2023 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 153. PODIATRY

153.01 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Words, terms, and phrases.

Unless the language or context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended, the following words, terms, and phrases, for the purposes of this chapter, shall be given the meanings subjoined to them.

Subd. 2.Podiatric medicine.

"Podiatric medicine" means the diagnosis or medical, mechanical, or surgical treatment of the ailments of the human hand, foot, ankle, and the soft tissue of the lower leg distal to the tibial tuberosity. Medical or surgical treatment includes partial foot amputation and excludes amputation of the hand or fingers. Use of local anesthetics is within the scope of medical and surgical management in patient care. Use of anesthetics, other than local, is excluded, except as provided in section 153.26. Podiatric medicine includes the prescribing or recommending of appliances, devices, or shoes for the correction or relief of foot ailments. Podiatric medicine includes the prescribing or administering of any drugs or medications necessary or helpful to the practice of podiatric medicine as defined by this subdivision. For a podiatrist who has completed a residency, podiatric medicine includes the performance of all or part of the medical history and physical examination for the purpose of hospital admission for podiatric management or preoperative podiatric surgery.

Subd. 3.Board.

"Board" means the Board of Podiatric Medicine of the state of Minnesota.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

History:

(5769, 5783) 1917 c 382 s 2,16; 1935 c 266 s 1; 1957 c 192 s 1; 1959 c 70 s 1; 1961 c 369 s 2; 1973 c 693 s 19; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1987 c 108 s 1,2; 1990 c 540 s 1; 2004 c 279 art 8 s 1

153.02 BOARD OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE.

The governor shall appoint a Board of Podiatric Medicine consisting of two public members as defined by section 214.02 and five resident podiatrists. The podiatrists must each hold a degree of doctor of podiatric medicine and be licensed to practice podiatric medicine under this chapter. Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. The provision of staff, administrative services and office space; the review and processing of complaints; the setting of board fees; and other provisions related to board operations shall be as provided in chapter 214.

The board shall elect from among its members a president and a secretary-treasurer. The board may adopt rules as necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The members of the board may administer oaths and take testimony as to matters pertaining to the duties of the board. Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The board shall have a common seal, which shall be kept by the executive director.

History:

(5770) 1917 c 382 s 3; 1961 c 369 s 1; 1973 c 638 s 31; 1975 c 136 s 32; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 222 s 96; 1976 c 239 s 59; 1987 c 108 s 3; 1991 c 199 art 1 s 46

153.03 EXPENSES.

The expenses of administering Laws 1987, chapter 108, sections 1 to 16, shall be paid from the appropriations made to the board.

History:

(5771) 1917 c 382 s 4; Ex1933 c 27 s 1; 1935 c 266 s 2; 1939 c 160 s 1; 1973 c 638 s 32; 1975 c 136 s 33; 1976 c 222 s 97; 1987 c 108 s 4

153.04 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.05 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.06 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.07 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.08 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.09 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.10 [Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]

153.11 [Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]

153.12 [Repealed, 1975 c 136 s 77]

153.13 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.14 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.15 [Repealed, 1987 c 108 s 17]

153.16 LICENSURE.

Subdivision 1.License requirements.

The board shall issue a license to practice podiatric medicine to a person who meets the following requirements:

(a) The applicant for a license shall file a written notarized application on forms provided by the board, showing to the board's satisfaction that the applicant is of good moral character and satisfies the requirements of this section.

(b) The applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the board of being a graduate of a podiatric medical school approved by the board based upon its faculty, curriculum, facilities, accreditation by a recognized national accrediting organization approved by the board, and other relevant factors.

(c) The applicant must have received a passing score on each part of the national board examinations, parts one and two, prepared and graded by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. The passing score for each part of the national board examinations, parts one and two, is as defined by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.

(d) Applicants graduating after 1990 from a podiatric medical school shall present evidence of successful completion of a residency program approved by a national accrediting podiatric medicine organization.

(e) The applicant shall appear in person before the board or its designated representative to show that the applicant satisfies the requirements of this section, including knowledge of laws, rules, and ethics pertaining to the practice of podiatric medicine. The board may establish as internal operating procedures the procedures or requirements for the applicant's personal presentation. Upon completion of all other application requirements, a doctor of podiatric medicine applying for a temporary military license has six months in which to comply with this subdivision.

(f) The applicant shall pay a fee established by the board by rule. The fee shall not be refunded.

