure that any person subject to a background study under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, has successfully passed a background study. If a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, or a license denial under section 245A.05, is based on a determination that an individual subject to disqualification under chapter 245C is disqualified, the disqualification as a basis for the licensing sanction or denial is public data. As specified in clause (1), item (iv), if the disqualified individual is the license holder deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end applicantnew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end , the identity of the license holder deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end applicantnew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end and the reason for the disqualification are public data; and, if the license holder deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end applicantnew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end requested 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. If the disqualified individual is an individual other than the license holder deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end applicantnew text begin , or controlling individualnew text end , the identity of the disqualified individual shall remain private data.

(6) When maltreatment is substantiated under section 626.556 or 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.

(7) 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 applicable rules and alleged maltreatment under sections 626.556 and 626.557, are confidential data and may be disclosed only as provided in section 626.556, subdivision 11, or 626.557, subdivision 12b.

(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 626.556, subdivision 2, or 626.5572, subdivision 18, are subject to the destruction provisions of sections 626.556, subdivision 11c, and 626.557, subdivision 12b.

(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 section 626.556 or 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, and 245C, and sections 626.556 and 626.557 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 626.556, subdivision 10f, 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 626.556, subdivision 2, 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. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This article is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

ARTICLE 2

LICENSING

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 119B.125, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Training required.

(a) Effective November 1, 2011, prior to initial authorization as required in subdivision 1, a legal nonlicensed family child care provider must complete first aid and CPR training and provide the verification of first aid and CPR training to the county. The training documentation must have valid effective dates as of the date the registration request is submitted to the county deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin .new text end The training must have been provided by an individual approved to provide first aid and CPR instructionnew text begin and have included CPR techniques for infants and childrennew text end .

(b) Legal nonlicensed family child care providers with an authorization effective before November 1, 2011, must be notified of the requirements before October 1, 2011, or at authorization, and must meet the requirements upon renewal of an authorization that occurs on or after January 1, 2012.

(c) Upon each reauthorization after the authorization period when the initial first aid and CPR training requirements are met, a legal nonlicensed family child care provider must provide verification of at least eight hours of additional training listed in the Minnesota Center for Professional Development Registry.

(d) This subdivision only applies to legal nonlicensed family child care providers.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.02, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a.

Controlling individual.

"Controlling individual" means a public body, governmental agency, business entity, officer, owner, or managerial official whose responsibilities include the direction of the management or policies of a program. For purposes of this subdivision, owner means an individual who has direct or indirect ownership interest in a corporation, partnership, or other business association issued a license under this chapter. For purposes of this subdivision, managerial official means those individuals who have the decision-making authority related to the operation of the program, and the responsibility for the ongoing management of or direction of the policies, services, or employees of the program. new text begin A site director who has no ownership interest in the program is not considered to be a managerial official for purposes of this definition. new text end Controlling individual does not include:

(1) a bank, savings bank, trust company, savings association, credit union, industrial loan and thrift company, investment banking firm, or insurance company unless the entity operates a program directly or through a subsidiary;

(2) an individual who is a state or federal official, or state or federal employee, or a member or employee of the governing body of a political subdivision of the state or federal government that operates one or more programs, unless the individual is also an officer, owner, or managerial official of the program, receives remuneration from the program, or owns any of the beneficial interests not excluded in this subdivision;

(3) an individual who owns less than five percent of the outstanding common shares of a corporation:

(i) whose securities are exempt under section 80A.45, clause (6); or

(ii) whose transactions are exempt under section 80A.46, clause (2); or

(4) an individual who is a member of an organization exempt from taxation under section 290.05, unless the individual is also an officer, owner, or managerial official of the program or owns any of the beneficial interests not excluded in this subdivision. This clause does not exclude from the definition of controlling individual an organization that is exempt from taxation.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Application for licensure.

(a) An individual, corporation, partnership, voluntary association, other organization or controlling individual that is subject to licensure under section 245A.03 must apply for a license. The application must be made on the forms and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner shall provide the applicant with instruction in completing the application and provide information about the rules and requirements of other state agencies that affect the applicant. An applicant seeking licensure in Minnesota with headquarters outside of Minnesota must have a program office located within the state.

The commissioner shall act on the application within 90 working days after a complete application and any required reports have been received from other state agencies or departments, counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions. The commissioner shall not consider an application to be complete until the commissioner receives all of the information required under section 245C.05.

When the commissioner receives an application for initial licensure that is incomplete because the applicant failed to submit required documents or that is substantially deficient because the documents submitted do not meet licensing requirements, the commissioner shall provide the applicant written notice that the application is incomplete or substantially deficient. In the written notice to the applicant the commissioner shall identify documents that are missing or deficient and give the applicant 45 days to resubmit a second application that is substantially complete. An applicant's failure to submit a substantially complete application after receiving notice from the commissioner is a basis for license denial under section 245A.05.

(b) An application for licensure must identify all controlling individuals and must specify an agent who is responsible for dealing with the commissioner of human services on all matters provided for in this chapter and on whom service of all notices and orders must be made. The agent must be authorized to accept service on behalf of all of the controlling individuals of the program. Service on the agent is service on all of the controlling individuals of the program. It is not a defense to any action arising under this chapter that service was not made on each controlling individual of the program. The designation of one or more controlling individuals as agents under this paragraph does not affect the legal responsibility of any other controlling individual under this chapter.

(c) An applicant or license holder must have a policy that prohibits license holders, employees, subcontractors, and volunteers, when directly responsible for persons served by the program, from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual's ability to provide services or care. The license holder must train employees, subcontractors, and volunteers about the program's drug and alcohol policy.

(d) An applicant and license holder must have a program grievance procedure that permits persons served by the program and their authorized representatives to bring a grievance to the highest level of authority in the program.

(e) The applicant must be able to demonstrate competent knowledge of the applicable requirements of this chapter and chapter 245C, and the requirements of other licensing statutes and rules applicable to the program or services for which the applicant is seeking to be licensed. Effective January 1, 2013, the commissioner may require the applicant, except for child foster care, to demonstrate competence in the applicable licensing requirements by successfully completing a written examination. The commissioner may develop a prescribed written examination format.

(f) When an applicant is an individual, the individual must providenew text begin :new text end

new text begin (1)new text end the applicant's new text begin taxpayer identification numbers including the new text end Social Security numbernew text begin , and federal employer identification number, if the applicant has employees;new text end

new text begin (2) the complete business name, if any, and if doing business under a different name, the doing business as (DBA) name, as registered with the secretary of state;new text end and

new text begin (3)new text end a notarized signature of the applicant.

(g) When an applicant is a nonindividual, the applicant must provide thenew text begin :new text end

new text begin (1)new text end applicant's new text begin taxpayer identification numbers including the new text end Minnesota tax identification numberdeleted text begin , thedeleted text end new text begin and federal employer identification number;new text end

new text begin (2) complete business name, and if doing business under a different name, the doing business as (DBA) name, as registered with the secretary of state; new text end

new text begin (3)new text end first, middle, and last name, and address for all individuals who will be controlling individuals, including all officers, owners, and managerial officials as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 5a, and the date that the background study was initiated by the applicant for each controlling individualdeleted text begin . The applicant must also provide thedeleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (4)new text end first, middle, and last name, mailing address, and notarized signature of the agent authorized by the applicant to accept service on behalf of the controlling individuals.

