2015 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 144A. NURSING HOMES AND HOME CARE

144A.001 MS 2006 [Renumbered 15.001]

144A.01 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of sections 144A.01 to 144A.27, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Commissioner of health.

"Commissioner of health" means the state commissioner of health established by section 144.011.

Subd. 3.Board of Examiners.

"Board of Examiners" means the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators established by section 144A.19.

Subd. 3a.Certified.

"Certified" means certified for participation as a provider in the Medicare or Medicaid programs under title XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act.

Subd. 4.Controlling person.

(a) "Controlling person" means any public body, governmental agency, business entity, officer, nursing home administrator, or director whose responsibilities include the direction of the management or policies of a nursing home. "Controlling person" also means any person who, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns any interest in:

(1) any corporation, partnership or other business association which is a controlling person;

(2) the land on which a nursing home is located;

(3) the structure in which a nursing home is located;

(4) any mortgage, contract for deed, or other obligation secured in whole or part by the land or structure comprising a nursing home; or

(5) any lease or sublease of the land, structure, or facilities comprising a nursing home.

(b) "Controlling person" 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 directly or through a subsidiary operates a nursing home;

(2) an individual state official or state employee, or a member or employee of the governing body of a political subdivision of the state which operates one or more nursing homes, unless the individual is also an officer or director of a nursing home, receives any remuneration from a nursing home, or owns any of the beneficial interests not excluded in this subdivision;

(3) a natural person who is a member of a tax-exempt organization under section 290.05, subdivision 2, unless the individual is also an officer or director of a nursing home, or owns any of the beneficial interests not excluded in this subdivision; and

(4) a natural person who owns less than five percent of the outstanding common shares of a corporation:

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

(ii) whose transactions are exempt by virtue of section 80A.46, clause (7).

Subd. 4a.Emergency.

"Emergency" means a situation or physical condition that creates or probably will create an immediate and serious threat to a resident's health or safety.

Subd. 5.Nursing home.

"Nursing home" means a facility or that part of a facility which provides nursing care to five or more persons. "Nursing home" does not include a facility or that part of a facility which is a hospital, a hospital with approved swing beds as defined in section 144.562, clinic, doctor's office, diagnostic or treatment center, or a residential program licensed pursuant to sections 245A.01 to 245A.16 or 252.28.

Subd. 6.Nursing care.

"Nursing care" means health evaluation and treatment of patients and residents who are not in need of an acute care facility but who require nursing supervision on an inpatient basis. The commissioner of health may by rule establish levels of nursing care.

Subd. 7.Uncorrected violation.

"Uncorrected violation" means a violation of a statute or rule or any other deficiency for which a notice of noncompliance has been issued and fine assessed and allowed to be recovered pursuant to section 144A.10, subdivision 8.

Subd. 8.Managerial employee.

"Managerial employee" means an employee of a nursing home whose duties include the direction of some or all of the management or policies of the nursing home.

Subd. 9.Nursing home administrator.

"Nursing home administrator" means a person who administers, manages, supervises, or is in general administrative charge of a nursing home, whether or not the individual has an ownership interest in the home, and whether or not the person's functions and duties are shared with one or more individuals, and who is licensed pursuant to section 144A.21.

Subd. 10.Repeated violation.

"Repeated violation" means the issuance of two or more correction orders, within a 12-month period, for a violation of the same provision of a statute or rule.

History:

1976 c 173 s 1; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1980 c 509 s 43; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 79; 1982 c 633 s 1; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 5-7; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 282 art 2 s 24; art 3 s 6,7; 1995 c 202 art 1 s 25; 2006 c 196 art 1 s 52; art 2 s 4; 2012 c 187 art 1 s 22

144A.02 LICENSURE; PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.License required.

No facility shall be used as a nursing home to provide nursing care unless the facility has been licensed as a nursing home. The commissioner of health may license a facility as a nursing home if the facility meets the criteria established by sections 144A.02 to 144A.10, and the rules promulgated thereunder. A license shall describe the facility to be licensed by address and by legal property description. The license shall specify the location and square footage of the floor space constituting the facility and shall incorporate by reference the plans and specifications of the facility, which plans and specifications shall be kept on file with the commissioner of health. The license may also specify the level or levels of nursing care which the facility is licensed to provide and shall state any conditions or limitations imposed on the facility in accordance with the rules of the commissioner of health.

Subd. 2.Penalty.

A controlling person of a nursing home in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any controlling person who had no legal authority to affect or change decisions related to the operation of the nursing home.

History:

1976 c 173 s 2; 1977 c 305 s 45

144A.03 LICENSE APPLICATION.

Subdivision 1.Form; requirements.

The commissioner of health by rule shall establish forms and procedures for the processing of nursing home license applications. An application for a nursing home license shall include the following information:

(a) The names and addresses of all controlling persons and managerial employees of the facility to be licensed;

(b) The address and legal property description of the facility;

(c) A copy of the architectural and engineering plans and specifications of the facility as prepared and certified by an architect or engineer registered to practice in this state; and

(d) Any other relevant information which the commissioner of health by rule or otherwise may determine is necessary to properly evaluate an application for license.

A controlling person which is a corporation shall submit copies of its articles of incorporation and bylaws and any amendments thereto as they occur, together with the names and addresses of its officers and directors. A controlling person which is a foreign corporation shall furnish the commissioner of health with a copy of its certificate of authority to do business in this state. An application on behalf of a controlling person which is a corporation, association or a governmental unit or instrumentality shall be signed by at least two officers or managing agents of that entity.

Subd. 2.Agents.

Each application for a nursing home license or for renewal of a nursing home license shall specify one or more controlling persons or managerial employees as agents:

(a) Who shall be responsible for dealing with the commissioner of health on all matters provided for in sections 144A.01 to 144A.155; and

(b) On whom personal service of all notices and orders shall be made, and who shall be authorized to accept service on behalf of all of the controlling persons of the facility, in proceedings under sections 144A.06; 144A.10, subdivisions 4, 5, and 7; 144A.11, subdivision 3; and 144A.15. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, personal service on the designated person or persons named in an application shall be deemed to be service on all of the controlling persons or managerial employee of the facility, and it shall not be a defense to any action arising under sections 144A.06; 144A.10, subdivisions 4, 5 and 7; 144A.11, subdivision 3; and 144A.15, that personal service was not made on each controlling person or managerial employee of the facility. The designation of one or more controlling persons or managerial employees pursuant to this subdivision shall not affect the legal responsibility of any other controlling person or managerial employee under sections 144A.01 to 144A.155.

History:

1976 c 173 s 3; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40

144A.04 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSE.

Subdivision 1.Compliance required.

No nursing home license shall be issued to a facility unless the commissioner of health determines that the facility complies with the requirements of this section.

Subd. 2.Application.

The controlling persons of the facility must comply with the application requirements specified by section 144A.03 and the rules of the commissioner of health.

Subd. 2a.Rules; locks.

The commissioner shall not adopt any rule unconditionally prohibiting locks on patient room doors in nursing homes. The commissioner may adopt a rule requiring locks to be consistent with the applicable rules enforced by the state fire marshal.

Subd. 3.Standards.

(a) The facility must meet the minimum health, sanitation, safety and comfort standards prescribed by the rules of the commissioner of health with respect to the construction, equipment, maintenance and operation of a nursing home. The commissioner of health may temporarily waive compliance with one or more of the standards if the commissioner determines that:

(1) temporary noncompliance with the standard will not create an imminent risk of harm to a nursing home resident; and

(2) a controlling person on behalf of all other controlling persons:

(i) has entered into a contract to obtain the materials or labor necessary to meet the standard set by the commissioner of health, but the supplier or other contractor has failed to perform the terms of the contract and the inability of the nursing home to meet the standard is due solely to that failure; or

(ii) is otherwise making a diligent good faith effort to meet the standard.

The commissioner shall make available to other nursing homes information on facility-specific waivers related to technology or physical plant that are granted. The commissioner shall, upon the request of a facility, extend a waiver granted to a specific facility related to technology or physical plant to the facility making the request, if the commissioner determines that the facility also satisfies clauses (1) and (2) and any other terms and conditions of the waiver.

The commissioner of health shall allow, by rule, a nursing home to provide fewer hours of nursing care to intermediate care residents of a nursing home than required by the present rules of the commissioner if the commissioner determines that the needs of the residents of the home will be adequately met by a lesser amount of nursing care.

(b) A facility is not required to seek a waiver for room furniture or equipment under paragraph (a) when responding to resident-specific requests, if the facility has discussed health and safety concerns with the resident and the resident request and discussion of health and safety concerns are documented in the resident's patient record.

Subd. 3a.Rules; double beds.

The commissioner shall not adopt any rule which unconditionally prohibits double beds in a nursing home. The commissioner may adopt rules setting criteria for when double beds will be allowed.

Subd. 3b.Nursing homes; tuberculosis prevention and control.

(a) A nursing home provider must establish and maintain a comprehensive tuberculosis infection control program according to the most current tuberculosis infection control guidelines issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, as published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). This program must include a tuberculosis infection control plan that covers all paid and unpaid employees, contractors, students, residents, and volunteers. The Department of Health shall provide technical assistance regarding implementation of the guidelines.

(b) Written compliance with this subdivision must be maintained by the nursing home.

Subd. 4.Controlling person restrictions.

(a) The controlling persons of a nursing home may not include any person who was a controlling person of another nursing home during any period of time in the previous two-year period:

(1) during which time of control that other nursing home incurred the following number of uncorrected or repeated violations:

(i) two or more uncorrected violations or one or more repeated violations which created an imminent risk to direct resident care or safety; or

(ii) four or more uncorrected violations or two or more repeated violations of any nature for which the fines are in the four highest daily fine categories prescribed in rule; or

(2) who was convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor that relates to operation of the nursing home or directly affects resident safety or care, during that period.

(b) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any controlling person who had no legal authority to affect or change decisions related to the operation of the nursing home which incurred the uncorrected violations.

Subd. 4a.Stay of adverse action required by controlling person restrictions.

(a) In lieu of revoking, suspending, or refusing to renew the license of a nursing home with a controlling person disqualified by subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (1), the commissioner may issue an order staying the revocation, suspension, or nonrenewal of the nursing home license. The order may, but need not, be contingent upon the nursing home's compliance with restrictions and conditions imposed on the license to ensure the proper operation of the nursing home and to protect the health, safety, comfort, treatment, and well-being of the residents in the home. The decision to issue an order for stay must be made within 90 days of the commissioner's determination that a controlling person is disqualified by subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (1), from operating a nursing home.

(b) In determining whether to issue a stay and to impose conditions and restrictions, the commissioner shall consider the following factors:

(1) the ability of the controlling persons to operate other nursing homes in accordance with the licensure rules and laws;

(2) the conditions in the facility that received the number and type of uncorrected or repeated violations described in subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (1); and

(3) the conditions and compliance history of each of the nursing homes operated by the controlling persons.

(c) The commissioner's decision to exercise the authority under this subdivision in lieu of revoking, suspending, or refusing to renew the license of the nursing home is not subject to administrative or judicial review.

(d) The order for the stay of revocation, suspension, or nonrenewal of the nursing home license must include any conditions and restrictions on the nursing home license that the commissioner deems necessary based upon the factors listed in paragraph (b).

(e) Prior to issuing an order for stay of revocation, suspension, or nonrenewal, the commissioner shall inform the controlling persons, in writing, of any conditions and restrictions that will be imposed. The controlling persons shall, within ten working days, notify the commissioner in writing of their decision to accept or reject the conditions and restrictions. If the nursing home rejects any of the conditions and restrictions, the commissioner shall either modify the conditions and restrictions or take action to suspend, revoke, or not renew the nursing home license.

(f) Upon issuance of the order for stay of revocation, suspension, or nonrenewal, the controlling persons shall be responsible for compliance with the conditions and restrictions contained therein. Any time after the conditions and restrictions have been in place for 180 days, the controlling persons may petition the commissioner for removal or modification of the conditions and restrictions. The commissioner shall respond to the petition within 30 days of the receipt of the written petition. If the commissioner denies the petition, the controlling persons may request a hearing under the provisions of chapter 14. Any hearing shall be limited to a determination of whether the conditions and restrictions shall be modified or removed. At the hearing, the controlling persons will have the burden of proof.

(g) The failure of the controlling persons to comply with the conditions and restrictions contained in the order for stay shall result in the immediate removal of the stay and the commissioner shall take action to suspend, revoke, or not renew the license.

(h) The conditions and restrictions are effective for two years after the date they are imposed.

(i) Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to limit in any way the commissioner's ability to impose other sanctions against a nursing home license under the standards set forth in state or federal law whether or not a stay of revocation, suspension, or nonrenewal is issued.

Subd. 5.Administrators.

(a) Each nursing home must employ an administrator who must be licensed or permitted as a nursing home administrator by the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. The nursing home may share the services of a licensed administrator. The administrator must maintain a sufficient on-site presence in the facility to effectively manage the facility in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. The administrator must establish procedures and delegate authority for on-site operations in the administrator's absence, but is ultimately responsible for the management of the facility. Each nursing home must have posted at all times the name of the administrator and the name of the person in charge on the premises in the absence of the licensed administrator.

(b) Notwithstanding sections 144A.18 to 144A.27, a nursing home with a director of nursing serving as an unlicensed nursing home administrator as of March 1, 2001, may continue to have a director of nursing serve in that capacity, provided the director of nursing has passed the state law and rules examination administered by the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators and maintains evidence of completion of 20 hours of continuing education each year on topics pertinent to nursing home administration.

Subd. 5a.

[Repealed, 2001 c 69 s 2]

Subd. 6.Managerial employee or licensed administrator; employment prohibitions.

A nursing home may not employ as a managerial employee or as its licensed administrator any person who was a managerial employee or the licensed administrator of another facility during any period of time in the previous two-year period:

(a) during which time of employment that other nursing home incurred the following number of uncorrected violations which were in the jurisdiction and control of the managerial employee or the administrator:

(1) two or more uncorrected violations or one or more repeated violations which created an imminent risk to direct resident care or safety; or

(2) four or more uncorrected violations or two or more repeated violations of any nature for which the fines are in the four highest daily fine categories prescribed in rule; or

(b) who was convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor that relates to operation of the nursing home or directly affects resident safety or care, during that period.

Subd. 7.Minimum nursing staff requirement.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 4655.5600, the minimum staffing standard for nursing personnel in certified nursing homes is as follows:

(a) The minimum number of hours of nursing personnel to be provided in a nursing home is the greater of two hours per resident per 24 hours or 0.95 hours per standardized resident day. Upon transition to the 34 group, RUG-III resident classification system, the 0.95 hours per standardized resident day shall no longer apply.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "hours of nursing personnel" means the paid, on-duty, productive nursing hours of all nurses and nursing assistants, calculated on the basis of any given 24-hour period. "Productive nursing hours" means all on-duty hours during which nurses and nursing assistants are engaged in nursing duties. Examples of nursing duties may be found in Minnesota Rules, parts 4655.5900, 4655.6100, and 4655.6400. Not included are vacations, holidays, sick leave, in-service classroom training, or lunches. Also not included are the nonproductive nursing hours of the in-service training director. In homes with more than 60 licensed beds, the hours of the director of nursing are excluded. "Standardized resident day" means the sum of the number of residents in each case mix class multiplied by the case mix weight for that resident class, as found in Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0059, subpart 2, calculated on the basis of a facility's census for any given day. For the purpose of determining a facility's census, the commissioner of health shall exclude the resident days claimed by the facility for resident therapeutic leave or bed hold days.

(c) Calculation of nursing hours per standardized resident day is performed by dividing total hours of nursing personnel for a given period by the total of standardized resident days for that same period.

(d) A nursing home that is issued a notice of noncompliance under section 144A.10, subdivision 5, for a violation of this subdivision, shall be assessed a civil fine of $300 for each day of noncompliance, subject to section 144A.10, subdivisions 7 and 8.

Subd. 7a.

[Repealed, 2001 c 69 s 2]

Subd. 8.Residents with AIDS or hepatitis.

A nursing home must accept as a resident a person who is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus or the hepatitis B virus unless the facility cannot provide appropriate care for the person under Minnesota Rules, part 4655.1500, subpart 2, or the person is otherwise not eligible for admission under state laws and rules.

Subd. 9.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

Effective October 1, 1989, a nursing home must have on duty at all times at least one staff member who is trained in single rescuer adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation and who has completed the initial training or a refresher course within the previous two years.

Subd. 10.Assessments for short-stay residents.

Upon federal approval, a nursing home is not required to perform a resident assessment on a resident expected to remain in the facility for 30 days or less. A short-stay resident transferring from a hospital to a nursing home must have a plan of care developed at the hospital before admission to the nursing home. If a short-stay resident remains in the nursing home longer than 30 days, the nursing home must perform the resident assessment in accordance with sections 144.0721 and 144.0722 within 40 days of the resident's admission.

Subd. 11.Incontinent residents.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 4658.0520, an incontinent resident must be treated according to the comprehensive assessment and care plan.

Subd. 12.Resident positioning.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 4658.0525, subpart 4, the position of residents unable to change their own position must be changed based on the comprehensive assessment and care plan.

History:

1976 c 173 s 4; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1977 c 326 s 2; 1978 c 536 s 1; 1981 c 23 s 3; 1981 c 24 s 2; 1982 c 614 s 3; 1982 c 633 s 2,3; 1983 c 312 art 1 s 17; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 8,9; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 35; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 8-10; 1990 c 498 s 1,2; 1991 c 169 s 1; 1993 c 326 art 13 s 1,2; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 53; 1995 c 81 s 1; 1996 c 296 s 1; 1996 c 352 s 1; 1996 c 451 art 4 s 21; 1998 c 407 art 3 s 1; 1999 c 17 s 1,2; 2000 c 294 s 1; 2001 c 69 s 1; 2002 c 276 s 5; 2003 c 55 s 1,2; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 7,8,57; 2009 c 174 art 2 s 2,3; 2013 c 43 s 15; 2014 c 192 art 4 s 2

144A.05 LICENSE RENEWAL.

Unless the license expires in accordance with section 144A.06 or is suspended or revoked in accordance with section 144A.11, a nursing home license shall remain effective for a period of one year from the date of its issuance. The commissioner of health by rule shall establish forms and procedures for the processing of license renewals. The commissioner of health shall approve a license renewal application if the facility continues to satisfy the requirements, standards and conditions prescribed by sections 144A.01 to 144A.155 and the rules promulgated thereunder. The commissioner shall not approve the renewal of a license for a nursing home bed in a resident room with more than four beds. Except as provided in section 144A.08, a facility shall not be required to submit with each application for a license renewal additional copies of the architectural and engineering plans and specifications of the facility. Before approving a license renewal, the commissioner of health shall determine that the facility's most recent balance sheet and its most recent statement of revenues and expenses, as audited by the state auditor, by a certified public accountant licensed in accordance with chapter 326A or by a public accountant as defined in section 412.222, have been received by the Department of Human Services.

History:

1976 c 173 s 5; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1977 c 326 s 3; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1987 c 403 art 4 s 2; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40; 2010 c 191 s 4

144A.06 TRANSFER OF INTERESTS.

Subdivision 1.Notice; expiration of license.

Any controlling person who makes any transfer of a beneficial interest in a nursing home shall notify the commissioner of health of the transfer within 14 days of its occurrence. The notification shall identify by name and address the transferor and transferee and shall specify the nature and amount of the transferred interest. On determining that the transferred beneficial interest exceeds ten percent of the total beneficial interest in the nursing home facility, the structure in which the facility is located, or the land upon which the structure is located, the commissioner may, and on determining that the transferred beneficial interest exceeds 50 percent of the total beneficial interest in the facility, the structure in which the facility is located, or the land upon which the structure is located, the commissioner shall require that the license of the nursing home expire 90 days after the date of transfer. The commissioner of health shall notify the nursing home by certified mail of the expiration of the license at least 60 days prior to the date of expiration.

Subd. 2.Relicensure.

The commissioner of health by rule shall prescribe procedures for relicensure under this section. The commissioner of health shall relicense a nursing home if the facility satisfies the requirements for license renewal established by section 144A.05. A facility shall not be relicensed by the commissioner if at the time of transfer there are any uncorrected violations. The commissioner of health may temporarily waive correction of one or more violations if the commissioner determines that:

(a) Temporary noncorrection of the violation will not create an imminent risk of harm to a nursing home resident; and

(b) A controlling person on behalf of all other controlling persons:

(1) Has entered into a contract to obtain the materials or labor necessary to correct the violation, but the supplier or other contractor has failed to perform the terms of the contract and the inability of the nursing home to correct the violation is due solely to that failure; or

(2) Is otherwise making a diligent good faith effort to correct the violation.

History:

1976 c 173 s 6; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1986 c 444

144A.07 FEES.

Each application for a license to operate a nursing home, or for a renewal of license, except an application by the Minnesota Veterans Home or the commissioner of human services for the licensing of state institutions, shall be accompanied by a fee to be prescribed by the commissioner of health pursuant to section 144.122. No fee shall be refunded.

History:

1976 c 173 s 7; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58

144A.071 MORATORIUM ON CERTIFICATION OF NURSING HOME BEDS.

Subdivision 1.Findings.

The legislature declares that a moratorium on the licensure and medical assistance certification of new nursing home beds and construction projects that exceed $1,000,000 is necessary to control nursing home expenditure growth and enable the state to meet the needs of its elderly by providing high quality services in the most appropriate manner along a continuum of care.

Subd. 1a.Definitions.

For purposes of sections 144A.071 to 144A.073, the following terms have the meanings given them:

(a) "Attached fixtures" has the meaning given in Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0020, subpart 6.

(b) "Buildings" has the meaning given in Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0020, subpart 7.

(c) "Capital assets" has the meaning given in section 256B.421, subdivision 16.

(d) "Commenced construction" means that all of the following conditions were met: the final working drawings and specifications were approved by the commissioner of health; the construction contracts were let; a timely construction schedule was developed, stipulating dates for beginning, achieving various stages, and completing construction; and all zoning and building permits were applied for.

(e) "Completion date" means the date on which clearance for the construction project is issued, or if a clearance for the construction project is not required, the date on which the construction project assets are available for facility use.

(f) "Construction" means any erection, building, alteration, reconstruction, modernization, or improvement necessary to comply with the nursing home licensure rules.

(g) "Construction project" means:

(1) a capital asset addition to, or replacement of a nursing home or certified boarding care home that results in new space or the remodeling of or renovations to existing facility space; and

(2) the remodeling or renovation of existing facility space the use of which is modified as a result of the project described in clause (1). This existing space and the project described in clause (1) must be used for the functions as designated on the construction plans on completion of the project described in clause (1) for a period of not less than 24 months.

(h) "Depreciation guidelines" means the most recent publication of "The Estimated Useful Lives of Depreciable Hospital Assets," issued by the American Hospital Association, 840 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.

(i) "New licensed" or "new certified beds" means:

(1) newly constructed beds in a facility or the construction of a new facility that would increase the total number of licensed nursing home beds or certified boarding care or nursing home beds in the state; or

(2) newly licensed nursing home beds or newly certified boarding care or nursing home beds that result from remodeling of the facility that involves relocation of beds but does not result in an increase in the total number of beds, except when the project involves the upgrade of boarding care beds to nursing home beds, as defined in section 144A.073, subdivision 1. "Remodeling" includes any of the type of conversion, renovation, replacement, or upgrading projects as defined in section 144A.073, subdivision 1.

(j) "Project construction costs" means the cost of the following items that have a completion date within 12 months before or after the completion date of the project described in item (g), clause (1):

(1) facility capital asset additions;

(2) replacements;

(3) renovations;

(4) remodeling projects;

(5) construction site preparation costs;

(6) related soft costs; and

(7) the cost of new technology implemented as part of the construction project and depreciable equipment directly identified to the project, if the construction costs for clauses (1) to (6) exceed the threshold for additions and replacements stated in section 256B.431, subdivision 16. Technology and depreciable equipment shall be included in the project construction costs unless a written election is made by the facility, to not include it in the facility's appraised value for purposes of Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0020, subpart 5. Debt incurred for purchase of technology and depreciable equipment shall be included as allowable debt for purposes of Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0060, subpart 5, items A and C, unless the written election is to not include it. Any new technology and depreciable equipment included in the project construction costs that the facility elects not to include in its appraised value and allowable debt shall be treated as provided in section 256B.431, subdivision 17, paragraph (b). Written election under this paragraph must be included in the facility's request for the rate change related to the project, and this election may not be changed.

(k) "Technology" means information systems or devices that make documentation, charting, and staff time more efficient or encourage and allow for care through alternative settings including, but not limited to, touch screens, monitors, hand-helds, swipe cards, motion detectors, pagers, telemedicine, medication dispensers, and equipment to monitor vital signs and self-injections, and to observe skin and other conditions.

Subd. 2.Moratorium.

The commissioner of health, in coordination with the commissioner of human services, shall deny each request for new licensed or certified nursing home or certified boarding care beds except as provided in subdivision 3 or 4a, or section 144A.073. "Certified bed" means a nursing home bed or a boarding care bed certified by the commissioner of health for the purposes of the medical assistance program, under United States Code, title 42, sections 1396 et seq.

The commissioner of human services, in coordination with the commissioner of health, shall deny any request to issue a license under section 252.28 and chapter 245A to a nursing home or boarding care home, if that license would result in an increase in the medical assistance reimbursement amount.

In addition, the commissioner of health must not approve any construction project whose cost exceeds $1,000,000, unless:

(a) any construction costs exceeding $1,000,000 are not added to the facility's appraised value and are not included in the facility's payment rate for reimbursement under the medical assistance program; or

(b) the project:

(1) has been approved through the process described in section 144A.073;

(2) meets an exception in subdivision 3 or 4a;

(3) is necessary to correct violations of state or federal law issued by the commissioner of health;

(4) is necessary to repair or replace a portion of the facility that was damaged by fire, lightning, ground shifts, or other such hazards, including environmental hazards, provided that the provisions of subdivision 4a, clause (a), are met;

(5) as of May 1, 1992, the facility has submitted to the commissioner of health written documentation evidencing that the facility meets the "commenced construction" definition as specified in subdivision 1a, clause (d), or that substantial steps have been taken prior to April 1, 1992, relating to the construction project. "Substantial steps" require that the facility has made arrangements with outside parties relating to the construction project and include the hiring of an architect or construction firm, submission of preliminary plans to the Department of Health or documentation from a financial institution that financing arrangements for the construction project have been made; or

(6) is being proposed by a licensed nursing facility that is not certified to participate in the medical assistance program and will not result in new licensed or certified beds.

Prior to the final plan approval of any construction project, the commissioner of health shall be provided with an itemized cost estimate for the project construction costs. If a construction project is anticipated to be completed in phases, the total estimated cost of all phases of the project shall be submitted to the commissioner and shall be considered as one construction project. Once the construction project is completed and prior to the final clearance by the commissioner, the total project construction costs for the construction project shall be submitted to the commissioner. If the final project construction cost exceeds the dollar threshold in this subdivision, the commissioner of human services shall not recognize any of the project construction costs or the related financing costs in excess of this threshold in establishing the facility's property-related payment rate.

The dollar thresholds for construction projects are as follows: for construction projects other than those authorized in clauses (1) to (6), the dollar threshold is $1,000,000. For projects authorized after July 1, 1993, under clause (1), the dollar threshold is the cost estimate submitted with a proposal for an exception under section 144A.073, plus inflation as calculated according to section 256B.431, subdivision 3f, paragraph (a). For projects authorized under clauses (2) to (4), the dollar threshold is the itemized estimate project construction costs submitted to the commissioner of health at the time of final plan approval, plus inflation as calculated according to section 256B.431, subdivision 3f, paragraph (a).

The commissioner of health shall adopt rules to implement this section or to amend the emergency rules for granting exceptions to the moratorium on nursing homes under section 144A.073.

Subd. 3.Exceptions authorizing increase in beds; hardship areas.

(a) The commissioner of health, in coordination with the commissioner of human services, may approve the addition of new licensed and Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home beds, using the criteria and process set forth in this subdivision.

(b) The commissioner, in cooperation with the commissioner of human services, shall consider the following criteria when determining that an area of the state is a hardship area with regard to access to nursing facility services:

(1) a low number of beds per thousand in a specified area using as a standard the beds per thousand people age 65 and older, in five year age groups, using data from the most recent census and population projections, weighted by each group's most recent nursing home utilization, of the county at the 20th percentile, as determined by the commissioner of human services;

(2) a high level of out-migration for nursing facility services associated with a described area from the county or counties of residence to other Minnesota counties, as determined by the commissioner of human services, using as a standard an amount greater than the out-migration of the county ranked at the 50th percentile;

(3) an adequate level of availability of noninstitutional long-term care services measured as public spending for home and community-based long-term care services per individual age 65 and older, in five year age groups, using data from the most recent census and population projections, weighted by each group's most recent nursing home utilization, as determined by the commissioner of human services using as a standard an amount greater than the 50th percentile of counties;

(4) there must be a declaration of hardship resulting from insufficient access to nursing home beds by local county agencies and area agencies on aging; and

(5) other factors that may demonstrate the need to add new nursing facility beds.

(c) On August 15 of odd-numbered years, the commissioner, in cooperation with the commissioner of human services, may publish in the State Register a request for information in which interested parties, using the data provided under section 144A.351, along with any other relevant data, demonstrate that a specified area is a hardship area with regard to access to nursing facility services. For a response to be considered, the commissioner must receive it by November 15. The commissioner shall make responses to the request for information available to the public and shall allow 30 days for comment. The commissioner shall review responses and comments and determine if any areas of the state are to be declared hardship areas.

(d) For each designated hardship area determined in paragraph (c), the commissioner shall publish a request for proposals in accordance with section 144A.073 and Minnesota Rules, parts 4655.1070 to 4655.1098. The request for proposals must be published in the State Register by March 15 following receipt of responses to the request for information. The request for proposals must specify the number of new beds which may be added in the designated hardship area, which must not exceed the number which, if added to the existing number of beds in the area, including beds in layaway status, would have prevented it from being determined to be a hardship area under paragraph (b), clause (1). Beginning July 1, 2011, the number of new beds approved must not exceed 200 beds statewide per biennium. After June 30, 2019, the number of new beds that may be approved in a biennium must not exceed 300 statewide. For a proposal to be considered, the commissioner must receive it within six months of the publication of the request for proposals. The commissioner shall review responses to the request for proposals and shall approve or disapprove each proposal by the following July 15, in accordance with section 144A.073 and Minnesota Rules, parts 4655.1070 to 4655.1098. The commissioner shall base approvals or disapprovals on a comparison and ranking of proposals using only the criteria in subdivision 4a. Approval of a proposal expires after 18 months unless the facility has added the new beds using existing space, subject to approval by the commissioner, or has commenced construction as defined in section 144A.071, subdivision 1a, paragraph (d). If, after the approved beds have been added, fewer than 50 percent of the beds in a facility are newly licensed, the operating payment rates previously in effect shall remain. If, after the approved beds have been added, 50 percent or more of the beds in a facility are newly licensed, operating payment rates shall be determined according to Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0057, using the limits under section 256B.441. External fixed payment rates must be determined according to section 256B.441, subdivision 53. Property payment rates for facilities with beds added under this subdivision must be determined in the same manner as rate determinations resulting from projects approved and completed under section 144A.073.

(e) The commissioner may:

(1) certify or license new beds in a new facility that is to be operated by the commissioner of veterans affairs or when the costs of constructing and operating the new beds are to be reimbursed by the commissioner of veterans affairs or the United States Veterans Administration; and

(2) license or certify beds in a facility that has been involuntarily delicensed or decertified for participation in the medical assistance program, provided that an application for relicensure or recertification is submitted to the commissioner by an organization that is not a related organization as defined in section 256B.441, subdivision 34, to the prior licensee within 120 days after delicensure or decertification.

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 1992 c 513 art 7 s 135]

Subd. 4.Monitoring exceptions for replacement beds.

The commissioner of health, in coordination with the commissioner of human services, shall implement mechanisms to monitor and analyze the effect of the moratorium in the different geographic areas of the state. The commissioner of health shall submit to the legislature, no later than January 15, 1984, and annually thereafter, an assessment of the impact of the moratorium by geographic area, with particular attention to service deficits or problems and a corrective action plan.

Subd. 4a.Exceptions for replacement beds.

It is in the best interest of the state to ensure that nursing homes and boarding care homes continue to meet the physical plant licensing and certification requirements by permitting certain construction projects. Facilities should be maintained in condition to satisfy the physical and emotional needs of residents while allowing the state to maintain control over nursing home expenditure growth.

The commissioner of health in coordination with the commissioner of human services, may approve the renovation, replacement, upgrading, or relocation of a nursing home or boarding care home, under the following conditions:

(a) to license or certify beds in a new facility constructed to replace a facility or to make repairs in an existing facility that was destroyed or damaged after June 30, 1987, by fire, lightning, or other hazard provided:

(i) destruction was not caused by the intentional act of or at the direction of a controlling person of the facility;

(ii) at the time the facility was destroyed or damaged the controlling persons of the facility maintained insurance coverage for the type of hazard that occurred in an amount that a reasonable person would conclude was adequate;

(iii) the net proceeds from an insurance settlement for the damages caused by the hazard are applied to the cost of the new facility or repairs;

(iv) the number of licensed and certified beds in the new facility does not exceed the number of licensed and certified beds in the destroyed facility; and

(v) the commissioner determines that the replacement beds are needed to prevent an inadequate supply of beds.

Project construction costs incurred for repairs authorized under this clause shall not be considered in the dollar threshold amount defined in subdivision 2;

(b) to license or certify beds that are moved from one location to another within a nursing home facility, provided the total costs of remodeling performed in conjunction with the relocation of beds does not exceed $1,000,000;

(c) to license or certify beds in a project recommended for approval under section 144A.073;

(d) to license or certify beds that are moved from an existing state nursing home to a different state facility, provided there is no net increase in the number of state nursing home beds;

(e) to certify and license as nursing home beds boarding care beds in a certified boarding care facility if the beds meet the standards for nursing home licensure, or in a facility that was granted an exception to the moratorium under section 144A.073, and if the cost of any remodeling of the facility does not exceed $1,000,000. If boarding care beds are licensed as nursing home beds, the number of boarding care beds in the facility must not increase beyond the number remaining at the time of the upgrade in licensure. The provisions contained in section 144A.073 regarding the upgrading of the facilities do not apply to facilities that satisfy these requirements;

(f) to license and certify up to 40 beds transferred from an existing facility owned and operated by the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation in the city of St. Paul to a new unit at the same location as the existing facility that will serve persons with Alzheimer's disease and other related disorders. The transfer of beds may occur gradually or in stages, provided the total number of beds transferred does not exceed 40. At the time of licensure and certification of a bed or beds in the new unit, the commissioner of health shall delicense and decertify the same number of beds in the existing facility. As a condition of receiving a license or certification under this clause, the facility must make a written commitment to the commissioner of human services that it will not seek to receive an increase in its property-related payment rate as a result of the transfers allowed under this paragraph;

(g) to license and certify nursing home beds to replace currently licensed and certified boarding care beds which may be located either in a remodeled or renovated boarding care or nursing home facility or in a remodeled, renovated, newly constructed, or replacement nursing home facility within the identifiable complex of health care facilities in which the currently licensed boarding care beds are presently located, provided that the number of boarding care beds in the facility or complex are decreased by the number to be licensed as nursing home beds and further provided that, if the total costs of new construction, replacement, remodeling, or renovation exceed ten percent of the appraised value of the facility or $200,000, whichever is less, the facility makes a written commitment to the commissioner of human services that it will not seek to receive an increase in its property-related payment rate by reason of the new construction, replacement, remodeling, or renovation. The provisions contained in section 144A.073 regarding the upgrading of facilities do not apply to facilities that satisfy these requirements;

(h) to license as a nursing home and certify as a nursing facility a facility that is licensed as a boarding care facility but not certified under the medical assistance program, but only if the commissioner of human services certifies to the commissioner of health that licensing the facility as a nursing home and certifying the facility as a nursing facility will result in a net annual savings to the state general fund of $200,000 or more;

(i) to certify, after September 30, 1992, and prior to July 1, 1993, existing nursing home beds in a facility that was licensed and in operation prior to January 1, 1992;

(j) to license and certify new nursing home beds to replace beds in a facility acquired by the Minneapolis Community Development Agency as part of redevelopment activities in a city of the first class, provided the new facility is located within three miles of the site of the old facility. Operating and property costs for the new facility must be determined and allowed under section 256B.431 or 256B.434;

(k) to license and certify up to 20 new nursing home beds in a community-operated hospital and attached convalescent and nursing care facility with 40 beds on April 21, 1991, that suspended operation of the hospital in April 1986. The commissioner of human services shall provide the facility with the same per diem property-related payment rate for each additional licensed and certified bed as it will receive for its existing 40 beds;

(l) to license or certify beds in renovation, replacement, or upgrading projects as defined in section 144A.073, subdivision 1, so long as the cumulative total costs of the facility's remodeling projects do not exceed $1,000,000;

(m) to license and certify beds that are moved from one location to another for the purposes of converting up to five four-bed wards to single or double occupancy rooms in a nursing home that, as of January 1, 1993, was county-owned and had a licensed capacity of 115 beds;

(n) to allow a facility that on April 16, 1993, was a 106-bed licensed and certified nursing facility located in Minneapolis to layaway all of its licensed and certified nursing home beds. These beds may be relicensed and recertified in a newly constructed teaching nursing home facility affiliated with a teaching hospital upon approval by the legislature. The proposal must be developed in consultation with the interagency committee on long-term care planning. The beds on layaway status shall have the same status as voluntarily delicensed and decertified beds, except that beds on layaway status remain subject to the surcharge in section 256.9657. This layaway provision expires July 1, 1998;

(o) to allow a project which will be completed in conjunction with an approved moratorium exception project for a nursing home in southern Cass County and which is directly related to that portion of the facility that must be repaired, renovated, or replaced, to correct an emergency plumbing problem for which a state correction order has been issued and which must be corrected by August 31, 1993;

(p) to allow a facility that on April 16, 1993, was a 368-bed licensed and certified nursing facility located in Minneapolis to layaway, upon 30 days prior written notice to the commissioner, up to 30 of the facility's licensed and certified beds by converting three-bed wards to single or double occupancy. Beds on layaway status shall have the same status as voluntarily delicensed and decertified beds except that beds on layaway status remain subject to the surcharge in section 256.9657, remain subject to the license application and renewal fees under section 144A.07 and shall be subject to a $100 per bed reactivation fee. In addition, at any time within three years of the effective date of the layaway, the beds on layaway status may be:

(1) relicensed and recertified upon relocation and reactivation of some or all of the beds to an existing licensed and certified facility or facilities located in Pine River, Brainerd, or International Falls; provided that the total project construction costs related to the relocation of beds from layaway status for any facility receiving relocated beds may not exceed the dollar threshold provided in subdivision 2 unless the construction project has been approved through the moratorium exception process under section 144A.073;

(2) relicensed and recertified, upon reactivation of some or all of the beds within the facility which placed the beds in layaway status, if the commissioner has determined a need for the reactivation of the beds on layaway status.

