Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 151 - Labor and Industry Department
Chapter 5220 - REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATIO
REHABILITATION; QUALIFIED REHABILITATION CONSULTANT OR REGISTERED REHABILITATION VENDOR REQUIREMENTS; RULES OF PRACTIC
Part 5220.1806 - DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Subpart 1. Discipline.

A rehabilitation provider is subject to disciplinary action, including a fine as provided by statute, suspension, and revocation of registration. Failure to comply with the standards of performance and professional conduct contained in parts 5220.1800 and 5220.1801 or the violation of any of the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 176, parts 5220.0100 to 5220.1900, or orders issued under the statutes or rules constitute grounds for discipline.

Subp. 2. Complaints.

The commissioner shall review the activities of rehabilitation providers. Complaints about activities or services of rehabilitation providers relating to noncompliance with laws, rules, or orders shall be made in writing to the commissioner. A complaint may be submitted by any party who becomes aware of a violation, including designees of the commissioner, administrative law judges, and presiding officials at judicial proceedings.

If a rehabilitation provider fails to comply with the standards of performance and professional conduct contained in parts 5220.1800 and 5220.1801 or any of the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 176, parts 5220.0100 to 5220.1900, or orders issued under the statutes or rules, a rehabilitation provider having knowledge of the violation must so advise the commissioner.

Subp. 3. Review and investigation.

The commissioner shall investigate all complaints to determine whether there has been a violation of the standards of performance and professional conduct contained in parts 5220.1800 and 5220.1801 or any of the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 176, parts 5220.0100 to 5220.1900, or orders issued under the statutes or rules. If the matter is outside the jurisdiction of the commissioner, the commissioner may refer the matter to a forum or agency that has jurisdiction.

If an investigation indicates that discipline is warranted, the commissioner shall begin a contested case for disciplinary action under Minnesota Statutes, section 176.102, subdivision 3a, and the Minnesota Administrative Procedure Act. The report of the administrative law judge shall be made to the rehabilitation review panel which shall make the determination on disciplinary action.

If the commissioner determines that discipline is not warranted, but if the facts and issues involved warrant instruction of the provider, the commissioner shall issue the instruction in writing. The commissioner shall notify the complaining party of the disposition of the case.

Subp. 4. Cooperation with disciplinary proceedings.

A rehabilitation provider who is the subject of a complaint investigated by the commissioner under Minnesota Statutes, section 176.102, subdivisions 3 and 3a, shall cooperate fully with the investigation. Cooperation shall include responding fully and promptly to any questions raised by the commissioner relating to the subject of the investigation, and providing copies of records, reports, logs, data, and cost information as requested by the commissioner to assist in the investigation. Cooperation shall also include attending, in person, a meeting scheduled by the commissioner for the purposes in subpart 5.

Subp. 5. In-person meeting.

When conferring with the parties to a complaint is deemed appropriate for clarification or settlement of issues, the commissioner may schedule a meeting. The commissioner may conduct a meeting for the purpose of obtaining information, instructing parties to the complaint, or for the purpose of resolving issues.

Subp. 6. Resolution written agreement.

The commissioner may enter into stipulated consent agreements regarding discipline with complaint subjects in lieu of initiating contested case proceedings.