(h) At the time of application for licensure or renewal of a license, the applicant or license holder must acknowledge on the form provided by the commissioner if the applicant or license holder elects to receive any public funding reimbursement from the commissioner for services provided under the license that:

(1) the applicant's or license holder's compliance with the provider enrollment agreement or registration requirements for receipt of public funding may be monitored by the commissioner as part of a licensing investigation or licensing inspection; and

(2) noncompliance with the provider enrollment agreement or registration requirements for receipt of public funding that is identified through a licensing investigation or licensing inspection, or noncompliance with a licensing requirement that is a basis of enrollment for reimbursement for a service, may result in:

(i) a correction order or a conditional license under section 245A.06, or sanctions under section 245A.07;

(ii) nonpayment of claims submitted by the license holder for public program reimbursement;

(iii) recovery of payments made for the service;

(iv) disenrollment in the public payment program; or

(v) other administrative, civil, or criminal penalties as provided by law.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.04, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Commissioner's right of access.

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

new text begin (1)new text end the physical plant and grounds where the program is provideddeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end

new text begin (2)new text end documents and records, including records maintained in electronic formatdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end

new text begin (3)new text end persons served by the programdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end and

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

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.

new text begin (b) new text end 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. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.04, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Education program; permitted ages, additional requirement.

(a) Except for foster care, the commissioner of human services may not grant a license to a residential facility for the placement of children before the commissioner has received documentation of approval of the new text begin on-site new text end educational program from the commissioner of education according to section 125A.515.

(b) A program licensed by the commissioner under Minnesota Rules, chapter 2960, may serve persons who are over the age of 18 but under the age of 21 when the person is:

(1) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential;

(2) enrolled in an institution which provides postsecondary or vocational education;

(3) participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment;

(4) employed for at least 80 hours per month; or

(5) incapable of doing any of the activities described in clauses (1) to (4) due to a medical condition, which incapability is supported by regularly updated information in the case plan of the person.

(c) In addition to the requirements in paragraph (b), a residential program licensed by the commissioner of human services under Minnesota Rules, parts 2960.0010 to 2960.0710, may serve persons under the age of 21 provided the facility complies with the following requirements:

(1) for each person age 18 and older served at the program, the program must assess and document the person's risk of victimizing other residents residing in the facility, and based on the assessment, the facility must develop and implement necessary measures to minimize any risk of harm to other residents, including making arrangements for appropriate sleeping arrangements; and

(2) the program must assure that the services and living arrangements provided to all residents are suitable to the age and functioning of the residents, including separation of services, staff supervision, and other program operations as appropriate.

(d) Nothing in this subdivision precludes the license holder from seeking other variances under subdivision 9.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Temporary immediate suspension.

If the license holder's actions or failure to comply with applicable law or rule, or the actions of other individuals or conditions in the program pose an imminent risk of harm to the health, safety, or rights of persons served by the program, new text begin or if while the program continues to operate pending an appeal of an order of revocation the commissioner identifies one or more subsequent violations of law or rule which may adversely affect the health or safety of persons served by the program, new text end the commissioner shall act immediately to temporarily suspend the license. No state funds shall be made available or be expended by any agency or department of state, county, or municipal government for use by a license holder regulated under this chapter while a license is under immediate suspension. A notice stating the reasons for the immediate suspension and informing the license holder of the right to an expedited hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612, must be delivered by personal service to the address shown on the application or the last known address of the license holder. The license holder may appeal an order immediately suspending a license. The appeal of an order immediately suspending 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 five calendar days after the license holder receives notice that the license has been immediately suspended. If a request is made by personal service, it must be received by the commissioner within five calendar days after the license holder received the order. A license holder and any controlling individual shall discontinue operation of the program upon receipt of the commissioner's order to immediately suspend the license.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 245A.07, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Immediate suspension expedited hearing.

(a) Within five working days of receipt of the license holder's timely appeal, the commissioner shall request assignment of an administrative law judge. The request must include a proposed date, time, and place of a hearing. A hearing must be conducted by an administrative law judge within 30 calendar days of the request for assignment, unless an extension is requested by either party and granted by the administrative law judge for good cause. The commissioner shall issue a notice of hearing by certified mail or personal service at least ten working days before the hearing. The scope of the hearing shall be limited solely to the issue of whether the temporary immediate suspension should remain in effect pending the commissioner's final order under section 245A.08, regarding a licensing sanction issued under subdivision 3 following the immediate suspension. The burden of proof in expedited hearings under this subdivision shall be limited to the commissioner's demonstration that reasonable cause exists to believe that the license holder's actions or failure to comply with applicable law or rule poses, or if the actions of other individuals or conditions in the program poses an imminent risk of harm to the health, safety, or rights of persons served by the program. "Reasonable cause" means there exist specific articulable facts or circumstances which provide the commissioner with a reasonable suspicion that there is an imminent risk of harm to the health, safety, or rights of persons served by the program. When the commissioner has determined there is reasonable cause to order the temporary immediate suspension of a license based on a violation of safe sleep requirements, as defined in section 245A.1435, the commissioner is not required to demonstrate that an infant died or was injured as a result of the safe sleep violations.

(b) The administrative law judge shall issue findings of fact, conclusions, and a recommendation within ten working days from the date of hearing. The parties shall have ten calendar days to submit exceptions to the administrative law judge's report. The record shall close at the end of the ten-day period for submission of exceptions. The commissioner's final order shall be issued within ten working days from the close of the record. new text begin When an appeal of a temporary immediate suspension is withdrawn or dismissed, the commissioner shall issue a final order affirming the temporary immediate suspension within ten calendar days of the commissioner's receipt of the withdrawal or dismissal. new text end Within 90 calendar days after a final order affirming an immediate suspension, the commissioner shall make a determination regarding whether a final licensing sanction shall be issued under subdivision 3. The license holder shall continue to be prohibited from operation of the program during this 90-day period.

(c) When the final order under paragraph (b) affirms an immediate suspension, and a final licensing sanction is issued under subdivision 3 and the license holder appeals that sanction, the license holder continues to be prohibited from operation of the program pending a final commissioner's order under section 245A.08, subdivision 5, regarding the final licensing sanction.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Time frame for conducting hearing. new text end

new text begin Within 15 working days of receipt of the license holder's timely appeal of a sanction under this section other than a temporary immediate suspension, the commissioner shall request assignment of an administrative law judge. The commissioner's request must include a proposed date, time, and place of a hearing. A hearing must be conducted by an administrative law judge within 90 calendar days of the request for assignment, unless an extension is requested by either party and granted by the administrative law judge for good cause or for purposes of discussing settlement. In no case shall one or more extensions be granted for a total of more than 90 calendar days unless there is a criminal or juvenile court action pending against the license holder or another individual subject to a background study. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [245A.075] DISQUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL; DENIAL, CONDITIONAL LICENSE, REVOCATION. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purpose of keeping a disqualified individual away from individuals receiving services in a license holder's home, when the disqualified individual has not received a set aside and a variance has not been granted under chapter 245C, the commissioner may issue: new text end

new text begin (1) an order of denial of an application; new text end

new text begin (2) an order of conditional license; or new text end

new text begin (3) an order of revocation. new text end

new text begin (b) An order issued by the commissioner under this section is subject to notice and appeal rights provided under this chapter as follows: new text end

new text begin (1) an order of denial of an application according to section 245A.05; new text end

new text begin (2) an order of conditional license according to section 245A.06; and new text end

new text begin (3) an order of revocation of a license according to section 245A.07. new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, 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 new text begin timely new text end 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 626.556 or 626.557, 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, 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d.