(g) The applicant must not have engaged in conduct warranting disciplinary action against a licensee. If the applicant does not satisfy the requirements of this paragraph, the board may refuse to issue a license unless it determines that the public will be protected through issuance of a license with conditions and limitations the board considers appropriate.

(h) Upon payment of a fee as the board may require, an applicant who fails to pass an examination and is refused a license is entitled to reexamination within one year of the board's refusal to issue the license. No more than two reexaminations are allowed without a new application for a license.

Subd. 1a.Relicensure after two-year lapse of practice; reentry program.

A podiatrist seeking licensure or reinstatement of a license after a lapse of continuous practice of podiatric medicine of greater than two years must reestablish competency by completing a reentry program approved by the board.

Subd. 2.Applicants licensed in another state.

The board shall issue a license to practice podiatric medicine to any person currently or formerly licensed to practice podiatric medicine in another state who satisfies the requirements of this section:

(a) The applicant shall satisfy the requirements established in subdivision 1.

(b) The applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the board indicating the current status of a license to practice podiatric medicine issued by the first state of licensure and all other states and countries in which the individual has held a license.

(c) If the applicant has had a license revoked, engaged in conduct warranting disciplinary action against the applicant's license, or been subjected to disciplinary action, in another state, the board may refuse to issue a license unless it determines that the public will be protected through issuance of a license with conditions or limitations the board considers appropriate.

(d) The applicant shall submit with the license application the following additional information for the five-year period preceding the date of filing of the application: (1) the name and address of the applicant's professional liability insurer in the other state; and (2) the number, date, and disposition of any podiatric medical malpractice settlement or award made to the plaintiff relating to the quality of podiatric medical treatment.

(e) If the license is active, the applicant shall submit with the license application evidence of compliance with the continuing education requirements in the current state of licensure.

(f) If the license is inactive, the applicant shall submit with the license application evidence of participation in the same number of hours of acceptable continuing education required for biennial renewal, as specified under Minnesota Rules, up to five years. If the license has been inactive for more than two years, the amount of acceptable continuing education required must be obtained during the two years immediately before application or the applicant must provide other evidence as the board may reasonably require.

Subd. 3.Temporary permit.

Upon payment of a fee and in accordance with the rules of the board, the board may issue a temporary permit to practice podiatric medicine to a podiatrist engaged in a clinical residency approved by a national accrediting organization. The temporary permit is renewed annually until the residency training requirements are completed or until the residency program is terminated or discontinued.

Subd. 4.Temporary military license.

(a) The board shall issue an expedited license to practice podiatric medicine to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

(1) is an active duty military member;

(2) is the spouse of an active duty military member; or

(3) is a veteran who has left service in the two years preceding the date of license application, and has confirmation of an honorable or general discharge status.

(b) A qualified applicant under this subdivision must provide evidence of:

(1) a current, valid license in another state without history of disciplinary action by a regulatory authority in the other state; and

(2) a current criminal background study without a criminal conviction that is determined by the board to adversely affect the applicant's ability to become licensed.

(c) The board shall issue a license for up to six months to a doctor of podiatric medicine eligible for licensure under this subdivision. Doctors of podiatric medicine licensed in another state who have complied with all other requirements may receive a temporary license valid for up to six months. No extension is available.

(d) A temporary license issued under this subdivision permits a qualified individual to perform podiatric medicine for a limited length of time as determined by the licensing board. During the temporary license period, the individual shall complete the full application procedure and be approved as required by applicable law.

(e) The fee for the temporary military license is $250.

Subd. 5.Continuing education.

(a) Every podiatrist licensed to practice in this state shall obtain 40 clock hours of continuing education in each two-year cycle of license renewal. All continuing education hours must be earned by verified attendance at or participation in a program or course sponsored by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education or approved by the board. In each two-year cycle, a maximum of eight hours of continuing education credits may be obtained through participation in online courses.

(b) The number of continuing education hours required during the initial licensure period is that fraction of 40 hours, to the nearest whole hour, that is represented by the ratio of the number of days the license is held in the initial licensure period to 730 days.

History:

1987 c 108 s 5; 1999 c 67 s 1; 2004 c 279 art 8 s 2,3; 2014 c 291 art 4 s 41-45; 2014 c 312 art 4 s 15; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 24,25; 2022 c 98 art 3 s 21

153.17 PRACTICING WITHOUT LICENSE; PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.Unlawful practice of podiatric medicine.

It is unlawful for any person not holding a valid license or permit issued in accordance with this chapter to practice podiatric medicine as defined in section 153.01, subdivision 2, in this state.