The property-related payment rate of a facility placing beds on layaway status must be adjusted by the incremental change in its rental per diem after recalculating the rental per diem as provided in section 256B.431, subdivision 3a, paragraph (c). The property-related payment rate for a facility relicensing and recertifying beds from layaway status must be adjusted by the incremental change in its rental per diem after recalculating its rental per diem using the number of beds after the relicensing to establish the facility's capacity day divisor, which shall be effective the first day of the month following the month in which the relicensing and recertification became effective. Any beds remaining on layaway status more than three years after the date the layaway status became effective must be removed from layaway status and immediately delicensed and decertified;

(q) to license and certify beds in a renovation and remodeling project to convert 12 four-bed wards into 24 two-bed rooms, expand space, and add improvements in a nursing home that, as of January 1, 1994, met the following conditions: the nursing home was located in Ramsey County; had a licensed capacity of 154 beds; and had been ranked among the top 15 applicants by the 1993 moratorium exceptions advisory review panel. The total project construction cost estimate for this project must not exceed the cost estimate submitted in connection with the 1993 moratorium exception process;

(r) to license and certify up to 117 beds that are relocated from a licensed and certified 138-bed nursing facility located in St. Paul to a hospital with 130 licensed hospital beds located in South St. Paul, provided that the nursing facility and hospital are owned by the same or a related organization and that prior to the date the relocation is completed the hospital ceases operation of its inpatient hospital services at that hospital. After relocation, the nursing facility's status shall be the same as it was prior to relocation. The nursing facility's property-related payment rate resulting from the project authorized in this paragraph shall become effective no earlier than April 1, 1996. For purposes of calculating the incremental change in the facility's rental per diem resulting from this project, the allowable appraised value of the nursing facility portion of the existing health care facility physical plant prior to the renovation and relocation may not exceed $2,490,000;

(s) to license and certify two beds in a facility to replace beds that were voluntarily delicensed and decertified on June 28, 1991;

(t) to allow 16 licensed and certified beds located on July 1, 1994, in a 142-bed nursing home and 21-bed boarding care home facility in Minneapolis, notwithstanding the licensure and certification after July 1, 1995, of the Minneapolis facility as a 147-bed nursing home facility after completion of a construction project approved in 1993 under section 144A.073, to be laid away upon 30 days' prior written notice to the commissioner. Beds on layaway status shall have the same status as voluntarily delicensed or decertified beds except that they shall remain subject to the surcharge in section 256.9657. The 16 beds on layaway status may be relicensed as nursing home beds and recertified at any time within five years of the effective date of the layaway upon relocation of some or all of the beds to a licensed and certified facility located in Watertown, provided that the total project construction costs related to the relocation of beds from layaway status for the Watertown facility may not exceed the dollar threshold provided in subdivision 2 unless the construction project has been approved through the moratorium exception process under section 144A.073.

The property-related payment rate of the facility placing beds on layaway status must be adjusted by the incremental change in its rental per diem after recalculating the rental per diem as provided in section 256B.431, subdivision 3a, paragraph (c). The property-related payment rate for the facility relicensing and recertifying beds from layaway status must be adjusted by the incremental change in its rental per diem after recalculating its rental per diem using the number of beds after the relicensing to establish the facility's capacity day divisor, which shall be effective the first day of the month following the month in which the relicensing and recertification became effective. Any beds remaining on layaway status more than five years after the date the layaway status became effective must be removed from layaway status and immediately delicensed and decertified;

(u) to license and certify beds that are moved within an existing area of a facility or to a newly constructed addition which is built for the purpose of eliminating three- and four-bed rooms and adding space for dining, lounge areas, bathing rooms, and ancillary service areas in a nursing home that, as of January 1, 1995, was located in Fridley and had a licensed capacity of 129 beds;

(v) to relocate 36 beds in Crow Wing County and four beds from Hennepin County to a 160-bed facility in Crow Wing County, provided all the affected beds are under common ownership;

(w) to license and certify a total replacement project of up to 49 beds located in Norman County that are relocated from a nursing home destroyed by flood and whose residents were relocated to other nursing homes. The operating cost payment rates for the new nursing facility shall be determined based on the interim and settle-up payment provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0057, and the reimbursement provisions of section 256B.431. Property-related reimbursement rates shall be determined under section 256B.431, taking into account any federal or state flood-related loans or grants provided to the facility;

(x) to license and certify to the licensee of a nursing home in Polk County that was destroyed by flood in 1997 replacement projects with a total of up to 129 beds, with at least 25 beds to be located in Polk County and up to 104 beds distributed among up to three other counties. These beds may only be distributed to counties with fewer than the median number of age intensity adjusted beds per thousand, as most recently published by the commissioner of human services. If the licensee chooses to distribute beds outside of Polk County under this paragraph, prior to distributing the beds, the commissioner of health must approve the location in which the licensee plans to distribute the beds. The commissioner of health shall consult with the commissioner of human services prior to approving the location of the proposed beds. The licensee may combine these beds with beds relocated from other nursing facilities as provided in section 144A.073, subdivision 3c. The operating payment rates for the new nursing facilities shall be determined based on the interim and settle-up payment provisions of section 256B.431, 256B.434, or 256B.441 or Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0010 to 9549.0080. Property-related reimbursement rates shall be determined under section 256B.431, 256B.434, or 256B.441. If the replacement beds permitted under this paragraph are combined with beds from other nursing facilities, the rates shall be calculated as the weighted average of rates determined as provided in this paragraph and section 256B.441, subdivision 60;

(y) to license and certify beds in a renovation and remodeling project to convert 13 three-bed wards into 13 two-bed rooms and 13 single-bed rooms, expand space, and add improvements in a nursing home that, as of January 1, 1994, met the following conditions: the nursing home was located in Ramsey County, was not owned by a hospital corporation, had a licensed capacity of 64 beds, and had been ranked among the top 15 applicants by the 1993 moratorium exceptions advisory review panel. The total project construction cost estimate for this project must not exceed the cost estimate submitted in connection with the 1993 moratorium exception process;

(z) to license and certify up to 150 nursing home beds to replace an existing 285 bed nursing facility located in St. Paul. The replacement project shall include both the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of new facilities at the existing site. The reduction in the licensed capacity of the existing facility shall occur during the construction project as beds are taken out of service due to the construction process. Prior to the start of the construction process, the facility shall provide written information to the commissioner of health describing the process for bed reduction, plans for the relocation of residents, and the estimated construction schedule. The relocation of residents shall be in accordance with the provisions of law and rule;

(aa) to allow the commissioner of human services to license an additional 36 beds to provide residential services for the physically disabled under Minnesota Rules, parts 9570.2000 to 9570.3400, in a 198-bed nursing home located in Red Wing, provided that the total number of licensed and certified beds at the facility does not increase;

(bb) to license and certify a new facility in St. Louis County with 44 beds constructed to replace an existing facility in St. Louis County with 31 beds, which has resident rooms on two separate floors and an antiquated elevator that creates safety concerns for residents and prevents nonambulatory residents from residing on the second floor. The project shall include the elimination of three- and four-bed rooms;

(cc) to license and certify four beds in a 16-bed certified boarding care home in Minneapolis to replace beds that were voluntarily delicensed and decertified on or before March 31, 1992. The licensure and certification is conditional upon the facility periodically assessing and adjusting its resident mix and other factors which may contribute to a potential institution for mental disease declaration. The commissioner of human services shall retain the authority to audit the facility at any time and shall require the facility to comply with any requirements necessary to prevent an institution for mental disease declaration, including delicensure and decertification of beds, if necessary;

(dd) to license and certify 72 beds in an existing facility in Mille Lacs County with 80 beds as part of a renovation project. The renovation must include construction of an addition to accommodate ten residents with beginning and midstage dementia in a self-contained living unit; creation of three resident households where dining, activities, and support spaces are located near resident living quarters; designation of four beds for rehabilitation in a self-contained area; designation of 30 private rooms; and other improvements;

(ee) to license and certify beds in a facility that has undergone replacement or remodeling as part of a planned closure under section 256B.437;

(ff) to license and certify a total replacement project of up to 124 beds located in Wilkin County that are in need of relocation from a nursing home significantly damaged by flood. The operating cost payment rates for the new nursing facility shall be determined based on the interim and settle-up payment provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0057, and the reimbursement provisions of section 256B.431. Property-related reimbursement rates shall be determined under section 256B.431, taking into account any federal or state flood-related loans or grants provided to the facility;

(gg) to allow the commissioner of human services to license an additional nine beds to provide residential services for the physically disabled under Minnesota Rules, parts 9570.2000 to 9570.3400, in a 240-bed nursing home located in Duluth, provided that the total number of licensed and certified beds at the facility does not increase;

(hh) to license and certify up to 120 new nursing facility beds to replace beds in a facility in Anoka County, which was licensed for 98 beds as of July 1, 2000, provided the new facility is located within four miles of the existing facility and is in Anoka County. Operating and property rates shall be determined and allowed under section 256B.431 and Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0010 to 9549.0080, or section 256B.434 or 256B.441; or

(ii) to transfer up to 98 beds of a 129-licensed bed facility located in Anoka County that, as of March 25, 2001, is in the active process of closing, to a 122-licensed bed nonprofit nursing facility located in the city of Columbia Heights or its affiliate. The transfer is effective when the receiving facility notifies the commissioner in writing of the number of beds accepted. The commissioner shall place all transferred beds on layaway status held in the name of the receiving facility. The layaway adjustment provisions of section 256B.431, subdivision 30, do not apply to this layaway. The receiving facility may only remove the beds from layaway for recertification and relicensure at the receiving facility's current site, or at a newly constructed facility located in Anoka County. The receiving facility must receive statutory authorization before removing these beds from layaway status, or may remove these beds from layaway status if removal from layaway status is part of a moratorium exception project approved by the commissioner under section 144A.073.

Subd. 4b.Licensed beds on layaway status.

A licensed and certified nursing facility may lay away, upon prior written notice to the commissioner of health, licensed and certified beds. A nursing facility may not discharge a resident in order to lay away a bed. Notice to the commissioner shall be given 60 days prior to the effective date of the layaway. Beds on layaway shall have the same status as voluntarily delicensed and decertified beds and shall not be subject to license fees and license surcharge fees. In addition, beds on layaway may be removed from layaway at any time on or after six months after the effective date of layaway in the facility of origin, with a 60-day notice to the commissioner. A nursing facility that removes beds from layaway may not place beds on layaway status for six months after the effective date of the removal from layaway. The commissioner may approve the immediate removal of beds from layaway if necessary to provide access to those nursing home beds to residents relocated from other nursing homes due to emergency situations or closure. In the event approval is granted, the six-month restriction on placing beds on layaway after a removal of beds from layaway shall not apply. Beds may remain on layaway for up to ten years. The commissioner may approve placing and removing beds on layaway at any time during renovation or construction related to a moratorium project approved under this section or section 144A.073. Nursing facilities are not required to comply with any licensure or certification requirements for beds on layaway status.

Subd. 4c.Exceptions for replacement beds after June 30, 2003.

(a) The commissioner of health, in coordination with the commissioner of human services, may approve the renovation, replacement, upgrading, or relocation of a nursing home or boarding care home, under the following conditions:

(1) to license and certify an 80-bed city-owned facility in Nicollet County to be constructed on the site of a new city-owned hospital to replace an existing 85-bed facility attached to a hospital that is also being replaced. The threshold allowed for this project under section 144A.073 shall be the maximum amount available to pay the additional medical assistance costs of the new facility;

(2) to license and certify 29 beds to be added to an existing 69-bed facility in St. Louis County, provided that the 29 beds must be transferred from active or layaway status at an existing facility in St. Louis County that had 235 beds on April 1, 2003.

The licensed capacity at the 235-bed facility must be reduced to 206 beds, but the payment rate at that facility shall not be adjusted as a result of this transfer. The operating payment rate of the facility adding beds after completion of this project shall be the same as it was on the day prior to the day the beds are licensed and certified. This project shall not proceed unless it is approved and financed under the provisions of section 144A.073;

(3) to license and certify a new 60-bed facility in Austin, provided that: (i) 45 of the new beds are transferred from a 45-bed facility in Austin under common ownership that is closed and 15 of the new beds are transferred from a 182-bed facility in Albert Lea under common ownership; (ii) the commissioner of human services is authorized by the 2004 legislature to negotiate budget-neutral planned nursing facility closures; and (iii) money is available from planned closures of facilities under common ownership to make implementation of this clause budget-neutral to the state. The bed capacity of the Albert Lea facility shall be reduced to 167 beds following the transfer. Of the 60 beds at the new facility, 20 beds shall be used for a special care unit for persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias;

(4) to license and certify up to 80 beds transferred from an existing state-owned nursing facility in Cass County to a new facility located on the grounds of the Ah-Gwah-Ching campus. The operating cost payment rates for the new facility shall be determined based on the interim and settle-up payment provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0057, and the reimbursement provisions of section 256B.431. The property payment rate for the first three years of operation shall be $35 per day. For subsequent years, the property payment rate of $35 per day shall be adjusted for inflation as provided in section 256B.434, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), as long as the facility has a contract under section 256B.434;

(5) to initiate a pilot program to license and certify up to 80 beds transferred from an existing county-owned nursing facility in Steele County relocated to the site of a new acute care facility as part of the county's Communities for a Lifetime comprehensive plan to create innovative responses to the aging of its population. Upon relocation to the new site, the nursing facility shall delicense 28 beds. The property payment rate for the first three years of operation of the new facility shall be increased by an amount as calculated according to items (i) to (v):

(i) compute the estimated decrease in medical assistance residents served by the nursing facility by multiplying the decrease in licensed beds by the historical percentage of medical assistance resident days;

(ii) compute the annual savings to the medical assistance program from the delicensure of 28 beds by multiplying the anticipated decrease in medical assistance residents, determined in item (i), by the existing facility's weighted average payment rate multiplied by 365;

(iii) compute the anticipated annual costs for community-based services by multiplying the anticipated decrease in medical assistance residents served by the nursing facility, determined in item (i), by the average monthly elderly waiver service costs for individuals in Steele County multiplied by 12;

(iv) subtract the amount in item (iii) from the amount in item (ii);

(v) divide the amount in item (iv) by an amount equal to the relocated nursing facility's occupancy factor under section 256B.431, subdivision 3f, paragraph (c), multiplied by the historical percentage of medical assistance resident days.

For subsequent years, the adjusted property payment rate shall be adjusted for inflation as provided in section 256B.434, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), as long as the facility has a contract under section 256B.434; and

(6) to consolidate and relocate nursing facility beds to a new site in Goodhue County and to integrate these services with other community-based programs and services under a communities for a lifetime pilot program and comprehensive plan to create innovative responses to the aging of its population. Eighty beds in the city of Red Wing shall be transferred from the downsizing and relocation of an existing 84-bed, hospital-owned nursing facility and the entire closure or downsizing of beds from a 65-bed nonprofit nursing facility in the community resulting in the delicensure of 69 beds in the two existing facilities. Notwithstanding the carryforward of the approval authority in section 144A.073, subdivision 11, the funding approved in April 2009 by the commissioner of health for a project in Goodhue County shall not carry forward. The closure of the 69 beds shall not be eligible for a planned closure rate adjustment under section 256B.437. The construction project permitted in this clause shall not be eligible for a threshold project rate adjustment under section 256B.434, subdivision 4f. The property payment rate for the first three years of operation of the new facility shall be increased by an amount as calculated according to items (i) to (vi):

(i) compute the estimated decrease in medical assistance residents served by both nursing facilities by multiplying the difference between the occupied beds of the two nursing facilities for the reporting year ending September 30, 2009, and the projected occupancy of the facility at 95 percent occupancy by the historical percentage of medical assistance resident days;

(ii) compute the annual savings to the medical assistance program from the delicensure by multiplying the anticipated decrease in the medical assistance residents, determined in item (i), by the hospital-owned nursing facility weighted average payment rate multiplied by 365;

(iii) compute the anticipated annual costs for community-based services by multiplying the anticipated decrease in medical assistance residents served by the facilities, determined in item (i), by the average monthly elderly waiver service costs for individuals in Goodhue County multiplied by 12;

(iv) subtract the amount in item (iii) from the amount in item (ii);

(v) multiply the amount in item (iv) by 48.5 percent; and

(vi) divide the difference of the amount in item (iv) and the amount in item (v) by an amount equal to the relocated nursing facility's occupancy factor under section 256B.431, subdivision 3f, paragraph (c), multiplied by the historical percentage of medical assistance resident days.

For subsequent years, the adjusted property payment rate shall be adjusted for inflation as provided in section 256B.434, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), as long as the facility has a contract under section 256B.434.

(b) Projects approved under this subdivision shall be treated in a manner equivalent to projects approved under subdivision 4a.

Subd. 4d.Consolidation of nursing facilities.

(a) The commissioner of health, in consultation with the commissioner of human services, may approve a request for consolidation of nursing facilities which includes the closure of one or more facilities and the upgrading of the physical plant of the remaining nursing facility or facilities, the costs of which exceed the threshold project limit under subdivision 2, clause (a). The commissioners shall consider the criteria in this section, section 144A.073, and section 256B.437, in approving or rejecting a consolidation proposal. In the event the commissioners approve the request, the commissioner of human services shall calculate a property rate adjustment according to clauses (1) to (3):

(1) the closure of beds shall not be eligible for a planned closure rate adjustment under section 256B.437, subdivision 6;

(2) the construction project permitted in this clause shall not be eligible for a threshold project rate adjustment under section 256B.434, subdivision 4f, or a moratorium exception adjustment under section 144A.073; and

(3) the property payment rate for a remaining facility or facilities shall be increased by an amount equal to 65 percent of the projected net cost savings to the state calculated in paragraph (b), divided by the state's medical assistance percentage of medical assistance dollars, and then divided by estimated medical assistance resident days, as determined in paragraph (c), of the remaining nursing facility or facilities in the request in this paragraph. The rate adjustment is effective on the later of the first day of the month following completion of the construction upgrades in the consolidation plan or the first day of the month following the complete closure of a facility designated for closure in the consolidation plan. If more than one facility is receiving upgrades in the consolidation plan, each facility's date of construction completion must be evaluated separately.

(b) For purposes of calculating the net cost savings to the state, the commissioner shall consider clauses (1) to (7):

(1) the annual savings from estimated medical assistance payments from the net number of beds closed taking into consideration only beds that are in active service on the date of the request and that have been in active service for at least three years;

(2) the estimated annual cost of increased case load of individuals receiving services under the elderly waiver;

(3) the estimated annual cost of elderly waiver recipients receiving support under group residential housing;

(4) the estimated annual cost of increased case load of individuals receiving services under the alternative care program;

(5) the annual loss of license surcharge payments on closed beds;

(6) the savings from not paying planned closure rate adjustments that the facilities would otherwise be eligible for under section 256B.437; and

(7) the savings from not paying property payment rate adjustments from submission of renovation costs that would otherwise be eligible as threshold projects under section 256B.434, subdivision 4f.

(c) For purposes of the calculation in paragraph (a), clause (3), the estimated medical assistance resident days of the remaining facility or facilities shall be computed assuming 95 percent occupancy multiplied by the historical percentage of medical assistance resident days of the remaining facility or facilities, as reported on the facility's or facilities' most recent nursing facility statistical and cost report filed before the plan of closure is submitted, multiplied by 365.

(d) For purposes of net cost of savings to the state in paragraph (b), the average occupancy percentages will be those reported on the facility's or facilities' most recent nursing facility statistical and cost report filed before the plan of closure is submitted, and the average payment rates shall be calculated based on the approved payment rates in effect at the time the consolidation request is submitted.

(e) To qualify for the property payment rate adjustment under this provision, the closing facilities shall:

(1) submit an application for closure according to section 256B.437, subdivision 3; and

(2) follow the resident relocation provisions of section 144A.161.

(f) The county or counties in which a facility or facilities are closed under this subdivision shall not be eligible for designation as a hardship area under section 144A.071, subdivision 3, for five years from the date of the approval of the proposed consolidation. The applicant shall notify the county of this limitation and the county shall acknowledge this in a letter of support.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 57]

Subd. 5a.Cost estimate of a moratorium exception project.

(a) For the purposes of this section and section 144A.073, the cost estimate of a moratorium exception project shall include the effects of the proposed project on the costs of the state subsidy for community-based services, nursing services, and housing in institutional and noninstitutional settings. The commissioner of health, in cooperation with the commissioner of human services, shall define the method for estimating these costs in the permanent rule implementing section 144A.073. The commissioner of human services shall prepare an estimate of the total state annual long-term costs of each moratorium exception proposal.

(b) The interest rate to be used for estimating the cost of each moratorium exception project proposal shall be the lesser of either the prime rate plus two percentage points, or the posted yield for standard conventional fixed rate mortgages of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation plus two percentage points as published in the Wall Street Journal and in effect 56 days prior to the application deadline. If the applicant's proposal uses this interest rate, the commissioner of human services, in determining the facility's actual property-related payment rate to be established upon completion of the project must use the actual interest rate obtained by the facility for the project's permanent financing up to the maximum permitted under Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0060, subpart 6.

The applicant may choose an alternate interest rate for estimating the project's cost. If the applicant makes this election, the commissioner of human services, in determining the facility's actual property-related payment rate to be established upon completion of the project, must use the lesser of the actual interest rate obtained for the project's permanent financing or the interest rate which was used to estimate the proposal's project cost. For succeeding rate years, the applicant is at risk for financing costs in excess of the interest rate selected.

Subd. 6.Property-related payment rates of new beds.

The property-related payment rates of nursing home or boarding care home beds certified or recertified under subdivision 3 or 4a, shall be adjusted according to Minnesota nursing facility reimbursement laws and rules unless the facility has made a commitment in writing to the commissioner of human services not to seek adjustments to these rates due to property-related expenses incurred as a result of the certification or recertification. Any licensure or certification action authorized under repealed statutes which were approved by the commissioner of health prior to July 1, 1993, shall remain in effect. Any conditions pertaining to property rate reimbursement covered by these repealed statutes prior to July 1, 1993, remain in effect.

Subd. 7.Submission of cost information.

Before approval of final construction plans for a nursing home or a certified boarding care home construction project, the licensee shall submit to the commissioner of health an itemized statement of the project construction cost estimates.

If the construction project includes a capital asset addition, replacement, remodeling, or renovation of space such as a hospital, apartment, or shared or common areas, the facility must submit to the commissioner an allocation of capital asset costs, soft costs, and debt information prepared according to Minnesota Rules, chapter 9549.

Project construction cost estimates must be prepared by a contractor or architect and other licensed participants in the development of the project.

Subd. 8.Final approval.

Before conducting the final inspection of the construction project required by Minnesota Rules, part 4660.0100, and issuing final clearances for use, the licensee shall provide to the commissioner of health the total project construction costs of the construction project. If total costs are not available, the most recent cost figures shall be provided. Final cost figures shall be submitted to the commissioner when available. The commissioner shall provide a copy of this information to the commissioner of human services.

History:

1983 c 199 s 1; 1983 c 289 s 115 subd 1; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 28; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 10-12; 1987 c 186 s 15; 1987 c 403 art 4 s 3; 1Sp1987 c 4 art 2 s 1; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 36; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 11; 1990 c 472 s 1; 1990 c 612 s 6; 1991 c 93 s 1; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 1,2; art 7 s 25 subd 1,3; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 2,3; 1993 c 4 s 22; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 2; 1994 c 625 art 8 s 46; 1995 c 207 art 7 s 9-12; 1995 c 263 s 2; 1996 c 305 art 2 s 28; 1996 c 451 art 3 s 1,2; 1997 c 105 s 1; 1997 c 203 art 3 s 1,2,15; 1998 c 407 art 3 s 2; 2000 c 449 s 16; 2000 c 488 art 9 s 2,; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 3-6; 2002 c 240 s 1; 2002 c 277 s 32; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 1; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 16 s 1; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 9; 2004 c 218 s 1; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 68 art 1 s 1; 2006 c 282 art 20 s 3-5; 2008 c 285 s 1; 2010 c 329 art 1 s 1; 2010 c 352 art 1 s 2; 2011 c 22 art 1 s 2,3; art 2 s 1; 2012 c 216 art 9 s 1,2; art 14 s 1; 2013 c 63 s 3; 2013 c 108 art 7 s 2; 2015 c 71 art 6 s 2

144A.073 EXCEPTIONS TO MORATORIUM; REVIEW.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them:

(a) "Conversion" means the relocation of a nursing home bed from a nursing home to an attached hospital.

(b) "Relocation" means the movement of licensed nursing home beds or certified boarding care beds as permitted under subdivision 4, clause (3), and subdivision 5.

(c) "Renovation" means extensive remodeling of an existing facility with a total cost exceeding ten percent of the appraised value of the facility or $200,000, whichever is less. A renovation may include the replacement or upgrade of existing mechanical or electrical systems.

(d) "Replacement" means the construction of a complete new facility.

(e) "Addition" means the construction of new space to an existing facility.

(f) "Upgrading" means a change in the level of licensure of a bed from a boarding care bed to a nursing home bed in a certified boarding care facility.

(g) "Phased project" means a proposal that identifies construction occurring with more than one distinct completion date. To be considered a distinct completion, each phase must have construction that is ready for resident use, as determined by the commissioner, that is not dependent on similar commissioner approval for future phases of construction. The commissioner of human services shall only allow rate adjustments for construction projects in phases if the proposal from a facility identifies construction in phases and each phase can be approved for use independent of the other phases.

Subd. 2.Request for proposals.

At the authorization by the legislature of additional medical assistance expenditures for exceptions to the moratorium on nursing homes, the commissioner shall publish in the State Register a request for proposals for nursing home and certified boarding care home projects for conversion, relocation, renovation, replacement, upgrading, or addition. The public notice of this funding and the request for proposals must specify how the approval criteria will be prioritized by the commissioner. The notice must describe the information that must accompany a request and state that proposals must be submitted to the commissioner within 150 days of the date of publication. The notice must include the amount of the legislative appropriation available for the additional costs to the medical assistance program of projects approved under this section. If money is appropriated, the commissioner shall initiate the application and review process described in this section at least once each biennium. A second application and review process must occur if remaining funds are either greater than $300,000 or more than 50 percent of the baseline appropriation for the biennium. Authorized funds may be awarded in full in the first review process of the biennium. Appropriated funds not encumbered within a biennium shall carry forward to the following biennium. To be considered for approval, a proposal must include the following information:

(1) whether the request is for renovation, replacement, upgrading, conversion, addition, or relocation;

(2) a description of the problems the project is designed to address;

(3) a description of the proposed project;

(4) an analysis of projected costs of the nursing facility proposed project, including:

(i) initial construction and remodeling costs;

(ii) site preparation costs;

(iii) equipment and technology costs;

(iv) financing costs, the current estimated long-term financing costs of the proposal, which is to include details of any proposed funding mechanism already arranged or being considered, including estimates of the amount and sources of money, reserves if required, annual payments schedule, interest rates, length of term, closing costs and fees, insurance costs, any completed marketing study or underwriting review; and

(v) estimated operating costs during the first two years after completion of the project;

(5) for proposals involving replacement of all or part of a facility, the proposed location of the replacement facility and an estimate of the cost of addressing the problem through renovation;

(6) for proposals involving renovation, an estimate of the cost of addressing the problem through replacement;

(7) the proposed timetable for commencing construction and completing the project;

(8) a statement of any licensure or certification issues, such as certification survey deficiencies;

(9) the proposed relocation plan for current residents if beds are to be closed according to section 144A.161; and

(10) other information required by permanent rule of the commissioner of health in accordance with subdivisions 4 and 8.

Subd. 3.Review and approval of proposals.

Within the limits of money specifically appropriated to the medical assistance program for this purpose, the commissioner of health may grant exceptions to the nursing home licensure or certification moratorium for proposals that satisfy the requirements of this section. The commissioner of health shall approve or disapprove a project. The commissioner of health shall base approvals or disapprovals on a comparison and ranking of proposals using only the criteria in subdivision 4 and in rules adopted by the commissioner. The cost to the medical assistance program of the proposals approved must be within the limits of the appropriations specifically made for this purpose. Approval of a proposal expires 18 months after approval by the commissioner of health unless the facility has commenced construction as defined in section 144A.071, subdivision 1a, paragraph (d).

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 1995 c 207 art 7 s 43]

Subd. 3b.Amendments to approved projects.

(a) Nursing facilities that have received approval on or after July 1, 1993, for exceptions to the moratorium on nursing homes through the process described in this section may request amendments to the designs of the projects by writing the commissioner within 15 months of receiving approval. Applicants shall submit supporting materials that demonstrate how the amended projects meet the criteria described in paragraph (b).

(b) The commissioner shall approve requests for amendments for projects approved on or after July 1, 1993, according to the following criteria:

(1) the amended project designs must provide solutions to all of the problems addressed by the original application that are at least as effective as the original solutions;

(2) the amended project designs may not reduce the space in each resident's living area or in the total amount of common space devoted to resident and family uses by more than five percent;

(3) the costs recognized for reimbursement of amended project designs shall be the threshold amount of the original proposal as identified according to section 144A.071, subdivision 2, except under conditions described in clause (4); and

(4) total costs up to ten percent greater than the cost identified in clause (3) may be recognized for reimbursement if the proposer can document that one of the following circumstances is true:

(i) changes are needed due to a natural disaster;

(ii) conditions that affect the safety or durability of the project that could not have reasonably been known prior to approval are discovered;

(iii) state or federal law require changes in project design; or

(iv) documentable circumstances occur that are beyond the control of the owner and require changes in the design.

(c) Approval of a request for an amendment does not alter the expiration of approval of the project according to subdivision 3.

Subd. 3c.Cost neutral relocation projects.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 3, the commissioner may at any time accept proposals, or amendments to proposals previously approved under this section, for relocations that are cost neutral with respect to state costs as defined in section 144A.071, subdivision 5a. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of human services, shall evaluate proposals according to subdivision 4a, clauses (1), (4), (5), (6), and (8), and other criteria established in rule or law. The commissioner of human services shall determine the allowable payment rates of the facility receiving the beds in accordance with section 256B.441, subdivision 60. The commissioner shall approve or disapprove a project within 90 days.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a), cost neutrality shall be measured over the first three 12-month periods of operation after completion of the project.

Subd. 3d.

[Repealed by amendment, 2008 c 230 s 3]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2011 c 22 art 1 s 8]

Subd. 4a.Criteria for review.

In reviewing the application materials and submitted costs by an applicant to the moratorium process, the review panel shall consider the following criteria in recommending proposals:

(1) the extent to which the proposed nursing home project is integrated with other health and long-term care services for older adults;

(2) the extent to which the project provides for the complete replacement of an outdated physical plant;

(3) the extent to which the project results in a reduction of nursing facility beds in an area that has a relatively high number of beds per thousand occupied by persons age 85 and over;

(4) the extent to which the project produces improvements in health; safety, including life safety code corrections; quality of life; and privacy of residents;

(5) the extent to which, under the current facility ownership and management, the provider has shown the ability to provide good quality of care based on health-related findings on certification surveys, quality indicator scores, and quality-of-life scores, including those from the Minnesota nursing home report card;

(6) the extent to which the project integrates the latest technology and design features in a way that improves the resident experience and improves the working environment for employees;

(7) the extent to which the sustainability of the nursing facility can be demonstrated based on the need for services in the area and the proposed financing of the project; and

(8) the extent to which the project provides or maintains access to nursing facility services needed in the community.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2011 c 22 art 1 s 8]

Subd. 6.Conversion restrictions.

Proposals submitted or approved under this section involving conversion must satisfy the following conditions:

(a) Conversion is limited to a total of five beds.

(b) An equivalent number of hospital beds must be delicensed.

(c) The average occupancy rate in the existing nursing home beds must be greater than 96 percent according to the most recent annual statistical and cost report of the Department of Human Services.

(d) The cost of remodeling the hospital rooms to meet current nursing home construction standards must not exceed ten percent of the appraised value of the nursing home or $200,000, whichever is less.

(e) The conversion must not result in an increase in operating costs.

Subd. 7.Upgrading restrictions.

Proposals submitted or approved under this section involving upgrading must satisfy the following conditions:

(a) The facility must meet minimum nursing home licensure requirements.

(b) If beds are upgraded to nursing home beds, the number of boarding care beds in a facility must not increase in the future.

Subd. 8.Rulemaking.

The commissioner of health shall adopt rules to implement this section. The permanent rules must be in accordance with and implement only the criteria listed in this section.

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 2012 c 247 art 4 s 51]

Subd. 10.

[Repealed by amendment, 2008 c 230 s 3]

Subd. 11.Funding from expired and canceled proposals.

The commissioner shall monitor the status of projects approved under this section to identify, in consultation with each facility with an approved project, if projects will be canceled or will expire. For projects that have been canceled or have expired, if originally approved after June 30, 2001, the commissioner's approval authority for the estimated annual state cost to medical assistance shall carry forward and shall be available for the issuance of a new moratorium round later in that fiscal year or in either of the following two fiscal years.

Subd. 12.Extension of approval of moratorium exception projects.

Notwithstanding subdivision 3, the commissioner of health shall extend project approval by an additional 18 months for an approved proposal for an exception to the nursing home licensure and certification moratorium if the proposal was approved under this section between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2009.

Subd. 13.Moratorium exception funding.

In fiscal year 2013, the commissioner of health may approve moratorium exception projects under this section for which the full annualized state share of medical assistance costs does not exceed $1,000,000.

Subd. 14.Moratorium exception funding.

In fiscal year 2015, the commissioner of health may approve moratorium exception projects under this section for which the full annualized state share of medical assistance costs does not exceed $1,000,000.

History:

1987 c 403 art 4 s 4; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 37-39; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 12; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 4; 1992 c 292 art 7 s 25; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 4-6; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 3-5; 1995 c 207 art 7 s 13-19; 1996 c 305 art 2 s 29; 1997 c 7 art 5 s 11; 1997 c 203 art 3 s 3,4; 1999 c 245 art 3 s 1; 2001 c 161 s 22-24; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 7,8; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 72 s 1,2; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 1,2; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 1; 2008 c 230 s 3; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 6; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2011 c 22 art 1 s 4,5; 2012 c 247 art 4 s 2; 2014 c 312 art 27 s 3

144A.08 PHYSICAL STANDARDS; PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The commissioner of health by rule shall establish minimum standards for the construction, maintenance, equipping and operation of nursing homes. The rules shall to the extent possible assure the health, treatment, comfort, safety and well being of nursing home residents.

Subd. 1a.Corridor doors.

Nothing in the rules of the commissioner of health shall require that each door entering a sleeping room from a corridor in a nursing home with an approved complete standard automatic fire extinguishing system be constructed or maintained as self-closing or automatically closing.

Subd. 1b.Summer temperature and humidity.

A nursing home, or part of a nursing home that includes resident-occupied space, constructed after June 30, 1988, must meet the interior summer design temperature and humidity recommendations in chapter 7 of the 1982 applications of the handbook published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., as amended.

Subd. 2.Report.

The controlling persons of a nursing home shall, in accordance with rules established by the commissioner of health, within 14 days of the occurrence, notify the commissioner of health of any change in the physical structure of a nursing home, which change would affect compliance with the rules of the commissioner of health or with sections 144A.01 to 144A.155.

Subd. 3.Penalty.

Any controlling person who establishes, conducts, manages or operates a nursing home which incurs the following number of uncorrected or repeated violations, in any two-year period:

(a) two or more uncorrected violations or one or more repeated violations which created an imminent risk to direct resident care or safety; or

(b) four or more uncorrected violations or two or more repeated violations of any nature for which the fines are in the four highest daily fine categories prescribed in rule, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any controlling person who had no legal authority to affect or change decisions as to the operation of the nursing home which incurred the uncorrected or repeated violations.

History:

1976 c 173 s 8; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1981 c 360 art 2 s 5; 1982 c 633 s 4; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 13; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 40; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40

144A.09 FACILITIES EXCLUDED.

Subdivision 1.Spiritual means for healing.

Sections 144A.04, subdivision 5, and 144A.18 to 144A.27, and rules adopted under sections 144A.01 to 144A.155 other than a rule relating to sanitation and safety of premises, to cleanliness of operation, or to physical equipment do not apply to a nursing home conducted by and for the adherents of any recognized church or religious denomination for the purpose of providing care and treatment for those who select and depend upon spiritual means through prayer alone, in lieu of medical care, for healing.

Subd. 2.Religious society or order.

The provisions of sections 144A.01 to 144A.27 shall not apply to a facility operated by a religious society or order to provide nursing care to 20 or fewer nonlay members of the order or society.

History:

1976 c 173 s 9; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1996 c 451 art 4 s 22; 1998 c 407 art 3 s 3; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40

144A.10 INSPECTION; COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH; FINES.

Subdivision 1.Enforcement authority.