(b) Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment determination under sections 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d, 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, 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d. 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 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.

(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 626.556, subdivision 10i, or 626.557, subdivision 9d, 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. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.08, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a.

Granting subsequent license.

(a) A license holder and each controlling individual of a license holder whose license has been revoked because of noncompliance with applicable law or rule must not be granted a license for five years following the revocation. Notwithstanding the five-year restriction, when a license is revoked because a person, other than the license holder, resides in the home where services are provided and that person has a disqualification that is not set aside and no variance has been granted, the former license holder may reapply for a license when:

(1) the person with a disqualification, who is not a minor child, is no longer residing in the home and is prohibited from residing in or returning to the home; or

(2) the person with the disqualification is a minor child, the restriction applies until the minor child becomes an adult and permanently moves away from the home or five years, whichever is less.

(b) An applicantnew text begin or controlling individualnew text end whose application was denied must not be granted a license for two years following a denial, unless the applicant's subsequent application contains new information which constitutes a substantial change in the conditions that caused the previous denial.new text begin The addition of a new co-applicant in a subsequent application does not constitute a substantial change. If an applicant or controlling individual whose application was denied is affiliated with a subsequent application, and two years have not passed since the denial, the subsequent application must be denied.new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.146, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

License holder documentation of cribs.

(a) Annually, from the date printed on the license, all license holders shall check all their cribs' brand names and model numbers against the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site listing of unsafe cribs.

(b) The license holder shall maintain written documentation to be reviewed on site for each crib showing that the review required in paragraph (a) has been completed, and which of the following conditions applies:

(1) the crib was not identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site;

(2) the crib was identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site, but the license holder has taken the action directed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to make the crib safe; or

(3) the crib was identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site, and the license holder has removed the crib so that it is no longer used by or accessible to children in care.

(c) Documentation of the review completed under this subdivision shall be maintained by the license holder on site and made available to parents or guardians of children in care and the commissioner.

(d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0425, a family child care provider that complies with this section may use a mesh-sided new text begin or fabric-sided play yard, pack and play, or new text end playpen or crib that has not been identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site for the care or sleeping of infants.

new text begin (e) On at least a monthly basis, the family child care license holder shall perform safety inspections of every mesh-sided or fabric-sided play yard, pack and play, or playpen used by or that is accessible to any child in care, and must document the following: new text end

new text begin (1) there are no tears, holes, or loose or unraveling threads in mesh or fabric sides of crib; new text end

new text begin (2) the weave of the mesh on the crib is no larger than 1/4 of an inch; new text end

new text begin (3) no mesh fabric is unsecure or unattached to top rail and floor plate of crib; new text end

new text begin (4) no tears or holes to top rail of crib; new text end

new text begin (5) the mattress floor board is not soft and does not exceed one-inch thick; new text end

new text begin (6) the mattress floor board has no rips or tears in covering; new text end

new text begin (7) the mattress floor board in use is a waterproof original mattress or replacement mattress provided by the manufacturer of the crib; new text end

new text begin (8) there are no protruding or loose rivets, metal nuts, or bolts on the crib; new text end

new text begin (9) there are no knobs or wing nuts on outside crib legs; new text end

new text begin (10) there are no missing, loose, or exposed staples; and new text end

new text begin (11) the latches on top and side rails used to collapse crib are secure, they lock properly, and are not loose. new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.146, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Crib safety standards and inspection.

(a) On at least a monthly basis, the license holder shall perform safety inspections of every cribnew text begin or portable crib of rigid construction including full size and non-full size cribsnew text end used by or that is accessible to any child in care, and must document the following:

(1) deleted text begin no corner posts extend more than 1/16 of an inch;deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) no spaces between side slats exceed 2.375 inches; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3)deleted text end no mattress supports can be easily dislodged from any point of the crib;

deleted text begin (4) no cutout designs are present on end panels; deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) no heights of the rail and end panel are less than 26 inches when measured from the top of the rail or panel in the highest position to the top of the mattress support in its lowest position; deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) no heights of the rail and end panel are less than nine inches when measured from the top of the rail or panel in its lowest position to the top of the mattress support in its highest position; deleted text end

deleted text begin (7)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end no screws, bolts, or hardware are loose or not secured, and there is no use of woodscrews in components that are designed to be assembled and disassembled by the crib owner;

deleted text begin (8)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end no sharp edges, points, or rough surfaces are present;

deleted text begin (9)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end no wood surfaces are rough, splintered, split, or cracked; new text begin andnew text end

deleted text begin (10) no tears in mesh of fabric sides in non-full-size cribs; deleted text end

deleted text begin (11) no mattress pads in non-full-size mesh or fabric cribs exceed one inchdeleted text end ; and

deleted text begin (12)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end no unacceptable gaps between the mattress and any sides of the crib are present as follows:

(i) when the noncompressed mattress is centered in the non-full-size crib, at any of the adjustable mattress support positions, the gap between the perimeter of the mattress and the perimeter of the crib cannot be greater than one-half inch at any point. When the mattress is placed against the perimeter of the crib, the resulting gap cannot be greater than one inch at any point; and

(ii) when the noncompressed mattress is centered in the full-size crib, at any of the adjustable mattress support positions, the gap between the perimeter of the mattress and the perimeter of the crib cannot be greater than 11/16 inch at any point. When the mattress is placed against the perimeter of the crib, the resulting gap cannot be greater than 1-3/8 inch at any point.

(b) Upon discovery of any unsafe condition identified by the license holder during the safety inspection required under paragraph (a)new text begin or subdivision 3, paragraph (e)new text end , the license holder shall immediately remove the crib from use and ensure that the crib is not accessible to children in care, and as soon as practicable, but not more than two business days after the inspection, remove the crib from the area where child care services are routinely provided for necessary repairs or to destroy the crib.

(c) Documentation of the inspections and actions taken with unsafe cribs required in paragraphs (a) and (b)new text begin , and subdivision 3, paragraph (e),new text end shall be maintained on site by the license holder and made available to parents of children in care and the commissioner.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 245A.50, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(a) When children are present in a family child care home governed by Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0315 to 9502.0445, at least one deleted text begin staff persondeleted text end new text begin caregivernew text end must be present in the home who has been trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)new text begin , including CPR techniques for infants and children,new text end and in the treatment of obstructed airways that includes CPR techniques for infants and children. The CPR training must have been provided by an individual approved to provide CPR instruction, must be repeated at least once every two years, and must be documented in the staff person's records.

(b) A family child care provider is exempt from the CPR training requirement in this subdivision related to any substitute caregiver who provides less than 30 hours of care during any 12-month period.

(c) Persons providing CPR training must use CPR training that has been developed:

(1) by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross and incorporates psychomotor skills to support the instruction; or

(2) using nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines for CPR training and incorporates psychomotor skills to support the instruction.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.65, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

License holder requirements.

All license holders serving vulnerable adults shall establish and enforce written policies and procedures related to suspected or alleged maltreatment, and shall orient clients and mandated reporters who are under the control of the license holder to these procedures, as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 16.

(a) License holders must establish policies and procedures allowing but not mandating the internal reporting of alleged or suspected maltreatment. License holders shall ensure that the policies and procedures on internal reporting:

(1) meet all the requirements identified for the optional internal reporting policies and procedures in section 626.557, subdivision 4a; and

(2) identify the primary and secondary person or position to whom internal reports may be made and the primary and secondary person or position responsible for forwarding internal reports to the common entry point as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 5. The secondary person must be involved when there is reason to believe that the primary person was involved in the alleged or suspected maltreatment.