Subd. 2.Practice of podiatric medicine defined.

It is unlawful for any person not holding a valid license or permit issued in accordance with this chapter to:

(1) advertise, hold out to the public, or represent in any manner that the person is authorized to practice podiatric medicine in this state;

(2) use in the conduct of any occupation or profession pertaining to the diagnosis or medical, mechanical, or surgical treatment of the ailments of the human hand, foot, ankle, or soft tissue of the lower leg distal to the tibial tuberosity, the designation "doctor of podiatric medicine," "podiatrist," "DPM," "podiatric physician," "chiropodist," "foot specialist," or "foot doctor," or uses any title, degree, letter, syllable, word, or words that would tend to lead the public to believe that person was authorized to practice or assume duties incident to the practice of podiatric medicine.

Subd. 3.Penalty.

Any person violating the provisions of subdivision 1 or 2 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

History:

1987 c 108 s 6; 1999 c 67 s 2

153.18 EXEMPTIONS.

Section 153.17 does not apply to, control, prevent, or restrict the practice, service, or activities of:

(1) a person who is a commissioned medical officer of, a member of, or employed by, the armed forces of the United States, the United States Public Health Service, the Veterans Administration, any federal institution or any federal agency while engaged in the performance of official duties within this state, if the person is licensed elsewhere;

(2) a person licensed by a health-related licensing board, as defined in section 214.01, subdivision 2, or registered by the commissioner of health under section 214.13, if the person's professional activities are confined within the scope of the license;

(3) a Christian Scientist or other person who endeavors to prevent or cure disease or suffering exclusively by mental or spiritual means or by prayer.

History:

1987 c 108 s 7

153.19 GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Subdivision 1.Grounds listed.

The board may refuse to grant a license or may impose disciplinary action as described in this section against any doctor of podiatric medicine. The following conduct is prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action:

(1) failure to demonstrate the qualifications or satisfy the requirements for a license contained in this chapter or rules of the board; the burden of proof shall be upon the applicant to demonstrate the qualifications or satisfaction of the requirements;

(2) obtaining a license by fraud or cheating or attempting to subvert the licensing examination process;

(3) conviction, during the previous five years, of a felony reasonably related to the practice of podiatric medicine;

(4) revocation, suspension, restriction, limitation, or other disciplinary action against the person's podiatric medical license in another state or jurisdiction, failure to report to the board that charges regarding the person's license have been brought in another state or jurisdiction, or having been refused a license by any other state or jurisdiction;

(5) advertising that is false or misleading;

(6) violating a rule adopted by the board or an order of the board, a state, or federal law that relates to the practice of podiatric medicine, or in part regulates the practice of podiatric medicine, or a state or federal narcotics or controlled substance law;

(7) engaging in any unethical conduct; conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, or demonstrating a willful or careless disregard for the health, welfare, or safety of a patient; or podiatric medical practice that is professionally incompetent, in that it may create unnecessary danger to any patient's life, health, or safety, in any of which cases, proof of actual injury need not be established;

(8) failure to supervise a preceptor, resident, or other graduate trainee or undergraduate student;

(9) aiding or abetting an unlicensed person in the practice of podiatric medicine, except that it is not a violation of this clause for a podiatrist to employ, supervise, or delegate functions to a qualified person who may or may not be required to obtain a license or registration to provide health services if that person is practicing within the scope of that person's license or registration or delegated authority;

(10) adjudication as mentally incompetent, or a person who is mentally ill, or as a chemically dependent person, a person dangerous to the public, a sexually dangerous person, or a person who has a sexual psychopathic personality by a court of competent jurisdiction, within or without this state;

(11) engaging in unprofessional conduct that includes any departure from or the failure to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing podiatric medical practice, but actual injury to a patient need not be established;

(12) inability to practice podiatric medicine with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or substance use disorder or as a result of any mental or physical condition, including deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skills;

(13) revealing a privileged communication from or relating to a patient except when otherwise required or permitted by law;

(14) improper management of medical records, including failure to maintain adequate medical records, to comply with a patient's request made under sections 144.291 to 144.298 or to furnish a medical record or report required by law;

(15) accepting, paying, or promising to pay a part of a fee in exchange for patient referrals;

(16) engaging in abusive or fraudulent billing practices, including violations of the federal Medicare and Medicaid laws or state medical assistance laws;

(17) becoming addicted or habituated to a drug or intoxicant;

(18) prescribing a drug for other than medically accepted therapeutic or experimental or investigative purposes authorized by a state or federal agency;

(19) engaging in sexual conduct with a patient or conduct that may reasonably be interpreted by the patient as sexual, or in verbal behavior which is seductive or sexually demeaning to a patient;

(20) failure to make reports as required by section 153.24 or to cooperate with an investigation of the board as required by section 153.20;

(21) knowingly providing false or misleading information that is directly related to the care of that patient unless done for an accepted therapeutic purpose such as the administration of a placebo.

