This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 626.557, by adding a new subdivision that specifies the investigative authority of the commissioner of health in response to reports of maltreatment of vulnerable adults in federally certified facilities. The new language clarifies that certain requirements from previous subdivisions do not apply to the commissioner when dealing with these facilities. Instead, the response to reports will be governed by applicable federal regulations, ensuring that the standards set forth in federal law take precedence in these cases.

Additionally, the bill establishes that specific federal regulations, including those found in the Code of Federal Regulations and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' State Operations Manual, are considered equivalent to the Minnesota Vulnerable Adults Act. This equivalency is intended to uphold the public policy of protecting vulnerable adults, as outlined in the existing law. Furthermore, any violations of these federal regulations may lead to enforcement actions under section 144A.10, reinforcing the accountability of federally certified facilities in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 626.557