(b) The license holder shall:

(1) establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure that an internal review is completed new text begin within 30 calendar days new text end and that corrective action is taken as necessary to protect the health and safety of vulnerable adults when the facility has reason to know that an internal or external report of alleged or suspected maltreatment has been made. 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 vulnerable adults or the services involved, and whether there is a need for corrective action by the license holder to protect the health and safety of vulnerable adults. 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 individuals or the license holder, if any.

(2) identify the primary and secondary person or position who will ensure that, when required, internal reviews are completed. The secondary person shall be involved when there is reason to believe that the primary person was involved in the alleged or suspected maltreatment; and

(3) document and make internal reviews accessible to the commissioner new text begin immediately new text end upon the commissioner's request. new text begin For the purposes of this section, new text end the documentation provided to the commissioner by the license holder may consist of a completed checklist that verifies completion of each of the requirements of the review.

(c) The license holder shall provide an orientation to the internal and external reporting procedures to all persons receiving services. The orientation shall include the telephone number for the license holder's common entry point as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 5. If applicable, the person's legal representative must be notified of the orientation. The program shall provide this orientation for each new person within 24 hours of admission, or for persons who would benefit more from a later orientation, the orientation may take place within 72 hours.

(d) The license holder shall post a copy of the internal and external reporting policies and procedures, including the telephone number of the common entry point as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 5, in a prominent location in the program and have it available upon request to mandated reporters, persons receiving services, and the person's legal representatives.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245A.66, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Internal review.

Except for family child care settings and foster care for children in the license holder's residence, license holders serving children shall:

(1) establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure that an internal review is completed new text begin within 30 calendar days new text end and that corrective action is taken if necessary to protect the health and safety of children in care when the facility has reason to know that an internal or external report of alleged or suspected maltreatment has been made. The review must include an evaluation of whether:

(i) related policies and procedures were followed;

(ii) the policies and procedures were adequate;

(iii) there is a need for additional staff training;

(iv) the reported event is similar to past events with the children or the services involved; and

(v) there is a need for corrective action by the license holder to protect the health and safety of children in care.

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 individuals or the license holder, if any;

(2) identify the primary and secondary person or position who will ensure that, when required, internal reviews are completed. The secondary person shall be involved when there is reason to believe that the primary person was involved in the alleged or suspected maltreatment; and

(3) document deleted text begin that thedeleted text end new text begin and makenew text end internal deleted text begin review has been completeddeleted text end deleted text begin and provide documentation showing the review was completeddeleted text end new text begin reviews accessible new text end to the commissioner new text begin immediately new text end upon the commissioner's request. new text begin For the purposes of this section, new text end the documentation provided to the commissioner by the license holder may consist of a completed checklist that verifies completion of each of the requirements of the review.

Sec. 17.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This article is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

ARTICLE 3

FINANCIAL FRAUD AND ABUSE INVESTIGATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 168.012, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Vehicles exempt from tax, fees, or plate display.

(a) The following vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this chapter requiring payment of tax and registration fees, except as provided in subdivision 1c:

(1) vehicles owned and used solely in the transaction of official business by the federal government, the state, or any political subdivision;

(2) vehicles owned and used exclusively by educational institutions and used solely in the transportation of pupils to and from those institutions;

(3) vehicles used solely in driver education programs at nonpublic high schools;

(4) vehicles owned by nonprofit charities and used exclusively to transport disabled persons for charitable, religious, or educational purposes;

(5) vehicles owned by nonprofit charities and used exclusively for disaster response and related activities;

(6) vehicles owned by ambulance services licensed under section 144E.10 that are equipped and specifically intended for emergency response or providing ambulance services; and

(7) vehicles owned by a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, or an employee of a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, and the vehicle is used exclusively for driver education and training.

(b) Provided the general appearance of the vehicle is unmistakable, the following vehicles are not required to register or display number plates:

(1) vehicles owned by the federal government;

(2) fire apparatuses, including fire-suppression support vehicles, owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision;

(3) police patrols owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision; and

(4) ambulances owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision.

(c) Unmarked vehicles used in general police work, liquor investigations, or arson investigations, and passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, and buses owned or operated by the Department of Corrections or by conservation officers of the Division of Enforcement and Field Service of the Department of Natural Resources, must be registered and must display appropriate license number plates, furnished by the registrar at cost. Original and renewal applications for these license plates authorized for use in general police work and for use by the Department of Corrections or by conservation officers must be accompanied by a certification signed by the appropriate chief of police if issued to a police vehicle, the appropriate sheriff if issued to a sheriff's vehicle, the commissioner of corrections if issued to a Department of Corrections vehicle, or the appropriate officer in charge if issued to a vehicle of any other law enforcement agency. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicle will be used exclusively for a purpose authorized by this section.

(d) Unmarked vehicles used by the Departments of Revenue and Labor and Industry, fraud unit, in conducting seizures or criminal investigations must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number plates, furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the commissioner of revenue or the commissioner of labor and industry. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the purposes authorized by this section.

(e) Unmarked vehicles used by the Division of Disease Prevention and Control of the Department of Health must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the commissioner of health. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the official duties of the Division of Disease Prevention and Control.

(f) Unmarked vehicles used by staff of the Gambling Control Board in gambling investigations and reviews must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the board chair. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the official duties of the Gambling Control Board.

(g) Unmarked vehicles used in general investigation, surveillance, supervision, and monitoring by the deleted text begin staff of thedeleted text end Department of Human deleted text begin Servicesdeleted text end new text begin Services'new text end Office of Special deleted text begin Investigations and the executive director ofdeleted text end new text begin Investigations' staff;new text end the Minnesota sex offender deleted text begin programdeleted text end new text begin program's executive director and the executive director's staff; and the Office of Inspector General's staff, including, but not limited to, county fraud prevention investigators,new text end must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number plates, furnished by the registrar at cost. Original and renewal applications for passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the commissioner of human services. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles must be used exclusively for the official duties of the Office of Special deleted text begin Investigations anddeleted text end new text begin Investigations' staff;new text end the deleted text begin executive director of thedeleted text end Minnesota sex offender deleted text begin programdeleted text end new text begin program's executive director and the executive director's staff; and the Office of the Inspector General's staff, including, but not limited to, contract and county fraud prevention investigatorsnew text end .

(h) Each state hospital and institution for persons who are mentally ill and developmentally disabled may have one vehicle without the required identification on the sides of the vehicle. The vehicle must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the hospital administrator. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the official duties of the state hospital or institution.

(i) Each county social service agency may have vehicles used for child and vulnerable adult protective services without the required identification on the sides of the vehicle. The vehicles must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the agency administrator. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the official duties of the social service agency.

(j) All other motor vehicles must be registered and display tax-exempt number plates, furnished by the registrar at cost, except as provided in subdivision 1c. All vehicles required to display tax-exempt number plates must have the name of the state department or political subdivision, nonpublic high school operating a driver education program, licensed commercial driving school, or other qualifying organization or entity, plainly displayed on both sides of the vehicle. This identification must be in a color giving contrast with that of the part of the vehicle on which it is placed and must endure throughout the term of the registration. The identification must not be on a removable plate or placard and must be kept clean and visible at all times; except that a removable plate or placard may be utilized on vehicles leased or loaned to a political subdivision or to a nonpublic high school driver education program.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 256.01, subdivision 18d, is amended to read:

Subd. 18d.