Subd. 2.Evidence.

In disciplinary actions alleging a violation of subdivision 1, clause (3) or (4), a copy of the judgment or proceeding under the seal of the court administrator or of the administrative agency that entered the same is admissible into evidence without further authentication and constitutes prima facie evidence of the contents of that judgment or proceeding.

History:

1987 c 108 s 8; 1992 c 559 art 1 s 7; 1Sp1994 c 1 art 2 s 17; 2002 c 221 s 7; 2004 c 279 art 8 s 4; 2007 c 147 art 10 s 15; 2022 c 98 art 4 s 51

153.20 PODIATRIST COOPERATION.

A podiatrist who is the subject of an investigation by or on behalf of the board shall cooperate fully with the investigation. Cooperation includes responding fully and promptly to any question raised by or on behalf of the board relating to the subject of the investigation and providing copies of patient medical records, as reasonably requested by the board, to assist the board in its investigation. The board shall pay for copies requested. If the board does not have a written consent from a patient permitting access to the patient's records, the podiatrist shall delete any data in the record that identifies the patient before providing it to the board. The board shall maintain any records obtained under this section as investigative data under chapter 13.

History:

1987 c 108 s 9

153.21 MENTAL EXAMINATION; ACCESS TO MEDICAL DATA.

Subdivision 1.Submission to examination.

If the board has probable cause to believe that a doctor of podiatric medicine falls within the provisions of section 153.19, subdivision 1, clause (12), it may direct the doctor to submit to a mental or physical examination or substance use disorder evaluation. For the purpose of this subdivision, a doctor of podiatric medicine licensed under this chapter is considered to have consented to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed in writing by the board and further to have waived all objections to the admissibility of the examiner's testimony or examination reports on the ground that the same constitute a privileged communication. Failure of a podiatrist to submit to an examination when directed constitutes an admission of the allegations against the podiatrist, unless the failure was due to circumstance beyond the podiatrist's control, in which case a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. A podiatrist affected under this subdivision shall at reasonable intervals be given an opportunity to demonstrate that the podiatrist can resume the competent practice of podiatric medicine with reasonable skill and safety to patients. In any proceeding under this subdivision, neither the record of proceedings nor the orders entered by the board shall be used against a podiatrist in any other proceeding.

Subd. 2.Access to medical data.

In addition to ordering a physical or mental examination or substance use disorder evaluation, the board may, notwithstanding section 13.384, 144.651, or any other law limiting access to medical or other health data, obtain medical data and health records relating to a licensee or applicant without the licensee's or applicant's consent if the board has probable cause to believe that a doctor of podiatric medicine falls within the provisions of section 153.19, subdivision 1, clause (12). The medical data may be requested from a provider, as defined in section 144.291, subdivision 2, paragraph (h), an insurance company, or a government agency, including the Department of Human Services. A provider, insurance company, or government agency shall comply with any written request of the board under this section and is not liable in any action for damages for releasing the data requested by the board if the data are released in accordance with a written request under this section, unless the information is false and the provider giving the information knew, or had reason to believe, the information was false.

History:

1987 c 108 s 10; 1999 c 227 s 22; 2007 c 147 art 10 s 15; 2022 c 98 art 4 s 51

153.22 FORMS OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Subdivision 1.Forms of disciplinary action.

When the board finds, after notice and hearing, that a licensed doctor of podiatric medicine has violated a provision or provisions of this chapter, it may do one or more of the following:

(1) revoke the license;

(2) suspend the license;

(3) impose limitations or conditions on the podiatrist's practice of podiatric medicine; the imposition of retraining or rehabilitation requirements; the requirement of practice under supervision; or the conditioning of continued practice on demonstration of knowledge or skills by appropriate examination or other review of skill and competence;

(4) impose a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for each separate violation, the amount of the civil penalty to be fixed so as to deprive the podiatrist of any economic advantage gained by reason of the violation charged, to discourage similar violations, or to reimburse the board for the cost of the investigation and proceeding, including, but 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 reporter services, witnesses, reproduction of records, board members' per diem compensation, board staff time, and board and staff expenses;

(5) order the podiatrist to provide unremunerated professional service under supervision at a designated public hospital, nursing home, clinic, or other health care institution; or

(6) censure or reprimand the licensed podiatrist.