The commissioner of health is the exclusive state agency charged with the responsibility and duty of inspecting all facilities required to be licensed under section 144A.02. The commissioner of health shall enforce the rules established pursuant to sections 144A.01 to 144A.155, subject only to the authority of the Department of Public Safety respecting the enforcement of fire and safety standards in nursing homes and the responsibility of the commissioner of human services under sections 245A.01 to 245A.16 or 252.28.

The commissioner may request and must be given access to relevant information, records, incident reports, or other documents in the possession of a licensed facility if the commissioner considers them necessary for the discharge of responsibilities. For the purposes of inspections and securing information to determine compliance with the licensure laws and rules, the commissioner need not present a release, waiver, or consent of the individual. The identities of patients or residents must be kept private as defined by section 13.02, subdivision 12.

Subd. 1a.Training and education for nursing facility providers.

The commissioner of health must establish and implement a prescribed process and program for providing training and education to providers licensed by the Department of Health, in conjunction with the industry trade associations, before using any new regulatory guideline, regulation, interpretation, program letter or memorandum, or any other materials used in surveyor training to survey licensed providers. The process should include, but is not limited to, the following key components:

(1) facilitate the implementation of immediate revisions to any course curriculum for nursing assistants which reflect any new standard of care practice that has been adopted or referenced by the Health Department concerning the issue in question;

(2) conduct training of long-term care providers and health department survey inspectors jointly on the department's new expectations; and

(3) the commissioner shall consult with experts in the field to develop or make available training resources on current standards of practice and the use of technology.

Subd. 2.Inspections.

The commissioner of health shall inspect each nursing home to ensure compliance with sections 144A.01 to 144A.155 and the rules promulgated to implement them. The inspection shall be a full inspection of the nursing home. If upon a reinspection provided for in subdivision 5 the representative of the commissioner of health finds one or more uncorrected violations, a second inspection of the facility shall be conducted. The second inspection need not be a full inspection. No prior notice shall be given of an inspection conducted pursuant to this subdivision. Any employee of the commissioner of health who willfully gives or causes to be given any advance notice of an inspection required or authorized by this subdivision shall be subject to suspension or dismissal in accordance with chapter 43A. An inspection required by a federal rule or statute may be conducted in conjunction with or subsequent to any other inspection. Any inspection required by this subdivision may be in addition to or in conjunction with the reinspections required by subdivision 5. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit the commissioner of health from making more than one unannounced inspection of any nursing home during its license year. The commissioner of health shall coordinate inspections of nursing homes with inspections by other state and local agencies consistent with the requirements of this section and the Medicare and Medicaid certification programs.

The commissioner shall conduct inspections and reinspections of health facilities with a frequency and in a manner calculated to produce the greatest benefit to residents within the limits of the resources available to the commissioner. In performing this function, the commissioner may devote proportionately more resources to the inspection of those facilities in which conditions present the most serious concerns with respect to resident health, treatment, comfort, safety, and well-being.

These conditions include but are not limited to: change in ownership; frequent change in administration in excess of normal turnover rates; complaints about care, safety, or rights; where previous inspections or reinspections have resulted in correction orders related to care, safety, or rights; and, where persons involved in ownership or administration of the facility have been indicted for alleged criminal activity. Any facility that has none of the above conditions or any other condition established by the commissioner that poses a risk to resident care, safety, or rights shall be inspected once every two years.

Subd. 3.Reports; posting.

After each inspection or reinspection required or authorized by this section, the commissioner of health shall, by certified mail, send copies of any correction order or notice of noncompliance to the nursing home. A copy of each correction order and notice of noncompliance, and copies of any documentation supplied to the commissioner of health or the commissioner of human services under section 144A.03 or 144A.05 shall be kept on file at the nursing home and shall be made available for viewing by any person upon request. Except as otherwise provided by this subdivision, a copy of each correction order and notice of noncompliance received by the nursing home after its most recent inspection or reinspection shall be posted in a conspicuous and readily accessible place in the nursing home. No correction order or notice of noncompliance need be posted until any appeal, if one is requested by the facility, pursuant to subdivision 8, has been completed. All correction orders and notices of noncompliance issued to a nursing home owned and operated by the state or political subdivision of the state shall be circulated and posted at the first public meeting of the governing body after the order or notice is issued. Confidential information protected by section 13.05 or 13.46, shall not be made available or posted as provided in this subdivision unless it may be made available or posted in a manner authorized by chapter 13.

Subd. 4.Correction orders.

Whenever a duly authorized representative of the commissioner of health finds upon inspection of a nursing home, that the facility or a controlling person or an employee of the facility is not in compliance with sections 144.411 to 144.417, 144.651, 144.6503, 144A.01 to 144A.155, or 626.557 or the rules promulgated thereunder, a correction order shall be issued to the facility. The correction order shall state the deficiency, cite the specific rule or statute violated, state the suggested method of correction, and specify the time allowed for correction. If the commissioner finds that the nursing home had uncorrected or repeated violations which create a risk to resident care, safety, or rights, the commissioner shall notify the commissioner of human services who shall require the facility to use any efficiency incentive payments received under section 256B.431, subdivision 2b, paragraph (d), to correct the violations and shall require the facility to forfeit incentive payments for failure to correct the violations as provided in section 256B.431, subdivision 2p. The forfeiture shall not apply to correction orders issued for physical plant deficiencies.

Subd. 4a.

[Repealed, 1989 c 282 art 3 s 98]

Subd. 5.Reinspections.

A nursing home issued a correction order under this section shall be reinspected at the end of the period allowed for correction. The reinspection may be made in conjunction with the next annual inspection or any other scheduled inspection. If upon reinspection the representative of the commissioner of health determines that the facility has not corrected a violation identified in the correction order, a notice of noncompliance with the correction order shall be mailed by certified mail to the nursing home. The notice shall specify the violations not corrected and the fines assessed in accordance with subdivision 6.

Subd. 6.Fines.

A nursing home which is issued a notice of noncompliance with a correction order shall be assessed a civil fine in accordance with a schedule of fines established by the commissioner of health before December 1, 1983. In establishing the schedule of fines, the commissioner shall consider the potential for harm presented to any resident as a result of noncompliance with each statute or rule. The fine shall be assessed for each day the facility remains in noncompliance and until a notice of correction is received by the commissioner of health in accordance with subdivision 7. No fine for a specific violation may exceed $500 per day of noncompliance.

Subd. 6a.

[Repealed, 1989 c 155 s 5]

Subd. 6b.Fines for federal certification deficiencies.

If the commissioner determines that a nursing home or certified boarding care home does not meet a requirement of section 1919(b), (c), or (d), of the Social Security Act, or any regulation adopted under that section of the Social Security Act, the nursing home or certified boarding care home may be assessed a civil fine for each day of noncompliance and until a notice of correction is received by the commissioner under subdivision 7. Money collected because of these fines must be applied to the protection of the health or property of residents of nursing facilities the commissioner finds deficient. A fine for a specific deficiency may not exceed $500 for each day of noncompliance. The commissioner shall adopt rules establishing a schedule of fines.

Subd. 6c.Overlap of fines.

If a nursing home is subject to fines under both subdivisions 6 and 6b for the same requirement, condition, situation, or practice, the commissioner shall assess either the fine provided by subdivision 6 or the fine provided by subdivision 6b.

Subd. 6d.Schedule of fines.

(a) The schedule of fines for noncompliance with correction orders issued to nursing homes that was adopted under the provisions of section 144A.10, subdivision 6, and in effect on May 1, 1989, is effective until repealed, modified, or superseded by rule.

(b) By September 1, 1990, the commissioner shall amend the schedule of fines to increase to $250 the fines for violations of section 144.651, subdivisions 18, 20, 21, 22, 27, and 30, and for repeated violations.

(c) The commissioner shall adopt rules establishing the schedule of fines for deficiencies in the requirements of section 1919(b), (c), and (d), of the Social Security Act, or regulations adopted under that section of the Social Security Act.

Subd. 6e.Use of fines.

When the commissioner of health determines the use of, or provides recommendations on the use of fines collected under subdivision 6 or 6b, two representatives of the nursing home industry, appointed by nursing home trade associations, and two consumer representatives as appointed by the commissioner must be included in the process of developing or preparing any information, reviews, or recommendations on the use of the fines. This includes, but is not limited to, including two representatives of the nursing home industry in any committee designed to provide information and recommendations for the use of the fines.

Subd. 7.Accumulation of fines.

A nursing home shall promptly notify the commissioner of health in writing when a violation noted in a notice of noncompliance is corrected. Upon receipt of written notification by the commissioner of health, the daily fine assessed for the deficiency shall stop accruing. The facility shall be reinspected within three working days after receipt of the notification. If upon reinspection the representative of the commissioner of health determines that a deficiency has not been corrected as indicated by the notification of compliance the daily fine assessment shall resume and the amount of fines which otherwise would have accrued during the period prior to resumption shall be added to the total assessment due from the nursing home. The commissioner of health shall notify the nursing home of the resumption by certified mail. The nursing home may challenge the resumption as a contested case in accordance with the provisions of chapter 14. Recovery of the resumed fine shall be stayed if a controlling person or a legal representative on behalf of the nursing home makes a written request for a hearing on the resumption within 15 days of receipt of the notice of resumption. The cost of a reinspection conducted pursuant to this subdivision shall be added to the total assessment due from the nursing home.

Subd. 8.Recovery of fines; hearing.

Fines assessed under this section shall be payable 15 days after receipt of the notice of noncompliance and at 15-day intervals thereafter, as the fines accrue. Recovery of an assessed fine shall be stayed if a controlling person or a legal representative on behalf of the nursing home makes a written request for a hearing on the notice of noncompliance within 15 days after the home's receipt of the notice. A hearing under this subdivision shall be conducted as a contested case in accordance with chapter 14. If a nursing home, after notice and opportunity for hearing on the notice of noncompliance, or on the resumption of the fine, does not pay a properly assessed fine in accordance with this subdivision, the commissioner of health shall notify the commissioner of human services who shall deduct the amount from reimbursement moneys due or to be due the facility under chapter 256B. The commissioner of health may consolidate the hearings provided for in subdivisions 7 and 8 in cases in which a facility has requested hearings under both provisions. The hearings provided for in subdivisions 7 and 8 shall be held within 30 days after the request for the hearing. If a consolidated hearing is held, it shall be held within 30 days of the request which occurred last.

Subd. 8a.Fine for misallocation of nursing staff.

Upon issuing a correction order to a nursing home under subdivision 4 for a violation of Minnesota Rules, part 4655.5600, because of nursing staff performing duties such as washing wheelchairs or beds of discharged residents, or other housekeeping or laundry duties not related to the direct nursing care of residents, the commissioner shall impose a civil fine of $500 per day. A fine under this subdivision accrues in accordance with subdivision 6 and is subject to subdivision 8 for purposes of recovery and hearings.

Subd. 8b.Resident advisory council.

Each nursing home or boarding care home shall establish a resident advisory council and a family council, unless fewer than three persons express an interest in participating. If one or both councils do not function, the nursing home or boarding care home shall document its attempts to establish the council or councils at least once each calendar year. This subdivision does not alter the rights of residents and families provided by section 144.651, subdivision 27. A nursing home or boarding care home that is issued a notice of noncompliance with a correction order for violation of this subdivision shall be assessed a civil fine of $100 for each day of noncompliance.

Subd. 9.Nonlimiting.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the powers granted to the commissioner of health by section 144A.11.

Subd. 10.Reporting to medical examiner or coroner.

Whenever a duly authorized representative of the commissioner of health has reasonable cause to believe that a resident has died as a direct or indirect result of abuse or neglect, the representative shall report that information to the appropriate medical examiner or coroner and police department or county sheriff. The medical examiner or coroner shall complete an investigation as soon as feasible and report the findings to the police department or county sheriff, and to the commissioner of health.

Subd. 11.Facilities cited for immediate jeopardy.

(a) The provisions of this subdivision apply to Minnesota nursing facilities:

(1) that received immediate jeopardy citations between April 1, 1998, and January 13, 1999, for violations of regulations governing the use of physical restraints; and

(2) on whose behalf the commissioner recommended to the federal government that fines for these citations not be imposed or be rescinded.

(b) The commissioner:

(1) shall grant all possible waivers for the continuation of an approved nurse aide training program, an approved competency evaluation program, or an approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program conducted by or on the site of a facility referred to in this subdivision; and

(2) shall notify the Board of Nursing Home Administrators by June 1, 1999, that the commissioner has recommended to the federal government that fines not be imposed on the facilities referred to in this subdivision or that any fines imposed on these facilities for violations of regulations governing use of physical restraints be rescinded.

Subd. 12.Data on follow-up surveys.

(a) If requested, and not prohibited by federal law, the commissioner shall make available to the nursing home associations and the public photocopies of statements of deficiencies and related letters from the department pertaining to federal certification surveys. The commissioner may charge for the actual cost of reproduction of these documents.

(b) The commissioner shall also make available on a quarterly basis aggregate data for all statements of deficiencies issued after federal certification follow-up surveys related to surveys that were conducted in the quarter prior to the immediately preceding quarter. The data shall include the number of facilities with deficiencies, the total number of deficiencies, the number of facilities that did not have any deficiencies, the number of facilities for which a resurvey or follow-up survey was not performed, and the average number of days between the follow up or resurvey and the exit date of the preceding survey.

Subd. 13.Nurse aide training waivers.

Because any disruption or delay in the training and registration of nurse aides may reduce access to care in certified facilities, the commissioner shall grant all possible waivers for the continuation of an approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program or nurse aide training program or competency evaluation program conducted by or on the site of any certified nursing facility or skilled nursing facility that would otherwise lose approval for the program or programs. The commissioner shall take into consideration the distance to other training programs, the frequency of other training programs, and the impact that the loss of the on-site training will have on the nursing facility's ability to recruit and train nurse aides.

Subd. 14.Immediate jeopardy.

When conducting survey certification and enforcement activities related to regular, expanded, or extended surveys under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 488, the commissioner may not issue a finding of immediate jeopardy unless the specific event or omission that constitutes the violation of the requirements of participation poses an imminent risk of life-threatening or serious injury to a resident. The commissioner may not issue any findings of immediate jeopardy after the conclusion of a regular, expanded, or extended survey unless the survey team identified the deficient practice or practices that constitute immediate jeopardy and the residents at risk prior to the close of the exit conference.

Subd. 15.Informal dispute resolution.

The commissioner shall respond in writing to a request from a nursing facility certified under the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs for an informal dispute resolution within 30 days of the exit date of the facility's survey. The commissioner's response shall identify the commissioner's decision regarding the continuation of each deficiency citation challenged by the nursing facility, as well as a statement of any changes in findings, level of severity or scope, and proposed remedies or sanctions for each deficiency citation.

Subd. 16.Independent informal dispute resolution.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 15, a facility certified under the federal Medicare or Medicaid programs may request from the commissioner, in writing, an independent informal dispute resolution process regarding any deficiency citation issued to the facility. The facility must specify in its written request each deficiency citation that it disputes. The commissioner shall provide a hearing under sections 14.57 to 14.62. Upon the written request of the facility, the parties must submit the issues raised to arbitration by an administrative law judge.

(b) Upon receipt of a written request for an arbitration proceeding, the commissioner shall file with the Office of Administrative Hearings a request for the appointment of an arbitrator and simultaneously serve the facility with notice of the request. The arbitrator for the dispute shall be an administrative law judge appointed by the Office of Administrative Hearings. The disclosure provisions of section 572B.12 and the notice provisions of section 572B.15, subsection (c), apply. The facility and the commissioner have the right to be represented by an attorney.

(c) The commissioner and the facility may present written evidence, depositions, and oral statements and arguments at the arbitration proceeding. Oral statements and arguments may be made by telephone.

(d) Within ten working days of the close of the arbitration proceeding, the administrative law judge shall issue findings regarding each of the deficiencies in dispute. The findings shall be one or more of the following:

(1) Supported in full. The citation is supported in full, with no deletion of findings and no change in the scope or severity assigned to the deficiency citation.

(2) Supported in substance. The citation is supported, but one or more findings are deleted without any change in the scope or severity assigned to the deficiency.

(3) Deficient practice cited under wrong requirement of participation. The citation is amended by moving it to the correct requirement of participation.

(4) Scope not supported. The citation is amended through a change in the scope assigned to the citation.

(5) Severity not supported. The citation is amended through a change in the severity assigned to the citation.

(6) No deficient practice. The citation is deleted because the findings did not support the citation or the negative resident outcome was unavoidable. The findings of the arbitrator are not binding on the commissioner.

(e) The commissioner shall reimburse the Office of Administrative Hearings for the costs incurred by that office for the arbitration proceeding. The facility shall reimburse the commissioner for the proportion of the costs that represent the sum of deficiency citations supported in full under paragraph (d), clause (1), or in substance under paragraph (d), clause (2), divided by the total number of deficiencies disputed. A deficiency citation for which the administrative law judge's sole finding is that the deficient practice was cited under the wrong requirements of participation shall not be counted in the numerator or denominator in the calculation of the proportion of costs.

Subd. 17.Agency quality improvement program; annual report on survey process.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a quality improvement program for the nursing facility survey and complaint processes. The commissioner must regularly consult with consumers, consumer advocates, and representatives of the nursing home industry and representatives of nursing home employees in implementing the program. The commissioner, through the quality improvement program, shall submit to the legislature an annual survey and certification quality improvement report, beginning December 15, 2004, and each December 15 thereafter.

(b) The report must include, but is not limited to, an analysis of:

(1) the number, scope, and severity of citations by region within the state;

(2) cross-referencing of citations by region within the state and between states within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services region in which Minnesota is located;

(3) the number and outcomes of independent dispute resolutions;

(4) the number and outcomes of appeals;

(5) compliance with timelines for survey revisits and complaint investigations;

(6) techniques of surveyors in investigations, communication, and documentation to identify and support citations;

(7) compliance with timelines for providing facilities with completed statements of deficiencies; and

(8) other survey statistics relevant to improving the survey process.

(c) The report must also identify and explain inconsistencies and patterns across regions of the state; include analyses and recommendations for quality improvement areas identified by the commissioner, consumers, consumer advocates, and representatives of the nursing home industry and nursing home employees; and provide action plans to address problems that are identified.

History:

1976 c 173 s 10; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1977 c 326 s 4,5; 1980 c 509 s 44; 1981 c 210 s 54; 1981 c 311 s 39; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 12; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1982 c 545 s 24; 1982 c 633 s 5; 1983 c 199 s 2-4; 1983 c 312 art 1 s 18; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 14-16; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 209 s 26,27; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 13-17; 1991 c 286 s 5,6; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 3; 1999 c 83 s 2; 1999 c 245 art 3 s 2-6; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 10; 2004 c 247 s 1,2; 2006 c 282 art 20 s 6; 2008 c 230 s 4; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 23; 2015 c 21 art 1 s 28

144A.101 PROCEDURES FOR FEDERALLY REQUIRED SURVEY PROCESS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

This section applies to survey certification and enforcement activities by the commissioner related to regular, expanded, or extended surveys under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 488.

Subd. 2.Statement of deficiencies.

The commissioner shall provide nursing facilities with draft statements of deficiencies at the time of the survey exit process and shall provide facilities with completed statements of deficiencies within 15 working days of the exit process.

Subd. 3.Surveyor notes.

The commissioner, upon the request of a nursing facility, shall provide the facility with copies of formal surveyor notes taken during the survey, with the exception of interview forms, at the time of the exit conference or at the time the completed statement of deficiency is provided to the facility. The survey notes shall be redacted to protect the confidentiality of individuals providing information to the surveyors. A facility requesting formal surveyor notes must agree to pay the commissioner for the cost of copying and redacting.

Subd. 4.Posting of statements of deficiencies.

The commissioner, when posting statements of a nursing facility's deficiencies on the agency Web site, must include in the posting the facility's response to the citations. The Web site must also include the dates upon which deficiencies are corrected and the date upon which a facility is considered to be in compliance with survey requirements. If deficiencies are under dispute, the commissioner must note this on the Web site using a method that clearly identifies for consumers which citations are under dispute.

Subd. 5.Survey revisits.

The commissioner shall conduct survey revisits within 15 calendar days of the date by which corrections will be completed, as specified by the provider in its plan of correction, in cases where category 2 or category 3 remedies are in place. The commissioner may conduct survey revisits by telephone or written communications for facilities at which the highest scope and severity score for a violation was level E or lower.

Subd. 6.Family councils.

Nursing facility family councils shall be interviewed as part of the survey process and invited to participate in the exit conference.

History:

2004 c 247 s 3

144A.102 WAIVER FROM FEDERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS; PENALTIES.

(a) By January 2000, the commissioner of health shall work with providers to examine state and federal rules and regulations governing the provision of care in licensed nursing facilities and apply for federal waivers and identify necessary changes in state law to:

(1) allow the use of civil money penalties imposed upon nursing facilities to abate any deficiencies identified in a nursing facility's plan of correction; and

(2) stop the accrual of any fine imposed by the Health Department when a follow-up inspection survey is not conducted by the department within the regulatory deadline.

(b) By January 2012, the commissioner of health shall work with providers and the ombudsman for long-term care to examine state and federal rules and regulations governing the provision of care in licensed nursing facilities and apply for federal waivers and identify necessary changes in state law to:

(1) eliminate the requirement for written plans of correction from nursing homes for federal deficiencies issued at a scope and severity that is not widespread, harmful, or in immediate jeopardy; and

(2) issue the federal survey form electronically to nursing homes.

The commissioner shall issue a report to the legislative chairs of the committees with jurisdiction over health and human services by January 31, 2012, on the status of implementation of this paragraph.

History:

1999 c 245 art 3 s 7; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 2 s 19

144A.103 [Repealed, 2000 c 312 s 7]

144A.105 SUSPENSION OF ADMISSIONS.

Subdivision 1.Circumstances for suspensions.

The commissioner of health may suspend admissions to a nursing home or certified boarding care home when:

(1) the commissioner has issued a penalty assessment or the nursing home has a repeated violation for noncompliance with section 144A.04, subdivision 7, or the portion of Minnesota Rules, part 4655.5600, subpart 2, that establishes minimum nursing personnel requirements;

(2) the commissioner has issued a penalty assessment or the nursing home or certified boarding care home has repeated violations for not maintaining a sufficient number or type of nursing personnel to meet the needs of the residents, as required by Minnesota Rules, parts 4655.5100 to 4655.6200;

(3) the commissioner has determined that an emergency exists;

(4) the commissioner has initiated proceedings to suspend, revoke, or not renew the license of the nursing home or certified boarding care home; or

(5) the commissioner determines that the remedy of denial of payment, as provided by subparagraph 1919(h)(2)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act, is to be imposed under section 1919(h) of the Social Security Act, or regulations adopted under that section of the Social Security Act.

Subd. 2.Order.

If the commissioner suspends admissions under subdivision 1, the commissioner shall notify the nursing home or certified boarding care home, by written order, that admissions to the nursing home or certified boarding care home will be suspended beginning at a time specified in the order. The suspension is effective no earlier than 48 hours after the nursing home or certified boarding care home receives the order, unless the order is due to an emergency under subdivision 1, clause (3). The order may be served on the administrator of the nursing home or certified boarding care home, or the designated agent in charge of the home, by personal service or by certified or registered mail with a return receipt of delivery. The order shall specify the reasons for the suspension, the corrective action required to be taken by the nursing home or certified boarding care home, and the length of time the suspension will be in effect. The nursing home or certified boarding care home shall not admit any residents after the effective time of the order. In determining the length of time for the suspension, the commissioner shall consider the reasons for the suspension, the performance history of the nursing home, and the needs of the residents.

Subd. 3.Conference.

After receiving the order for suspension, the nursing home or certified boarding care home may request a conference with the commissioner to present reasons why the suspension should be modified or should not go into effect. The request need not be in writing. If a conference is requested within 24 hours after receipt of the order, the commissioner shall hold the conference before the effective time of the suspension, unless the order for suspension is due to an emergency under subdivision 1, clause (3). If a conference is not requested within 24 hours after receipt of the order, the nursing home or certified boarding care home may request a conference and the commissioner shall schedule the conference as soon as practicable. The conference may be held in person or by telephone. After a conference, the commissioner may affirm, rescind, or modify the order.

Subd. 4.Correction.

The nursing home or certified boarding care home shall notify the commissioner, in writing, when any required corrective action has been completed. The commissioner may verify the corrective action by inspection under section 144A.10. The commissioner may extend the initial suspension period by written notice to the nursing home or certified boarding care home.

Subd. 5.Notification of commissioner of human services.

Whenever the commissioner suspends admissions to a nursing home or certified boarding care home, the commissioner shall notify the commissioner of human services of the order and of any modifications to the order.

Subd. 6.Hearing.

A nursing home or certified boarding care home may appeal from an order for suspension of admissions issued under subdivision 1. To appeal, the nursing home or certified boarding care home shall file with the commissioner a written notice of appeal. The appeal must be received by the commissioner within ten days after the date of receipt of the order for suspension by the nursing home or certified boarding care home. Within 15 calendar days after receiving an appeal, the commissioner shall request assignment of an administrative law judge under sections 14.48 to 14.56 to conduct the hearing as soon as possible or according to agreement of the parties. Regardless of any appeal, the order for suspension of admissions remains in effect until final resolution of the appeal.

History:

1989 c 282 art 3 s 19

144A.11 LICENSE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION; HEARING; RELICENSING.

Subdivision 1.Optional proceedings.

The commissioner of health may institute proceedings to suspend or revoke a nursing home license, or may refuse to grant or renew the license of a nursing home if any action by a controlling person or employee of the nursing home:

(a) Violates any of the provisions of sections 144A.01 to 144A.08, 144A.13 or 144A.155, or the rules promulgated thereunder;

(b) Permits, aids, or abets the commission of any illegal act in the nursing home;

(c) Performs any act contrary to the welfare of a patient or resident of the nursing home; or

(d) Obtains, or attempts to obtain, a license by fraudulent means or misrepresentation.

Subd. 2.Mandatory proceedings.

(a) The commissioner of health shall initiate proceedings within 60 days of notification to suspend or revoke a nursing home license or shall refuse to renew a license if within the preceding two years the nursing home has incurred the following number of uncorrected or repeated violations:

(1) two or more uncorrected violations or one or more repeated violations which created an imminent risk to direct resident care or safety; or

(2) four or more uncorrected violations or two or more repeated violations of any nature for which the fines are in the four highest daily fine categories prescribed in rule.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner is not required to revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a facility's license if the facility corrects the violation.

Subd. 2a.Notice to residents.

Within five working days after proceedings are initiated by the commissioner to revoke, suspend, or not renew a nursing home license, the controlling person of the nursing home or a designee must provide to the commissioner and the ombudsman for long-term care the names of residents and the names and addresses of the residents' guardians, representatives, and designated family contacts. The controlling person or designees must provide updated information each month until the proceeding is concluded. If the controlling person or designee fails to provide the information within this time, the nursing home is subject to the issuance of a correction order and penalty assessment under sections 144.653 and 144A.10. Notwithstanding those sections, any correction order issued under this subdivision must require that the facility immediately comply with the request for information and that as of the date of the issuance of the correction order, the facility shall forfeit to the state a $100 fine the first day of noncompliance and an increase in the $100 fine by $50 increments for each day the noncompliance continues. Information provided under this subdivision may be used by the commissioner or the ombudsman only for the purpose of providing affected consumers information about the status of the proceedings. Within ten working days after the commissioner initiates proceedings to revoke, suspend, or not renew a nursing home license, the commissioner of health shall send a written notice of the action and the process involved to each resident of the nursing home and the resident's legal guardian, representative, or designated family contact. The commissioner shall provide the ombudsman with monthly information on the department's actions and the status of the proceedings.

Subd. 3.Hearing.

No nursing home license may be suspended or revoked, and renewal may not be denied, without a hearing held as a contested case in accordance with chapter 14. The hearing must commence within 60 days after the proceedings are initiated. If the controlling person designated under section 144A.03, subdivision 2, as an agent to accept service on behalf of all of the controlling persons of the nursing home has been notified by the commissioner of health that the facility will not receive an initial license or that a license renewal has been denied, the controlling person or a legal representative on behalf of the nursing home may request and receive a hearing on the denial. This hearing shall be held as a contested case in accordance with chapter 14.

Subd. 3a.Mandatory revocation.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 3, the commissioner shall revoke a nursing home license if a controlling person is convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor that relates to operation of the nursing home or directly affects resident safety or care. The commissioner shall notify the nursing home 30 days in advance of the date of revocation.

Subd. 4.Relicensing.

If a nursing home license is revoked a new application for license may be considered by the commissioner of health when the conditions upon which revocation was based have been corrected and satisfactory evidence of this fact has been furnished to the commissioner of health. A new license may be granted after an inspection has been made and the facility has been found to comply with all provisions of sections 144A.01 to 144A.155 and the rules promulgated thereunder.

History:

1976 c 173 s 11; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1982 c 633 s 6,7; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 17,18; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 20,21; 1993 c 326 art 13 s 3; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 75; 2008 c 230 s 5

144A.115 VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Operating without a license.

The operation of a facility providing services required to be licensed under sections 144A.02 to 144A.10 without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $300.

Subd. 2.Advertising without a license.

A person or entity that advertises a facility required to be licensed under sections 144A.02 to 144A.10 before obtaining a license is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 3.Other sanctions.

The sanctions in this section do not restrict other available sanctions.

History:

1987 c 209 s 28

144A.12 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; SUBPOENAS.

Subdivision 1.Injunctive relief.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the commissioner of health may bring an action in the district court in Ramsey or Hennepin County or in the district in which a nursing home is located to enjoin a controlling person or an employee of the nursing home from illegally engaging in activities regulated by sections 144A.01 to 144A.155. A temporary restraining order may be granted by the court in the proceeding if continued activity by the controlling person or employee would create an imminent risk of harm to a resident of the facility.

Subd. 2.Subpoenas.

In all matters pending before the commissioner under sections 144A.01 to 144A.155, the commissioner of health shall have the power to issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary papers, books, records, documents and other evidentiary material. Any person failing or refusing to appear or testify regarding any matter about which that person may be lawfully questioned or to produce any papers, books, records, documents or evidentiary materials in the matter to be heard, after having been required by order of the commissioner of health or by a subpoena of the commissioner of health to do so may, upon application by the commissioner of health to the district court in any district, be ordered by the court to comply therewith. The commissioner of health may issue subpoenas and may administer oaths to witnesses, or take their affirmation. Depositions may be taken within or without the state in the manner provided by law for the taking of depositions in civil actions. A subpoena or other process or paper may be served upon any named person anywhere within the state by any officer authorized to serve subpoenas in civil actions, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by law for process issued out of the district court of this state. Fees and mileage and other costs of persons subpoenaed by the commissioner of health shall be paid in the same manner as for proceedings in district court.

History:

1976 c 173 s 12; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 22; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40

144A.13 COMPLAINTS; RESIDENT'S RIGHTS.

Subdivision 1.Processing.

All matters relating to the operation of a nursing home which are the subject of a written complaint from a resident and which are received by a controlling person or employee of the nursing home shall be delivered to the facility's administrator for evaluation and action. Failure of the administrator within seven days of its receipt to resolve the complaint, or alternatively, the failure of the administrator to make a reply within seven days after its receipt to the complaining resident stating that the complaint did not constitute a valid objection to the nursing home's operations, shall be a violation of section 144A.10. If a complaint directly involves the activities of a nursing home administrator, the complaint shall be resolved in accordance with this section by a person, other than the administrator, duly authorized by the nursing home to investigate the complaint and implement any necessary corrective measures.

Subd. 2.Resident's rights.

The administrator of a nursing home shall inform each resident in writing at the time of admission of the right to complain to the administrator about facility accommodations and services. A notice of the right to complain shall be posted in the nursing home. The administrator shall also inform each resident of the right to complain to the commissioner of health. No controlling person or employee of a nursing home shall retaliate in any way against a complaining nursing home resident and no nursing home resident may be denied any right available to the resident under chapter 504B.

History:

1976 c 173 s 13; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1986 c 444; 1999 c 199 art 2 s 4

144A.135 TRANSFER AND DISCHARGE APPEALS.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a mechanism for hearing appeals on transfers and discharges of residents by nursing homes or boarding care homes licensed by the commissioner. The commissioner may adopt permanent rules to implement this section.

(b) Until federal regulations are adopted under sections 1819(f)(3) and 1919(f)(3) of the Social Security Act that govern appeals of the discharges or transfers of residents from nursing homes and boarding care homes certified for participation in Medicare or medical assistance, the commissioner shall provide hearings under sections 14.57 to 14.62 and the rules adopted by the Office of Administrative Hearings governing contested cases. To appeal the discharge or transfer, or notification of an intended discharge or transfer, a resident or the resident's representative must request a hearing in writing no later than 30 days after receiving written notice, which conforms to state and federal law, of the intended discharge or transfer.

(c) Hearings under this section shall be held no later than 14 days after receipt of the request for hearing, unless impractical to do so or unless the parties agree otherwise. Hearings shall be held in the facility in which the resident resides, unless impractical to do so or unless the parties agree otherwise.

(d) A resident who timely appeals a notice of discharge or transfer, and who resides in a certified nursing home or boarding care home, may not be discharged or transferred by the nursing home or boarding care home until resolution of the appeal. The commissioner can order the facility to readmit the resident if the discharge or transfer was in violation of state or federal law. If the resident is required to be hospitalized for medical necessity before resolution of the appeal, the facility shall readmit the resident unless the resident's attending physician documents, in writing, why the resident's specific health care needs cannot be met in the facility.

(e) The commissioner and Office of Administrative Hearings shall conduct the hearings in compliance with the federal regulations described in paragraph (b), when adopted.

(f) Nothing in this section limits the right of a resident or the resident's representative to request or receive assistance from the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care or the Office of Health Facility Complaints with respect to an intended discharge or transfer.

(g) A person required to inform a health care facility of the person's status as a registered predatory offender under section 243.166, subdivision 4b, who knowingly fails to do so shall be deemed to have endangered the safety of individuals in the facility under Code of Federal Regulations, chapter 42, section 483.12. Notwithstanding paragraph (d), any appeal of the notice and discharge shall not constitute a stay of the discharge.

History:

1989 c 282 art 3 s 26; 1991 c 286 s 7; 2005 c 136 art 3 s 2; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 75

144A.14 [Repealed, 2015 c 74 s 13]

144A.15 STATE RECEIVERSHIP.

Subdivision 1.Petition, notice.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the commissioner of health may petition the district court in Ramsey or Hennepin County or in the district in which a nursing home or certified boarding care home is located for an order directing the controlling persons of the nursing home or certified boarding care home to show cause why the commissioner of health should not be appointed receiver to operate the facility. The petition to the district court shall contain proof by affidavit that one or more of the following exists:

(1) the commissioner of health has commenced proceedings to suspend or revoke the state license, or refuses to renew a license;

(2) violations of section 1919(b), (c), or (d), of the Social Security Act, or the regulations adopted under that section, or violations of state laws or rules, create an emergency for the residents of the facility;

(3) there is a threat of imminent abandonment by the owner or operator;

(4) there is a pattern of failure to meet ongoing financial obligations such as failing to pay for food, pharmaceuticals, personnel, or required insurance;

(5) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has appointed a temporary manager to oversee the operation of the facility; or

(6) notice by CMS has been given that the federal Medicare or Medicaid provider agreement will be terminated, revoked, canceled, or not renewed.

The order to show cause shall be personally served to either the nursing home administrator or to the person designated as the agent by the controlling persons to accept service on their behalf pursuant to section 144A.03, subdivision 2.

Subd. 2.Appointment of receiver, rental.

If, after hearing, the court finds that receivership is necessary as a means of protecting the health, safety, or welfare of a resident of the facility, the court shall appoint the commissioner of health as a receiver to take charge of the facility. The commissioner may enter into an agreement for a managing agent to work on the commissioner's behalf in operating the facility during the receivership. The court shall determine a fair monthly rental for the facility, taking into account all relevant factors including the condition of the facility. This rental fee shall be paid by the receiver to the appropriate controlling person for each month that the receivership remains in effect but shall be reduced by the amount that the costs of the receivership provided under section 256B.495 are in excess of the facility rate. The controlling person may agree to waive the fair monthly rent by affidavit to the court. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no payment made to a controlling person by any state agency during a period of receivership shall include any allowance for profit or be based on any formula which includes an allowance for profit.

Notwithstanding state contracting requirements in chapter 16C, the commissioner shall establish and maintain a list of qualified licensed nursing home administrators, or other qualified persons or organizations with experience in delivering skilled health care services and the operation of long-term care facilities for those interested in being a managing agent on the commissioner's behalf during a state receivership of a facility. This list will be a resource for choosing a managing agent and the commissioner may update the list at any time. A managing agent cannot be someone who: (1) is the owner, licensee, or administrator of the facility; (2) has a financial interest in the facility at the time of the receivership or is a related party to the owner, licensee, or administrator; or (3) has owned or operated any nursing facility or boarding care home that has been ordered into receivership.

Subd. 2a.Emergency procedure.

If it appears from the petition filed under subdivision 1, or from an affidavit or affidavits filed with the petition, or from testimony of witnesses under oath when the court determines that this is necessary, that there is probable cause to believe that an emergency exists in a nursing home or certified boarding care home requiring the receivership, the court shall issue a temporary order for appointment of a receiver within two days after receipt of the petition. Notice of the petition shall be served personally on the nursing home administrator or on the person designated as the agent by the controlling person to accept service on their behalf according to section 144A.03, subdivision 2. A hearing on the petition shall be held within five days' after notice is served unless the administrator or designated agent consents to a later date. After the hearing, the court may continue, modify, or terminate the temporary order.

Subd. 3.Powers and duties of receiver.