Data sharing with the Department of Human Services; multiple identification cards.

(a) The commissioner of public safety shall, on a monthly basis, provide the commissioner of human services with the first, middle, and last name, deleted text begin anddeleted text end the address, date of birth, deleted text begin anddeleted text end driver's license or state identification card numbernew text begin , and all photographs or electronically produced images new text end of all applicants and holders whose drivers' licenses and state identification cards have been canceled under section 171.14, paragraph (a), clause (2) or (3), by the commissioner of public safety. After the initial data report has been provided by the commissioner of public safety to the commissioner of human services under this paragraph, subsequent reports shall only include cancellations that occurred after the end date of the cancellations represented in the previous data report.

(b) The commissioner of human services shall compare the information provided under paragraph (a) with the commissioner's data regarding recipients of all public assistance programs managed by the Department of Human Services to determine whether any individual with multiple identification cards issued by the Department of Public Safety has illegally or improperly enrolled in any public assistance program managed by the Department of Human Services.

(c) If the commissioner of human services determines that an applicant or recipient has illegally or improperly enrolled in any public assistance program, the commissioner shall provide all due process protections to the individual before terminating the individual from the program according to applicable statute and notifying the county attorney.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 268.19, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Use of data.

(a) Except as provided by this section, data gathered from any person under the administration of the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Law are private data on individuals or nonpublic data not on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivisions 9 and 12, and may not be disclosed except according to a district court order or section 13.05. A subpoena is not considered a district court order. These data may be disseminated to and used by the following agencies without the consent of the subject of the data:

(1) state and federal agencies specifically authorized access to the data by state or federal law;

(2) any agency of any other state or any federal agency charged with the administration of an unemployment insurance program;

(3) any agency responsible for the maintenance of a system of public employment offices for the purpose of assisting individuals in obtaining employment;

(4) the public authority responsible for child support in Minnesota or any other state in accordance with section 256.978;

(5) human rights agencies within Minnesota that have enforcement powers;

(6) the Department of Revenue to the extent necessary for its duties under Minnesota laws;

(7) public and private agencies responsible for administering publicly financed assistance programs for the purpose of monitoring the eligibility of the program's recipients;

(8) the Department of Labor and Industry and the Commerce Fraud Bureau in the Department of Commerce for uses consistent with the administration of their duties under Minnesota law;

new text begin (9) the Department of Human Services and the Office of Inspector General and its agents within the Department of Human Services, including county fraud investigators, for investigations related to recipient or provider fraud and employees of providers when the provider is suspected of committing public assistance fraud; new text end

deleted text begin (9)deleted text end new text begin (10)new text end local and state welfare agencies for monitoring the eligibility of the data subject for assistance programs, or for any employment or training program administered by those agencies, whether alone, in combination with another welfare agency, or in conjunction with the department or to monitor and evaluate the statewide Minnesota family investment program by providing data on recipients and former recipients of food stamps or food support, cash assistance under chapter 256, 256D, 256J, or 256K, child care assistance under chapter 119B, or medical programs under chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L;

deleted text begin (10)deleted text end new text begin (11)new text end local and state welfare agencies for the purpose of identifying employment, wages, and other information to assist in the collection of an overpayment debt in an assistance program;

deleted text begin (11)deleted text end new text begin (12)new text end local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for the purpose of ascertaining the last known address and employment location of an individual who is the subject of a criminal investigation;

deleted text begin (12)deleted text end new text begin (13)new text end the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has access to data on specific individuals and specific employers provided the specific individual or specific employer is the subject of an investigation by that agency;

deleted text begin (13)deleted text end new text begin (14)new text end the Department of Health for the purposes of epidemiologic investigations;

deleted text begin (14)deleted text end new text begin (15)new text end the Department of Corrections for the purpose of case planning for preprobation and postprobation employment tracking of offenders sentenced to probation and preconfinement and postconfinement employment tracking of committed offenders;

deleted text begin (15)deleted text end new text begin (16)new text end the state auditor to the extent necessary to conduct audits of job opportunity building zones as required under section 469.3201; and

deleted text begin (16)deleted text end new text begin (17)new text end the Office of Higher Education for purposes of supporting program improvement, system evaluation, and research initiatives including the Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System.

(b) Data on individuals and employers that are collected, maintained, or used by the department in an investigation under section 268.182 are confidential as to data on individuals and protected nonpublic data not on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivisions 3 and 13, and must not be disclosed except under statute or district court order or to a party named in a criminal proceeding, administrative or judicial, for preparation of a defense.

(c) Data gathered by the department in the administration of the Minnesota unemployment insurance program must not be made the subject or the basis for any suit in any civil proceedings, administrative or judicial, unless the action is initiated by the department.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 471.346, is amended to read:

471.346 PUBLICLY OWNED AND LEASED VEHICLES IDENTIFIED.

All motor vehicles owned or leased by a statutory or home rule charter city, county, town, school district, metropolitan or regional agency, or other political subdivision, except for unmarked vehicles used in general police and fire work deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end arson investigations,new text begin and Department of Human Services investigations including county fraud prevention investigations,new text end shall have the name of the political subdivision plainly displayed on both sides of the vehicle in letters not less than 2-1/2 inches high and one-half inch wide. The identification must be in a color that contrasts with the color of the part of the vehicle on which it is placed and must remain on and be clean and visible throughout the period of which the vehicle is owned or leased by the political subdivision. The identification must not be on a removable plate or placard except on leased vehicles but the plate or placard must not be removed from a leased vehicle at any time during the term of the lease.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

ARTICLE 4

CHEMICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 254B.05, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Rate requirements.

(a) The commissioner shall establish rates for chemical dependency services and service enhancements funded under this chapter.

(b) Eligible chemical dependency treatment services include:

(1) outpatient treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480, or applicable tribal license;

(2) medication-assisted therapy services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480 and 9530.6500, or applicable tribal license;

(3) medication-assisted therapy plus enhanced treatment services that meet the requirements of clause (2) and provide nine hours of clinical services each week;

(4) high, medium, and low intensity residential treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480 and 9530.6505, or applicable tribal license which provide, respectively, 30, 15, and five hours of clinical services each week;

(5) hospital-based treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480, or applicable tribal license and licensed as a hospital under sections 144.50 to 144.56;

(6) adolescent treatment programs that are licensed as outpatient treatment programs according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6485, or as residential treatment programs according to Minnesota Rules, deleted text begin chapter 2960deleted text end new text begin parts 2960.0010 to 2960.0220, and 2960.0430 to 2960.0490new text end , or applicable tribal license; and

(7) room and board facilities that meet the requirements of section 254B.05, subdivision 1a.

