Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update the regulations surrounding supplemental nursing services in Minnesota. Specifically, it focuses on defining various types of ownership interests and enhancing oversight of nursing services agencies.

Main Provisions

• Definitions of Ownership Interests:

  • The bill clarifies what constitutes a "controlling person" by defining the management responsibilities and decision-making authority within a supplemental nursing services agency.
  • It introduces a definition for "direct ownership interest" as an individual or entity holding at least five percent equity in a company's capital stock or profits.
  • The bill also defines "indirect ownership interest" as involving ownership in an entity that possesses a direct or indirect ownership stake of at least five percent in a registrant entity.

• Oversight Enhancements:

  • The commissioner is tasked with conducting semiannual unannounced surveys of nursing services agencies every two years, along with follow-up surveys.
  • The bill mandates complaint investigations and other actions to ensure compliance with relevant sections, including 144A.70 to 144A.74.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill modifies the current law by specifying the types of ownership interests that need to be tracked and reported, thus providing clearer guidelines for agency registration and accountability.
• It increases regulatory oversight by introducing regular unannounced inspections and follow-ups, which strengthens the monitoring of compliance within supplemental nursing services agencies.

Relevant Terms

• Supplemental Nursing Services
• Controlling Person
• Direct Ownership Interest
• Indirect Ownership Interest
• Oversight
• Compliance
• Regulatory Authority