(a) A nursing home receiver appointed pursuant to this section shall with all reasonable speed, but in any case, within 18 months after the receivership order, determine whether to close the facility or to make other provisions intended to keep it open. If facility closure is the determination, the commissioner shall provide for the orderly transfer of all the nursing home's residents to other facilities pursuant to the relocation procedures required in section 144A.161. During the receivership, the receiver may correct or eliminate those deficiencies in the facility which seriously endanger the life, health or safety of the residents unless the correction or elimination of deficiencies involves major alterations in the physical structure of the nursing home. The receiver shall, during this period, operate the nursing home in a manner designed to guarantee the safety and adequate health care of the residents. The receiver shall take no action which impairs the legal rights of a resident of the nursing home. The receiver shall have power to make contracts and incur lawful expenses. The receiver shall use the building, fixtures, furnishings, and any accompanying consumable goods in the provision of care and services to the residents during the receivership period. The receiver shall take action as is reasonably necessary to protect or conserve the tangible assets or property during receivership. The receiver shall collect incoming payments from all sources and apply them to the cost incurred in the performance of the receiver's functions. No security interest in any real or personal property comprising the nursing home or contained within it, or in any fixture of the facility, shall be impaired or diminished in priority by the receiver. The receiver shall pay all valid obligations the facility incurred during the course of the receivership and may pay obligations incurred prior to the receivership if, in the judgment of the commissioner, these payments must be made to ensure the health, safety, or welfare of the residents and shall deduct these expenses from rental payments owed to any controlling person by virtue of the receivership. The receiver has authority to hire, direct, manage, and discharge any employees of the facility including the administrator, director of nursing, medical director, or manager of the facility.

(b) Nothing in this section shall relieve any owner, operator, or controlling person of a facility placed in receivership of any civil or criminal liability incurred, or any duty imposed by law, by reason of acts or omissions of the owner, licensee, or controlling person prior to the order for receivership under this section, nor shall anything contained in this section be construed to suspend during the receivership any obligation of the owner, licensee, or controlling person for payment of taxes or other operating and maintenance expenses of the facility nor of the owner, licensee, or controlling person or any other person for the payment of mortgages or liens.

Subd. 4.Receiver's fee; liability; commissioner assistance.

The commissioner of health, as receiver appointed by the court, may hire a managing agent to work on the commissioner's behalf to operate the facility during the receivership, and that managing agent is entitled to a reasonable fee. The receiver and its managing agent shall be liable only in an official capacity for injury to person and property by reason of the conditions of the nursing home. The receiver and its managing agent shall not be personally liable, except for gross negligence and intentional acts. The commissioner of health shall assist the managing agent in carrying out its duties.

Subd. 5.Termination.

Receivership imposed pursuant to this section shall terminate 18 months after the date on which it was ordered or at any other time designated by the court or upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(1) a determination by the commissioner of health that the nursing home's license should be renewed or should not be suspended or revoked;

(2) the granting of a new license to the nursing home; or

(3) a determination by the commissioner of health that all of the residents of the nursing home have been provided alternative health care, either in another facility or otherwise.

Subd. 6.Postreceivership period; facility remaining open.

(a) If a facility remains open after the receivership is concluded, a new operator is only legally responsible under state law for its actions after the receivership has concluded.

(b) The commissioner of human services may adjust, reclassify, or disallow costs reported for a facility that was in receivership for periods of a reporting year during which the receivership was in effect and for the prior year.

History:

1976 c 173 s 15; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 23-25; 2015 c 74 s 1

144A.154 RATE RECOMMENDATION.

The commissioner may recommend to the commissioner of human services a review of the rates for a nursing home or boarding care home that participates in the medical assistance program that is in voluntary or involuntary receivership, and that has needs or deficiencies documented by the Department of Health. If the commissioner of health determines that a review of the rate under section 256B.495 is needed, the commissioner shall provide the commissioner of human services with:

(1) a copy of the order or determination that cites the deficiency or need; and

(2) the commissioner's recommendation for additional staff and additional annual hours by type of employee and additional consultants, services, supplies, equipment, or repairs necessary to satisfy the need or deficiency.

History:

1992 c 513 art 7 s 7

144A.155 PLACEMENT OF MONITOR.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

The commissioner may place a person to act as a monitor in a nursing home or certified boarding care home in any of the circumstances listed in clause (1) or (2):

(1) in any situation for which a receiver may be appointed under section 144A.15; or

(2) when the commissioner determines that violations of sections 144.651, 144A.01 to 144A.155, 626.557, or section 1919(b), (c), or (d), of the Social Security Act, or rules or regulations adopted under those provisions, require extended surveillance to enforce compliance or protect the health, safety, or welfare of the residents.

Subd. 2.Duties of monitor.

The monitor shall observe the operation of the home, provide advice to the home on methods of complying with state and federal rules and regulations, where documented deficiencies from the regulations exist, and periodically shall submit a written report to the commissioner on the ways in which the home meets or fails to meet state and federal rules and regulations.

Subd. 3.Selection of monitor.

The commissioner may select as monitor an employee of the department or may contract with any other individual to serve as a monitor. The commissioner shall publish a notice in the State Register that requests proposals from individuals who wish to be considered for placement as monitors and that sets forth the criteria for selecting individuals as monitors. The commissioner shall maintain a list of individuals who are not employees of the department who are interested in serving as monitors. The commissioner may contract with those individuals determined to be qualified.

Subd. 4.Payment of monitor.

A nursing home or certified boarding care home in which a monitor is placed shall pay to the department the actual costs associated with the placement, unless payment would create an undue hardship for the home.

History:

1989 c 282 art 3 s 27; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 40

144A.16 [Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 41]

144A.161 NURSING HOME AND BOARDING CARE HOME RESIDENT RELOCATION.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

The definitions in this subdivision apply to subdivisions 2 to 10.

(a) "Change in operations" means any alteration in operations which would require or encourage the relocation of residents.

(b) "Closure" or "closing" means the cessation of operations of a facility.

(c) "Contact information" means name, address, and telephone number and, when available, e-mail address and facsimile number.

(d) "County social services agency" means the county or multicounty social service agency authorized under sections 393.01 and 393.07, as the agency responsible for providing social services for the county in which the facility is located.

(e) "Facility" means a nursing home licensed pursuant to this chapter, or a boarding care home licensed pursuant to sections 144.50 to 144.56.

(f) "Licensee" means the owner of the facility or the owner's designee or the commissioner of health for a facility in receivership.

(g) "Plan" or "relocation plan" means a description of the process developed under subdivision 3, paragraph (b), for the relocation of residents in cases of a facility closure, reduction, or change in operations.

(h) "Reduction" means a decrease in the number of beds that would require or encourage the relocation of residents.

(i) "Relocation" means the movement of the resident to another facility or living arrangement as a result of the closing, reduction, or change in operations of a facility.

(j) "Responsible party" means an individual acting as a legal representative for the resident.

Subd. 1a.Scope.

Where a facility is undertaking a closure, reduction, or change in operations, or where a housing with services unit registered under chapter 144D is closed because the space that it occupies is being replaced by a nursing facility bed that is being reactivated from layaway status, the facility and the county social services agency must comply with the requirements of this section.

Subd. 2.Initial notice from licensee.

(a) A licensee shall notify the following parties in writing when there is an intent to close, reduce, or change operations that would require or encourage the relocation of residents:

(1) the commissioner of health;

(2) the commissioner of human services;

(3) the county social services agency;

(4) the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care;

(5) the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; and

(6) the managed care organizations contracting with Minnesota health care programs within the county where the nursing facility is located.

(b) The written notice shall include the contact information of the persons in the facility responsible for coordinating the licensee's efforts in the planning process, and the number of residents potentially affected by the closure, reduction, or change in operations. Only the copy of the notice provided to the county social services agency shall include a complete resident census, including resident name, date of birth, Social Security number, and medical assistance identification number if it is available.

(c) For a facility that is reducing or changing operations, after providing written notice under subdivision 5a, and prior to admission, the facility must fully inform prospective residents and their responsible parties of the intent to reduce or change operations, and of the relocation plan.

(d) A closing facility is prohibited from admitting any new residents on or after the date of the written notice provided under subdivision 5a.

Subd. 3.Planning process.

(a) The county social services agency shall, within five working days of receiving initial notice of the licensee's intent to close, reduce, or change operations, provide the licensee and all parties identified in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), with the contact information of those persons responsible for coordinating county social services agency efforts in the planning process.

(b) Within ten working days of receipt of the notice under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), the county social services agency and licensee shall meet to develop the relocation plan. The county social services agency shall inform the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, and the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities of the date, time, and location of the meeting so that their representatives may attend. The relocation plan must be completed no later than 45 days after receipt of the initial notice in subdivision 2, paragraph (a). The plan shall:

(1) identify the expected date of closure, reduction, or change in operations;

(2) outline the process for public notification of the closure, reduction, or change in operations;

(3) identify efforts that will be made to include other stakeholders in the relocation process;

(4) outline the process to ensure 60-day advance written notice to residents, family members, and designated representatives;

(5) present an aggregate description of the resident population remaining to be relocated and the population's needs;

(6) outline the individual resident assessment process to be utilized;

(7) identify an inventory of available relocation options and resources, including home and community-based services;

(8) identify a schedule for the timely completion of each element of the plan;

(9) identify the steps the licensee and the county social services agency will take to address the relocation needs of individual residents who may be difficult to place due to specialized care needs such as behavioral health problems; and

(10) identify the steps needed to share information and coordinate relocation efforts with managed care organizations.

(c) All parties to the plan shall refrain from any public notification of the intent to close, reduce, or change operations until a relocation plan has been established and the notice in subdivision 5a is given.

Subd. 4.Responsibilities of licensee for resident relocations.

The licensee shall provide for the safe, orderly, and appropriate relocation of residents. The licensee and facility staff shall cooperate with representatives from the county social services agency, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, and the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities in planning for and implementing the relocation of residents.

Subd. 5.Licensee responsibilities related to sending the notice in subdivision 5a.

(a) The licensee shall establish an interdisciplinary team responsible for coordinating and implementing the plan. The interdisciplinary team shall include representatives from the county social services agency, the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, facility staff that provide direct care services to the residents, and facility administration.

(b) Concurrent with the notice provided in subdivision 5a, the licensee shall provide an updated resident census summary document to the county social services agency, the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, and the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities that includes the following information on each resident to be relocated:

(1) resident name;

(2) date of birth;

(3) Social Security number;

(4) payment source and medical assistance identification number, if applicable;

(5) county of financial responsibility if the resident is enrolled in a Minnesota health care program;

(6) date of admission to the facility;

(7) all current diagnoses;

(8) the name of and contact information for the resident's physician;

(9) the name and contact information for the resident's responsible party;

(10) the name of and contact information for any case manager, managed care coordinator, or other care coordinator, if known;

(11) information on the resident's status related to commitment and probation; and

(12) the name of the managed care organization in which the resident is enrolled, if known.

Subd. 5a.Administrator and licensee responsibility to provide notice.

At least 60 days before the proposed date of closing, reduction, or change in operations as agreed to in the plan, the administrator shall send a written notice of closure, reduction, or change in operations to each resident being relocated, the resident's responsible party, the resident's managed care organization if it is known, the county social services agency, the commissioner of health, the commissioner of human services, the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, the resident's attending physician, and, in the case of a complete facility closure, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regional office designated representative. The notice must include the following:

(1) the date of the proposed closure, reduction, or change in operations;

(2) the contact information of the individual or individuals in the facility responsible for providing assistance and information;

(3) notification of upcoming meetings for residents, responsible parties, and resident and family councils to discuss the plan for relocation of residents;

(4) the contact information of the county social services agency contact person; and

(5) the contact information of the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Subd. 5b.

[Repealed by amendment, 2013 c 63 s 4]

Subd. 5c.Licensee responsibility regarding placement information.

The licensee shall provide sufficient preparation to each resident to ensure safe and orderly discharge and relocation. The licensee shall assist each resident in finding placements that take into consideration quality, services, location, the resident's needs and choices, and the best interests of each resident.

Subd. 5d.Licensee responsibility to meet with residents and responsible parties.

Following the establishment of the plan, the licensee shall conduct meetings with residents, families and responsible parties, and resident and family councils to notify them of the process for resident relocation. Representatives from the local county social services agency, the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, managed care organizations with residents in the facility, the commissioner of health, and the commissioner of human services shall receive advance notice of the meetings.

Subd. 5e.Licensee responsibility for site visits.

The licensee shall assist residents desiring to make site visits to facilities with available beds or other appropriate living options to which the resident may relocate, unless it is medically inadvisable, as documented by the attending physician in the resident's care record. The licensee shall make available to the resident at no charge transportation for up to three site visits to facilities or other living options within the county or contiguous counties.

Subd. 5f.Licensee responsibility for resident property, funds, and communication devices.

(a) The licensee shall complete an inventory of resident personal possessions and provide a copy of the final inventory to the resident and the resident's responsible party prior to relocation. The licensee shall be responsible for the transfer of the resident's possessions to a selected new location within the county or contiguous counties. The licensee shall complete the transfer of resident possessions in a timely manner.

(b) The licensee shall complete a final accounting of personal funds held in trust by the facility and provide a copy of this accounting to the resident and the resident's responsible party. The licensee shall be responsible for the transfer of all personal funds held in trust by the facility. The licensee shall complete the transfer of all personal funds in a timely manner.

(c) The licensee shall assist residents with the transfer and reconnection of service for telephones or other personal communication devices or services. The licensee shall pay the costs associated with reestablishing service for telephones or other personal communication devices or services, such as connection fees or other onetime charges. The transfer and reconnection of personal communication devices or services shall be completed in a timely manner.

Subd. 5g.Licensee responsibilities for final written discharge notice and records transfer.

(a) The licensee shall provide the resident, the resident's responsible parties, the resident's managed care organization, if known, and the resident's attending physician with a final written discharge notice prior to the relocation of the resident. The notice must:

(1) be provided prior to the actual relocation; and

(2) identify the effective date of the anticipated relocation and the destination to which the resident is being relocated.

(b) The licensee shall provide the receiving facility or other health, housing, or care entity with complete and accurate resident records including contact information for family members, responsible parties, social service or other caseworkers, and managed care coordinators. These records must also include all information necessary to provide appropriate medical care and social services. This includes, but is not limited to, information on preadmission screening, Level I and Level II screening, minimum data set (MDS), all other assessments, current resident diagnoses, social, behavioral, and medication information, required forms, and discharge summaries.

(c) For residents with special care needs, the licensee shall consult with the receiving facility or other placement entity and provide staff training or other preparation as needed to assist in providing for the special needs.

Subd. 6.Responsibilities of licensee during relocation.

(a) The licensee shall, at no charge to the resident, make arrangements or provide for the transportation of residents to the new facility or location within the county or contiguous counties. The licensee shall provide a staff person to accompany the resident during transportation to the new location within the county or contiguous counties, upon request of the resident, the resident's family, or responsible party. The discharge and relocation of residents must be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. The licensee must ensure that there is no disruption in providing meals, medications, or treatments of a resident during the relocation process.

(b) Beginning the week following the announcement in subdivision 5a, the licensee shall submit weekly status reports to the commissioner of health and the commissioner of human services or their designees, the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and to the county social services agency. The status reports must be submitted in the format required by the commissioner of health and the commissioner of human services. The initial status report must identify:

(1) the relocation plan developed;

(2) the interdisciplinary team members; and

(3) the number of residents to be relocated.

(c) Subsequent status reports must identify:

(1) any modifications to the plan;

(2) any change of interdisciplinary team members;

(3) the number of residents relocated;

(4) the destination to which residents have been relocated;

(5) the number of residents remaining to be relocated; and

(6) issues or problems encountered during the process and resolution of these issues.

Subd. 7.Responsibilities of licensee following relocation.

The licensee shall retain or make arrangements for the retention of all remaining resident records for the period required by law. The licensee shall provide the Department of Health access to these records. The licensee shall notify the Department of Health of the location of any resident records that have not been transferred to the new facility or other health care entity.

Subd. 8.Responsibilities of county social services agency.

(a) The county social services agency shall participate in the meeting as outlined in subdivision 3, paragraph (b), to develop a relocation plan.

(b) The county social services agency shall designate a representative to the interdisciplinary team established by the licensee responsible for coordinating the relocation efforts.

(c) The county social services agency shall serve as a resource in the relocation process.

(d) Concurrent with the notice sent to residents from the licensee as provided in subdivision 5a, the county social services agency shall provide written notice to residents and responsible parties describing:

(1) the county's role in the relocation process and in the follow-up to relocations;

(2) the county social services agency contact information; and

(3) the contact information for the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

(e) The county social services agency designee shall meet with appropriate facility staff to coordinate any assistance in the relocation process. This coordination shall include participating in group meetings with residents, families, and responsible parties to explain the relocation process.

(f) Beginning from the initial notice given in subdivision 2, the county social services agency shall monitor compliance with all components of this section and the plan developed under subdivision 3, paragraph (b). If the licensee is not in compliance, the county social services agency shall notify the commissioner of the Department of Health and the commissioner of the Department of Human Services.

(g) Except as requested by the resident or responsible party and within the parameters of the Vulnerable Adults Act, the county social services agency, in coordination with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of human services, may halt a relocation that it deems inappropriate or dangerous to the health or safety of a resident. In situations where a resident relocation is halted, the county social services agency must notify the resident, family, responsible parties, Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and resident's managed care organization, of this action. The county social services agency shall pursue remedies to protect the resident during the relocation process, including, but not limited to, assisting the resident with filing an appeal of transfer or discharge, notification of all appropriate licensing boards and agencies, and other remedies available to the county under section 626.557, subdivision 10.

(h) A member of the county social services agency staff shall follow up with relocated residents within 30 days after the relocation. This requirement does not apply to changes in operation where the facility moved to a new location and residents chose to move to that new location. The requirement also does not apply to residents admitted after the notice in subdivision 5a is given and discharged prior to the actual change in facility operations or reduction. County social services agency staff shall interview the resident or responsible party and review and discuss pertinent medical or social records with appropriate facility staff to:

(1) assess the adjustment of the resident to the new placement;

(2) recommend services or methods to meet any special needs of the resident; and

(3) identify residents at risk.

(i) The county social services agency shall conduct subsequent follow-up visits on site in cases where the adjustment of the resident to the new placement is in question.

(j) Within 60 days of the completion of the follow up under paragraphs (h) and (i), the county social services agency shall submit a written summary of the follow-up work to the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services in a manner approved by the commissioners.

(k) The county social services agency shall submit to the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services a report of any issues that may require further review or monitoring.

(l) The county social services agency shall be responsible for the safe and orderly relocation of residents in cases where an emergent need arises or when the licensee has abrogated its responsibilities under the plan.

Subd. 9.Penalties.

Upon the recommendation of the commissioner of health, the commissioner of human services may eliminate a closure rate adjustment under subdivision 10 for violations of this section.

Subd. 10.Facility closure rate adjustment.

Upon the request of a closing facility, the commissioner of human services must allow the facility a closure rate adjustment equal to a 50 percent payment rate increase to reimburse relocation costs or other costs related to facility closure. This rate increase is effective on the date the facility's occupancy decreases to 90 percent of capacity days after the written notice of closure is distributed under subdivision 5 and shall remain in effect for a period of up to 60 days. The commissioner shall delay the implementation of rate adjustments under section 256B.437, subdivisions 3, paragraph (b), and 6, paragraph (a), to offset the cost of this rate adjustment.

Subd. 11.

[Repealed by amendment, 2013 c 63 s 4]

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 9; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2006 c 282 art 20 s 7-16; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 75; 2010 c 352 art 1 s 3; 2013 c 63 s 4

144A.162 TRANSFER OF RESIDENTS WITHIN FACILITIES.

The licensee shall provide for the safe, orderly, and appropriate transfer of residents within the facility. In situations where there is a curtailment, reduction, capital improvement, or change in operations within a facility, the licensee shall minimize the number of intrafacility transfers needed to complete the project or change in operations, consider individual resident needs and preferences, and provide reasonable accommodation for individual resident requests regarding their room transfer. The licensee shall provide notice to the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and, when appropriate, the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, in advance of any notice to residents and family, when all of the following circumstances apply:

(1) the transfers of residents within the facility are being proposed due to curtailment, reduction, capital improvements or change in operations;

(2) the transfers of residents within the facility are not temporary moves to accommodate physical plan upgrades or renovation; and

(3) the transfers involve multiple residents being moved simultaneously.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 10; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 75

144A.17 [Repealed, 1983 c 260 s 68]

144A.18 ADMINISTRATOR'S LICENSES; PENALTY.

No person shall act as a nursing home administrator or purport to be a nursing home administrator unless that person is licensed by the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

History:

1976 c 173 s 18; 1986 c 444

144A.1888 REUSE OF FACILITIES.

Notwithstanding any local ordinance related to development, planning, or zoning to the contrary, the conversion or reuse of a nursing home that closes or that curtails, reduces, or changes operations shall be considered a conforming use permitted under local law, provided that the facility is converted to another long-term care service approved by a regional planning group under section 256B.437 that serves a smaller number of persons than the number of persons served before the closure or curtailment, reduction, or change in operations.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 11; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113

BOARD OF EXAMINERS
FOR ADMINISTRATORS

144A.19 BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR ADMINISTRATORS.

Subdivision 1.Creation; membership.

There is hereby created the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators which shall consist of the following members:

(a) a designee of the commissioner of health who shall be a nonvoting member;

(b) a designee of the commissioner of human services who shall be a nonvoting member; and

(c) the following members appointed by the governor:

(1) two members actively engaged in the management, operation, or ownership of proprietary nursing homes;

(2) two members actively engaged in the management or operation of nonprofit nursing homes;

(3) one member actively engaged in the practice of medicine;

(4) one member actively engaged in the practice of professional nursing; and

(5) three public members as defined in section 214.02.

Subd. 2.Provisions.

Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, fiscal year and reporting requirements, the provision of staff, administrative services and office space, the review and processing of complaints, the setting of board fees and other provisions relating to board operations for the board of examiners shall be as provided in chapter 214.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1999 c 102 s 7]

History:

1976 c 173 s 19; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1977 c 347 s 24; 1977 c 444 s 10; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444; 1999 c 102 s 1

144A.20 ADMINISTRATOR QUALIFICATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Criteria.

The Board of Examiners may issue licenses to qualified persons as nursing home administrators, and shall establish qualification criteria for nursing home administrators. No license shall be issued to a person as a nursing home administrator unless that person:

(a) is at least 21 years of age and otherwise suitably qualified;

(b) has satisfactorily met standards set by the Board of Examiners, which standards shall be designed to assure that nursing home administrators will be individuals who, by training or experience are qualified to serve as nursing home administrators; and

(c) has passed an examination approved by the board and designed to test for competence in the subject matters referred to in clause (b), or has been approved by the Board of Examiners through the development and application of other appropriate techniques.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1999 c 102 s 7]

History:

1976 c 173 s 20; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 451 art 4 s 23; 1999 c 102 s 2

144A.21 ADMINISTRATOR LICENSES.

Subdivision 1.Transferability.

A nursing home administrator's license shall not be transferable.

Subd. 2.Rules; renewal.

The Board of Examiners by rule shall establish forms and procedures for the processing of license renewals. A nursing home administrator's license may be renewed only in accordance with the standards adopted by the Board of Examiners pursuant to section 144A.24.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1977 c 444 s 21]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1977 c 444 s 21]

History:

1976 c 173 s 21; 1977 c 444 s 11

144A.22 ORGANIZATION OF BOARD.

The Board of Examiners shall elect from its membership a chair, vice-chair and secretary-treasurer, and shall adopt rules to govern its proceedings. Except as otherwise provided by law the Board of Examiners shall employ and fix the compensation and duties of an executive director and other necessary personnel to assist it in the performance of its duties. The executive director shall be in the unclassified service and shall not be a member of the Board of Examiners.

History:

1976 c 173 s 22; 1985 c 247 s 25; 1986 c 444; 1999 c 102 s 3

144A.23 JURISDICTION OF BOARD.

Except as provided in section 144A.04, subdivision 5, the board of examiners shall have exclusive authority to determine the qualifications, skill and fitness required of any person to serve as an administrator of a nursing home. The holder of a license shall be deemed fully qualified to serve as the administrator of a nursing home.

History:

1976 c 173 s 23

144A.24 DUTIES OF THE BOARD.

The Board of Examiners shall:

(a) develop and enforce standards for nursing home administrator licensing, which standards shall be designed to assure that nursing home administrators will be individuals of good character who, by training or experience, are suitably qualified to serve as nursing home administrators;

(b) develop appropriate techniques, including examinations and investigations, for determining whether applicants and licensees meet the board's standards;

(c) issue licenses and permits to those individuals who are found to meet the board's standards;

(d) establish and implement procedures designed to assure that individuals licensed as nursing home administrators will comply with the board's standards;

(e) receive and investigate complaints and take appropriate action consistent with chapter 214, to revoke or suspend the license or permit of a nursing home administrator or acting administrator who fails to comply with sections 144A.18 to 144A.27 or the board's standards;

(f) conduct a continuing study and investigation of nursing homes, and the administrators of nursing homes within the state, with a view to the improvement of the standards imposed for the licensing of administrators and improvement of the procedures and methods used for enforcement of the board's standards; and

(g) approve or conduct courses of instruction or training designed to prepare individuals for licensing in accordance with the board's standards. Courses designed to meet license renewal requirements shall be designed solely to improve professional skills and shall not include classroom attendance requirements exceeding 50 hours per year. The board may approve courses conducted within or without this state.

History:

1976 c 173 s 24; 1980 c 509 s 45; 1999 c 102 s 4

144A.25 [Repealed, 1977 c 444 s 21]

144A.251 MANDATORY PROCEEDINGS.

In addition to its discretionary authority to initiate proceedings under section 144A.24 and chapter 214, the Board of Examiners shall initiate proceedings to suspend or revoke a nursing home administrator license or shall refuse to renew a license if within the preceding two-year period the administrator was employed at a nursing home which during the period of employment incurred the following number of uncorrected violations, which violations were in the jurisdiction and control of the administrator and for which a fine was assessed and allowed to be recovered:

(a) Two or more uncorrected violations which created an imminent risk of harm to a nursing home resident; or

(b) Ten or more uncorrected violations of any nature.

History:

1976 c 173 s 26; 1977 c 444 s 12; 1986 c 444

144A.2511 COSTS; PENALTIES.

If the Board of Examiners has initiated proceedings under section 144A.24 or 144A.251 or chapter 214, and upon completion of the proceedings has found that a nursing home administrator has violated a provision or provisions of sections 144A.18 to 144A.27, it may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for each separate violation, with all violations related to a single event or incident considered as one violation. The amount of the civil penalty shall be fixed so as to deprive the nursing home administrator of any economic advantage gained by reason of the violation charged or to reimburse the board for the cost of the investigation and proceeding. For purposes of this section, the cost of the investigation and proceeding may include, but is not limited to, fees paid for services provided by the Office of Administrative Hearings, legal and investigative services provided by the Office of the Attorney General, court reporters, witnesses, and reproduction of records.

History:

2003 c 66 s 1

144A.252 IMMUNITY.

Members of the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators and persons employed by the board or engaged in the investigation of violations and in the preparation and management of charges of violations of sections 144A.18 to 144A.27, or of rules adopted pursuant to sections 144A.18 to 144A.27 on behalf of the board, are immune from civil liability and criminal prosecution for any actions, transactions, or publication in execution of, or relating to, their duties under sections 144A.18 to 144A.27 provided they are acting in good faith.

History:

1999 c 102 s 5

144A.26 RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER STATES.

The board of examiners may issue a nursing home administrator's license, without examination, to any person who holds a current license as a nursing home administrator from another jurisdiction if the board finds that the standards for licensure in the other jurisdiction are at least the substantial equivalent of those prevailing in this state and that the applicant is otherwise qualified.

History:

1976 c 173 s 27

144A.27 ACTING ADMINISTRATORS.

If a licensed nursing home administrator is removed from the position by death or other unexpected cause, the controlling persons of the nursing home suffering the removal may designate an acting nursing home administrator who shall secure an acting administrator's permit within 30 days of appointment as the acting administrator.

History:

1976 c 173 s 28; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 403 art 4 s 5; 1999 c 102 s 6

144A.28 SEVERABILITY.

Any part of sections 144A.18 to 144A.27 which is in conflict with any act of Congress of the United States or any rule of a federal agency, so as to deprive nursing homes of this state of federal funds, shall be deemed void without affecting the remaining provisions of sections 144A.18 to 144A.27.

History:

1976 c 173 s 29

144A.29 [Repealed, 1999 c 102 s 7]

144A.30 PETS IN NURSING HOMES.

Nursing homes may keep pet animals on the premises subject to reasonable rules as to the care, type and maintenance of the pet.

History:

1979 c 38 s 1

144A.31 [Repealed, 2001 c 161 s 58]

144A.33 RESIDENT AND FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL EDUCATION.

Subdivision 1.Educational program.

Each resident and family council authorized under section 144.651, subdivision 27, shall be educated and informed about the following:

(1) care in the nursing home or board and care home;

(2) resident rights and responsibilities;

(3) resident and family council organization and maintenance;

(4) laws and rules that apply to homes and residents;

(5) human relations; and

(6) resident and family self-help methods to increase quality of care and quality of life in a nursing home or board and care home.

Subd. 2.Providing educational services.

The Minnesota Board on Aging shall provide educational services to councils.

Subd. 3.Funding of advisory council education.

A license application or renewal fee for nursing homes and boarding care homes under section 144.53 or 144A.07 must be increased by $5 per bed to fund the development and education of resident and family advisory councils.

Subd. 4.Special account.

All money collected by the commissioner of health under subdivision 3 must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a special account called the nursing home advisory council fund. Money credited to the fund is appropriated to the Minnesota Board on Aging for the purposes of this section.

Subd. 5.Evaluation.

Each year the Minnesota Board on Aging shall evaluate the programs and funding sources established under this section.

History:

1985 c 267 s 1; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 13,14; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 19; 1997 c 7 art 2 s 16; 2014 c 312 art 27 s 4

144A.35 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 57]

144A.351 BALANCING LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS: REPORT AND STUDY REQUIRED.

Subdivision 1.Report requirements.

The commissioners of health and human services, with the cooperation of counties and in consultation with stakeholders, including persons who need or are using long-term care services and supports, lead agencies, regional entities, senior, disability, and mental health organization representatives, service providers, and community members shall prepare a report to the legislature by August 15, 2013, and biennially thereafter, regarding the status of the full range of long-term care services and supports for the elderly and children and adults with disabilities and mental illnesses in Minnesota. The report shall address:

(1) demographics and need for long-term care services and supports in Minnesota;

(2) summary of county and regional reports on long-term care gaps, surpluses, imbalances, and corrective action plans;

(3) status of long-term care services and related mental health services, housing options, and supports by county and region including:

(i) changes in availability of the range of long-term care services and housing options;

(ii) access problems, including access to the least restrictive and most integrated services and settings, regarding long-term care services; and

(iii) comparative measures of long-term care services availability, including serving people in their home areas near family, and changes over time; and

(4) recommendations regarding goals for the future of long-term care services and supports, policy and fiscal changes, and resource development and transition needs.

Subd. 2.Critical access study.

The commissioner of human services shall conduct a onetime study to assess local capacity and availability of home and community-based services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with mental illnesses. The study must assess critical access at the community level and identify potential strategies to build home and community-based service capacity in critical access areas. The report shall be submitted to the legislature no later than August 15, 2015.

History:

1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 11; 2007 c 147 art 6 s 1; 2012 c 247 art 4 s 3; 2012 c 298 s 2; 2013 c 108 art 2 s 2,44; art 15 s 3,4

144A.36 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 7 s 89]

144A.37 ALTERNATIVE NURSING HOME SURVEY PROCESS.

Subdivision 1.Alternative nursing home survey schedules.

(a) The commissioner of health shall implement alternative procedures for the nursing home survey process as authorized under this section.

(b) These alternative survey process procedures seek to: (1) use department resources more effectively and efficiently to target problem areas; (2) use other existing or new mechanisms to provide objective assessments of quality and to measure quality improvement; (3) provide for frequent collaborative interaction of facility staff and surveyors rather than a punitive approach; and (4) reward a nursing home that has performed very well by extending intervals between full surveys.

(c) The commissioner shall pursue changes in federal law necessary to accomplish this process and shall apply for any necessary federal waivers or approval. If a federal waiver is approved, the commissioner shall promptly submit, to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over health and human services policy and finance, fiscal estimates for implementing the alternative survey process waiver. The commissioner shall also pursue any necessary federal law changes during the 107th Congress.

(d) The alternative nursing home survey schedule and related educational activities shall not be implemented until funding is appropriated by the legislature.

Subd. 2.Survey intervals.

The commissioner of health must extend the time period between standard surveys up to 30 months based on the criteria established in subdivision 4. In using the alternative survey schedule, the requirement for the statewide average to not exceed 12 months does not apply.

Subd. 3.Compliance history.

The commissioner shall develop a process for identifying the survey cycles for skilled nursing facilities based upon the compliance history of the facility. This process can use a range of months for survey intervals. At a minimum, the process must be based on information from the last two survey cycles and shall take into consideration any deficiencies issued as the result of a survey or a complaint investigation during the interval. A skilled nursing facility with a finding of substandard quality of care or a finding of immediate jeopardy is not entitled to a survey interval greater than 12 months. The commissioner shall alter the survey cycle for a specific skilled nursing facility based on findings identified through the completion of a survey, a monitoring visit, or a complaint investigation. The commissioner must also take into consideration information other than the facility's compliance history.

Subd. 4.Criteria for survey interval classification.

(a) The commissioner shall provide public notice of the classification process and shall identify the selected survey cycles for each skilled nursing facility. The classification system must be based on an analysis of the findings made during the past two standard survey intervals, but it only takes one survey or complaint finding to modify the interval.

(b) The commissioner shall also take into consideration information obtained from residents and family members in each skilled nursing facility and from other sources such as employees and ombudsmen in determining the appropriate survey intervals for facilities.

Subd. 5.Required monitoring.

(a) The commissioner shall conduct at least one monitoring visit on an annual basis for every skilled nursing facility which has been selected for a survey cycle greater than 12 months. The commissioner shall develop protocols for the monitoring visits which shall be less extensive than the requirements for a standard survey. The commissioner shall use the criteria in paragraph (b) to determine whether additional monitoring visits to a facility will be required.

(b) The criteria shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) changes in ownership, administration of the facility, or direction of the facility's nursing service;

(2) changes in the facility's quality indicators which might evidence a decline in the facility's quality of care;

(3) reductions in staffing or an increase in the utilization of temporary nursing personnel; and

(4) complaint information or other information that identifies potential concerns for the quality of the care and services provided in the skilled nursing facility.

Subd. 6.Facilities not approved for extended survey intervals.

The commissioner shall establish a process for surveying and monitoring of facilities which require a survey interval of less than 15 months. This information shall identify the steps that the commissioner must take to monitor the facility in addition to the standard survey.

Subd. 7.Impact on survey agency's budget.

The implementation of an alternative survey process for the state must not result in any reduction of funding that would have been provided to the state survey agency for survey and enforcement activity based upon the completion of full standard surveys for each skilled nursing facility in the state.

Subd. 8.Educational activities.

The commissioner shall expand the state survey agency's ability to conduct training and educational efforts for skilled nursing facilities, residents and family members, residents and family councils, long-term care ombudsman programs, and the general public.

Subd. 9.Evaluation.

The commissioner shall develop a process for the evaluation of the effectiveness of an alternative survey process conducted under this section.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 5 s 13; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113

144A.38 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 7 s 89]

HOME CARE PROGRAM

144A.43 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 144.699, subdivision 2, and 144A.43 to 144A.482.

Subd. 1a.Agent.

"Agent" means the person upon whom all notices and orders shall be served and who is authorized to accept service of notices and orders on behalf of the home care provider.

Subd. 1b.Applicant.

"Applicant" means an individual, organization, association, corporation, unit of government, or other entity that applies for a temporary license, license, or renewal of the applicant's home care provider license under section 144A.472.

Subd. 1c.Client.

"Client" means a person to whom home care services are provided.

Subd. 1d.Client record.

"Client record" means all records that document information about the home care services provided to the client by the home care provider.

Subd. 1e.Client representative.

"Client representative" means a person who, because of the client's needs, makes decisions about the client's care on behalf of the client. A client representative may be a guardian, health care agent, family member, or other agent of the client. Nothing in this section expands or diminishes the rights of persons to act on behalf of clients under other law.

Subd. 2.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health.

Subd. 2a.Controlled substance.

"Controlled substance" has the meaning given in section 152.01, subdivision 4.

Subd. 2b.Department.

"Department" means the Minnesota Department of Health.

Subd. 2c.Dietary supplement.

"Dietary supplement" means a product taken by mouth that contains a dietary ingredient intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissue, glandulars, or metabolites.

Subd. 2d.Dietitian.

"Dietitian" is a person licensed under sections 148.621 to 148.633.

Subd. 2e.Dietetics or nutrition practice.

"Dietetics or nutrition practice" is performed by a licensed dietitian or licensed nutritionist and includes the activities of assessment, setting priorities and objectives, providing nutrition counseling, developing and implementing nutrition care services, and evaluating and maintaining appropriate standards of quality of nutrition care under sections 148.621 to 148.633.

Subd. 3.Home care service.

"Home care service" means any of the following services delivered in the home of a person whose illness, disability, or physical condition creates a need for the service:

(1) assistive tasks provided by unlicensed personnel;

(2) services provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, dietitian or nutritionist, or social worker;

(3) medication and treatment management services; or

(4) the provision of durable medical equipment services when provided with any of the home care services listed in clauses (1) to (3).

Subd. 3a.Hands-on assistance.

"Hands-on assistance" means physical help by another person without which the client is not able to perform the activity.

Subd. 3b.Home.

"Home" means the client's temporary or permanent place of residence.

Subd. 4.Home care provider.

"Home care provider" means an individual, organization, association, corporation, unit of government, or other entity that is regularly engaged in the delivery of at least one home care service, directly in a client's home for a fee and who has a valid current temporary license or license issued under sections 144A.43 to 144A.482.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed by amendment, 2013 c 108 art 11 s 7]

Subd. 6.License.