(c) The commissioner shall establish higher rates for programs that meet the requirements of paragraph (b) and the following additional requirements:

(1) programs that serve parents with their children if the programnew text begin :new text end

new text begin (i) provides on-site child care during hours of treatment activity thatnew text end meets the deleted text begin additional licensing requirementdeleted text end new text begin requirementsnew text end in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6490, deleted text begin and provides child care that meets the requirements ofdeleted text end new text begin ornew text end section 245A.03, subdivision 2deleted text begin , during hours of treatment activitydeleted text end ;new text begin ornew text end

new text begin (ii) arranges for off-site child care during hours of treatment activity at a facility that is licensed under chapter 245A as: new text end

new text begin (A) a child care center under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503; or new text end

new text begin (B) a family child care home under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9502; new text end

(2) programs serving special populations if the program meets the requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6605, subpart 13;

(3) programs that offer medical services delivered by appropriately credentialed health care staff in an amount equal to two hours per client per weeknew text begin if the medical needs of the client and the nature and provision of any medical services provided are documented in the client filenew text end ; and

(4) programs that offer services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and chemical dependency problems if:

(i) the program meets the co-occurring requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6495;

(ii) 25 percent of the counseling staff are new text begin licensed new text end mental health professionals, as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6), or are students or licensing candidates under the supervision of a licensed alcohol and drug counselor supervisor and licensed mental health professional, except that no more than 50 percent of the mental health staff may be students or licensing candidatesnew text begin with time documented to be directly related to provisions of co-occurring servicesnew text end ;

(iii) clients scoring positive on a standardized mental health screen receive a mental health diagnostic assessment within ten days of admission;

(iv) the program has standards for multidisciplinary case review that include a monthly review for each clientnew text begin that, at a minimum, includes a licensed mental health professional and licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and their involvement in the review is documentednew text end ;

(v) family education is offered that addresses mental health and substance abuse disorders and the interaction between the two; and

(vi) co-occurring counseling staff will receive eight hours of co-occurring disorder training annually.

(d) new text begin In order to be eligible for a higher rate under paragraph (c), clause (1), a program that provides arrangements for off-site child care must maintain current documentation at the chemical dependency facility of the child care provider's current licensure to provide child care services. Programs that provide child care according to paragraph (c), clause (1), must be deemed in compliance with the licensing requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6490.new text end

new text begin (e) new text end Adolescent residential programs that meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, parts deleted text begin 2960.0580 to 2960.0700deleted text end new text begin 2960.0430 to 2960.0490 and 2960.0580 to 2960.0690new text end , are exempt from the requirements in paragraph (c), clause (4), items (i) to (iv).

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

ARTICLE 5

BACKGROUND STUDIES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245C.04, as amended by Laws 2013, chapter 108, article 5, section 3, is amended to read:

245C.04 WHEN BACKGROUND STUDY MUST OCCUR.

Subdivision 1.

Licensed programs.

(a) The commissioner shall conduct a background study of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, at least upon application for initial license for all license types.

(b) The commissioner shall conduct a background study of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, at reapplication for a license for family child care.

(c) The commissioner is not required to conduct a study of an individual at the time of reapplication for a license if the individual's background study was completed by the commissioner of human services for an adult foster care license holder that is also:

(1) registered under chapter 144D; or

(2) licensed to provide home and community-based services to people with disabilities at the foster care location and the license holder does not reside in the foster care residence; and

(3) the following conditions are met:

(i) a study of the individual was conducted either at the time of initial licensure or when the individual became affiliated with the license holder;

(ii) the individual has been continuously affiliated with the license holder since the last study was conducted; and

(iii) the last study of the individual was conducted on or after October 1, 1995.

(d) From July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2009, the commissioner of human services shall conduct a study of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, at the time of reapplication for a child foster care license. The county or private agency shall collect and forward to the commissioner the information required under section 245C.05, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), and 5, paragraphs (a) and (b). The background study conducted by the commissioner of human services under this paragraph must include a review of the information required under section 245C.08, subdivisions 1, paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5), 3, and 4.

(e) The commissioner of human services shall conduct a background study of an individual specified under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (6), who is newly affiliated with a child foster care license holder. The county or private agency shall collect and forward to the commissioner the information required under section 245C.05, subdivisions 1 and 5. The background study conducted by the commissioner of human services under this paragraph must include a review of the information required under section 245C.08, subdivisions 1, 3, and 4.

(f) From January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012, unless otherwise specified in paragraph (c), the commissioner shall conduct a study of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03 at the time of reapplication for an adult foster care or family adult day services license: (1) the county shall collect and forward to the commissioner the information required under section 245C.05, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), and subdivision 5, paragraphs (a) and (b), for background studies conducted by the commissioner for all family adult day services and for adult foster care when the adult foster care license holder resides in the adult foster care or family adult day services residence; (2) the license holder shall collect and forward to the commissioner the information required under section 245C.05, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (a) and (b); and 5, paragraphs (a) and (b), for background studies conducted by the commissioner for adult foster care when the license holder does not reside in the adult foster care residence; and (3) the background study conducted by the commissioner under this paragraph must include a review of the information required under section 245C.08, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5), and subdivisions 3 and 4.

(g) The commissioner shall conduct a background study of an individual specified under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (6), who is newly affiliated with an adult foster care or family adult day services license holder: (1) the county shall collect and forward to the commissioner the information required under section 245C.05, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), and subdivision 5, paragraphs (a) and (b), for background studies conducted by the commissioner for all family adult day services and for adult foster care when the adult foster care license holder resides in the adult foster care residence; (2) the license holder shall collect and forward to the commissioner the information required under section 245C.05, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (a) and (b); and 5, paragraphs (a) and (b), for background studies conducted by the commissioner for adult foster care when the license holder does not reside in the adult foster care residence; and (3) the background study conducted by the commissioner under this paragraph must include a review of the information required under section 245C.08, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), and subdivisions 3 and 4.

(h) Applicants for licensure, license holders, and other entities as provided in this chapter must submit completed background study deleted text begin formsdeleted text end new text begin requestsnew text end to the commissioner new text begin using the electronic system known as NETStudy new text end before individuals specified in section 245C.03, subdivision 1, begin positions allowing direct contact in any licensed program.

(i) A license holder must initiate a new background study through deleted text begin the commissioner's online background study systemdeleted text end new text begin NETStudynew text end when:

(1) an individual returns to a position requiring a background study following an absence of deleted text begin 90deleted text end new text begin 120new text end or more consecutive days; or

(2) a program that discontinued providing licensed direct contact services for deleted text begin 90deleted text end new text begin 120new text end or more consecutive days begins to provide direct contact licensed services again.

The license holder shall maintain a copy of the notification provided to the commissioner under this paragraph in the program's files. If the individual's disqualification was previously set aside for the license holder's program and the new background study results in no new information that indicates the individual may pose a risk of harm to persons receiving services from the license holder, the previous set-aside shall remain in effect.

(j) For purposes of this section, a physician licensed under chapter 147 is considered to be continuously affiliated upon the license holder's receipt from the commissioner of health or human services of the physician's background study results.

(k) For purposes of family child care, a substitute caregiver must receive repeat background studies at the time of each license renewal.

Subd. 2.

Other state agencies.

Applicants and license holders under the jurisdiction of other state agencies who are required in other statutory sections to initiate background studies under this chapter must submit completed background study forms to the commissioner before the background study subject begins in a position allowing direct contact in the licensed program or, where applicable, prior to being employed.

Subd. 3.

Personal care provider organizations.

(a) The commissioner shall conduct a background study of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, subdivision 2, at least upon application for initial enrollment under sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659.

(b) Organizations required to initiate background studies under sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659 for individuals described in section 245C.03, subdivision 2, must submit a completed background study deleted text begin formdeleted text end new text begin requestnew text end to the commissioner new text begin using the electronic system known as NETStudy new text end before those individuals begin a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the organization.

new text begin (c) Organizations required to initiate background studies under sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659 for individuals described in section 245C.03, subdivision 2, must initiate a new background study through NETStudy when an individual returns to a position requiring a background study following an absence of 120 or more consecutive days. new text end

Subd. 4.