Subd. 2.Temporary suspension of license.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may, without a hearing, temporarily suspend the license of a doctor of podiatric medicine if the board finds that the doctor has violated a statute or rule that the board is empowered to enforce and continued practice by the doctor would create a serious risk of harm to the public. The suspension is effective upon written notice to the doctor, specifying the statute or rule violated. The suspension remains in effect until the board issues a final order in the matter after a hearing. At the time it issues the suspension notice, the board shall schedule a disciplinary hearing to be held under the contested case procedure of the Administrative Procedure Act. The doctor must be provided with at least 20 days' notice of any hearing held under this subdivision. The hearing must be scheduled to begin no later than 30 days after the issuance of the suspension order.

Subd. 3.Effective dates.

A suspension, revocation, condition, limitation, qualification, or restriction of a license is in effect pending determination of an appeal unless the court, upon petition and for good cause shown, otherwise orders.

Subd. 4.Automatic suspension.

A license to practice podiatric medicine is automatically suspended if (1) a guardian of a licensee is appointed by order of a court under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502, for reasons other than the minority of the licensee; or (2) the licensee is committed by order of a court under chapter 253B. The license remains suspended until the licensee is restored to capacity by a court and, upon petition by the licensee, the suspension is terminated by the board after a hearing.

Subd. 5.Reinstatement; costs; conditions on reinstated or new license.

Any licensee whose license has been suspended or revoked may have the license reinstated or a new license issued, as the case may be, when the board finds the action is warranted. As a condition of reinstatement or the new license, the board may impose any disciplinary or corrective measure, other than suspension or revocation, that it might originally have imposed.

History:

1987 c 108 s 11; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1Sp1994 c 1 art 2 s 18; 2003 c 66 s 9,10; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 10

153.23 DISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATION.

Subdivision 1.Malpractice complaints.

Whenever the files maintained by the board show that a podiatric medical malpractice settlement or award to the plaintiff has been made against a podiatrist as reported by insurers, the executive director may initiate a complaint under section 214.10.

Subd. 2.Access to hospital records.

The board has access to hospital and medical records of a patient treated by the podiatrist under review if the patient signs a written consent permitting that access. If no consent form has been signed, the hospital or podiatrist shall first delete data in the record that identifies the patient before providing it to the board.

History:

1987 c 108 s 12

153.24 REPORTING OBLIGATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Permission to report.

A person who has knowledge of any conduct constituting grounds for discipline under this chapter may report the violation to the board.

Subd. 2.Institutions.

Any hospital, clinic, prepaid medical plan, or other health care institution or organization located in this state shall report to the board any action taken by the institution or organization or any of its administrators or medical or other committees to revoke, suspend, restrict, or condition a podiatrist's privilege to practice or treat patients in the institution, or as part of the organization, any denial of privileges, or any other disciplinary action. The institution or organization shall also report the resignation of any podiatrists before the conclusion of any disciplinary proceeding, or prior to the commencement of formal charges but after the podiatrist had knowledge that formal charges were contemplated or in preparation. No report is required of a podiatrist voluntarily limiting practice at a hospital if the podiatrist notifies all hospitals at which the podiatrist has privileges of the voluntary limitation and the reasons for it.

Subd. 3.Licensed professionals.

A licensed health professional shall report to the board personal knowledge of any conduct that the professional reasonably believes constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under this chapter by any podiatrist, including any conduct showing that the podiatrist may be medically incompetent, or may have engaged in unprofessional conduct or may be medically or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of podiatric medicine.

Subd. 4.Insurers.

Four times a year, by the first day of the months of February, May, August, and November of each year, each insurer authorized to sell insurance described in section 60A.06, subdivision 1, clause (13), and providing professional liability insurance to podiatrists shall submit to the board a report concerning the podiatrists against whom podiatric medical malpractice settlements or awards have been made to the plaintiff. The report must contain at least the following information:

(1) the total number of podiatric malpractice settlements or awards made to the plaintiff;

(2) the date the podiatric malpractice settlements or awards to the plaintiff were made;

(3) the allegations contained in the claim or complaint leading to the settlements or awards made to the plaintiff;

(4) the dollar amount of each podiatric malpractice settlement or award;

(5) the regular address of the practice of the podiatrist against whom an award was made or with whom a settlement was made; and

(6) the name of the podiatrist against whom an award was made or with whom a settlement was made.