"License" means a basic or comprehensive home care license issued by the commissioner to a home care provider.

Subd. 7.Licensed health professional.

"Licensed health professional" means a person, other than a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, who provides home care services within the scope of practice of the person's health occupation license, registration, or certification as regulated and who is licensed by the appropriate Minnesota state board or agency.

Subd. 8.Licensee.

"Licensee" means a home care provider that is licensed under this chapter.

Subd. 9.Managerial official.

"Managerial official" means an administrator, director, officer, trustee, or employee of a home care provider, however designated, who has the authority to establish or control business policy.

Subd. 10.Medication.

"Medication" means a prescription or over-the-counter drug. For purposes of this chapter only, medication includes dietary supplements.

Subd. 11.Medication administration.

"Medication administration" means performing a set of tasks to ensure a client takes medications, and includes the following:

(1) checking the client's medication record;

(2) preparing the medication as necessary;

(3) administering the medication to the client;

(4) documenting the administration or reason for not administering the medication; and

(5) reporting to a nurse any concerns about the medication, the client, or the client's refusal to take the medication.

Subd. 12.Medication management.

"Medication management" means the provision of any of the following medication-related services to a client:

(1) performing medication setup;

(2) administering medication;

(3) storing and securing medications;

(4) documenting medication activities;

(5) verifying and monitoring effectiveness of systems to ensure safe handling and administration;

(6) coordinating refills;

(7) handling and implementing changes to prescriptions;

(8) communicating with the pharmacy about the client's medications; and

(9) coordinating and communicating with the prescriber.

Subd. 13.Medication setup.

"Medication setup" means arranging medications by a nurse, pharmacy, or authorized prescriber for later administration by the client or by comprehensive home care staff.

Subd. 14.Nurse.

"Nurse" means a person who is licensed under sections 148.171 to 148.285.

Subd. 15.Occupational therapist.

"Occupational therapist" means a person who is licensed under sections 148.6401 to 148.6450.

Subd. 16.Over-the-counter drug.

"Over-the-counter drug" means a drug that is not required by federal law to bear the symbol "Rx only."

Subd. 17.Owner.

"Owner" means a proprietor, a general partner, a limited partner who has five percent or more equity interest in a limited partnership, a person who owns or controls voting stock in a corporation in an amount equal to or greater than five percent of the shares issued and outstanding, or a corporation that owns equity interest in a licensee or applicant for a license.

Subd. 18.Pharmacist.

"Pharmacist" has the meaning given in section 151.01, subdivision 3.

Subd. 19.Physical therapist.

"Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed under sections 148.65 to 148.78.

Subd. 20.Physician.

"Physician" means a person who is licensed under chapter 147.

Subd. 21.Prescriber.

"Prescriber" means a person who is authorized by sections 148.235; 151.01, subdivision 23; and 151.37 to prescribe prescription drugs.

Subd. 22.Prescription.

"Prescription" has the meaning given in section 151.01, subdivision 16.

Subd. 23.Regularly scheduled.

"Regularly scheduled" means ordered or planned to be completed at predetermined times or according to a predetermined routine.

Subd. 24.Reminder.

"Reminder" means providing a verbal or visual reminder to a client.

Subd. 25.Respiratory therapist.

"Respiratory therapist" means a person who is licensed under chapter 147C.

Subd. 26.Revenues.

"Revenues" means all money received by a licensee derived from the provision of home care services, including fees for services and appropriations of public money for home care services.

Subd. 27.Service plan.

"Service plan" means the written plan between the client or client's representative and the temporary licensee or licensee about the services that will be provided to the client.

Subd. 28.Social worker.

"Social worker" means a person who is licensed under chapter 148D or 148E.

Subd. 29.Speech-language pathologist.

"Speech-language pathologist" has the meaning given in section 148.512.

Subd. 30.Standby assistance.

"Standby assistance" means the presence of another person within arm's reach to minimize the risk of injury while performing daily activities through physical intervention or cuing.

Subd. 31.Substantial compliance.

"Substantial compliance" means complying with the requirements in this chapter sufficiently to prevent unacceptable health or safety risks to the home care client.

Subd. 32.Survey.

"Survey" means an inspection of a licensee or applicant for licensure for compliance with this chapter.

Subd. 33.Surveyor.

"Surveyor" means a staff person of the department authorized to conduct surveys of home care providers and applicants.

Subd. 34.Temporary license.

"Temporary license" means the initial basic or comprehensive home care license the department issues after approval of a complete written application and before the department completes the temporary license survey and determines that the temporary licensee is in substantial compliance.

Subd. 35.Treatment or therapy.

"Treatment" or "therapy" means the provision of care, other than medications, ordered or prescribed by a licensed health professional provided to a client to cure, rehabilitate, or ease symptoms.

Subd. 36.Unit of government.

"Unit of government" means every city, county, town, school district, other political subdivisions of the state, or agency of the state or federal government, which includes any instrumentality of a unit of government.

Subd. 37.Unlicensed personnel.

"Unlicensed personnel" are individuals not otherwise licensed or certified by a governmental health board or agency who provide home care services in the client's home.

Subd. 38.Verbal.

"Verbal" means oral and not in writing.

History:

1987 c 378 s 3; 1989 c 194 s 1; 1989 c 304 s 137; 1992 c 513 art 6 s 5,6; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 20; 1997 c 22 art 2 s 2,8; 1997 c 113 s 1; 2002 c 252 s 2-4,24; 2009 c 174 art 2 s 4; 2013 c 108 art 11 s 7; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.44 HOME CARE BILL OF RIGHTS.

Subdivision 1.Statement of rights.

A person who receives home care services has these rights:

(1) the right to receive written information about rights before receiving services, including what to do if rights are violated;

(2) the right to receive care and services according to a suitable and up-to-date plan, and subject to accepted health care, medical or nursing standards, to take an active part in developing, modifying, and evaluating the plan and services;

(3) the right to be told before receiving services the type and disciplines of staff who will be providing the services, the frequency of visits proposed to be furnished, other choices that are available for addressing home care needs, and the potential consequences of refusing these services;

(4) the right to be told in advance of any recommended changes by the provider in the service plan and to take an active part in any decisions about changes to the service plan;

(5) the right to refuse services or treatment;

(6) the right to know, before receiving services or during the initial visit, any limits to the services available from a home care provider;

(7) the right to be told before services are initiated what the provider charges for the services; to what extent payment may be expected from health insurance, public programs, or other sources, if known; and what charges the client may be responsible for paying;

(8) the right to know that there may be other services available in the community, including other home care services and providers, and to know where to find information about these services;

(9) the right to choose freely among available providers and to change providers after services have begun, within the limits of health insurance, long-term care insurance, medical assistance, or other health programs;

(10) the right to have personal, financial, and medical information kept private, and to be advised of the provider's policies and procedures regarding disclosure of such information;

(11) the right to access the client's own records and written information from those records in accordance with sections 144.291 to 144.298;

(12) the right to be served by people who are properly trained and competent to perform their duties;

(13) the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, and to have the client's property treated with respect;

(14) the right to be free from physical and verbal abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and all forms of maltreatment covered under the Vulnerable Adults Act and the Maltreatment of Minors Act;

(15) the right to reasonable, advance notice of changes in services or charges;

(16) the right to know the provider's reason for termination of services;

(17) the right to at least ten days' advance notice of the termination of a service by a provider, except in cases where:

(i) the client engages in conduct that significantly alters the terms of the service plan with the home care provider;

(ii) the client, person who lives with the client, or others create an abusive or unsafe work environment for the person providing home care services; or

(iii) an emergency or a significant change in the client's condition has resulted in service needs that exceed the current service plan and that cannot be safely met by the home care provider;

(18) the right to a coordinated transfer when there will be a change in the provider of services;

(19) the right to complain about services that are provided, or fail to be provided, and the lack of courtesy or respect to the client or the client's property;

(20) the right to know how to contact an individual associated with the home care provider who is responsible for handling problems and to have the home care provider investigate and attempt to resolve the grievance or complaint;

(21) the right to know the name and address of the state or county agency to contact for additional information or assistance; and

(22) the right to assert these rights personally, or have them asserted by the client's representative or by anyone on behalf of the client, without retaliation.

Subd. 2.Interpretation and enforcement of rights.

These rights are established for the benefit of clients who receive home care services. All home care providers, including those exempted under section 144A.471, must comply with this section. The commissioner shall enforce this section and the home care bill of rights requirement against home care providers exempt from licensure in the same manner as for licensees. A home care provider may not request or require a client to surrender any of these rights as a condition of receiving services. This statement of rights does not replace or diminish other rights and liberties that may exist relative to clients receiving home care services, persons providing home care services, or providers licensed under sections 144A.43 to 144A.482.

History:

1987 c 378 s 4; 1991 c 133 s 1; 1998 c 407 art 2 s 81; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 1 s 39; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 75; art 10 s 15; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 7; 2013 c 108 art 11 s 8; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.441 ASSISTED LIVING BILL OF RIGHTS ADDENDUM.

Assisted living clients, as defined in section 144G.01, subdivision 3, shall be provided with the home care bill of rights required by section 144A.44, except that the home care bill of rights provided to these clients must include the following provision in place of the provision in section 144A.44, subdivision 1, clause (17):

"(17) the right to reasonable, advance notice of changes in services or charges, including at least 30 days' advance notice of the termination of a service by a provider, except in cases where:

(i) the recipient of services engages in conduct that alters the conditions of employment as specified in the employment contract between the home care provider and the individual providing home care services, or creates an abusive or unsafe work environment for the individual providing home care services;

(ii) an emergency for the informal caregiver or a significant change in the recipient's condition has resulted in service needs that exceed the current service provider agreement and that cannot be safely met by the home care provider; or

(iii) the provider has not received payment for services, for which at least ten days' advance notice of the termination of a service shall be provided."

History:

2006 c 282 art 19 s 1; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 24

144A.442 ASSISTED LIVING CLIENTS; SERVICE TERMINATION.

If an arranged home care provider, as defined in section 144D.01, subdivision 2a, who is not also Medicare certified terminates a service agreement or service plan with an assisted living client, as defined in section 144G.01, subdivision 3, the home care provider shall provide the assisted living client and the legal or designated representatives of the client, if any, with a written notice of termination which includes the following information:

(1) the effective date of termination;

(2) the reason for termination;

(3) without extending the termination notice period, an affirmative offer to meet with the assisted living client or client representatives within no more than five business days of the date of the termination notice to discuss the termination;

(4) contact information for a reasonable number of other home care providers in the geographic area of the assisted living client, as required by Minnesota Rules, part 4668.0050;

(5) a statement that the provider will participate in a coordinated transfer of the care of the client to another provider or caregiver, as required by section 144A.44, subdivision 1, clause (18);

(6) the name and contact information of a representative of the home care provider with whom the client may discuss the notice of termination;

(7) a copy of the home care bill of rights; and

(8) a statement that the notice of termination of home care services by the home care provider does not constitute notice of termination of the housing with services contract with a housing with services establishment.

History:

2006 c 282 art 19 s 2; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 25

144A.45 REGULATION OF HOME CARE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Regulations.

The commissioner shall regulate home care providers pursuant to sections 144A.43 to 144A.482. The regulations shall include the following:

(1) provisions to assure, to the extent possible, the health, safety, well-being, and appropriate treatment of persons who receive home care services while respecting a client's autonomy and choice;

(2) requirements that home care providers furnish the commissioner with specified information necessary to implement sections 144A.43 to 144A.482;

(3) standards of training of home care provider personnel;

(4) standards for provision of home care services;

(5) standards for medication management;

(6) standards for supervision of home care services;

(7) standards for client evaluation or assessment;

(8) requirements for the involvement of a client's health care provider, the documentation of health care providers' orders, if required, and the client's service plan;

(9) the maintenance of accurate, current client records;

(10) the establishment of basic and comprehensive levels of licenses based on services provided; and

(11) provisions to enforce these regulations and the home care bill of rights.

Subd. 1a.

[Repealed by amendment, 2013 c 108 art 11 s 9]

Subd. 1b.

[Repealed by amendment, 2013 c 108 art 11 s 9]

Subd. 2.Regulatory functions.

The commissioner shall:

(1) license, survey, and monitor without advance notice, home care providers in accordance with sections 144A.43 to 144A.482;

(2) survey every temporary licensee within one year of the temporary license issuance date subject to the temporary licensee providing home care services to a client or clients;

(3) survey all licensed home care providers on an interval that will promote the health and safety of clients;

(4) with the consent of the client, visit the home where services are being provided;

(5) issue correction orders and assess civil penalties in accordance with section 144.653, subdivisions 5 to 8, for violations of sections 144A.43 to 144A.482;

(6) take action as authorized in section 144A.475; and

(7) take other action reasonably required to accomplish the purposes of sections 144A.43 to 144A.482.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1997 c 113 s 22]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed by amendment, 2013 c 108 art 11 s 9]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed by amendment, 2013 c 108 art 11 s 9]

Subd. 6.Home care providers; tuberculosis prevention and control.

(a) A home care provider must establish and maintain a comprehensive tuberculosis infection control program according to the most current tuberculosis infection control guidelines issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, as published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). This program must include a tuberculosis infection control plan that covers all paid and unpaid employees, contractors, students, and volunteers. The Department of Health shall provide technical assistance regarding implementation of the guidelines.

(b) Written compliance with this subdivision must be maintained by the home care provider.

History:

1987 c 378 s 5; 1989 c 282 art 2 s 25; 1991 c 286 s 8; 1997 c 113 s 2,3; 1998 c 254 art 1 s 30,31; 2002 c 252 s 5,6,24; 2003 c 37 s 2; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 2,3; 2009 c 174 art 2 s 5,6; 2010 c 246 s 1,2; 2013 c 43 s 16; 2013 c 108 art 11 s 9; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.46 [Repealed, 2014 c 275 art 1 s 134]

144A.4605 [Repealed, 2014 c 275 art 1 s 134]

144A.461 [Repealed, 2014 c 275 art 1 s 134]

144A.465 [Repealed, 2014 c 275 art 1 s 134]

144A.47 INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES.

The commissioner shall ensure that information and referral services relating to home care are available in all regions of the state. The commissioner shall collect and make available information about available home care services, sources of payment, providers, and the rights of consumers. The commissioner may require home care providers to provide information requested for the purposes of this section as a condition of registration or licensure. The commissioner may publish and make available:

(1) general information describing home care services in the state;

(2) limitations on hours, availability of services, and eligibility for third-party payments, applicable to individual providers; and

(3) other information the commissioner determines to be appropriate.

History:

1987 c 378 s 7; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 21

HOME CARE LICENSING

144A.471 HOME CARE PROVIDER AND HOME CARE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.License required.

A home care provider may not open, operate, manage, conduct, maintain, or advertise itself as a home care provider or provide home care services in Minnesota without a temporary or current home care provider license issued by the commissioner of health.

Subd. 2.Determination of direct home care service.

(a) "Direct home care service" means a home care service provided to a client by the home care provider or its employees, and not by contract. Factors that must be considered in determining whether an individual or a business entity provides at least one home care service directly include, but are not limited to, whether the individual or business entity:

(1) has the right to control, and does control, the types of services provided;

(2) has the right to control, and does control, when and how the services are provided;

(3) establishes the charges;

(4) collects fees from the clients or receives payment from third-party payers on the clients' behalf;

(5) pays individuals providing services compensation on an hourly, weekly, or similar basis;

(6) treats the individuals providing services as employees for the purposes of payroll taxes and workers' compensation insurance; and

(7) holds itself out as a provider of home care services or acts in a manner that leads clients or potential clients to believe that it is a home care provider providing home care services.

(b) None of the factors listed in this subdivision is solely determinative.

Subd. 3.Determination of regularly engaged.

(a) "Regularly engaged" means providing, or offering to provide, home care services as a regular part of a business. The following factors must be considered by the commissioner in determining whether an individual or a business entity is regularly engaged in providing home care services:

(1) whether the individual or business entity states or otherwise promotes that the individual or business entity provides home care services;

(2) whether persons receiving home care services constitute a substantial part of the individual's or the business entity's clientele; and

(3) whether the home care services provided are other than occasional or incidental to the provision of services other than home care services.

(b) None of the factors listed in this subdivision is solely determinative.

Subd. 4.Penalties for operating without license.

A person involved in the management, operation, or control of a home care provider that operates without an appropriate license is guilty of a misdemeanor. This section does not apply to a person who has no legal authority to affect or change decisions related to the management, operation, or control of a home care provider.

Subd. 5.Basic and comprehensive levels of licensure.

An applicant seeking to become a home care provider must apply for either a basic or comprehensive home care license.

Subd. 6.Basic home care license provider.

Home care services that can be provided with a basic home care license are assistive tasks provided by licensed or unlicensed personnel that include:

(1) assisting with dressing, self-feeding, oral hygiene, hair care, grooming, toileting, and bathing;

(2) providing standby assistance;

(3) providing verbal or visual reminders to the client to take regularly scheduled medication, which includes bringing the client previously set-up medication, medication in original containers, or liquid or food to accompany the medication;

(4) providing verbal or visual reminders to the client to perform regularly scheduled treatments and exercises;

(5) preparing modified diets ordered by a licensed health professional; and

(6) assisting with laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping, or other household chores and services if the provider is also providing at least one of the activities in clauses (1) to (5).

Subd. 7.Comprehensive home care license provider.

Home care services that may be provided with a comprehensive home care license include any of the basic home care services listed in subdivision 6, and one or more of the following:

(1) services of an advanced practice nurse, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, dietitian or nutritionist, or social worker;

(2) tasks delegated to unlicensed personnel by a registered nurse or assigned by a licensed health professional within the person's scope of practice;

(3) medication management services;

(4) hands-on assistance with transfers and mobility;

(5) assisting clients with eating when the clients have complicating eating problems as identified in the client record or through an assessment such as difficulty swallowing, recurrent lung aspirations, or requiring the use of a tube or parenteral or intravenous instruments to be fed; or

(6) providing other complex or specialty health care services.

Subd. 8.Exemptions from home care services licensure.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, home care services that are provided by the state, counties, or other units of government must be licensed under this chapter.

(b) An exemption under this subdivision does not excuse the exempted individual or organization from complying with applicable provisions of the home care bill of rights in section 144A.44. The following individuals or organizations are exempt from the requirement to obtain a home care provider license:

(1) an individual or organization that offers, provides, or arranges for personal care assistance services under the medical assistance program as authorized under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, and 256B.0659;

(2) a provider that is licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide semi-independent living services for persons with developmental disabilities under section 252.275 and Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0900 to 9525.1020;

(3) a provider that is licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide home and community-based services for persons with developmental disabilities under section 256B.092 and Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.1800 to 9525.1930;

(4) an individual or organization that provides only home management services, if the individual or organization is registered under section 144A.482; or

(5) an individual who is licensed in this state as a nurse, dietitian, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech-language pathologist who provides health care services in the home independently and not through any contractual or employment relationship with a home care provider or other organization.

Subd. 9.Exclusions from home care licensure.

The following are excluded from home care licensure and are not required to provide the home care bill of rights:

(1) an individual or business entity providing only coordination of home care that includes one or more of the following:

(i) determination of whether a client needs home care services, or assisting a client in determining what services are needed;

(ii) referral of clients to a home care provider;

(iii) administration of payments for home care services; or

(iv) administration of a health care home established under section 256B.0751;

(2) an individual who is not an employee of a licensed home care provider if the individual:

(i) only provides services as an independent contractor to one or more licensed home care providers;

(ii) provides no services under direct agreements or contracts with clients; and

(iii) is contractually bound to perform services in compliance with the contracting home care provider's policies and service plans;

(3) a business that provides staff to home care providers, such as a temporary employment agency, if the business:

(i) only provides staff under contract to licensed or exempt providers;

(ii) provides no services under direct agreements with clients; and

(iii) is contractually bound to perform services under the contracting home care provider's direction and supervision;

(4) any home care services conducted by and for the adherents of any recognized church or religious denomination for its members through spiritual means, or by prayer for healing;

(5) an individual who only provides home care services to a relative;

(6) an individual not connected with a home care provider that provides assistance with basic home care needs if the assistance is provided primarily as a contribution and not as a business;

(7) an individual not connected with a home care provider that shares housing with and provides primarily housekeeping or homemaking services to an elderly or disabled person in return for free or reduced-cost housing;

(8) an individual or provider providing home-delivered meal services;

(9) an individual providing senior companion services and other older American volunteer programs (OAVP) established under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, United States Code, title 42, chapter 66;

(10) an employee of a nursing home licensed under this chapter or an employee of a boarding care home licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56 who responds to occasional emergency calls from individuals residing in a residential setting that is attached to or located on property contiguous to the nursing home or boarding care home;

(11) a member of a professional corporation organized under chapter 319B that does not regularly offer or provide home care services as defined in section 144A.43, subdivision 3;

(12) the following organizations established to provide medical or surgical services that do not regularly offer or provide home care services as defined in section 144A.43, subdivision 3: a business trust organized under sections 318.01 to 318.04, a nonprofit corporation organized under chapter 317A, a partnership organized under chapter 323, or any other entity determined by the commissioner;

(13) an individual or agency that provides medical supplies or durable medical equipment, except when the provision of supplies or equipment is accompanied by a home care service;

(14) a physician licensed under chapter 147;

(15) an individual who provides home care services to a person with a developmental disability who lives in a place of residence with a family, foster family, or primary caregiver;

(16) a business that only provides services that are primarily instructional and not medical services or health-related support services;

(17) an individual who performs basic home care services for no more than 14 hours each calendar week to no more than one client;

(18) an individual or business licensed as hospice as defined in sections 144A.75 to 144A.755 who is not providing home care services independent of hospice service;

(19) activities conducted by the commissioner of health or a community health board as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5, including communicable disease investigations or testing; or

(20) administering or monitoring a prescribed therapy necessary to control or prevent a communicable disease, or the monitoring of an individual's compliance with a health directive as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 6.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 10; 2014 c 262 art 5 s 6; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135; 2014 c 291 art 7 s 28

144A.472 HOME CARE PROVIDER LICENSE; APPLICATION AND RENEWAL.

Subdivision 1.License applications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(i) requirements in sections 626.556, reporting of maltreatment of minors, and 626.557, reporting of maltreatment of vulnerable adults;

(ii) conducting and handling background studies on employees;

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

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

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

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

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

(viii) infection control practices;

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

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

(15) other information required by the department.

Subd. 2.Comprehensive home care license applications.

In addition to the information and fee required in subdivision 1, applicants applying for a comprehensive home care license must also provide verification that the applicant has the following policies and procedures in place so that if a license is issued, the applicant will implement the policies and procedures in this subdivision and keep them current:

(1) conducting initial and ongoing assessments of the client's needs by a registered nurse or appropriate licensed health professional, including how changes in the client's conditions are identified, managed, and communicated to staff and other health care providers, as appropriate;

(2) ensuring that nurses and licensed health professionals have current and valid licenses to practice;

(3) medication and treatment management;

(4) delegation of home care tasks by registered nurses or licensed health professionals;

(5) supervision of registered nurses and licensed health professionals; and

(6) supervision of unlicensed personnel performing delegated home care tasks.

Subd. 3.License renewal.

(a) Except as provided in section 144A.475, a license may be renewed for a period of one year if the licensee satisfies the following:

(1) submits an application for renewal in the format provided by the commissioner at least 30 days before expiration of the license;

(2) submits the renewal fee in the amount specified in subdivision 7;

(3) has provided home care services within the past 12 months;

(4) complies with sections 144A.43 to 144A.4798;

(5) provides information sufficient to show that the applicant meets the requirements of licensure, including items required under subdivision 1;

(6) provides verification that all policies under subdivision 1 are current; and

(7) provides any other information deemed necessary by the commissioner.

(b) A renewal applicant who holds a comprehensive home care license must also provide verification that policies listed under subdivision 2 are current.

Subd. 4.Multiple units.

Multiple units or branches of a licensee must be separately licensed if the commissioner determines that the units cannot adequately share supervision and administration of services from the main office.

Subd. 5.Transfers prohibited; changes in ownership.

Any home care license issued by the commissioner may not be transferred to another party. Before acquiring ownership of a home care provider business, a prospective applicant must apply for a new temporary license. A change of ownership is a transfer of operational control to a different business entity and includes:

(1) transfer of the business to a different or new corporation;

(2) in the case of a partnership, the dissolution or termination of the partnership under chapter 323A, with the business continuing by a successor partnership or other entity;

(3) relinquishment of control of the provider to another party, including to a contract management firm that is not under the control of the owner of the business' assets;

(4) transfer of the business by a sole proprietor to another party or entity; or

(5) in the case of a privately held corporation, the change in ownership or control of 50 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock.

Subd. 6.Notification of changes of information.

The temporary licensee or licensee shall notify the commissioner in writing within ten working days after any change in the information required in subdivision 1, except the information required in subdivision 1, clause (5), is required at the time of license renewal.

Subd. 7.Fees; application, change of ownership, and renewal.

(a) An initial applicant seeking temporary home care licensure must submit the following application fee to the commissioner along with a completed application:

(1) for a basic home care provider, $2,100; or

(2) for a comprehensive home care provider, $4,200.

(b) A home care provider who is filing a change of ownership as required under subdivision 5 must submit the following application fee to the commissioner, along with the documentation required for the change of ownership:

(1) for a basic home care provider, $2,100; or

(2) for a comprehensive home care provider, $4,200.

(c) A home care provider who is seeking to renew the provider's license shall pay a fee to the commissioner based on revenues derived from the provision of home care services during the calendar year prior to the year in which the application is submitted, according to the following schedule:

License Renewal Fee

Provider Annual Revenue	Fee
greater than $1,500,000	$6,625
greater than $1,275,000 and no more than $1,500,000	$5,797
greater than $1,100,000 and no more than $1,275,000	$4,969
greater than $950,000 and no more than $1,100,000	$4,141
greater than $850,000 and no more than $950,000	$3,727
greater than $750,000 and no more than $850,000	$3,313
greater than $650,000 and no more than $750,000	$2,898
greater than $550,000 and no more than $650,000	$2,485
greater than $450,000 and no more than $550,000	$2,070
greater than $350,000 and no more than $450,000	$1,656
greater than $250,000 and no more than $350,000	$1,242
greater than $100,000 and no more than $250,000	$828
greater than $50,000 and no more than $100,000	$500
greater than $25,000 and no more than $50,000	$400
no more than $25,000	$200

(d) If requested, the home care provider shall provide the commissioner information to verify the provider's annual revenues or other information as needed, including copies of documents submitted to the Department of Revenue.

(e) At each annual renewal, a home care provider may elect to pay the highest renewal fee for its license category, and not provide annual revenue information to the commissioner.

(f) A temporary license or license applicant, or temporary licensee or licensee that knowingly provides the commissioner incorrect revenue amounts for the purpose of paying a lower license fee, shall be subject to a civil penalty in the amount of double the fee the provider should have paid.

(g) Fees and penalties collected under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the state government special revenue fund.

(h) The license renewal fee schedule in this subdivision is effective July 1, 2016.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 11; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.473 ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY LICENSE AND LICENSE RENEWAL.

Subdivision 1.Temporary license and renewal of license.

(a) The department shall review each application to determine the applicant's knowledge of and compliance with Minnesota home care regulations. Before granting a temporary license or renewing a license, the commissioner may further evaluate the applicant or licensee by requesting additional information or documentation or by conducting an on-site survey of the applicant to determine compliance with sections 144A.43 to 144A.482.

(b) Within 14 calendar days after receiving an application for a license, the commissioner shall acknowledge receipt of the application in writing. The acknowledgment must indicate whether the application appears to be complete or whether additional information is required before the application will be considered complete.

(c) Within 90 days after receiving a complete application, the commissioner shall issue a temporary license, renew the license, or deny the license.

(d) The commissioner shall issue a license that contains the home care provider's name, address, license level, expiration date of the license, and unique license number. All licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Subd. 2.Temporary license.

(a) For new license applicants, the commissioner shall issue a temporary license for either the basic or comprehensive home care level. A temporary license is effective for one year from the date of issuance. Temporary licensees must comply with sections 144A.43 to 144A.482.

(b) During the temporary license year, the commissioner shall survey the temporary licensee after the commissioner is notified or has evidence that the temporary licensee is providing home care services.

(c) Within five days of beginning the provision of services, the temporary licensee must notify the commissioner that it is serving clients. The notification to the commissioner may be mailed or e-mailed to the commissioner at the address provided by the commissioner. If the temporary licensee does not provide home care services during the temporary license year, then the temporary license expires at the end of the year and the applicant must reapply for a temporary home care license.

(d) A temporary licensee may request a change in the level of licensure prior to being surveyed and granted a license by notifying the commissioner in writing and providing additional documentation or materials required to update or complete the changed temporary license application. The applicant must pay the difference between the application fees when changing from the basic level to the comprehensive level of licensure. No refund will be made if the provider chooses to change the license application to the basic level.

(e) If the temporary licensee notifies the commissioner that the licensee has clients within 45 days prior to the temporary license expiration, the commissioner may extend the temporary license for up to 60 days in order to allow the commissioner to complete the on-site survey required under this section and follow-up survey visits.

Subd. 3.Temporary licensee survey.

(a) If the temporary licensee is in substantial compliance with the survey, the commissioner shall issue either a basic or comprehensive home care license. If the temporary licensee is not in substantial compliance with the survey, the commissioner shall not issue a basic or comprehensive license and there will be no contested hearing right under chapter 14.

(b) If the temporary licensee whose basic or comprehensive license has been denied disagrees with the conclusions of the commissioner, then the licensee may request a reconsideration by the commissioner or commissioner's designee. The reconsideration request process must be conducted internally by the commissioner or commissioner's designee, and chapter 14 does not apply.

(c) The temporary licensee requesting reconsideration must make the request in writing and must list and describe the reasons why the licensee disagrees with the decision to deny the basic or comprehensive home care license.

(d) A temporary licensee whose license is denied must comply with the requirements for notification and transfer of clients in section 144A.475, subdivision 5.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 12; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.474 SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Surveys.

The commissioner shall conduct surveys of each home care provider. By June 30, 2016, the commissioner shall conduct a survey of home care providers on a frequency of at least once every three years. Survey frequency may be based on the license level, the provider's compliance history, the number of clients served, or other factors as determined by the department deemed necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of clients and compliance with the law.

Subd. 2.Types of home care surveys.

(a) "Initial full survey" means the survey of a new temporary licensee conducted after the department is notified or has evidence that the temporary licensee is providing home care services to determine if the provider is in compliance with home care requirements. Initial full surveys must be completed within 14 months after the department's issuance of a temporary basic or comprehensive license.

(b) "Core survey" means periodic inspection of home care providers to determine ongoing compliance with the home care requirements, focusing on the essential health and safety requirements. Core surveys are available to licensed home care providers who have been licensed for three years and surveyed at least once in the past three years with the latest survey having no widespread violations beyond Level 1 as provided in subdivision 11. Providers must also not have had any substantiated licensing complaints, substantiated complaints against the agency under the Vulnerable Adults Act or Maltreatment of Minors Act, or an enforcement action as authorized in section 144A.475 in the past three years.

(1) The core survey for basic home care providers must review compliance in the following areas:

(i) reporting of maltreatment;

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

(iii) statement of home care services;

(iv) initial evaluation of clients and initiation of services;

(v) client review and monitoring;

(vi) service plan implementation and changes to the service plan;

(vii) client complaint and investigative process;

(viii) competency of unlicensed personnel; and

(ix) infection control.

(2) For comprehensive home care providers, the core survey must include everything in the basic core survey plus these areas:

(i) delegation to unlicensed personnel;

(ii) assessment, monitoring, and reassessment of clients; and

(iii) medication, treatment, and therapy management.

(c) "Full survey" means the periodic inspection of home care providers to determine ongoing compliance with the home care requirements that cover the core survey areas and all the legal requirements for home care providers. A full survey is conducted for all temporary licensees and for providers who do not meet the requirements needed for a core survey, and when a surveyor identifies unacceptable client health or safety risks during a core survey. A full survey must include all the tasks identified as part of the core survey and any additional review deemed necessary by the department, including additional observation, interviewing, or records review of additional clients and staff.

(d) "Follow-up surveys" means surveys conducted to determine if a home care provider has corrected deficient issues and systems identified during a core survey, full survey, or complaint investigation. Follow-up surveys may be conducted via phone, e-mail, fax, mail, or on-site reviews. Follow-up surveys, other than complaint surveys, shall be concluded with an exit conference and written information provided on the process for requesting a reconsideration of the survey results.

(e) Upon receiving information alleging that a home care provider has violated or is currently violating a requirement of sections 144A.43 to 144A.482, the commissioner shall investigate the complaint according to sections 144A.51 to 144A.54.

Subd. 3.Survey process.

(a) The survey process for core surveys shall include the following as applicable to the particular licensee and setting surveyed:

(1) presurvey review of pertinent documents and notification to the ombudsman for long-term care;

(2) an entrance conference with available staff;

(3) communication with managerial officials or the registered nurse in charge, if available, and ongoing communication with key staff throughout the survey regarding information needed by the surveyor, clarifications regarding home care requirements, and applicable standards of practice;

(4) presentation of written contact information to the provider about the survey staff conducting the survey, the supervisor, and the process for requesting a reconsideration of the survey results;

(5) a brief tour of a sample of the housing with services establishments in which the provider is providing home care services;

(6) a sample selection of home care clients;

(7) information-gathering through client and staff observations, client and staff interviews, and reviews of records, policies, procedures, practices, and other agency information;

(8) interviews of clients' family members, if available, with clients' consent when the client can legally give consent;

(9) except for complaint surveys conducted by the Office of Health Facilities Complaints, an on-site exit conference, with preliminary findings shared and discussed with the provider, documentation that an exit conference occurred, and written information provided on the process for requesting a reconsideration of the survey results; and

(10) postsurvey analysis of findings and formulation of survey results, including correction orders when applicable.

Subd. 4.Scheduling surveys.

Surveys and investigations shall be conducted without advance notice to home care providers. Surveyors may contact the home care provider on the day of a survey to arrange for someone to be available at the survey site. The contact does not constitute advance notice.

Subd. 5.Information provided by home care provider.

The home care provider shall provide accurate and truthful information to the department during a survey, investigation, or other licensing activities.

Subd. 6.Providing client records.

Upon request of a surveyor, home care providers shall provide a list of current and past clients or client representatives that includes addresses and telephone numbers and any other information requested about the services to clients within a reasonable period of time.

Subd. 7.Contacting and visiting clients.

Surveyors may contact or visit a home care provider's clients to gather information without notice to the home care provider. Before visiting a client, a surveyor shall obtain the client's or client's representative's permission by telephone, by mail, or in person. Surveyors shall inform all clients or client's representatives of their right to decline permission for a visit.

Subd. 8.Correction orders.

(a) A correction order may be issued whenever the commissioner finds upon survey or during a complaint investigation that a home care provider, a managerial official, or an employee of the provider is not in compliance with sections 144A.43 to 144A.482. The correction order shall cite the specific statute and document areas of noncompliance and the time allowed for correction.

(b) The commissioner shall mail copies of any correction order to the last known address of the home care provider, or electronically scan the correction order and e-mail it to the last known home care provider e-mail address, within 30 calendar days after the survey exit date. A copy of each correction order and copies of any documentation supplied to the commissioner shall be kept on file by the home care provider, and public documents shall be made available for viewing by any person upon request. Copies may be kept electronically.

(c) By the correction order date, the home care provider must document in the provider's records any action taken to comply with the correction order. The commissioner may request a copy of this documentation and the home care provider's action to respond to the correction order in future surveys, upon a complaint investigation, and as otherwise needed.

Subd. 9.Follow-up surveys.

For providers that have Level 3 or Level 4 violations under subdivision 11, or any violations determined to be widespread, the department shall conduct a follow-up survey within 90 calendar days of the survey. When conducting a follow-up survey, the surveyor will focus on whether the previous violations have been corrected and may also address any new violations that are observed while evaluating the corrections that have been made. If a new violation is identified on a follow-up survey, no fine will be imposed unless it is not corrected on the next follow-up survey.

Subd. 10.Performance incentive.

A licensee is eligible for a performance incentive if there are no violations identified in a core or full survey. The performance incentive is a ten percent discount on the licensee's next home care renewal license fee.

Subd. 11.Fines.

(a) Fines and enforcement actions under this subdivision may be assessed based on the level and scope of the violations described in paragraph (c) as follows:

(1) Level 1, no fines or enforcement;

(2) Level 2, fines ranging from $0 to $500, in addition to any of the enforcement mechanisms authorized in section 144A.475 for widespread violations;

(3) Level 3, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, in addition to any of the enforcement mechanisms authorized in section 144A.475; and

(4) Level 4, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, in addition to any of the enforcement mechanisms authorized in section 144A.475.

(b) Correction orders for violations are categorized by both level and scope and fines shall be assessed as follows:

(1) Level of violation:

(i) Level 1 is a violation that has no potential to cause more than a minimal impact on the client and does not affect health or safety;

(ii) Level 2 is a violation that did not harm a client's health or safety but had the potential to have harmed a client's health or safety, but was not likely to cause serious injury, impairment, or death;

(iii) Level 3 is a violation that harmed a client's health or safety, not including serious injury, impairment, or death, or a violation that has the potential to lead to serious injury, impairment, or death; and

(iv) Level 4 is a violation that results in serious injury, impairment, or death.

(2) Scope of violation:

(i) isolated, when one or a limited number of clients are affected or one or a limited number of staff are involved or the situation has occurred only occasionally;

(ii) pattern, when more than a limited number of clients are affected, more than a limited number of staff are involved, or the situation has occurred repeatedly but is not found to be pervasive; and

(iii) widespread, when problems are pervasive or represent a systemic failure that has affected or has the potential to affect a large portion or all of the clients.

(c) If the commissioner finds that the applicant or a home care provider required to be licensed under sections 144A.43 to 144A.482 has not corrected violations by the date specified in the correction order or conditional license resulting from a survey or complaint investigation, the commissioner may impose a fine. A notice of noncompliance with a correction order must be mailed to the applicant's or provider's last known address. The noncompliance notice must list the violations not corrected.

(d) The license holder must pay the fines assessed on or before the payment date specified. If the license holder fails to fully comply with the order, the commissioner may issue a second fine or suspend the license until the license holder complies by paying the fine. A timely appeal shall stay payment of the fine until the commissioner issues a final order.

(e) A license holder shall promptly notify the commissioner in writing when a violation specified in the order is corrected. If upon reinspection the commissioner determines that a violation has not been corrected as indicated by the order, the commissioner may issue a second fine. The commissioner shall notify the license holder by mail to the last known address in the licensing record that a second fine has been assessed. The license holder may appeal the second fine as provided under this subdivision.

(f) A home care provider that has been assessed a fine under this subdivision has a right to a reconsideration or a hearing under this section and chapter 14.

(g) When a fine has been assessed, the license holder may not avoid payment by closing, selling, or otherwise transferring the licensed program to a third party. In such an event, the license holder shall be liable for payment of the fine.

(h) In addition to any fine imposed under this section, the commissioner may assess costs related to an investigation that results in a final order assessing a fine or other enforcement action authorized by this chapter.

(i) Fines collected under this subdivision shall be deposited in the state government special revenue fund and credited to an account separate from the revenue collected under section 144A.472. Subject to an appropriation by the legislature, the revenue from the fines collected may be used by the commissioner for special projects to improve home care in Minnesota as recommended by the advisory council established in section 144A.4799.

Subd. 12.Reconsideration.

(a) The commissioner shall make available to home care providers a correction order reconsideration process. This process may be used to challenge the correction order issued, including the level and scope described in subdivision 11, and any fine assessed. During the correction order reconsideration request, the issuance for the correction orders under reconsideration are not stayed, but the department shall post information on the Web site with the correction order that the licensee has requested a reconsideration and that the review is pending.

(b) A licensed home care provider may request from the commissioner, in writing, a correction order reconsideration regarding any correction order issued to the provider. The written request for reconsideration must be received by the commissioner within 15 calendar days of the correction order receipt date. The correction order reconsideration shall not be reviewed by any surveyor, investigator, or supervisor that participated in the writing or reviewing of the correction order being disputed. The correction order reconsiderations may be conducted in person, by telephone, by another electronic form, or in writing, as determined by the commissioner. The commissioner shall respond in writing to the request from a home care provider for a correction order reconsideration within 60 days of the date the provider requests a reconsideration. The commissioner's response shall identify the commissioner's decision regarding each citation challenged by the home care provider.

(c) The findings of a correction order reconsideration process shall be one or more of the following:

(1) supported in full, the correction order is supported in full, with no deletion of findings to the citation;

(2) supported in substance, the correction order is supported, but one or more findings are deleted or modified without any change in the citation;

(3) correction order cited an incorrect home care licensing requirement, the correction order is amended by changing the correction order to the appropriate statutory reference;

(4) correction order was issued under an incorrect citation, the correction order is amended to be issued under the more appropriate correction order citation;

(5) the correction order is rescinded;

(6) fine is amended, it is determined that the fine assigned to the correction order was applied incorrectly; or

(7) the level or scope of the citation is modified based on the reconsideration.

(d) If the correction order findings are changed by the commissioner, the commissioner shall update the correction order Web site.

(e) This subdivision does not apply to temporary licensees.

Subd. 13.Home care surveyor training.

(a) Before conducting a home care survey, each home care surveyor must receive training on the following topics:

(1) Minnesota home care licensure requirements;

(2) Minnesota home care bill of rights;

(3) Minnesota Vulnerable Adults Act and reporting of maltreatment of minors;

(4) principles of documentation;

(5) survey protocol and processes;

(6) Offices of the Ombudsman roles;

(7) Office of Health Facility Complaints;

(8) Minnesota landlord-tenant and housing with services laws;

(9) types of payors for home care services; and

(10) Minnesota Nurse Practice Act for nurse surveyors.

(b) Materials used for the training in paragraph (a) shall be posted on the department Web site. Requisite understanding of these topics will be reviewed as part of the quality improvement plan in section 144A.483.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 13; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135; 2014 c 291 art 6 s 13,14

144A.475 ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Conditions.

(a) The commissioner may refuse to grant a temporary license, renew a license, suspend or revoke a license, or impose a conditional license if the home care provider or owner or managerial official of the home care provider:

(1) is in violation of, or during the term of the license has violated, any of the requirements in sections 144A.471 to 144A.482;

(2) permits, aids, or abets the commission of any illegal act in the provision of home care;

(3) performs any act detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of a client;

(4) obtains the license by fraud or misrepresentation;

(5) knowingly made or makes a false statement of a material fact in the application for a license or in any other record or report required by this chapter;

(6) denies representatives of the department access to any part of the home care provider's books, records, files, or employees;

(7) interferes with or impedes a representative of the department in contacting the home care provider's clients;

(8) interferes with or impedes a representative of the department in the enforcement of this chapter or has failed to fully cooperate with an inspection, survey, or investigation by the department;

(9) destroys or makes unavailable any records or other evidence relating to the home care provider's compliance with this chapter;

(10) refuses to initiate a background study under section 144.057 or 245A.04;

(11) fails to timely pay any fines assessed by the department;

(12) violates any local, city, or township ordinance relating to home care services;

(13) has repeated incidents of personnel performing services beyond their competency level; or

(14) has operated beyond the scope of the home care provider's license level.

(b) A violation by a contractor providing the home care services of the home care provider is a violation by the home care provider.

Subd. 2.Terms to suspension or conditional license.

A suspension or conditional license designation may include terms that must be completed or met before a suspension or conditional license designation is lifted. A conditional license designation may include restrictions or conditions that are imposed on the provider. Terms for a suspension or conditional license may include one or more of the following and the scope of each will be determined by the commissioner:

(1) requiring a consultant to review, evaluate, and make recommended changes to the home care provider's practices and submit reports to the commissioner at the cost of the home care provider;

(2) requiring supervision of the home care provider or staff practices at the cost of the home care provider by an unrelated person who has sufficient knowledge and qualifications to oversee the practices and who will submit reports to the commissioner;

(3) requiring the home care provider or employees to obtain training at the cost of the home care provider;

(4) requiring the home care provider to submit reports to the commissioner;

(5) prohibiting the home care provider from taking any new clients for a period of time; or

(6) any other action reasonably required to accomplish the purpose of this subdivision and section 144A.45, subdivision 2.

Subd. 3.Notice.

Prior to any suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a license, the home care provider shall be entitled to notice and a hearing as provided by sections 14.57 to 14.69. In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the commissioner may, without a prior contested case hearing, temporarily suspend a license or prohibit delivery of services by a provider for not more than 90 days if the commissioner determines that there are level 3 or 4 violations as defined in section 144A.474, subdivision 11, paragraph (b), provided:

(1) advance notice is given to the home care provider;

(2) after notice, the home care provider fails to correct the problem;

(3) the commissioner has reason to believe that other administrative remedies are not likely to be effective; and

(4) there is an opportunity for a contested case hearing within the 30 days unless there is an extension granted by an administrative law judge pursuant to subdivision 3b.

Subd. 3a.Hearing.

Within 15 business days of receipt of the licensee's timely appeal of a sanction under this section, other than for a temporary suspension, the commissioner shall request assignment of an administrative law judge. The commissioner's request must include a proposed date, time, and place of hearing. A hearing must be conducted by an administrative law judge pursuant to Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612, 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 action pending against the licensee. If, while a licensee continues to operate pending an appeal of an order for revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew a license, the commissioner identifies one or more new violations of law that meet the requirements of level 3 or 4 violations as defined in section 144A.474, subdivision 11, paragraph (b), the commissioner shall act immediately to temporarily suspend the license under the provisions in subdivision 3.

Subd. 3b.Temporary suspension expedited hearing.

(a) Within five business days of receipt of the license holder's timely appeal of a temporary suspension, 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 business days before the hearing. Certified mail to the last known address is sufficient. The scope of the hearing shall be limited solely to the issue of whether the temporary suspension should remain in effect and whether there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the licensee's actions or failure to comply with applicable laws are level 3 or 4 violations as defined in section 144A.474, subdivision 11, paragraph (b).

(b) The administrative law judge shall issue findings of fact, conclusions, and a recommendation within ten business 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 business days from the close of the record. 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. The license holder is prohibited from operation during the temporary suspension period.

(c) When the final order under paragraph (b) affirms an immediate suspension, and a final licensing sanction is issued under subdivisions 1 and 2 and the licensee appeals that sanction, the licensee is prohibited from operation pending a final commissioner's order after the contested case hearing conducted under chapter 14.

Subd. 4.Time limits for appeals.

To appeal the assessment of civil penalties under section 144A.45, subdivision 2, clause (5), and an action against a license under this section, a provider must request a hearing no later than 15 days after the provider receives notice of the action.

Subd. 5.Plan required.

(a) The process of suspending or revoking a license must include a plan for transferring affected clients to other providers by the home care provider, which will be monitored by the commissioner. Within three business days of being notified of the final revocation or suspension action, the home care provider shall provide the commissioner, the lead agencies as defined in section 256B.0911, and the ombudsman for long-term care with the following information:

(1) a list of all clients, including full names and all contact information on file;

(2) a list of each client's representative or emergency contact person, including full names and all contact information on file;

(3) the location or current residence of each client;

(4) the payor sources for each client, including payor source identification numbers; and

(5) for each client, a copy of the client's service plan, and a list of the types of services being provided.

(b) The revocation or suspension notification requirement is satisfied by mailing the notice to the address in the license record. The home care provider shall cooperate with the commissioner and the lead agencies during the process of transferring care of clients to qualified providers. Within three business days of being notified of the final revocation or suspension action, the home care provider must notify and disclose to each of the home care provider's clients, or the client's representative or emergency contact persons, that the commissioner is taking action against the home care provider's license by providing a copy of the revocation or suspension notice issued by the commissioner.

Subd. 6.Owners and managerial officials; refusal to grant license.

(a) The owner and managerial officials of a home care provider whose Minnesota license has not been renewed or that has been revoked because of noncompliance with applicable laws or rules shall not be eligible to apply for nor will be granted a home care license, including other licenses under this chapter, or be given status as an enrolled personal care assistance provider agency or personal care assistant by the Department of Human Services under section 256B.0659 for five years following the effective date of the nonrenewal or revocation. If the owner and managerial officials already have enrollment status, their enrollment will be terminated by the Department of Human Services.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue a license to a home care provider for five years following the effective date of license nonrenewal or revocation if the owner or managerial official, including any individual who was an owner or managerial official of another home care provider, had a Minnesota license that was not renewed or was revoked as described in paragraph (a).

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the commissioner shall not renew, or shall suspend or revoke, the license of any home care provider that includes any individual as an owner or managerial official who was an owner or managerial official of a home care provider whose Minnesota license was not renewed or was revoked as described in paragraph (a) for five years following the effective date of the nonrenewal or revocation.

(d) The commissioner shall notify the home care provider 30 days in advance of the date of nonrenewal, suspension, or revocation of the license. Within ten days after the receipt of the notification, the home care provider may request, in writing, that the commissioner stay the nonrenewal, revocation, or suspension of the license. The home care provider shall specify the reasons for requesting the stay; the steps that will be taken to attain or maintain compliance with the licensure laws and regulations; any limits on the authority or responsibility of the owners or managerial officials whose actions resulted in the notice of nonrenewal, revocation, or suspension; and any other information to establish that the continuing affiliation with these individuals will not jeopardize client health, safety, or well-being. The commissioner shall determine whether the stay will be granted within 30 days of receiving the provider's request. The commissioner may propose additional restrictions or limitations on the provider's license and require that the granting of the stay be contingent upon compliance with those provisions. The commissioner shall take into consideration the following factors when determining whether the stay should be granted:

(1) the threat that continued involvement of the owners and managerial officials with the home care provider poses to client health, safety, and well-being;

(2) the compliance history of the home care provider; and

(3) the appropriateness of any limits suggested by the home care provider.

If the commissioner grants the stay, the order shall include any restrictions or limitation on the provider's license. The failure of the provider to comply with any restrictions or limitations shall result in the immediate removal of the stay and the commissioner shall take immediate action to suspend, revoke, or not renew the license.

Subd. 7.Request for hearing.

A request for a hearing must be in writing and must:

(1) be mailed or delivered to the department or the commissioner's designee;

(2) contain a brief and plain statement describing every matter or issue contested; and

(3) contain a brief and plain statement of any new matter that the applicant or home care provider believes constitutes a defense or mitigating factor.

Subd. 8.Informal conference.

At any time, the applicant or home care provider and the commissioner may hold an informal conference to exchange information, clarify issues, or resolve issues.

Subd. 9.Injunctive relief.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the commissioner may bring an action in district court to enjoin a person who is involved in the management, operation, or control of a home care provider or an employee of the home care provider from illegally engaging in activities regulated by sections 144A.43 to 144A.482. The commissioner may bring an action under this subdivision in the district court in Ramsey County or in the district in which a home care provider is providing services. The court may grant a temporary restraining order in the proceeding if continued activity by the person who is involved in the management, operation, or control of a home care provider, or by an employee of the home care provider, would create an imminent risk of harm to a recipient of home care services.

Subd. 10.Subpoena.

In matters pending before the commissioner under sections 144A.43 to 144A.482, the commissioner may issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary papers, books, records, documents, and other evidentiary material. If a person fails or refuses to comply with a subpoena or order of the commissioner to appear or testify regarding any matter about which the person may be lawfully questioned or to produce any papers, books, records, documents, or evidentiary materials in the matter to be heard, the commissioner may apply to the district court in any district, and the court shall order the person to comply with the commissioner's order or subpoena. The commissioner of health may administer oaths to witnesses or take their affirmation. Depositions may be taken in or outside the state in the manner provided by law for the taking of depositions in civil actions. A subpoena or other process or paper may be served on a named person anywhere in the state by an officer authorized to serve subpoenas in civil actions, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by law for a process issued out of a district court. A person subpoenaed under this subdivision shall receive the same fees, mileage, and other costs that are paid in proceedings in district court.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 14; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135; 2014 c 291 art 6 s 15-17

144A.476 BACKGROUND STUDIES.

Subdivision 1.Prior criminal convictions; owner and managerial officials.

(a) Before the commissioner issues a temporary license or renews a license, an owner or managerial official is required to complete a background study under section 144.057. No person may be involved in the management, operation, or control of a home care provider if the person has been disqualified under chapter 245C. If an individual is disqualified under section 144.057 or chapter 245C, the individual may request reconsideration of the disqualification. If the individual requests reconsideration and the commissioner sets aside or rescinds the disqualification, the individual is eligible to be involved in the management, operation, or control of the provider. If an individual has a disqualification under section 245C.15, subdivision 1, and the disqualification is affirmed, the individual's disqualification is barred from a set aside, and the individual must not be involved in the management, operation, or control of the provider.

(b) For purposes of this section, owners of a home care provider subject to the background check requirement are those individuals whose ownership interest provides sufficient authority or control to affect or change decisions related to the operation of the home care provider. An owner includes a sole proprietor, a general partner, or any other individual whose individual ownership interest can affect the management and direction of the policies of the home care provider.

(c) For the purposes of this section, managerial officials subject to the background check requirement are individuals who provide direct contact as defined in section 245C.02, subdivision 11, or individuals who have the responsibility for the ongoing management or direction of the policies, services, or employees of the home care provider. Data collected under this subdivision shall be classified as private data on individuals under section 13.02, subdivision 12.

(d) The department shall not issue any license if the applicant or owner or managerial official has been unsuccessful in having a background study disqualification set aside under section 144.057 and chapter 245C; if the owner or managerial official, as an owner or managerial official of another home care provider, was substantially responsible for the other home care provider's failure to substantially comply with sections 144A.43 to 144A.482; or if an owner that has ceased doing business, either individually or as an owner of a home care provider, was issued a correction order for failing to assist clients in violation of this chapter.

Subd. 2.Employees, contractors, and volunteers.

(a) Employees, contractors, and volunteers of a home care provider are subject to the background study required by section 144.057, and may be disqualified under chapter 245C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a home care provider from requiring self-disclosure of criminal conviction information.

(b) Termination of an employee in good faith reliance on information or records obtained under paragraph (a) or subdivision 1, regarding a confirmed conviction does not subject the home care provider to civil liability or liability for unemployment benefits.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 15; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.477 COMPLIANCE.

Subdivision 1.Medicare-certified providers; coordination of surveys.

If feasible, the commissioner shall survey licensees to determine compliance with this chapter at the same time as surveys for certification for Medicare if Medicare certification is based on compliance with the federal conditions of participation and on survey and enforcement by the Department of Health as agent for the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Subd. 2.Medicare-certified providers; equivalent requirements.

For home care providers licensed to provide comprehensive home care services that are also certified for participation in Medicare as a home health agency under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 484, the following state licensure regulations are considered equivalent to the federal requirements:

(1) quality management, section 144A.479, subdivision 3;

(2) personnel records, section 144A.479, subdivision 7;

(3) acceptance of clients, section 144A.4791, subdivision 4;

(4) referrals, section 144A.4791, subdivision 5;

(5) client assessment, sections 144A.4791, subdivision 8, and 144A.4792, subdivisions 2 and 3;

(6) individualized monitoring and reassessment, sections 144A.4791, subdivision 8, and 144A.4792, subdivisions 2 and 3;

(7) individualized service plan, sections 144A.4791, subdivision 9, 144A.4792, subdivision 5, and 144A.4793, subdivision 3;

(8) client complaint and investigation process, section 144A.4791, subdivision 11;

(9) prescription orders, section 144A.4792, subdivisions 13 to 16;

(10) client records, section 144A.4794, subdivisions 1 to 3;

(11) qualifications for unlicensed personnel performing delegated tasks, section 144A.4795;

(12) training and competency staff, section 144A.4795;

(13) training and competency for unlicensed personnel, section 144A.4795, subdivision 7;

(14) delegation of home care services, section 144A.4795, subdivision 4;

(15) availability of contact person, section 144A.4797, subdivision 1; and

(16) supervision of staff, section 144A.4797, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Violations of requirements in clauses (1) to (16) may lead to enforcement actions under section 144A.474.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 16; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.478 INNOVATION VARIANCE.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For purposes of this section, "innovation variance" means a specified alternative to a requirement of this chapter. An innovation variance may be granted to allow a home care provider to offer home care services of a type or in a manner that is innovative, will not impair the services provided, will not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of the clients, and is likely to improve the services provided. The innovative variance cannot change any of the client's rights under section 144A.44, home care bill of rights.

Subd. 2.Conditions.

The commissioner may impose conditions on the granting of an innovation variance that the commissioner considers necessary.

Subd. 3.Duration and renewal.

The commissioner may limit the duration of any innovation variance and may renew a limited innovation variance.

Subd. 4.Applications; innovation variance.

An application for innovation variance from the requirements of this chapter may be made at any time, must be made in writing to the commissioner, and must specify the following:

(1) the statute or law from which the innovation variance is requested;

(2) the time period for which the innovation variance is requested;

(3) the specific alternative action that the licensee proposes;

(4) the reasons for the request; and

(5) justification that an innovation variance will not impair the services provided, will not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of clients, and is likely to improve the services provided.

The commissioner may require additional information from the home care provider before acting on the request.

Subd. 5.Grants and denials.

The commissioner shall grant or deny each request for an innovation variance in writing within 45 days of receipt of a complete request. Notice of a denial shall contain the reasons for the denial. The terms of a requested innovation variance may be modified upon agreement between the commissioner and the home care provider.

Subd. 6.Violation of innovation variances.

A failure to comply with the terms of an innovation variance shall be deemed to be a violation of this chapter.

Subd. 7.Revocation or denial of renewal.

The commissioner shall revoke or deny renewal of an innovation variance if:

(1) it is determined that the innovation variance is adversely affecting the health, safety, or welfare of the licensee's clients;

(2) the home care provider has failed to comply with the terms of the innovation variance;

(3) the home care provider notifies the commissioner in writing that it wishes to relinquish the innovation variance and be subject to the statute previously varied; or

(4) the revocation or denial is required by a change in law.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 17; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.479 HOME CARE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES; BUSINESS OPERATION.

Subdivision 1.Display of license.

The original current license must be displayed in the home care provider's principal business office and copies must be displayed in any branch office. The home care provider must provide a copy of the license to any person who requests it.

Subd. 2.Advertising.

Home care providers shall not use false, fraudulent, or misleading advertising in the marketing of services. For purposes of this section, advertising includes any verbal, written, or electronic means of communicating to potential clients about the availability, nature, or terms of home care services.

Subd. 3.Quality management.

The home care provider shall engage in quality management appropriate to the size of the home care provider and relevant to the type of services the home care provider provides. The quality management activity means evaluating the quality of care by periodically reviewing client services, complaints made, and other issues that have occurred and determining whether changes in services, staffing, or other procedures need to be made in order to ensure safe and competent services to clients. Documentation about quality management activity must be available for two years. Information about quality management must be available to the commissioner at the time of the survey, investigation, or renewal.

Subd. 4.Provider restrictions.

(a) This subdivision does not apply to licensees that are Minnesota counties or other units of government.

(b) A home care provider or staff cannot accept powers-of-attorney from clients for any purpose, and may not accept appointments as guardians or conservators of clients.

(c) A home care provider cannot serve as a client's representative.

Subd. 5.Handling of client's finances and property.

(a) A home care provider may assist clients with household budgeting, including paying bills and purchasing household goods, but may not otherwise manage a client's property. A home care provider must provide a client with receipts for all transactions and purchases paid with the client's funds. When receipts are not available, the transaction or purchase must be documented. A home care provider must maintain records of all such transactions.

(b) A home care provider or staff may not borrow a client's funds or personal or real property, nor in any way convert a client's property to the home care provider's or staff's possession.

(c) Nothing in this section precludes a home care provider or staff from accepting gifts of minimal value, or precludes the acceptance of donations or bequests made to a home care provider that are exempt from income tax under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Subd. 6.Reporting maltreatment of vulnerable adults and minors.

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

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

Subd. 7.Employee records.

The home care provider must maintain current records of each paid employee, regularly scheduled volunteers providing home care services, and of each individual contractor providing home care services. The records must include the following information:

(1) evidence of current professional licensure, registration, or certification, if licensure, registration, or certification is required by this statute or other rules;

(2) records of orientation, required annual training and infection control training, and competency evaluations;

(3) current job description, including qualifications, responsibilities, and identification of staff providing supervision;

(4) documentation of annual performance reviews which identify areas of improvement needed and training needs;

(5) for individuals providing home care services, verification that required health screenings under section 144A.4798 have taken place and the dates of those screenings; and

(6) documentation of the background study as required under section 144.057.

Each employee record must be retained for at least three years after a paid employee, home care volunteer, or contractor ceases to be employed by or under contract with the home care provider. If a home care provider ceases operation, employee records must be maintained for three years.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 18; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.4791 HOME CARE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RESPECT TO CLIENTS.

Subdivision 1.Home care bill of rights; notification to client.

(a) The home care provider shall provide the client or the client's representative a written notice of the rights under section 144A.44 before the initiation of services to that client. The provider shall make all reasonable efforts to provide notice of the rights to the client or the client's representative in a language the client or client's representative can understand.

(b) In addition to the text of the home care bill of rights in section 144A.44, subdivision 1, the notice shall also contain the following statement describing how to file a complaint with these offices.

"If you have a complaint about the provider or the person providing your home care services, you may call, write, or visit the Office of Health Facility Complaints, Minnesota Department of Health. You may also contact the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care or the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities."

The statement should include the telephone number, Web site address, e-mail address, mailing address, and street address of the Office of Health Facility Complaints at the Minnesota Department of Health, the Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. The statement should also include the home care provider's name, address, e-mail, telephone number, and name or title of the person at the provider to whom problems or complaints may be directed. It must also include a statement that the home care provider will not retaliate because of a complaint.

(c) The home care provider shall obtain written acknowledgment of the client's receipt of the home care bill of rights or shall document why an acknowledgment cannot be obtained. The acknowledgment may be obtained from the client or the client's representative. Acknowledgment of receipt shall be retained in the client's record.

Subd. 2.Notice of services for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or related disorders.

The home care provider that provides services to clients with dementia shall provide in written or electronic form, to clients and families or other persons who request it, a description of the training program and related training it provides, including the categories of employees trained, the frequency of training, and the basic topics covered. This information satisfies the disclosure requirements in section 325F.72, subdivision 2, clause (4).

Subd. 3.Statement of home care services.

Prior to the initiation of services, a home care provider must provide to the client or the client's representative a written statement which identifies if the provider has a basic or comprehensive home care license, the services the provider is authorized to provide, and which services the provider cannot provide under the scope of the provider's license. The home care provider shall obtain written acknowledgment from the clients that the provider has provided the statement or must document why the provider could not obtain the acknowledgment.

Subd. 4.Acceptance of clients.

No home care provider may accept a person as a client unless the home care provider has staff, sufficient in qualifications, competency, and numbers, to adequately provide the services agreed to in the service plan and that are within the provider's scope of practice.

Subd. 5.Referrals.

If a home care provider reasonably believes that a client is in need of another medical or health service, including a licensed health professional, or social service provider, the home care provider shall:

(1) determine the client's preferences with respect to obtaining the service; and

(2) inform the client of resources available, if known, to assist the client in obtaining services.

Subd. 6.Initiation of services.

When a provider initiates services and the individualized review or assessment required in subdivisions 7 and 8 has not been completed, the provider must complete a temporary plan and agreement with the client for services.

Subd. 7.Basic individualized client review and monitoring.

(a) When services being provided are basic home care services, an individualized initial review of the client's needs and preferences must be conducted at the client's residence with the client or client's representative. This initial review must be completed within 30 days after the initiation of the home care services.

(b) Client monitoring and review must be conducted as needed based on changes in the needs of the client and cannot exceed 90 days from the date of the last review. The monitoring and review may be conducted at the client's residence or through the utilization of telecommunication methods based on practice standards that meet the individual client's needs.

Subd. 8.Comprehensive assessment, monitoring, and reassessment.

(a) When the services being provided are comprehensive home care services, an individualized initial assessment must be conducted in person by a registered nurse. When the services are provided by other licensed health professionals, the assessment must be conducted by the appropriate health professional. This initial assessment must be completed within five days after initiation of home care services.

(b) Client monitoring and reassessment must be conducted in the client's home no more than 14 days after initiation of services.

(c) Ongoing client monitoring and reassessment must be conducted as needed based on changes in the needs of the client and cannot exceed 90 days from the last date of the assessment. The monitoring and reassessment may be conducted at the client's residence or through the utilization of telecommunication methods based on practice standards that meet the individual client's needs.

Subd. 9.Service plan, implementation, and revisions to service plan.

(a) No later than 14 days after the initiation of services, a home care provider shall finalize a current written service plan.

(b) The service plan and any revisions must include a signature or other authentication by the home care provider and by the client or the client's representative documenting agreement on the services to be provided. The service plan must be revised, if needed, based on client review or reassessment under subdivisions 7 and 8. The provider must provide information to the client about changes to the provider's fee for services and how to contact the Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care.

(c) The home care provider must implement and provide all services required by the current service plan.

(d) The service plan and revised service plan must be entered into the client's record, including notice of a change in a client's fees when applicable.

(e) Staff providing home care services must be informed of the current written service plan.

(f) The service plan must include:

(1) a description of the home care services to be provided, the fees for services, and the frequency of each service, according to the client's current review or assessment and client preferences;

(2) the identification of the staff or categories of staff who will provide the services;

(3) the schedule and methods of monitoring reviews or assessments of the client;

(4) the frequency of sessions of supervision of staff and type of personnel who will supervise staff; and

(5) a contingency plan that includes:

(i) the action to be taken by the home care provider and by the client or client's representative if the scheduled service cannot be provided;

(ii) information and a method for a client or client's representative to contact the home care provider;

(iii) names and contact information of persons the client wishes to have notified in an emergency or if there is a significant adverse change in the client's condition, including identification of and information as to who has authority to sign for the client in an emergency; and

(iv) the circumstances in which emergency medical services are not to be summoned consistent with chapters 145B and 145C, and declarations made by the client under those chapters.

Subd. 10.Termination of service plan.

(a) If a home care provider terminates a service plan with a client, and the client continues to need home care services, the home care provider shall provide the client and the client's representative, if any, with a written notice of termination which includes the following information:

(1) the effective date of termination;

(2) the reason for termination;

(3) a list of known licensed home care providers in the client's immediate geographic area;

(4) a statement that the home care provider will participate in a coordinated transfer of care of the client to another home care provider, health care provider, or caregiver, as required by the home care bill of rights, section 144A.44, subdivision 1, clause (17);

(5) the name and contact information of a person employed by the home care provider with whom the client may discuss the notice of termination; and

(6) if applicable, a statement that the notice of termination of home care services does not constitute notice of termination of the housing with services contract with a housing with services establishment.

(b) When the home care provider voluntarily discontinues services to all clients, the home care provider must notify the commissioner, lead agencies, and ombudsman for long-term care about its clients and comply with the requirements in this subdivision.

Subd. 11.Client complaint and investigative process.

(a) The home care provider must have a written policy and system for receiving, investigating, reporting, and attempting to resolve complaints from its clients or clients' representatives. The policy should clearly identify the process by which clients may file a complaint or concern about home care services and an explicit statement that the home care provider will not discriminate or retaliate against a client for expressing concerns or complaints. A home care provider must have a process in place to conduct investigations of complaints made by the client or the client's representative about the services in the client's plan that are or are not being provided or other items covered in the client's home care bill of rights. This complaint system must provide reasonable accommodations for any special needs of the client or client's representative if requested.

(b) The home care provider must document the complaint, name of the client, investigation, and resolution of each complaint filed. The home care provider must maintain a record of all activities regarding complaints received, including the date the complaint was received, and the home care provider's investigation and resolution of the complaint. This complaint record must be kept for each event for at least two years after the date of entry and must be available to the commissioner for review.

(c) The required complaint system must provide for written notice to each client or client's representative that includes:

(1) the client's right to complain to the home care provider about the services received;

(2) the name or title of the person or persons with the home care provider to contact with complaints;

(3) the method of submitting a complaint to the home care provider; and

(4) a statement that the provider is prohibited against retaliation according to paragraph (d).

(d) A home care provider must not take any action that negatively affects a client in retaliation for a complaint made or a concern expressed by the client or the client's representative.

Subd. 12.Disaster planning and emergency preparedness plan.

The home care provider must have a written plan of action to facilitate the management of the client's care and services in response to a natural disaster, such as flood and storms, or other emergencies that may disrupt the home care provider's ability to provide care or services. The licensee must provide adequate orientation and training of staff on emergency preparedness.

Subd. 13.Request for discontinuation of life-sustaining treatment.

(a) If a client, family member, or other caregiver of the client requests that an employee or other agent of the home care provider discontinue a life-sustaining treatment, the employee or agent receiving the request:

(1) shall take no action to discontinue the treatment; and

(2) shall promptly inform the supervisor or other agent of the home care provider of the client's request.

(b) Upon being informed of a request for termination of treatment, the home care provider shall promptly:

(1) inform the client that the request will be made known to the physician who ordered the client's treatment;

(2) inform the physician of the client's request; and

(3) work with the client and the client's physician to comply with the provisions of the Health Care Directive Act in chapter 145C.

(c) This section does not require the home care provider to discontinue treatment, except as may be required by law or court order.

(d) This section does not diminish the rights of clients to control their treatments, refuse services, or terminate their relationships with the home care provider.

(e) This section shall be construed in a manner consistent with chapter 145B or 145C, whichever applies, and declarations made by clients under those chapters.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 19; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.4792 MEDICATION MANAGEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Medication management services; comprehensive home care license.

(a) This subdivision applies only to home care providers with a comprehensive home care license that provide medication management services to clients. Medication management services may not be provided by a home care provider who has a basic home care license.

(b) A comprehensive home care provider who provides medication management services must develop, implement, and maintain current written medication management policies and procedures. The policies and procedures must be developed under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse, licensed health professional, or pharmacist consistent with current practice standards and guidelines.

(c) The written policies and procedures must address requesting and receiving prescriptions for medications; preparing and giving medications; verifying that prescription drugs are administered as prescribed; documenting medication management activities; controlling and storing medications; monitoring and evaluating medication use; resolving medication errors; communicating with the prescriber, pharmacist, and client and client representative, if any; disposing of unused medications; and educating clients and client representatives about medications. When controlled substances are being managed, the policies and procedures must also identify how the provider will ensure security and accountability for the overall management, control, and disposition of those substances in compliance with state and federal regulations and with subdivision 22.

Subd. 2.Provision of medication management services.

(a) For each client who requests medication management services, the comprehensive home care provider shall, prior to providing medication management services, have a registered nurse, licensed health professional, or authorized prescriber under section 151.37 conduct an assessment to determine what medication management services will be provided and how the services will be provided. This assessment must be conducted face-to-face with the client. The assessment must include an identification and review of all medications the client is known to be taking. The review and identification must include indications for medications, side effects, contraindications, allergic or adverse reactions, and actions to address these issues.

(b) The assessment must identify interventions needed in management of medications to prevent diversion of medication by the client or others who may have access to the medications. "Diversion of medications" means the misuse, theft, or illegal or improper disposition of medications.

Subd. 3.Individualized medication monitoring and reassessment.

The comprehensive home care provider must monitor and reassess the client's medication management services as needed under subdivision 2 when the client presents with symptoms or other issues that may be medication-related and, at a minimum, annually.

Subd. 4.Client refusal.

The home care provider must document in the client's record any refusal for an assessment for medication management by the client. The provider must discuss with the client the possible consequences of the client's refusal and document the discussion in the client's record.

Subd. 5.Individualized medication management plan.

(a) For each client receiving medication management services, the comprehensive home care provider must prepare and include in the service plan a written statement of the medication management services that will be provided to the client. The provider must develop and maintain a current individualized medication management record for each client based on the client's assessment that must contain the following:

(1) a statement describing the medication management services that will be provided;

(2) a description of storage of medications based on the client's needs and preferences, risk of diversion, and consistent with the manufacturer's directions;

(3) documentation of specific client instructions relating to the administration of medications;

(4) identification of persons responsible for monitoring medication supplies and ensuring that medication refills are ordered on a timely basis;

(5) identification of medication management tasks that may be delegated to unlicensed personnel;

(6) procedures for staff notifying a registered nurse or appropriate licensed health professional when a problem arises with medication management services; and

(7) any client-specific requirements relating to documenting medication administration, verifications that all medications are administered as prescribed, and monitoring of medication use to prevent possible complications or adverse reactions.

(b) The medication management record must be current and updated when there are any changes.

Subd. 6.Administration of medication.

Medications may be administered by a nurse, physician, or other licensed health practitioner authorized to administer medications or by unlicensed personnel who have been delegated medication administration tasks by a registered nurse.

Subd. 7.Delegation of medication administration.

When administration of medications is delegated to unlicensed personnel, the comprehensive home care provider must ensure that the registered nurse has:

(1) instructed the unlicensed personnel in the proper methods to administer the medications, and the unlicensed personnel has demonstrated the ability to competently follow the procedures;

(2) specified, in writing, specific instructions for each client and documented those instructions in the client's records; and

(3) communicated with the unlicensed personnel about the individual needs of the client.

Subd. 8.Documentation of administration of medications.

Each medication administered by comprehensive home care provider staff must be documented in the client's record. The documentation must include the signature and title of the person who administered the medication. The documentation must include the medication name, dosage, date and time administered, and method and route of administration. The staff must document the reason why medication administration was not completed as prescribed and document any follow-up procedures that were provided to meet the client's needs when medication was not administered as prescribed and in compliance with the client's medication management plan.

Subd. 9.Documentation of medication setup.

Documentation of dates of medication setup, name of medication, quantity of dose, times to be administered, route of administration, and name of person completing medication setup must be done at the time of setup.

Subd. 10.Medication management for clients who will be away from home.

(a) A home care provider who is providing medication management services to the client and controls the client's access to the medications must develop and implement policies and procedures for giving accurate and current medications to clients for planned or unplanned times away from home according to the client's individualized medication management plan. The policy and procedures must state that:

(1) for planned time away, the medications must be obtained from the pharmacy or set up by the registered nurse according to appropriate state and federal laws and nursing standards of practice;

(2) for unplanned time away, when the pharmacy is not able to provide the medications, a licensed nurse or unlicensed personnel shall give the client or client's representative medications in amounts and dosages needed for the length of the anticipated absence, not to exceed 120 hours;

(3) the client or client's representative must be provided written information on medications, including any special instructions for administering or handling the medications, including controlled substances;

(4) the medications must be placed in a medication container or containers appropriate to the provider's medication system and must be labeled with the client's name and the dates and times that the medications are scheduled; and

(5) the client or client's representative must be provided in writing the home care provider's name and information on how to contact the home care provider.

(b) For unplanned time away when the licensed nurse is not available, the registered nurse may delegate this task to unlicensed personnel if:

(1) the registered nurse has trained the unlicensed staff and determined the unlicensed staff is competent to follow the procedures for giving medications to clients; and

(2) the registered nurse has developed written procedures for the unlicensed personnel, including any special instructions or procedures regarding controlled substances that are prescribed for the client. The procedures must address:

(i) the type of container or containers to be used for the medications appropriate to the provider's medication system;

(ii) how the container or containers must be labeled;

(iii) the written information about the medications to be given to the client or client's representative;

(iv) how the unlicensed staff must document in the client's record that medications have been given to the client or the client's representative, including documenting the date the medications were given to the client or the client's representative and who received the medications, the person who gave the medications to the client, the number of medications that were given to the client, and other required information;

(v) how the registered nurse shall be notified that medications have been given to the client or client's representative and whether the registered nurse needs to be contacted before the medications are given to the client or the client's representative; and

(vi) a review by the registered nurse of the completion of this task to verify that this task was completed accurately by the unlicensed personnel.

Subd. 11.Prescribed and nonprescribed medication.

The comprehensive home care provider must determine whether the comprehensive home care provider shall require a prescription for all medications the provider manages. The comprehensive home care provider must inform the client or the client's representative whether the comprehensive home care provider requires a prescription for all over-the-counter and dietary supplements before the comprehensive home care provider agrees to manage those medications.

Subd. 12.Medications; over-the-counter; dietary supplements not prescribed.

A comprehensive home care provider providing medication management services for over-the-counter drugs or dietary supplements must retain those items in the original labeled container with directions for use prior to setting up for immediate or later administration. The provider must verify that the medications are up-to-date and stored as appropriate.

Subd. 13.Prescriptions.

There must be a current written or electronically recorded prescription as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 6800.0100, subpart 11a, for all prescribed medications that the comprehensive home care provider is managing for the client.

Subd. 14.Renewal of prescriptions.

Prescriptions must be renewed at least every 12 months or more frequently as indicated by the assessment in subdivision 2. Prescriptions for controlled substances must comply with chapter 152.

Subd. 15.Verbal prescription orders.

Verbal prescription orders from an authorized prescriber must be received by a nurse or pharmacist. The order must be handled according to Minnesota Rules, part 6800.6200.

Subd. 16.Written or electronic prescription.

When a written or electronic prescription is received, it must be communicated to the registered nurse in charge and recorded or placed in the client's record.

Subd. 17.Records confidential.

A prescription or order received verbally, in writing, or electronically must be kept confidential according to sections 144.291 to 144.298 and 144A.44.

Subd. 18.Medications provided by client or family members.

When the comprehensive home care provider is aware of any medications or dietary supplements that are being used by the client and are not included in the assessment for medication management services, the staff must advise the registered nurse and document that in the client's record.

Subd. 19.Storage of medications.

A comprehensive home care provider providing storage of medications outside of the client's private living space must store all prescription medications in securely locked and substantially constructed compartments according to the manufacturer's directions and permit only authorized personnel to have access.

Subd. 20.Prescription drugs.

A prescription drug, prior to being set up for immediate or later administration, must be kept in the original container in which it was dispensed by the pharmacy bearing the original prescription label with legible information including the expiration or beyond-use date of a time-dated drug.

Subd. 21.Prohibitions.

No prescription drug supply for one client may be used or saved for use by anyone other than the client.

Subd. 22.Disposition of medications.

(a) Any current medications being managed by the comprehensive home care provider must be given to the client or the client's representative when the client's service plan ends or medication management services are no longer part of the service plan. Medications that have been stored in the client's private living space for a client who is deceased or that have been discontinued or that have expired may be given to the client or the client's representative for disposal.

(b) The comprehensive home care provider will dispose of any medications remaining with the comprehensive home care provider that are discontinued or expired or upon the termination of the service contract or the client's death according to state and federal regulations for disposition of medications and controlled substances.

(c) Upon disposition, the comprehensive home care provider must document in the client's record the disposition of the medication including the medication's name, strength, prescription number as applicable, quantity, to whom the medications were given, date of disposition, and names of staff and other individuals involved in the disposition.

Subd. 23.Loss or spillage.

(a) Comprehensive home care providers providing medication management must develop and implement procedures for loss or spillage of all controlled substances defined in Minnesota Rules, part 6800.4220. These procedures must require that when a spillage of a controlled substance occurs, a notation must be made in the client's record explaining the spillage and the actions taken. The notation must be signed by the person responsible for the spillage and include verification that any contaminated substance was disposed of according to state or federal regulations.

(b) The procedures must require the comprehensive home care provider of medication management to investigate any known loss or unaccounted for prescription drugs and take appropriate action required under state or federal regulations and document the investigation in required records.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 20; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 26,135

144A.4793 TREATMENT AND THERAPY MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Providers with a comprehensive home care license.

This section applies only to home care providers with a comprehensive home care license that provide treatment or therapy management services to clients. Treatment or therapy management services cannot be provided by a home care provider that has a basic home care license.

Subd. 2.Policies and procedures.

(a) A comprehensive home care provider who provides treatment and therapy management services must develop, implement, and maintain up-to-date written treatment or therapy management policies and procedures. The policies and procedures must be developed under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse or appropriate licensed health professional consistent with current practice standards and guidelines.

(b) The written policies and procedures must address requesting and receiving orders or prescriptions for treatments or therapies, providing the treatment or therapy, documenting of treatment or therapy activities, educating and communicating with clients about treatments or therapy they are receiving, monitoring and evaluating the treatment and therapy, and communicating with the prescriber.

Subd. 3.Individualized treatment or therapy management plan.

For each client receiving management of ordered or prescribed treatments or therapy services, the comprehensive home care provider must prepare and include in the service plan a written statement of the treatment or therapy services that will be provided to the client. The provider must also develop and maintain a current individualized treatment and therapy management record for each client which must contain at least the following:

(1) a statement of the type of services that will be provided;

(2) documentation of specific client instructions relating to the treatments or therapy administration;

(3) identification of treatment or therapy tasks that will be delegated to unlicensed personnel;

(4) procedures for notifying a registered nurse or appropriate licensed health professional when a problem arises with treatments or therapy services; and

(5) any client-specific requirements relating to documentation of treatment and therapy received, verification that all treatment and therapy was administered as prescribed, and monitoring of treatment or therapy to prevent possible complications or adverse reactions. The treatment or therapy management record must be current and updated when there are any changes.

Subd. 4.Administration of treatments and therapy.

Ordered or prescribed treatments or therapies must be administered by a nurse, physician, or other licensed health professional authorized to perform the treatment or therapy, or may be delegated or assigned to unlicensed personnel by the licensed health professional according to the appropriate practice standards for delegation or assignment. When administration of a treatment or therapy is delegated or assigned to unlicensed personnel, the home care provider must ensure that the registered nurse or authorized licensed health professional has:

(1) instructed the unlicensed personnel in the proper methods with respect to each client and the unlicensed personnel has demonstrated the ability to competently follow the procedures;

(2) specified, in writing, specific instructions for each client and documented those instructions in the client's record; and

(3) communicated with the unlicensed personnel about the individual needs of the client.

Subd. 5.Documentation of administration of treatments and therapies.

Each treatment or therapy administered by a comprehensive home care provider must be documented in the client's record. The documentation must include the signature and title of the person who administered the treatment or therapy and must include the date and time of administration. When treatment or therapies are not administered as ordered or prescribed, the provider must document the reason why it was not administered and any follow-up procedures that were provided to meet the client's needs.

Subd. 6.Orders or prescriptions.

There must be an up-to-date written or electronically recorded order or prescription for all treatments and therapies. The order must contain the name of the client, a description of the treatment or therapy to be provided, and the frequency and other information needed to administer the treatment or therapy.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 21; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.4794 CLIENT RECORD REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Client record.

(a) The home care provider must maintain records for each client for whom it is providing services. Entries in the client records must be current, legible, permanently recorded, dated, and authenticated with the name and title of the person making the entry.

(b) Client records, whether written or electronic, must be protected against loss, tampering, or unauthorized disclosure in compliance with chapter 13 and other applicable relevant federal and state laws. The home care provider shall establish and implement written procedures to control use, storage, and security of client's records and establish criteria for release of client information.

(c) The home care provider may not disclose to any other person any personal, financial, medical, or other information about the client, except:

(1) as may be required by law;

(2) to employees or contractors of the home care provider, another home care provider, other health care practitioner or provider, or inpatient facility needing information in order to provide services to the client, but only such information that is necessary for the provision of services;

(3) to persons authorized in writing by the client or the client's representative to receive the information, including third-party payers; and

(4) to representatives of the commissioner authorized to survey or investigate home care providers under this chapter or federal laws.

Subd. 2.Access to records.

The home care provider must ensure that the appropriate records are readily available to employees or contractors authorized to access the records. Client records must be maintained in a manner that allows for timely access, printing, or transmission of the records.

Subd. 3.Contents of client record.

Contents of a client record include the following for each client:

(1) identifying information, including the client's name, date of birth, address, and telephone number;

(2) the name, address, and telephone number of an emergency contact, family members, client's representative, if any, or others as identified;

(3) names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the client's health and medical service providers and other home care providers, if known;

(4) health information, including medical history, allergies, and when the provider is managing medications, treatments or therapies that require documentation, and other relevant health records;

(5) client's advance directives, if any;

(6) the home care provider's current and previous assessments and service plans;

(7) all records of communications pertinent to the client's home care services;

(8) documentation of significant changes in the client's status and actions taken in response to the needs of the client including reporting to the appropriate supervisor or health care professional;

(9) documentation of incidents involving the client and actions taken in response to the needs of the client including reporting to the appropriate supervisor or health care professional;

(10) documentation that services have been provided as identified in the service plan;

(11) documentation that the client has received and reviewed the home care bill of rights;

(12) documentation that the client has been provided the statement of disclosure on limitations of services under section 144A.4791, subdivision 3;

(13) documentation of complaints received and resolution;

(14) discharge summary, including service termination notice and related documentation, when applicable; and

(15) other documentation required under this chapter and relevant to the client's services or status.

Subd. 4.Transfer of client records.

If a client transfers to another home care provider or other health care practitioner or provider, or is admitted to an inpatient facility, the home care provider, upon request of the client or the client's representative, shall take steps to ensure a coordinated transfer including sending a copy or summary of the client's record to the new home care provider, the facility, or the client, as appropriate.

Subd. 5.Record retention.

Following the client's discharge or termination of services, a home care provider must retain a client's record for at least five years, or as otherwise required by state or federal regulations. Arrangements must be made for secure storage and retrieval of client records if the home care provider ceases business.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 22; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.4795 HOME CARE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES; STAFF.

Subdivision 1.Qualifications, training, and competency.

All staff providing home care services must: (1) be trained and competent in the provision of home care services consistent with current practice standards appropriate to the client's needs; and (2) be informed of the home care bill of rights under section 144A.44.

Subd. 2.Licensed health professionals and nurses.

(a) Licensed health professionals and nurses providing home care services as an employee of a licensed home care provider must possess a current Minnesota license or registration to practice.

(b) Licensed health professionals and registered nurses must be competent in assessing client needs, planning appropriate home care services to meet client needs, implementing services, and supervising staff if assigned.

(c) Nothing in this section limits or expands the rights of nurses or licensed health professionals to provide services within the scope of their licenses or registrations, as provided by law.

Subd. 3.Unlicensed personnel.

(a) Unlicensed personnel providing basic home care services must have:

(1) successfully completed a training and competency evaluation appropriate to the services provided by the home care provider and the topics listed in subdivision 7, paragraph (b); or

(2) demonstrated competency by satisfactorily completing a written or oral test on the tasks the unlicensed personnel will perform and in the topics listed in subdivision 7, paragraph (b); and successfully demonstrated competency of topics in subdivision 7, paragraph (b), clauses (5), (7), and (8), by a practical skills test.

Unlicensed personnel providing home care services for a basic home care provider may not perform delegated nursing or therapy tasks.

(b) Unlicensed personnel performing delegated nursing tasks for a comprehensive home care provider must:

(1) have successfully completed training and demonstrated competency by successfully completing a written or oral test of the topics in subdivision 7, paragraphs (b) and (c), and a practical skills test on tasks listed in subdivision 7, paragraphs (b), clauses (5) and (7), and (c), clauses (3), (5), (6), and (7), and all the delegated tasks they will perform;

(2) satisfy the current requirements of Medicare for training or competency of home health aides or nursing assistants, as provided by Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 483 or 484.36; or

(3) have, before April 19, 1993, completed a training course for nursing assistants that was approved by the commissioner.

(c) Unlicensed personnel performing therapy or treatment tasks delegated or assigned by a licensed health professional must meet the requirements for delegated tasks in subdivision 4 and any other training or competency requirements within the licensed health professional scope of practice relating to delegation or assignment of tasks to unlicensed personnel.

Subd. 4.Delegation of home care tasks.

A registered nurse or licensed health professional may delegate tasks only to staff who are competent and possess the knowledge and skills consistent with the complexity of the tasks and according to the appropriate Minnesota practice act. The comprehensive home care provider must establish and implement a system to communicate up-to-date information to the registered nurse or licensed health professional regarding the current available staff and their competency so the registered nurse or licensed health professional has sufficient information to determine the appropriateness of delegating tasks to meet individual client needs and preferences.

Subd. 5.Individual contractors.

When a home care provider contracts with an individual contractor excluded from licensure under section 144A.471 to provide home care services, the contractor must meet the same requirements required by this section for personnel employed by the home care provider.

Subd. 6.Temporary staff.

When a home care provider contracts with a temporary staffing agency excluded from licensure under section 144A.471, those individuals must meet the same requirements required by this section for personnel employed by the home care provider and shall be treated as if they are staff of the home care provider.

Subd. 7.Requirements for instructors, training content, and competency evaluations for unlicensed personnel.

(a) Instructors and competency evaluators must meet the following requirements:

(1) training and competency evaluations of unlicensed personnel providing basic home care services must be conducted by individuals with work experience and training in providing home care services listed in section 144A.471, subdivisions 6 and 7; and

(2) training and competency evaluations of unlicensed personnel providing comprehensive home care services must be conducted by a registered nurse, or another instructor may provide training in conjunction with the registered nurse. If the home care provider is providing services by licensed health professionals only, then that specific training and competency evaluation may be conducted by the licensed health professionals as appropriate.

(b) Training and competency evaluations for all unlicensed personnel must include the following:

(1) documentation requirements for all services provided;

(2) reports of changes in the client's condition to the supervisor designated by the home care provider;

(3) basic infection control, including blood-borne pathogens;

(4) maintenance of a clean and safe environment;

(5) appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming, including:

(i) hair care and bathing;

(ii) care of teeth, gums, and oral prosthetic devices;

(iii) care and use of hearing aids; and

(iv) dressing and assisting with toileting;

(6) training on the prevention of falls for providers working with the elderly or individuals at risk of falls;

(7) standby assistance techniques and how to perform them;

(8) medication, exercise, and treatment reminders;

(9) basic nutrition, meal preparation, food safety, and assistance with eating;

(10) preparation of modified diets as ordered by a licensed health professional;

(11) communication skills that include preserving the dignity of the client and showing respect for the client and the client's preferences, cultural background, and family;

(12) awareness of confidentiality and privacy;

(13) understanding appropriate boundaries between staff and clients and the client's family;

(14) procedures to utilize in handling various emergency situations; and

(15) awareness of commonly used health technology equipment and assistive devices.

(c) In addition to paragraph (b), training and competency evaluation for unlicensed personnel providing comprehensive home care services must include:

(1) observation, reporting, and documenting of client status;

(2) basic knowledge of body functioning and changes in body functioning, injuries, or other observed changes that must be reported to appropriate personnel;

(3) reading and recording temperature, pulse, and respirations of the client;

(4) recognizing physical, emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs of the client;

(5) safe transfer techniques and ambulation;

(6) range of motioning and positioning; and

(7) administering medications or treatments as required.

(d) When the registered nurse or licensed health professional delegates tasks, they must ensure that prior to the delegation the unlicensed personnel is trained in the proper methods to perform the tasks or procedures for each client and are able to demonstrate the ability to competently follow the procedures and perform the tasks. If an unlicensed personnel has not regularly performed the delegated home care task for a period of 24 consecutive months, the unlicensed personnel must demonstrate competency in the task to the registered nurse or appropriate licensed health professional. The registered nurse or licensed health professional must document instructions for the delegated tasks in the client's record.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 23; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.4796 ORIENTATION AND ANNUAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Orientation of staff and supervisors to home care.

All staff providing and supervising direct home care services must complete an orientation to home care licensing requirements and regulations before providing home care services to clients. The orientation may be incorporated into the training required under subdivision 6. The orientation need only be completed once for each staff person and is not transferable to another home care provider.

Subd. 2.Content.

The orientation must contain the following topics:

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

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

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

(4) compliance with and reporting of the maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults under sections 626.556 and 626.557;

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

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

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

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

Subd. 3.Verification and documentation of orientation.

Each home care provider shall retain evidence in the employee record of each staff person having completed the orientation required by this section.

Subd. 4.Orientation to client.

Staff providing home care services must be oriented specifically to each individual client and the services to be provided. This orientation may be provided in person, orally, in writing, or electronically.

Subd. 5.Training required relating to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

For home care providers that provide services for persons with Alzheimer's or related disorders, all direct care staff and supervisors working with those clients must receive training that includes a current explanation of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, effective approaches to use to problem-solve when working with a client's challenging behaviors, and how to communicate with clients who have Alzheimer's or related disorders.

Subd. 6.Required annual training.

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

(1) training on reporting of maltreatment of minors under section 626.556 and maltreatment of vulnerable adults under section 626.557, whichever is applicable to the services provided;

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

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

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

Subd. 7.Documentation.

A home care provider must retain documentation in the employee records of the staff who have satisfied the orientation and training requirements of this section.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 24; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.4797 PROVISION OF SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Availability of contact person to staff.

(a) A home care provider with a basic home care license must have a person available to staff for consultation on items relating to the provision of services or about the client.

(b) A home care provider with a comprehensive home care license must have a registered nurse available for consultation to staff performing delegated nursing tasks and must have an appropriate licensed health professional available if performing other delegated services such as therapies.

(c) The appropriate contact person must be readily available either in person, by telephone, or by other means to the staff at times when the staff is providing services.

Subd. 2.Supervision of staff; basic home care services.

(a) Staff who perform basic home care services must be supervised periodically where the services are being provided to verify that the work is being performed competently and to identify problems and solutions to address issues relating to the staff's ability to provide the services. The supervision of the unlicensed personnel must be done by staff of the home care provider having the authority, skills, and ability to provide the supervision of unlicensed personnel and who can implement changes as needed, and train staff.

(b) Supervision includes direct observation of unlicensed personnel while the unlicensed personnel are providing the services and may also include indirect methods of gaining input such as gathering feedback from the client. Supervisory review of staff must be provided at a frequency based on the staff person's competency and performance.

(c) For an individual who is licensed as a home care provider, this section does not apply.

Subd. 3.Supervision of staff providing delegated nursing or therapy home care tasks.

(a) Staff who perform delegated nursing or therapy home care tasks must be supervised by an appropriate licensed health professional or a registered nurse periodically where the services are being provided to verify that the work is being performed competently and to identify problems and solutions related to the staff person's ability to perform the tasks. Supervision of staff performing medication or treatment administration shall be provided by a registered nurse or appropriate licensed health professional and must include observation of the staff administering the medication or treatment and the interaction with the client.

(b) The direct supervision of staff performing delegated tasks must be provided within 30 days after the individual begins working for the home care provider and thereafter as needed based on performance. This requirement also applies to staff who have not performed delegated tasks for one year or longer.

Subd. 4.Documentation.

A home care provider must retain documentation of supervision activities in the personnel records.

Subd. 5.Exemption.

This section does not apply to an individual licensed under sections 144A.43 to 144A.4798.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 25; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.4798 EMPLOYEE HEALTH STATUS.

Subdivision 1.Tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control.

A home care provider must establish and maintain a TB prevention and control program based on the most current guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Components of a TB prevention and control program include screening all staff providing home care services, both paid and unpaid, at the time of hire for active TB disease and latent TB infection, and developing and implementing a written TB infection control plan. The commissioner shall make the most recent CDC standards available to home care providers on the department's Web site.

Subd. 2.Communicable diseases.

A home care provider must follow current federal or state guidelines for prevention, control, and reporting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, or other communicable diseases as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 4605.7040.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 26

144A.4799 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LICENSED HOME CARE PROVIDER ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Subdivision 1.Membership.

The commissioner of health shall appoint eight persons to a home care provider advisory council consisting of the following:

(1) three public members as defined in section 214.02 who shall be either persons who are currently receiving home care services or have family members receiving home care services, or persons who have family members who have received home care services within five years of the application date;

(2) three Minnesota home care licensees representing basic and comprehensive levels of licensure who may be a managerial official, an administrator, a supervising registered nurse, or an unlicensed personnel performing home care tasks;

(3) one member representing the Minnesota Board of Nursing; and

(4) one member representing the ombudsman for long-term care.

Subd. 2.Organizations and meetings.

The advisory council shall be organized and administered under section 15.059 with per diems and costs paid within the limits of available appropriations. Meetings will be held quarterly and hosted by the department. Subcommittees may be developed as necessary by the commissioner. Advisory council meetings are subject to the Open Meeting Law under chapter 13D.

Subd. 3.Duties.

At the commissioner's request, the advisory council shall provide advice regarding regulations of Department of Health licensed home care providers in this chapter, including advice on the following:

(1) community standards for home care practices;

(2) enforcement of licensing standards and whether certain disciplinary actions are appropriate;

(3) ways of distributing information to licensees and consumers of home care;

(4) training standards;

(5) identify emerging issues and opportunities in the home care field, including the use of technology in home and telehealth capabilities;

(6) allowable home care licensing modifications and exemptions, including a method for an integrated license with an existing license for rural licensed nursing homes to provide limited home care services in an adjacent independent living apartment building owned by the licensed nursing home; and

(7) perform other duties as directed by the commissioner.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 27; 2014 c 291 art 6 s 18

144A.48 MS 2002 [Repealed, 2002 c 252 s 25]

144A.481 HOME CARE LICENSING IMPLEMENTATION FOR NEW LICENSEES AND TRANSITION PERIOD FOR CURRENT LICENSEES.

Subdivision 1.Temporary home care licenses and changes of ownership.

(a) Beginning January 1, 2014, all temporary license applicants must apply for either a temporary basic or comprehensive home care license.

(b) Temporary home care licenses issued beginning January 1, 2014, shall be issued according to sections 144A.43 to 144A.4798, and the fees in section 144A.472. Temporary licensees must comply with the requirements of this chapter.

(c) No temporary license applications will be accepted nor temporary licenses issued between December 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013.

(d) Beginning October 1, 2013, changes in ownership applications will require payment of the new fees listed in section 144A.472. Providers who are providing nursing, delegated nursing, or professional health care services, must submit the fee for comprehensive home care providers, and all other providers must submit the fee for basic home care providers as provided in section 144A.472. Change of ownership applicants will be issued a new home care license based on the licensure law in effect on June 30, 2013.

Subd. 2.Current home care licensees with licenses as of December 31, 2013.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2014, department licensed home care providers must apply for either the basic or comprehensive home care license on their regularly scheduled renewal date.

(b) By June 30, 2015, all home care providers must either have a basic or comprehensive home care license or temporary license.

Subd. 3.Renewal application of home care licensure during transition period.

(a) Renewal and change of ownership applications of home care licenses issued beginning July 1, 2014, will be issued according to sections 144A.43 to 144A.4798 and, upon license renewal or issuance of a new license for a change of ownership, providers must comply with sections 144A.43 to 144A.4798. Prior to renewal, providers must comply with the home care licensure law in effect on June 30, 2013.

(b) The fees charged for licenses renewed between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016, shall be the lesser of 200 percent or $1,000, except where the 200 percent or $1,000 increase exceeds the actual renewal fee charged, with a maximum renewal fee of $6,625.

(c) For fiscal year 2014 only, the fees for providers with revenues greater than $25,000 and no more than $100,000 will be $313 and for providers with revenues no more than $25,000 the fee will be $125.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 28

144A.482 REGISTRATION OF HOME MANAGEMENT PROVIDERS.

(a) For purposes of this section, a home management provider is a person or organization that provides at least two of the following services: housekeeping, meal preparation, and shopping to a person who is unable to perform these activities due to illness, disability, or physical condition.

(b) A person or organization that provides only home management services may not operate in the state without a current certificate of registration issued by the commissioner of health. To obtain a certificate of registration, the person or organization must annually submit to the commissioner the name, mailing and physical addresses, e-mail address, and telephone number of the person or organization and a signed statement declaring that the person or organization is aware that the home care bill of rights applies to their clients and that the person or organization will comply with the home care bill of rights provisions contained in section 144A.44. A person or organization applying for a certificate must also provide the name, business address, and telephone number of each of the persons responsible for the management or direction of the organization.

(c) The commissioner shall charge an annual registration fee of $20 for persons and $50 for organizations. The registration fee shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the state government special revenue fund.

(d) A home care provider that provides home management services and other home care services must be licensed, but licensure requirements other than the home care bill of rights do not apply to those employees or volunteers who provide only home management services to clients who do not receive any other home care services from the provider. A licensed home care provider need not be registered as a home management service provider but must provide an orientation on the home care bill of rights to its employees or volunteers who provide home management services.

(e) An individual who provides home management services under this section must, within 120 days after beginning to provide services, attend an orientation session approved by the commissioner that provides training on the home care bill of rights and an orientation on the aging process and the needs and concerns of elderly and disabled persons.

(f) The commissioner may suspend or revoke a provider's certificate of registration or assess fines for violation of the home care bill of rights. Any fine assessed for a violation of the home care bill of rights by a provider registered under this section shall be in the amount established in the licensure rules for home care providers. As a condition of registration, a provider must cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by the commissioner, including providing specific information requested by the commissioner on clients served and the employees and volunteers who provide services. Fines collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the fund specified in the statute or rule in which the penalty was established.

(g) The commissioner may use any of the powers granted in sections 144A.43 to 144A.4798 to administer the registration system and enforce the home care bill of rights under this section.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 29; 2014 c 275 art 1 s 135

144A.483 AGENCY QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Annual legislative report on home care licensing.

The commissioner shall establish a quality improvement program for the home care survey and home care complaint investigation processes. The commissioner shall submit to the legislature an annual report, beginning October 1, 2015, and each October 1 thereafter. Each report will review the previous state fiscal year of home care licensing and regulatory activities. The report must include, but is not limited to, an analysis of:

(1) the number of FTEs in the Division of Compliance Monitoring, including the Office of Health Facility Complaints units assigned to home care licensing, survey, investigation, and enforcement process;

(2) numbers of and descriptive information about licenses issued, complaints received and investigated, including allegations made and correction orders issued, surveys completed and timelines, and correction order reconsiderations and results;

(3) descriptions of emerging trends in home care provision and areas of concern identified by the department in its regulation of home care providers;

(4) information and data regarding performance improvement projects underway and planned by the commissioner in the area of home care surveys; and

(5) work of the Department of Health Home Care Advisory Council.

Subd. 2.Study of correction order appeal process.

Starting July 1, 2015, the commissioner shall study whether to add a correction order appeal process conducted by an independent reviewer such as an administrative law judge or other office and submit a report to the legislature by February 1, 2016. The commissioner shall review home care regulatory systems in other states as part of that study. The commissioner shall consult with the home care providers and representatives.

History:

2013 c 108 art 11 s 30

HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES DESIGNATION

144A.484 INTEGRATED LICENSURE; HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES DESIGNATION.

Subdivision 1.Integrated licensing established.

(a) From January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, the commissioner of health shall enforce the home and community-based services standards under chapter 245D for those providers who also have a home care license pursuant to this chapter as required under Laws 2013, chapter 108, article 8, section 60, and article 11, section 31. During this period, the commissioner shall provide technical assistance to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable law or rules governing the provision of home and community-based services, including complying with the service recipient rights notice in subdivision 4, clause (4). If during the survey, the commissioner finds that the licensee has failed to achieve compliance with an applicable law or rule under chapter 245D and this failure does not imminently endanger the health, safety, or rights of the persons served by the program, the commissioner may issue a licensing survey report with recommendations for achieving and maintaining compliance.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2015, a home care provider applicant or license holder may apply to the commissioner of health for a home and community-based services designation for the provision of basic support services identified under section 245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (b). The designation allows the license holder to provide basic support services that would otherwise require licensure under chapter 245D, under the license holder's home care license governed by sections 144A.43 to 144A.481.

Subd. 2.Application for home and community-based services designation.

An application for a home and community-based services designation must be made on the forms and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner shall provide the applicant with instruction for completing the application and provide information about the requirements of other state agencies that affect the applicant. Application for the home and community-based services designation is subject to the requirements under section 144A.473.

Subd. 3.Home and community-based services designation fees.

A home care provider applicant or licensee applying for the home and community-based services designation or renewal of a home and community-based services designation must submit a fee in the amount specified in subdivision 8.

Subd. 4.Applicability of home and community-based services requirements.

A home care provider with a home and community-based services designation must comply with the requirements for home care services governed by this chapter. For the provision of basic support services, the home care provider must also comply with the following home and community-based services licensing requirements:

(1) service planning and delivery requirements in section 245D.07;

(2) protection standards in section 245D.06;

(3) emergency use of manual restraints in section 245D.061; and

(4) protection-related rights in section 245D.04, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses (5), (7), (8), (12), and (13), and paragraph (b).

A home care provider with the integrated license-home and community-based services designation may utilize a bill of rights which incorporates the service recipient rights in section 245D.04, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses (5), (7), (8), (12), and (13), and paragraph (b) with the home care bill of rights in section 144A.44.

Subd. 5.Monitoring and enforcement.

(a) The commissioner shall monitor for compliance with the home and community-based services requirements identified in subdivision 4, in accordance with this section and any agreements by the commissioners of health and human services.

(b) The commissioner shall enforce compliance with applicable home and community-based services licensing requirements as follows:

(1) the commissioner may deny a home and community-based services designation in accordance with section 144A.473 or 144A.475; and

(2) if the commissioner finds that the applicant or license holder has failed to comply with the applicable home and community-based services designation requirements, the commissioner may issue:

(i) a correction order in accordance with section 144A.474;

(ii) an order of conditional license in accordance with section 144A.475;

(iii) a sanction in accordance with section 144A.475; or

(iv) any combination of clauses (i) to (iii).

Subd. 6.Appeals.

A home care provider applicant that has been denied a temporary license will also be denied their application for the home and community-based services designation. The applicant may request reconsideration in accordance with section 144A.473, subdivision 3. A licensed home care provider whose application for a home and community-based services designation has been denied or whose designation has been suspended or revoked may appeal the denial, suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a home and community-based services designation in accordance with section 144A.475. A license holder may request reconsideration of a correction order in accordance with section 144A.474, subdivision 12.

Subd. 7.Agreements.

The commissioners of health and human services shall enter into any agreements necessary to implement this section.

Subd. 8.Fees; home and community-based services designation.

(a) The initial fee for a home and community-based services designation is $155. A home care provider renewing the home and community-based services designation must pay an annual nonrefundable fee, in addition to the annual home care license fee, according to the following schedule and based on revenues from the home and community-based services that require licensure under chapter 245D during the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the license fee is paid:

Provider Annual Revenue from HCBS	HCBS Designation
greater than $1,500,000	$320
greater than $1,275,000 and no more than $1,500,000	$300
greater than $1,100,000 and no more than $1,275,000	$280
greater than $950,000 and no more than $1,100,000	$260
greater than $850,000 and no more than $950,000	$240
greater than $750,000 and no more than $850,000	$220
greater than $650,000 and no more than $750,000	$200
greater than $550,000 and no more than $650,000	$180
greater than $450,000 and no more than $550,000	$160
greater than $350,000 and no more than $450,000	$140
greater than $250,000 and no more than $350,000	$120
greater than $100,000 and no more than $250,000	$100
greater than $50,000 and no more than $100,000	$80
greater than $25,000 and no more than $50,000	$60
no more than $25,000	$40

(b) Fees and penalties collected under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the state government special revenue fund.

History:

2014 c 312 art 23 s 5

144A.49 [Repealed, 1997 c 113 s 22]

HEALTH CARE FACILITY GRIEVANCES

144A.51 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of sections 144A.51 to 144A.54, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Administrative agency or agency.

"Administrative agency" or "agency" means any division, official, or employee of a state or local governmental agency, but does not include:

(a) any member of the senate or house of representatives;

(b) the governor or personal staff of the governor;

(c) any instrumentality of the federal government of the United States; or

(d) any court or judge.

Subd. 3.Director.

"Director" means the director of the Office of Health Facility Complaints.

Subd. 4.Health care provider.

"Health care provider" means any professional licensed by the state to provide medical or health care services who does provide the services to a resident of a health facility or a residential care home.

Subd. 5.Health facility.

"Health facility" means a facility or that part of a facility which is required to be licensed pursuant to sections 144.50 to 144.58, 144.615, and a facility or that part of a facility which is required to be licensed under any law of this state which provides for the licensure of nursing homes.

Subd. 6.Resident.

"Resident" means any resident or patient of a health facility or a residential care home, or a consumer of services provided by a home care provider, or the guardian or conservator of the resident, patient, or consumer, if one has been appointed.

Subd. 7.Home care provider.

"Home care provider" means a home care provider as defined in section 144A.43, subdivision 4.

History:

1976 c 325 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 378 s 9,10; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1991 c 292 art 2 s 12; 1992 c 513 art 6 s 12-14; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 20 s 17

144A.52 OFFICE OF HEALTH FACILITY COMPLAINTS.

Subdivision 1.Creation; administration.

The Office of Health Facility Complaints is hereby created in the Department of Health. The office shall be headed by a director appointed by the state commissioner of health.

The commissioner of health shall provide the Office of Health Facility Complaints with office space, administrative services and secretarial and clerical assistance.

Subd. 2.Staff.

The director may appoint a deputy director and one personal secretary to discharge the responsibilities of the office. Any deputy director or personal secretary and all other employees of the office shall be classified employees of the state commissioner of health.

Subd. 3.Duties; delegation.

The director may delegate to members of the staff any of the authority or duties of the director except the duty of formally making recommendations to the legislature, administrative agencies, health facilities, residential care homes, health care providers, home care providers, and the state commissioner of health.

Subd. 4.Training.

The director shall attempt to include staff persons with expertise in areas such as law, health care, social work, dietary needs, sanitation, financial audits, health-safety requirements as they apply to health facilities, residential care homes, and any other relevant fields. To the extent possible, employees of the office shall meet federal training requirements for health facility surveyors.

History:

1976 c 325 s 2; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1982 c 560 s 48; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 378 s 11; 1991 c 238 art 1 s 8; 1992 c 513 art 6 s 15,16

144A.53 DIRECTOR; POWERS AND DUTIES.

Subdivision 1.Powers.

The director may:

(a) Promulgate by rule, pursuant to chapter 14, and within the limits set forth in subdivision 2, the methods by which complaints against health facilities, health care providers, home care providers, or residential care homes, or administrative agencies are to be made, reviewed, investigated, and acted upon; provided, however, that a fee may not be charged for filing a complaint.

(b) Recommend legislation and changes in rules to the state commissioner of health, governor, administrative agencies or the federal government.

(c) Investigate, upon a complaint or upon initiative of the director, any action or failure to act by a health care provider, home care provider, residential care home, or a health facility.

(d) Request and receive access to relevant information, records, incident reports, or documents in the possession of an administrative agency, a health care provider, a home care provider, a residential care home, or a health facility, and issue investigative subpoenas to individuals and facilities for oral information and written information, including privileged information which the director deems necessary for the discharge of responsibilities. For purposes of investigation and securing information to determine violations, the director need not present a release, waiver, or consent of an individual. The identities of patients or residents must be kept private as defined by section 13.02, subdivision 12.

(e) Enter and inspect, at any time, a health facility or residential care home and be permitted to interview staff; provided that the director shall not unduly interfere with or disturb the provision of care and services within the facility or home or the activities of a patient or resident unless the patient or resident consents.

(f) Issue correction orders and assess civil fines pursuant to section 144.653 or any other law which provides for the issuance of correction orders to health facilities or home care provider, or under section 144A.45. A facility's or home's refusal to cooperate in providing lawfully requested information may also be grounds for a correction order.

(g) Recommend the certification or decertification of health facilities pursuant to Title XVIII or XIX of the United States Social Security Act.

(h) Assist patients or residents of health facilities or residential care homes in the enforcement of their rights under Minnesota law.

(i) Work with administrative agencies, health facilities, home care providers, residential care homes, and health care providers and organizations representing consumers on programs designed to provide information about health facilities to the public and to health facility residents.

Subd. 2.Complaints.

(a) The director may receive a complaint from any source concerning an action of an administrative agency, a health care provider, a home care provider, a residential care home, or a health facility. The director may require a complainant to pursue other remedies or channels of complaint open to the complainant before accepting or investigating the complaint. Investigators are required to interview at least one family member of the vulnerable adult identified in the complaint. If the vulnerable adult is directing his or her own care and does not want the investigator to contact the family, this information must be documented in the investigative file.

(b) The director shall keep written records of all complaints and any action upon them. After completing an investigation of a complaint, the director shall inform the complainant, the administrative agency having jurisdiction over the subject matter, the health care provider, the home care provider, the residential care home, and the health facility of the action taken. Complainants must be provided a copy of the public report upon completion of the investigation.

Subd. 3.Recommendations.

If, after duly considering a complaint and whatever material the director deems pertinent, the director determines that the complaint is valid, the director may recommend that an administrative agency, a health care provider, a home care provider, a residential care home, or a health facility should:

(a) Modify or cancel the actions which gave rise to the complaint;

(b) Alter the practice, rule or decision which gave rise to the complaint;

(c) Provide more information about the action under investigation; or

(d) Take any other step which the director considers appropriate.

If the director requests, the administrative agency, a health care provider, a home care provider, residential care home, or health facility shall, within the time specified, inform the director about the action taken on a recommendation.

Subd. 4.Referral of complaints.

If a complaint received by the director relates to a matter more properly within the jurisdiction of an occupational licensing board or other governmental agency, the director shall forward the complaint to that agency and shall inform the complaining party of the forwarding. The agency shall promptly act in respect to the complaint, and shall inform the complaining party and the director of its disposition. If a governmental agency receives a complaint which is more properly within the jurisdiction of the director, it shall promptly forward the complaint to the director, and shall inform the complaining party of the forwarding. If the director has reason to believe that an official or employee of an administrative agency, a home care provider, residential care home, or health facility has acted in a manner warranting criminal or disciplinary proceedings, the director shall refer the matter to the state commissioner of health, the commissioner of human services, an appropriate prosecuting authority, or other appropriate agency.

History:

1976 c 325 s 3; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1983 c 289 s 98; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 209 s 31; 1987 c 378 s 12; 1991 c 286 s 11; 1991 c 292 art 2 s 13; 1992 c 513 art 6 s 17-20; 1997 c 7 art 2 s 17; 2013 c 43 s 17

144A.54 PUBLICATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS; REPORTS.

Subdivision 1.Director; duties.

Except as otherwise provided by this section, the director may determine the form, frequency, and distribution of the conclusions and recommendations. The director shall transmit the conclusions and recommendations to the state commissioner of health. Before announcing a conclusion or recommendation that expressly or by implication criticizes an administrative agency, a health care provider, a home care provider, a residential care home, or a health facility, the director shall consult with that agency, health care provider, home care provider, home, or facility. When publishing an opinion adverse to an administrative agency, a health care provider, a home care provider, a residential care home, or a health facility, the director shall include in the publication any statement of reasonable length made to the director by that agency, health care provider, home care provider, residential care home, or health facility in defense or explanation of the action.

Subd. 2.Annual report.

In addition to whatever other reports the director may make, the director shall, at the end of each year, report to the state commissioner of health concerning the exercise of the director's functions during the preceding year. The state commissioner of health may, at any time, request and receive information, other than resident records, from the director.

Subd. 3.Confidentiality.

In performing the duties under Laws 1976, chapter 325, the director shall preserve the confidentiality of resident records. The director may release a resident's records with the written approval of the resident who is the subject of the records.

History:

1976 c 325 s 4; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 378 s 13; 1992 c 513 art 6 s 21; 1997 c 7 art 2 s 18,19

144A.55 [Repealed, 1983 c 260 s 68]

NURSING ASSISTANTS

144A.61 NURSING ASSISTANT TRAINING.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

The commissioner of health, in consultation with the commissioner of human services, shall implement the provisions of Public Law 100-203, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, that relate to training and competency evaluation programs, testing, and the establishment of a registry for nursing assistants in nursing homes and boarding care homes certified for participation in the medical assistance or Medicare programs. The commissioner of health may adopt permanent rules that may be necessary to implement Public Law 100-203 and provisions of this section. The commissioner of health may contract with outside parties for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this section. At the request of the commissioner, the Board of Nursing may establish training and competency evaluation standards; review, evaluate, and approve curricula; review and approve training programs; and establish a registry of nursing assistants.

Subd. 2.Nursing assistants.

For the purposes of this section and section 144A.611 "nursing assistant" means a nursing home or certified boarding care home employee, including a nurse's aide or an orderly, who is assigned by the director of nursing to provide or assist in the provision of nursing or nursing-related services under the supervision of a registered nurse. "Nursing assistant" includes nursing assistants employed by nursing pool companies but does not include a licensed health professional.

Subd. 3.Curricula.

The chancellor of vocational technical education shall develop curricula to be used for nursing assistant training programs for employees of nursing homes and boarding care homes.

Subd. 3a.Competency evaluation program.

The commissioner of health shall approve the competency evaluation program. A competency evaluation must be administered to persons who desire to be listed in the nursing assistant registry. The tests may only be administered by technical colleges, community colleges, or other organizations approved by the Department of Health. The commissioner of health shall approve a nursing assistant for the registry without requiring a competency evaluation if the nursing assistant is in good standing on a nursing assistant registry in another state.

Subd. 4.Technical assistance.

The chancellor of vocational technical education shall, upon request, provide necessary and appropriate technical assistance in the development of nursing assistant training programs.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1977 c 326 s 18]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1989 c 282 art 3 s 98]

Subd. 6a.Nursing assistants hired in 1990 and after.

Each nursing assistant hired to work in a nursing home or in a certified boarding care home on or after January 1, 1990, must have successfully completed an approved competency evaluation prior to employment or an approved nursing assistant training program and competency evaluation within four months from the date of employment.

Subd. 7.Violation, penalty.

Violation of this section by a nursing home or certified boarding care home shall be grounds for the issuance of a correction order. Under the provisions of sections 144.653 or 144A.10, the failure of the nursing home or certified boarding care home to comply with the correction order shall result in the assessment of a fine in the amount of $300.

Subd. 8.Exceptions.

Employees of nursing homes conducted in accordance with the teachings of the body known as the Church of Christ, Scientist, shall be exempt from the requirements of this section and section 144A.611.

Subd. 9.Electronic transmission.

The commissioner of health must accept electronic transmission of applications and supporting documentation for interstate endorsement for the nursing assistant registry.

History:

1976 c 310 s 1; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1977 c 326 s 6,7; 1977 c 453 s 26; 1981 c 359 s 17; 1987 c 258 s 12; 1989 c 246 s 2; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 28; 1990 c 375 s 3; 1991 c 286 s 12-14; 1992 c 513 art 6 s 22,23; 1993 c 5 s 1; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 75; 1997 c 203 art 3 s 14; 1999 c 210 s 1,2; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 2 s 20

144A.611 REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES PAYABLE TO NURSING ASSISTANTS.

Subdivision 1.Nursing homes and certified boarding care homes.

The actual costs of tuition and reasonable expenses for the competency evaluation or the nursing assistant training program and competency evaluation approved under section 144A.61, which are paid to nursing assistants pursuant to subdivision 2, are a reimbursable expense for nursing homes and certified boarding care homes under the provisions of chapter 256B and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Subd. 2.Nursing assistants.

A nursing assistant who has completed an approved competency evaluation or an approved training program and competency evaluation shall be reimbursed by the nursing home or certified boarding care home for actual costs of tuition and reasonable expenses for the competency evaluation or the training program and competency evaluation 90 days after the date of employment, or upon completion of the approved training program, whichever is later.

Subd. 3.Rules.

The commissioner of human services shall promulgate any rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section. The rules shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Provisions designed to prevent reimbursement by the commissioner under this section and section 144A.61 to a nursing home, certified boarding care home, or nursing assistant for the assistant's simultaneous training in more than one approved program;

(b) Provisions designed to prevent reimbursement by the commissioner under this section and section 144A.61 to more than one nursing home or certified boarding care home for the training of any individual nursing assistant; and

(c) Provisions permitting the reimbursement by the commissioner to nursing homes, certified boarding care homes, and nursing assistants for the retraining of a nursing assistant after an absence from the labor market of not less than 24 months.

History:

1976 c 310 s 2; 1977 c 326 s 9; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 29; 1991 c 286 s 15,16

144A.612 [Repealed, 1995 c 229 art 4 s 22]

144A.62 RESIDENT ATTENDANTS.

Subdivision 1.Assistance with eating and drinking.

(a) Upon federal approval, a nursing home may employ resident attendants to assist with the activities authorized under subdivision 2. The resident attendant will not be counted in the minimum staffing requirements under section 144A.04, subdivision 7.

(b) The commissioner shall submit by May 15, 2000, a request for a federal waiver necessary to implement this section.

Subd. 2.Definition.

"Resident attendant" means an individual who assists residents in a nursing home with the activities of eating and drinking. A resident attendant does not include an individual who:

(1) is a licensed health professional or a registered dietitian;

(2) volunteers without monetary compensation; or

(3) is a registered nursing assistant.

Subd. 3.Requirements.

(a) A nursing home may not use on a full-time or other paid basis any individual as a resident attendant in the nursing home unless the individual:

(1) has completed a training and competency evaluation program encompassing the tasks the individual provides;

(2) is competent to provide feeding and hydration services; and

(3) is under the supervision of the director of nursing.

(b) A nursing home may not use a current employee as a resident attendant unless the employee satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) and volunteers to be used in that capacity.

Subd. 4.Evaluation.

The training and competency evaluation program may be facility based. It must include, at a minimum, the training and competency standards for eating and drinking assistance contained in the nursing assistant training curriculum.

Subd. 5.Criminal background check.

A person seeking employment as a resident attendant is subject to the criminal background check requirements.

Subd. 6.Nonretaliation.

Employees shall not be subject to disciplinary action if they choose not to volunteer under this section.

Subd. 7.Resident protections.

Resident attendants are subject to requirements for volunteer feeding assistants in Minnesota Rules, part 4658.0530.

Subd. 8.Exceptions.

A resident attendant may not be assigned to feed any resident who:

(1) is at risk of choking while eating or drinking;

(2) presents significant behavior management challenges while eating or drinking; or

(3) presents other risk factors that may require emergency intervention.

History:

2000 c 312 s 1

144A.65 [Expired]

144A.66 [Expired]

144A.67 [Expired]

SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING SERVICES AGENCY REGISTRATION

144A.70 REGISTRATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING SERVICES AGENCIES.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

As used in sections 144A.70 to 144A.74, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health.

Subd. 3.Controlling person.

"Controlling person" means a business entity, officer, program administrator, or director whose responsibilities include the direction of the management or policies of a supplemental nursing services agency. Controlling person also means an individual who, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a corporation, partnership, or other business association that is a controlling person.

Subd. 4.Health care facility.

"Health care facility" means a hospital, boarding care home, or outpatient surgical center licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58; a nursing home or home care agency licensed under this chapter; a housing with services establishment registered under chapter 144D; or a board and lodging establishment that is registered to provide supportive or health supervision services under section 157.17.

Subd. 5.Person.

"Person" includes an individual, firm, corporation, partnership, or association.

Subd. 6.Supplemental nursing services agency.

"Supplemental nursing services agency" means a person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association engaged for hire in the business of providing or procuring temporary employment in health care facilities for nurses, nursing assistants, nurse aides, orderlies, and other licensed health professionals. Supplemental nursing services agency does not include an individual who only engages in providing the individual's services on a temporary basis to health care facilities. Supplemental nursing services agency does not include a professional home care agency licensed under section 144A.471 that only provides staff to other home care providers.

Subd. 7.Oversight.

The commissioner is responsible for the oversight of supplemental nursing services agencies through annual unannounced surveys, complaint investigations under sections 144A.51 to 144A.53, and other actions necessary to ensure compliance with sections 144A.70 to 144A.74.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 7 s 2; 2002 c 287 s 1; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 55 s 3; 2015 c 71 art 8 s 35,36

144A.71 SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING SERVICES AGENCY REGISTRATION.

Subdivision 1.Duty to register.

A person who operates a supplemental nursing services agency shall register annually with the commissioner. Each separate location of the business of a supplemental nursing services agency shall register the agency with the commissioner. Each separate location of the business of a supplemental nursing services agency shall have a separate registration. Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the state government special revenue fund.

Subd. 2.Application information and fee.

The commissioner shall establish forms and procedures for processing each supplemental nursing services agency registration application. An application for a supplemental nursing services agency registration must include at least the following:

(1) the names and addresses of the owner or owners of the supplemental nursing services agency;

(2) if the owner is a corporation, copies of its articles of incorporation and current bylaws, together with the names and addresses of its officers and directors;

(3) satisfactory proof of compliance with section 144A.72, subdivision 1, clauses (5) to (7);

(4) any other relevant information that the commissioner determines is necessary to properly evaluate an application for registration;

(5) a policy and procedure that describes how the supplemental nursing services agency's records will be immediately available at all times to the commissioner; and

(6) a registration fee of $2,035.

If a supplemental nursing services agency fails to provide the items in this subdivision to the department, the commissioner shall immediately suspend or refuse to issue the supplemental nursing services agency registration. The supplemental nursing services agency may appeal the commissioner's findings according to section 144A.475, subdivisions 3a and 7, except that the hearing must be conducted by an administrative law judge within 60 calendar days of the request for hearing assignment.

Subd. 3.Registration not transferable.

A registration issued by the commissioner according to this section is effective for a period of one year from the date of its issuance unless the registration is revoked or suspended under section 144A.72, subdivision 2, or unless the supplemental nursing services agency is sold or ownership or management is transferred. When a supplemental nursing services agency is sold or ownership or management is transferred, the registration of the agency must be voided and the new owner or operator may apply for a new registration.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 7 s 3; 2002 c 287 s 2; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2015 c 71 art 8 s 37

144A.72 REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS; PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Minimum criteria.

(a) The commissioner shall require that, as a condition of registration:

(1) the supplemental nursing services agency shall document that each temporary employee provided to health care facilities currently meets the minimum licensing, training, and continuing education standards for the position in which the employee will be working;

(2) the supplemental nursing services agency shall comply with all pertinent requirements relating to the health and other qualifications of personnel employed in health care facilities;

(3) the supplemental nursing services agency must not restrict in any manner the employment opportunities of its employees;

(4) the supplemental nursing services agency shall carry medical malpractice insurance to insure against the loss, damage, or expense incident to a claim arising out of the death or injury of any person as the result of negligence or malpractice in the provision of health care services by the supplemental nursing services agency or by any employee of the agency;

(5) the supplemental nursing services agency shall carry an employee dishonesty bond in the amount of $10,000;

(6) the supplemental nursing services agency shall maintain insurance coverage for workers' compensation for all nurses, nursing assistants, nurse aides, and orderlies provided or procured by the agency;

(7) the supplemental nursing services agency shall file with the commissioner of revenue: (i) the name and address of the bank, savings bank, or savings association in which the supplemental nursing services agency deposits all employee income tax withholdings; and (ii) the name and address of any nurse, nursing assistant, nurse aide, or orderly whose income is derived from placement by the agency, if the agency purports the income is not subject to withholding;

(8) the supplemental nursing services agency must not, in any contract with any employee or health care facility, require the payment of liquidated damages, employment fees, or other compensation should the employee be hired as a permanent employee of a health care facility;

(9) the supplemental nursing services agency shall document that each temporary employee provided to health care facilities is an employee of the agency and is not an independent contractor; and

(10) the supplemental nursing services agency shall retain all records for five calendar years. All records of the supplemental nursing services agency must be immediately available to the department.

(b) In order to retain registration, the supplemental nursing services agency must provide services to a health care facility during the year preceding the supplemental nursing services agency's registration renewal date.

Subd. 2.Penalties.

Failure to comply with this section shall subject the supplemental nursing services agency to revocation or nonrenewal of its registration. Violations of section 144A.74 are subject to a fine equal to 200 percent of the amount billed or received in excess of the maximum permitted under that section.

Subd. 3.Revocation.

Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the registration of a supplemental nursing services agency that knowingly supplies to a health care facility a person with an illegally or fraudulently obtained or issued diploma, registration, license, certificate, or background study shall be revoked by the commissioner. The commissioner shall notify the supplemental nursing services agency 15 days in advance of the date of revocation.

Subd. 4.Hearing.

(a) No supplemental nursing services agency's registration may be revoked without a hearing held as a contested case in accordance with section 144A.475, subdivisions 3a and 7, except the hearing must be conducted by an administrative law judge within 60 calendar days of the request for assignment.

(b) If a controlling person has been notified by the commissioner of health that the supplemental nursing services agency will not receive an initial registration or that a renewal of the registration has been denied, the controlling person or a legal representative on behalf of the supplemental nursing services agency may request and receive a hearing on the denial. The hearing shall be a contested case in accordance with section 144A.475, subdivisions 3a and 7, except the hearing must be conducted by an administrative law judge within 60 calendar days of the request for assignment.

Subd. 5.Period of ineligibility.

(a) The controlling person of a supplemental nursing services agency whose registration has not been renewed or has been revoked because of noncompliance with the provisions of sections 144A.70 to 144A.74 shall not be eligible to apply for nor will be granted a registration for five years following the effective date of the nonrenewal or revocation.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue or renew a registration to a supplemental nursing services agency if a controlling person includes any individual or entity who was a controlling person of a supplemental nursing services agency whose registration was not renewed or was revoked as described in paragraph (a) for five years following the effective date of nonrenewal or revocation.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 7 s 4; 2002 c 287 s 3-6; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2015 c 71 art 8 s 38

144A.73 COMPLAINT SYSTEM.

The commissioner shall establish a system for reporting complaints against a supplemental nursing services agency or its employees. Complaints may be made by any member of the public. Complaints against a supplemental nursing services agency shall be investigated by the Office of Health Facility Complaints under sections 144A.51 to 144A.53.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 7 s 5; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2015 c 71 art 8 s 39

144A.74 MAXIMUM CHARGES.

A supplemental nursing services agency must not bill or receive payments from a nursing home licensed under this chapter at a rate higher than 150 percent of the sum of the weighted average wage rate, plus a factor determined by the commissioner to incorporate payroll taxes as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0020, subpart 33, for the applicable employee classification for the geographic group to which the nursing home is assigned under Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0052. The weighted average wage rates must be determined by the commissioner of human services and reported to the commissioner of health on an annual basis. Wages are defined as hourly rate of pay and shift differential, including weekend shift differential and overtime. Facilities shall provide information necessary to determine weighted average wage rates to the commissioner of human services in a format requested by the commissioner. The maximum rate must include all charges for administrative fees, contract fees, or other special charges in addition to the hourly rates for the temporary nursing pool personnel supplied to a nursing home.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 7 s 6; 2002 c 287 s 7; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113

HOSPICE CARE LICENSING

144A.75 DEFINITIONS; SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

For the purposes of sections 144A.75 to 144A.756, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health.

Subd. 3.Core services.

"Core services" means physician services, registered nursing services, medical social services, and counseling services. A hospice must ensure that at least two core services are regularly provided directly by hospice employees. A hospice provider may use contracted staff if necessary to supplement hospice employees in order to meet the needs of patients during peak patient loads or under extraordinary circumstances.

Subd. 4.Counseling services.

"Counseling services" includes bereavement counseling provided after the patient's death and spiritual and other counseling services for the individual and the family while enrolled in hospice care. Bereavement services must be provided according to a plan of care that reflects the needs of the family for up to one year following the death of the patient.

Subd. 5.Hospice provider.

"Hospice provider" means an individual, organization, association, corporation, unit of government, or other entity that is regularly engaged in the delivery, directly or by contractual arrangement, of hospice services for a fee to terminally ill hospice patients. A hospice must provide all core services.

Subd. 6.Hospice patient.

"Hospice patient" means an individual who has been diagnosed as terminally ill, with a probable life expectancy of under one year, as documented by the individual's attending physician and hospice medical director, who alone or, when unable, through the individual's family has voluntarily consented to and received admission to a hospice provider.

Subd. 7.Hospice patient's family.

"Hospice patient's family" means relatives of the hospice patient, the hospice patient's guardian or primary caregiver, or persons identified by the hospice patient as having significant personal ties.

Subd. 8.Hospice services; hospice care.

"Hospice services" or "hospice care" means palliative and supportive care and other services provided by an interdisciplinary team under the direction of an identifiable hospice administration to terminally ill hospice patients and their families to meet the physical, nutritional, emotional, social, spiritual, and special needs experienced during the final stages of illness, dying, and bereavement. These services are provided through a centrally coordinated program that ensures continuity and consistency of home and inpatient care that is provided directly or through an agreement.

Subd. 9.Interdisciplinary team.

"Interdisciplinary team" means a group of qualified individuals with expertise in meeting the special needs of hospice patients and their families, including, at a minimum, those individuals who are providers of core services.

Subd. 10.Medical director.

"Medical director" means a licensed physician who is knowledgeable about palliative medicine and assumes overall responsibility for the medical component of the hospice care program.

Subd. 11.Other services.

"Other services" means physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional counseling, and volunteers.

Subd. 12.Palliative care.

"Palliative care" means the total active care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social, and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families.

Subd. 13.Residential hospice facility.

(a) "Residential hospice facility" means a facility that resembles a single-family home located in a residential area that directly provides 24-hour residential and support services in a home-like setting for hospice patients as an integral part of the continuum of home care provided by a hospice and that houses:

(1) no more than eight hospice patients; or

(2) at least nine and no more than 12 hospice patients with the approval of the local governing authority, notwithstanding section 462.357, subdivision 8.

(b) Residential hospice facility also means a facility that directly provides 24-hour residential and support services for hospice patients and that:

(1) houses no more than 21 hospice patients;

(2) meets hospice certification regulations adopted pursuant to title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395, et seq.; and

(3) is located on St. Anthony Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was licensed as a 40-bed non-Medicare certified nursing home as of January 1, 2015.

Subd. 14.Volunteer services.

"Volunteer services" means services by volunteers who provide a personal presence that augments a variety of professional and nonprofessional services available to the hospice patient, the hospice patient's family, and the hospice provider.

History:

2002 c 252 s 13,24; 2015 c 71 art 8 s 40

144A.751 HOSPICE BILL OF RIGHTS.

Subdivision 1.Statement of rights.

An individual who receives hospice care has the right to:

(1) receive written information about rights in advance of receiving hospice care or during the initial evaluation visit before the initiation of hospice care, including what to do if rights are violated;

(2) receive care and services according to a suitable hospice plan of care and subject to accepted hospice care standards and to take an active part in creating and changing the plan and evaluating care and services;

(3) be told in advance of receiving care about the services that will be provided, the disciplines that will furnish care, the frequency of visits proposed to be furnished, other choices that are available, and the consequence of these choices, including the consequences of refusing these services;

(4) be told in advance, whenever possible, of any change in the hospice plan of care and to take an active part in any change;

(5) refuse services or treatment;

(6) know, in advance, any limits to the services available from a provider, and the provider's grounds for a termination of services;

(7) know in advance of receiving care whether the hospice services may be covered by health insurance, medical assistance, Medicare, or other health programs in which the individual is enrolled;

(8) receive, upon request, a good faith estimate of the reimbursement the provider expects to receive from the health plan company in which the individual is enrolled. A good faith estimate must also be made available at the request of an individual who is not enrolled in a health plan company. This payment information does not constitute a legally binding estimate of the cost of services;

(9) know that there may be other services available in the community, including other end of life services and other hospice providers, and know where to go for information about these services;

(10) choose freely among available providers and change providers after services have begun, within the limits of health insurance, medical assistance, Medicare, or other health programs;

(11) have personal, financial, and medical information kept private and be advised of the provider's policies and procedures regarding disclosure of such information;

(12) be allowed access to records and written information from records according to sections 144.291 to 144.298;

(13) be served by people who are properly trained and competent to perform their duties;

(14) be treated with courtesy and respect and to have the patient's property treated with respect;

(15) voice grievances regarding treatment or care that is, or fails to be, furnished or regarding the lack of courtesy or respect to the patient or the patient's property;

(16) be free from physical and verbal abuse;

(17) reasonable, advance notice of changes in services or charges, including at least ten days' advance notice of the termination of a service by a provider, except in cases where:

(i) the recipient of services engages in conduct that alters the conditions of employment between the hospice provider and the individual providing hospice services, or creates an abusive or unsafe work environment for the individual providing hospice services;

(ii) an emergency for the informal caregiver or a significant change in the recipient's condition has resulted in service needs that exceed the current service provider agreement and that cannot be safely met by the hospice provider; or

(iii) the recipient is no longer certified as terminally ill;

(18) a coordinated transfer when there will be a change in the provider of services;

(19) know how to contact an individual associated with the provider who is responsible for handling problems and to have the provider investigate and attempt to resolve the grievance or complaint;

(20) know the name and address of the state or county agency to contact for additional information or assistance;

(21) assert these rights personally, or have them asserted by the hospice patient's family when the patient has been judged incompetent, without retaliation; and

(22) have pain and symptoms managed to the patient's desired level of comfort.

Subd. 2.Interpretation and enforcement of rights.

The rights under this section are established for the benefit of individuals who receive hospice care. A hospice provider may not require a person to surrender these rights as a condition of receiving hospice care. A guardian or conservator or, when there is no guardian or conservator, a designated person, may seek to enforce these rights. This statement of rights does not replace or diminish other rights and liberties that may exist relative to persons receiving hospice care, persons providing hospice care, or hospice providers licensed under section 144A.753.

Subd. 3.Disclosure.

A copy of these rights must be provided to an individual at the time hospice care is initiated. The copy shall contain the address and telephone number of the Office of Health Facility Complaints and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and a brief statement describing how to file a complaint with these offices. Information about how to contact the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care shall be included in notices of change in provider fees and in notices where hospice providers initiate transfer or discontinuation of services.

History:

2002 c 252 s 14,24; 2005 c 122 s 1,2; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 75; art 10 s 15

144A.752 REGULATION OF HOSPICE CARE.

Subdivision 1.Rules.

The commissioner shall adopt rules for the regulation of hospice providers according to sections 144A.75 to 144A.755. The rules shall include the following:

(1) provisions to ensure, to the extent possible, the health, safety, well-being, and appropriate treatment of persons who receive hospice care;

(2) requirements that hospice providers furnish the commissioner with specified information necessary to implement sections 144A.75 to 144A.755;

(3) standards of training of hospice provider personnel;

(4) standards for medication management, which may vary according to the nature of the hospice care provided, the setting in which the hospice care is provided, or the status of the patient;

(5) standards for hospice patient and hospice patient's family evaluation or assessment, which may vary according to the nature of the hospice care provided or the status of the patient; and

(6) requirements for the involvement of a patient's physician; documentation of physicians' orders, if required, and the patient's hospice plan of care; and maintenance of accurate, current clinical records.

Subd. 2.Regulatory functions.

(a) The commissioner shall:

(1) evaluate, monitor, and license hospice providers according to sections 144A.75 to 144A.755;

(2) inspect the office and records of a hospice provider during regular business hours without advance notice to the hospice provider;

(3) with the consent of the patient, visit the home where services are being provided;

(4) issue correction orders and assess civil penalties according to section 144.653, subdivisions 5 to 8, for violations of sections 144A.75 to 144A.755 or rules adopted thereunder; and

(5) take other action reasonably required to accomplish the purposes of sections 144A.75 to 144A.755.

(b) In the exercise of the authority granted under this section, the commissioner shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Government Data Practices Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and other applicable law.

Subd. 3.Relation to other regulatory programs.

In the exercise of the authority granted under sections 144A.75 to 144A.755, the commissioner shall not duplicate or replace standards and requirements imposed under another regulatory program of the state. The commissioner shall not impose additional training or education requirements upon members of a licensed or registered occupation or profession, except as necessary to address or prevent problems that are unique to the delivery of hospice care or to enforce and protect the rights of patients listed under section 144A.751. The commissioner shall not require a hospice care provider certified under the Medicare program and surveyed and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Health, to comply with a rule adopted under this section if the hospice provider is required to comply with any equivalent federal law or regulation relating to the same subject matter. The commissioner shall specify in the rules those provisions that are not applicable to certified hospice providers.

Subd. 4.Medicaid reimbursement.

Certification by the federal Medicare program must not be a requirement of Medicaid payment for room and board services delivered in a residential hospice facility.

History:

2002 c 252 s 15,24

144A.753 LICENSURE.

Subdivision 1.License required; application.

(a) A hospice provider may not operate in the state without a valid license issued by the commissioner.

(b) Within ten days after receiving an application for a license, the commissioner shall acknowledge receipt of the application in writing. The acknowledgment must indicate whether the application appears to be complete or whether additional information is required before the application is considered complete. Within 90 days after receiving a complete application, the commissioner shall either grant or deny the license. If an applicant is not granted or denied a license within 90 days after submitting a complete application, the license must be deemed granted. An applicant whose license has been deemed granted must provide written notice to the commissioner before providing hospice care.

(c) Each application for a hospice provider license, or for a renewal of a license, shall be accompanied by a fee as follows:

(1) for revenues no more than $25,000, $125;

(2) for revenues greater than $25,000 and no more than $100,000, $312.50;

(3) for revenues greater than $100,000 and no more than $250,000, $625;

(4) for revenues greater than $250,000 and no more than $350,000, $937.50;

(5) for revenues greater than $350,000 and no more than $450,000, $1,250;

(6) for revenues greater than $450,000 and no more than $550,000, $1,562.50;

(7) for revenues greater than $550,000 and no more than $650,000, $1,875;

(8) for revenues greater than $650,000 and no more than $750,000, $2,187.50;

(9) for revenues greater then $750,000 and no more than $850,000, $2,500;

(10) for revenues greater than $850,000 and no more than $950,000, $2,812.50;

(11) for revenues greater than $950,000 and no more than $1,100,000, $3,125;

(12) for revenues greater than $1,100,000 and no more than $1,275,000, $3,750;

(13) for revenues greater than $1,275,000 and no more than $1,500,000, $4,375; and

(14) for revenues greater than $1,500,000, $5,000.

Subd. 2.Licensing requirements.

The commissioner shall license hospice providers using the authorities under sections 144A.75 to 144A.755. To receive a license, a hospice provider must:

(1) provide centrally coordinated core services in the home and inpatient settings and make other services available, which may be provided by employees or contracted staff;

(2) require that the medical components of the hospice care program be under the direction of a licensed physician who serves as medical director;

(3) require that the palliative care provided to a hospice patient be under the direction of a licensed physician;

(4) utilize an interdisciplinary team that meets regularly to develop, implement, and evaluate the hospice provider's plan of care for each hospice patient and the patient's family. Within 48 hours of admission, a licensee must enter a written service agreement with the patient or the patient's responsible person describing the cost of services. Services are provided in accordance to the plan of care developed by the interdisciplinary team. Changes in the services provided which do not cause a change in fees do not require a written modification of the service plan agreed to by the patient or the patient's responsible person;

(5) provide accessible hospice care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

(6) utilize an ongoing system of quality assurance;

(7) require that volunteer services be provided by individuals who have completed a hospice volunteer training program and are trained to provide the services required;

(8) provide a planned program of supportive services and bereavement counseling available to patients and families during hospice care and the bereavement period following the death of the hospice patient; and

(9) require that inpatient services be provided directly or by arrangement in a licensed hospital or nursing home or residential hospice.

Subd. 3.Nomenclature.

A hospice provider may not operate in the state or use the words "hospice," "hospice care," "hospice care program," or "hospice provider" without a valid license issued by the commissioner. St. Anne Hospice in Winona County may continue to use the name "hospice."

Subd. 4.Hospice providers; tuberculosis prevention and control.

(a) A hospice provider must establish and maintain a comprehensive tuberculosis infection control program according to the most current tuberculosis infection control guidelines issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, as published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). This program must include a tuberculosis infection control plan that covers all paid and unpaid employees, contractors, students, and volunteers. For residential hospice facilities, the tuberculosis infection control plan must cover each hospice patient. The Department of Health shall provide technical assistance regarding implementation of the guidelines.

(b) Written compliance with this subdivision must be maintained by the hospice provider.

History:

2002 c 252 s 16,24; 2013 c 43 s 18

144A.754 ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Enforcement.

(a) The commissioner may refuse to grant or renew a license, or may suspend or revoke a license, for violation of statutes or rules relating to hospice or for conduct detrimental to the welfare of a patient. Prior to any suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a license, the hospice provider is entitled to notice and a hearing as provided by chapter 14.

(b) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the commissioner may, without a prior contested case hearing, temporarily suspend a license or prohibit delivery of hospice care by a provider for not more than 60 days if the commissioner determines that the health or safety of a patient is in imminent danger, provided:

(1) advance notice is given to the provider;

(2) after notice, the provider fails to correct the problem;

(3) the commissioner has reason to believe that other administrative remedies are not likely to be effective; and

(4) there is an opportunity for a contested case hearing within the 60 days.

(c) The process of suspending or revoking a license must include a plan for transferring affected patients to other providers.

(d) The owner and managerial officials of a hospice provider, the license of which has not been renewed or has been revoked because of noncompliance with applicable law, are not eligible to apply for and shall not be granted a license for five years following the effective date of the nonrenewal or revocation.

(e) The commissioner shall not issue a license to a hospice provider if an owner or managerial official includes an individual who was an owner or managerial official of a hospice provider or other type of licensed home care provider whose license was not renewed or was revoked as described in paragraph (d) for five years following the effective date of nonrenewal or revocation.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the commissioner shall not renew or shall suspend or revoke the license of a hospice provider that includes an individual as an owner or managerial official who was an owner or managerial official of a hospice provider whose license was not renewed or was revoked as described in paragraph (d) for five years following the effective date of the nonrenewal or revocation.

(g) The commissioner shall notify the hospice provider 30 days in advance of the date of nonrenewal, suspension, or revocation of the license. Within ten days after the receipt of this notification, the hospice provider may request, in writing, that the commissioner stay the nonrenewal, revocation, or suspension of the license. The hospice provider shall specify the reasons for requesting the stay; the steps that will be taken to attain or maintain compliance with the licensure laws; any limits on the authority or responsibility of the owners or managerial officials whose actions resulted in the notice of nonrenewal, revocation, or suspension; and any other information to establish that the continuing affiliation with these individuals will not jeopardize patient health, safety, or well-being. The commissioner shall determine whether the stay will be granted within 30 days of receiving the provider's request. The commissioner may propose additional restrictions or limitations on the provider's license and require that the granting of the stay be contingent upon compliance with those provisions. The commissioner shall take into consideration the following factors when determining whether the stay should be granted:

(1) the threat that continued involvement of the owners and managerial officials in the hospice provider poses to patient health, safety, and well-being;

(2) the compliance history of the hospice provider; and

(3) the appropriateness of any limits suggested by the hospice provider.

(h) If the commissioner grants the stay, the order shall include any restrictions or limitations on the provider's license. The failure of the provider to comply with any restrictions or limitations shall result in the immediate removal of the stay and the commissioner shall take immediate action to suspend, revoke, or not renew the license.

(i) The provisions contained in paragraphs (d) and (e) apply to any nonrenewal or revocation of a hospice provider license occurring after the effective date of the rules adopted under section 144A.752.

(j) For the purposes of this subdivision, owners of a hospice provider are those individuals whose ownership interest provides sufficient authority or control to affect or change decisions related to the operation of the hospice provider. An owner includes a sole proprietor, a general partner, or any other individual whose individual ownership interest can affect the management and direction of the policies of the hospice provider. For the purposes of this subdivision, managerial officials are those individuals who had the responsibility for the ongoing management or direction of the policies, services, or employees of the hospice provider relating to the areas of noncompliance that led to the license revocation or nonrenewal.

Subd. 2.Injunctive relief.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the commissioner may bring an action in district court to enjoin a person who is involved in the management, operation, or control of a hospice provider or an employee of the hospice provider from illegally engaging in activities regulated under sections 144A.75 to 144A.755. The commissioner may bring an action under this subdivision in the district court in Ramsey County or in the district in which a hospice provider is providing hospice care. The court may grant a temporary restraining order in the proceeding if continued activity by the person who is involved in the management, operation, or control of a hospice provider or an employee of the hospice provider would create an imminent risk of harm to a recipient of hospice care.

Subd. 3.Subpoena.

In matters pending before the commissioner under sections 144A.75 to 144A.755, the commissioner may issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary papers, books, records, documents, and other evidentiary material. If a person fails or refuses to comply with a subpoena or order of the commissioner to appear or testify regarding any matter about which the person may be lawfully questioned or to produce any papers, books, records, documents, or evidentiary materials in the matter to be heard, the commissioner may apply to the district court in any district and the court shall order the person to comply with the commissioner's order or subpoena. The commissioner may administer oaths to witnesses or take their affirmation. Depositions may be taken in or outside the state in the manner provided by law for the taking of depositions in civil actions. A subpoena or other process or paper may be served upon a named person anywhere within the state by an officer authorized to serve subpoenas in civil actions, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by law for process issued out of a district court. A person subpoenaed under this subdivision shall receive the same fees, mileage, and other costs that are paid in proceedings in district court.

Subd. 4.Time limits for appeals.

To appeal the assessment of civil penalties under section 144A.752, subdivision 2, clause (4), a denial of a waiver or variance, and an action against a license under subdivision 1, a hospice provider must request a hearing no later than 15 days after the provider receives notice of the action.

Subd. 5.Prior criminal convictions.

(a) Before the commissioner issues an initial or renewal license, an owner or managerial official is required to complete a background study under section 144.057. No person may be involved in the management, operation, or control of a hospice provider if the person has been disqualified under the provisions of chapter 245C. Individuals disqualified under these provisions may request a reconsideration, and if the disqualification is set aside, are then eligible to be involved in the management, operation, or control of the provider. For purposes of this section, owners of a hospice provider subject to the background check requirement are those individuals whose ownership interest provides sufficient authority or control to affect or change decisions related to the operation of the hospice provider. An owner includes a sole proprietor, a general partner, or any other individual whose individual ownership interest can affect the management and direction of the policies of the hospice provider. For the purposes of this section, managerial officials subject to the background check requirement are those individuals who provide "direct contact" as defined in section 245C.02, subdivision 11, or those individuals who have the responsibility for the ongoing management or direction of the policies, services, or employees of the hospice provider. Data collected under this subdivision are classified as private data under section 13.02, subdivision 12.

(b) Employees, contractors, and volunteers of a hospice provider are subject to the background study required by section 144.057. These individuals shall be disqualified under the provisions of chapter 245C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a hospice provider from requiring self-disclosure of criminal conviction information.

(c) Termination of an employee in good faith reliance on information or records obtained under paragraph (a) or (b) regarding a confirmed conviction does not subject the hospice provider to civil liability or liability for unemployment benefits.

History:

2002 c 252 s 17,24; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33

144A.755 INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES.

The commissioner shall ensure that information and referral services relating to hospice care are available in all regions of the state. The commissioner shall collect and make available information about available hospice care, sources of payment, providers, and the rights of patients. The commissioner shall, as a condition of licensure, require a hospice provider to complete the sections entitled Identification and Contact Information, Program Demographics, Patient Volume, Patient Demographics, and Inpatient and Residential Facilities in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization National Data Set Survey and to submit the survey to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization once in the 12 calendar months before the hospice provider's license renewal date. If the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires hospice providers to complete a different data set as a condition of certification, the commissioner shall accept the completion and submittal of such data set as compliance with this requirement. The commissioner shall not use any data or information about any hospice provider submitted to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in connection with this data set in any regulatory function with respect to the hospice provider. The commissioner may publish and make available:

(1) general information describing hospice care in the state;

(2) limitations on hours, availability of services, and eligibility for third-party payments, applicable to individual providers; and

(3) other information the commissioner determines to be appropriate.

History:

2002 c 252 s 18,24; 2005 c 122 s 3,5

144A.756 PENALTY.

A person involved in the management, operation, or control of a hospice provider who violates section 144A.753, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), is guilty of a misdemeanor. This section does not apply to a person who had no legal authority to affect or change decisions related to the management, operation, or control of a hospice provider.

History:

2002 c 252 s 19,24