Supplemental nursing services agencies.

(a) The commissioner shall conduct a background study of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, subdivision 3, at least upon application for registration under section 144A.71, subdivision 1.

(b) Each supplemental nursing services agency must initiate background studies new text begin using the electronic system known as NETStudy new text end before an individual begins a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the agency and annually thereafter.

Subd. 4a.

Agency background studies.

(a) The commissioner shall develop and implement an electronic process for the regular transfer of new criminal case information that is added to the Minnesota court information system. The commissioner's system must include for review only information that relates to individuals who have been the subject of a background study under this chapter that remain affiliated with the agency that initiated the background study. For purposes of this paragraph, an individual remains affiliated with an agency that initiated the background study until the agency informs the commissioner that the individual is no longer affiliated. When any individual no longer affiliated according to this paragraph returns to a position requiring a background study under this chapter, the agency with whom the individual is again affiliated shall initiate a new background study regardless of the length of time the individual was no longer affiliated with the agency.

(b) The commissioner shall develop and implement an online system for agencies that initiate background studies under this chapter to access and maintain records of background studies initiated by that agency. The system must show all active background study subjects affiliated with that agency and the status of each individual's background study. Each agency that initiates background studies must use this system to notify the commissioner of discontinued affiliation for purposes of the processes required under paragraph (a).

Subd. 5.

Personnel agencies; educational programs; professional services agencies.

Agencies, programs, and individuals who initiate background studies under section 245C.03, subdivision 4, must initiate the studies annuallynew text begin using the electronic system known as NETStudynew text end .

Subd. 6.

Unlicensed home and community-based waiver providers of service to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

(a) Providers required to initiate background studies under section 256B.4912 must initiate a study new text begin using the electronic system known as NETStudy new text end before the individual begins in a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the provider.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), the providers must initiate a background study annually of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, subdivision 6.

(c) After an initial background study under this subdivision is initiated on an individual by a provider of both services licensed by the commissioner and the unlicensed services under this subdivision, a repeat annual background study is not required if:

(1) the provider maintains compliance with the requirements of section 245C.07, paragraph (a), regarding one individual with one address and telephone number as the person to receive sensitive background study information for the multiple programs that depend on the same background study, and that the individual who is designated to receive the sensitive background information is capable of determining, upon the request of the commissioner, whether a background study subject is providing direct contact services in one or more of the provider's programs or services and, if so, at which location or locations; and

(2) the individual who is the subject of the background study provides direct contact services under the provider's licensed program for at least 40 hours per year so the individual will be recognized by a probation officer or corrections agent to prompt a report to the commissioner regarding criminal convictions as required under section 245C.05, subdivision 7.

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin New study required with legal name change. new text end

new text begin (a) For a background study completed on an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, the license holder or other entity that initiated the background study must initiate a new background study using the electronic system known as NETStudy when an individual who is affiliated with the license holder or other entity undergoes a legal name change. new text end

new text begin (b) For background studies subject to a fee paid through the NETStudy system, the entity that initiated the study may initiate a new study under paragraph (a) or notify the commissioner of the name change through a notice to the commissioner. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, 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, new text begin law enforcement agencies, new text end 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 section 626.556.

(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. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 245C.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Background studies conducted by Department of Human Services.

(a) For a background study conducted by the Department of Human Services, the commissioner shall review:

(1) information related to names of substantiated perpetrators of maltreatment of vulnerable adults that has been received by the commissioner as required under section 626.557, subdivision 9c, paragraph (j);

(2) the commissioner's records relating to the maltreatment of minors in licensed programs, and from findings of maltreatment of minors as indicated through the social service information system;

(3) information from juvenile courts as required in subdivision 4 for individuals listed in section 245C.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), when there is reasonable cause;

(4) information from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, including information regarding a background study subject's registration in Minnesota as a predatory offender under section 243.166;

(5) except as provided in clause (6), information from the national crime information system when the commissioner has reasonable cause as defined under section 245C.05, subdivision 5; and

(6) for a background study related to a child foster care application for licensure or adoptions, the commissioner shall also review:

(i) information from the child abuse and neglect registry for any state in which the background study subject has resided for the past five years; and

(ii) information from national crime information databases, when the background study subject is 18 years of age or older.

(b) Notwithstanding expungement by a court, the commissioner may consider information obtained under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), unless the commissioner received notice of the petition for expungement and the court order for expungement is directed specifically to the commissioner.

(c) The commissioner shall also review criminal case information received according to section 245C.04, subdivision 4a, from the Minnesota court information system that relates to individuals who have already been studied under this chapter and who remain affiliated with the agency that initiated the background study.

new text begin (d) When the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the identity of a background study subject is uncertain, the commissioner may require the subject to provide a set of classifiable fingerprints for purposes of completing a fingerprint-based record check with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Fingerprints collected under this paragraph shall not be saved by the commissioner after they have been used to verify the identity of the background study subject against the particular criminal record in question. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, 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 626.556 or 626.557.

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

(e) new text begin Except for paragraph (f), new text end 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. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245C.20, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Background studies initiated by program.

A licensed program shall document the date the program initiates a background study under this chapternew text begin and the date the subject of the study first has direct contact with persons served by the programnew text end in the program's personnel files. When a background study is completed under this chapter, a licensed program shall maintain a notice that the study was undertaken and completed in the program's personnel files. Except when background studies are initiated through the commissioner's online system, if a licensed program has not received a response from the commissioner under section 245C.17 within 45 days of initiation of the background study request, the licensed program must contact the human services licensing division to inquire about the status of the study. If a license holder initiates a background study under the commissioner's online system, but the background study subject's name does not appear in the list of active or recent studies initiated by that license holder, the license holder must either contact the human services licensing division or resubmit the background study information online for that individual.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245C.22, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Time frame; response to disqualification reconsideration requests.

(a) The commissioner shall respond in writing or by electronic transmission to all reconsideration requests for which the basis for the request is that the information the commissioner relied upon to disqualify is incorrect or inaccurate within 30 working days of receipt of a new text begin complete new text end request and all new text begin required new text end relevant information.

(b) If the basis for a disqualified individual's reconsideration request is that the individual does not pose a risk of harm, the commissioner shall respond to the request within 15 working days after receiving deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin a completenew text end request for reconsideration and all new text begin required new text end relevant information.

(c) If the disqualified individual's reconsideration request is based on both the correctness or accuracy of the information the commissioner relied upon to disqualify the individual and the individual's risk of harm, the commissioner shall respond to the request within 45 working days after receiving deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin a completenew text end request for reconsideration and all new text begin required new text end relevant information.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245C.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Commissioner's notice of disqualification that is not set aside.

(a) The commissioner shall notify the license holder of the disqualification and order the license holder to immediately remove the individual from any position allowing direct contact with persons receiving services from the license holder if:

(1) the individual studied does not submit a timely request for reconsideration under section 245C.21;

(2) the individual submits a timely request for reconsideration, but the commissioner does not set aside the disqualification for that license holder under section 245C.22new text begin , unless the individual has a right to request a hearing under section 245C.27, 245C.28, or 256.045new text end ;

(3) an individual who has a right to request a hearing under sections 245C.27 and 256.045, or 245C.28 and chapter 14 for a disqualification that has not been set aside, does not request a hearing within the specified time; or

(4) an individual submitted a timely request for a hearing under sections 245C.27 and 256.045, or 245C.28 and chapter 14, but the commissioner does not set aside the disqualification under section 245A.08, subdivision 5, or 256.045.