The insurance company shall, in addition to the foregoing information, report to the board any information it has that tends to substantiate a charge that a podiatrist may have engaged in conduct violating the law as specified in this chapter.

Subd. 5.Courts.

The court administrators of the district courts or any other court of competent jurisdiction shall report to the board any judgment or other determination of the court that adjudges or includes a finding that a podiatrist is a person who is mentally ill, mentally incompetent, guilty of a felony, or guilty of a violation of federal or state narcotics laws or controlled substances act, guilty of an abuse or fraud under Medicare or Medicaid, appoints a guardian of the podiatrist under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502 or commits a podiatrist under chapter 253B.

Subd. 6.Self-reporting.

A podiatrist shall report to the board any personal action that would require that a report be filed with the board by any person, health care facility, business, or organization under subdivisions 2 to 5.

Subd. 7.Deadlines; forms.

Reports required by subdivisions 2 to 6 must be submitted not later than 30 days after the occurrence of the reportable event or transaction. The board may provide forms for the submission of reports required by this section, may require that reports be submitted on the forms provided, and may adopt rules necessary to assure prompt and accurate reporting.

Subd. 8.Failure to report.

On or after August 1, 2012, any person, institution, or insurer that fails to report as required under subdivisions 2 to 5 shall be subject to civil penalties for failing to report as required by law.

History:

1986 c 444; 1987 c 108 s 13; 1Sp1994 c 1 art 2 s 19; 2002 c 221 s 8; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 47; 2004 c 279 art 8 s 5; 2012 c 278 art 2 s 19

153.25 IMMUNITY.

Subdivision 1.Reporting.

Any person, health care facility, business, or organization is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution for submitting a report to the board under section 153.24 or for otherwise reporting to the board violations or alleged violations of section 153.19. Reports are confidential data on individuals under section 13.02, subdivision 3, and are privileged communications.

Subd. 2.Investigation.

(a) Members of the board and persons employed by the board or engaged in the investigation of violations and in the preparation and management of charges of violations of this chapter on behalf of the board are immune from civil liability and criminal prosecution for any actions, transactions, or publications in the execution of, or relating to, their duties under this chapter.

(b) Members of the board and persons employed by the board or engaged in maintaining records and making reports regarding adverse health care events are immune from civil liability and criminal prosecution for any actions, transactions, or publications in the execution of or relating to their duties under section 153.255.

History:

1987 c 108 s 14; 2004 c 186 s 11; 2004 c 279 art 8 s 6

153.255 REPORTS TO COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH.

(a) The board shall maintain a record of an event that comes to the board's attention that, in the judgment of the board or a committee of the board, qualifies as an adverse health care event under section 144.7065.

(b) Within 30 days of making a determination under paragraph (a) that an event qualifies as an adverse health care event, the board shall forward to the commissioner of health a report of the event, including the facility involved, the date of the event, and information known to the board regarding the event. The report shall not include any identifying information for any of the health care professionals, facility employees, or patients involved.

History:

2004 c 186 s 12

153.26 USE OF NITROUS OXIDE.

A podiatrist may use an oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture for sedation or analgesia only under the following conditions:

(1) the patient is not rendered unconscious;

(2) the nitrous oxide concentration is 70 percent of the mixture or less;

(3) the oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture is administered only by nasal inhalator equipped with scavenging system;

(4) an individual other than the attending podiatrist monitors the equipment and the patient during the administration of oxygen-nitrous oxide sedation and is medically directed and supervised by the podiatrist;

(5) the podiatrist and the individual referred to in clause (4) have successfully completed, after December 31, 1986, a course in nitrous oxide sedation approved by a school of podiatric medicine;

(6) the podiatrist and the individual referred to in clause (4) have completed, after December 31, 1986, a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

(7) oxygen-nitrous oxide is not used in conjunction with any other analgesic or sedative; and

(8) the machine used for administering the oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture includes:

(i) an automatic shutoff valve in the event the oxygen concentration is less than three liters per minute;

(ii) an immediately available oxygen flush capability utilizing a positive pressure mask for pure oxygen delivery;

(iii) an automatic control over maximum nitrous oxide concentration which prevents oxygen concentration from falling below 30 percent of the mixture when nitrous oxide flow is maximal; and

(iv) color-coded valves, tanks, and knobs, and pin index and diameter index safety systems.

History:

1990 c 540 s 2