(b) If the commissioner does not set aside the disqualification under section 245C.22, and the license holder was previously ordered under section 245C.17 to immediately remove the disqualified individual from direct contact with persons receiving services or to ensure that the individual is under continuous, direct supervision when providing direct contact services, the order remains in effect pending the outcome of a hearing under sections 245C.27 and 256.045, or 245C.28 and chapter 14.

new text begin (c) If the commissioner does not set aside the disqualification under section 245C.22, and the license holder was not previously ordered under section 245C.17 to immediately remove the disqualified individual from direct contact with persons receiving services or to ensure that the individual is under continuous direct supervision when providing direct contact services, the commissioner shall order the individual to remain under continuous direct supervision pending the outcome of a hearing under sections 245C.27 and 256.045, or 245C.28 and chapter 14. new text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end For background studies related to child foster care, the commissioner shall also notify the county or private agency that initiated the study of the results of the reconsideration.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (e)new text end For background studies related to adult foster care and family adult day services, the commissioner shall also notify the county that initiated the study of the results of the reconsideration.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, 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 new text begin timely new text end 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 new text begin timely new text end 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 626.556 or 626.557, 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 626.556 or 626.557, the appeal must be submitted under sections 245A.07, subdivision 3, and 626.556, subdivision 10i, or 626.557, subdivision 9d.

(d) Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment determination under sections 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d, 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, 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, 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d. 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 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.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245C.28, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Employees of public employer.

(a) A disqualified individual who is an employee of an employer, as defined in section 179A.03, subdivision 15, may request a contested case hearing under chapter 14new text begin , and specifically Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612,new text end following a reconsideration decision under section 245C.23, unless the disqualification is deemed conclusive under section 245C.29. The request for a contested case hearing must be made in writing and must be postmarked and sent within 30 calendar days after the employee receives notice of the reconsideration decision. If the individual was disqualified based on a conviction or admission to any crimes listed in section 245C.15, the scope of the contested case hearing shall be limited solely to whether the individual poses a risk of harm pursuant to section 245C.22.

(b) When an individual is disqualified based on a maltreatment determination, the scope of the contested case hearing under paragraph (a), must include the maltreatment determination and the disqualification. In such cases, a fair hearing must not be conducted under section 256.045.

(c) Rules adopted under this chapter may not preclude an employee in a contested case hearing for a disqualification from submitting evidence concerning information gathered under this chapter.

(d) When an individual has been disqualified from multiple licensed programs, if at least one of the disqualifications entitles the person to a contested case hearing under this subdivision, the scope of the contested case hearing shall include all disqualifications from licensed programs.

(e) In determining whether the disqualification should be set aside, the administrative law judge shall consider all of the characteristics that cause the individual to be disqualifiednew text begin , as well as all the factors set forth in section 245C.22,new text end in order to determine whether the individual deleted text begin posesdeleted text end new text begin has met the burden of demonstrating that the individual does not posenew text end a risk of harm. The administrative law judge's recommendation and the commissioner's order 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.

new text begin (f) An individual may not request a contested case hearing under this section if a contested case hearing has previously been held regarding the individual's disqualification on the same basis. new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 245C.29, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Conclusive disqualification determination.

(a) deleted text begin Unless otherwise specified in statute, a determination that:deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) the information the commissioner relied upon to disqualify an individual under section 245C.14 was correct based on serious or recurring maltreatment; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) a preponderance of the evidence shows that the individual committed an act or acts that meet the definition of any of the crimes listed in section 245C.15; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) the individual failed to make required reports under section 626.556, subdivision 3, or 626.557, subdivision 3, is conclusive if: deleted text end new text begin A disqualification is conclusive for purposes of current and future background studies if: new text end

deleted text begin (i)deleted text end new text begin (1)new text end the commissioner has issued a final order in an appeal of deleted text begin that determinationdeleted text end new text begin the disqualificationnew text end under section 245A.08, subdivision 5, new text begin 245C.28, subdivision 3, new text end or 256.045, or a court has issued a final decision;

deleted text begin (ii)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end the individual did not request reconsideration of the disqualification under section 245C.21new text begin on the basis that the information relied upon to disqualify the individual was incorrectnew text end ; or

deleted text begin (iii)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end the individual did not new text begin timely new text end request a hearing on the disqualification under deleted text begin section 256.045 ordeleted text end new text begin this chapter, new text end chapter 14new text begin , or section 256.045 after previously being given the right to do sonew text end .

(b) When a licensing action under section 245A.05, 245A.06, or 245A.07 is based on the disqualification of an individual in connection with a license to provide family child care, foster care for children in the provider's own home, or foster care services for adults in the provider's own home, that disqualification shall be conclusive for purposes of the licensing action if a request for reconsideration was not submitted within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification.

(c) If a deleted text begin determination that the information relied upon to disqualify an individual was correct anddeleted text end new text begin disqualificationnew text end is conclusive under this section, deleted text begin anddeleted text end the individual deleted text begin is subsequently disqualified under section 245C.15, the individualdeleted text end has a right to request reconsideration on the risk of harm under section 245C.21new text begin unless the commissioner is barred from setting aside the disqualification under section 245C.24new text end . deleted text begin Subsequent determinationsdeleted text end new text begin The commissioner's decisionnew text end regarding the risk of harm shall be deleted text begin made according to section 245C.22 and are not subject to anotherdeleted text end new text begin the final agency decision and is not subject to anew text end hearing under new text begin this chapter, new text end deleted text begin section 256.045 ordeleted text end chapter 14new text begin , or section 256.045new text end .

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, 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 sections 626.556 and 626.557. 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 626.556 or 626.557, 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 626.556 or 626.557, for incidents in which the final disposition under section 626.556 or 626.557 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. deleted text begin If a determination that the information relied upon to disqualify an individual was correct and is conclusive under section 245C.29, and the individual is subsequently disqualified under section 245C.14, the individual has a right to again request reconsideration on the risk of harm under section 245C.21. Subsequent determinations regarding risk of harm are not subject to another hearing under this section.deleted text end

new text begin (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. new text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end 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.46, the commissioner's determination as to maltreatment is conclusive, as provided under section 245C.29.

Sec. 12.

new text begin FOREIGN TRAINED PHYSICIAN TASK FORCE. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of health shall appoint members to an advisory task force by July 1, 2014, to develop strategies to integrate refugee and asylee physicians into the Minnesota health care delivery system. The task force shall: new text end

new text begin (1) analyze demographic information of current medical providers compared to the population of the state; new text end

new text begin (2) identify, to the extent possible, foreign-trained physicians living in Minnesota who are refugees or asylees and interested in meeting the requirements to enter medical practice or other health careers; new text end

new text begin (3) identify costs and barriers associated with integrating foreign-trained physicians into the state workforce; new text end

new text begin (4) explore alternative roles and professions for foreign trained physicians who are unable to practice as physicians in the Minnesota health care system; and new text end

new text begin (5) identify possible funding sources to integrate foreign-trained physicians into the state workforce as physicians or other health professionals. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall provide assistance to the task force, within available resources. new text end

new text begin (c) By January 15, 2015, the task force must submit recommendations to the commissioner of health. The commissioner shall report findings and recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health care by January 15, 2015. new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This article is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Presented to the governor May 8, 2014

Signed by the governor May 9, 2014, 10:34 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes