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.

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 144A.70

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Oversight: Committee review of the activities of a Federal agency or program.
  • Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.

“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; an assisted living facility licensed under chapter 144G; or a board and lodging establishment that is registered to provide supportive or health supervision services under section 157.17.

Subd. 4a.Nurse.

“Nurse” means a licensed practical nurse as defined in section 148.171, subdivision 8, or a registered nurse as defined in section 148.171, subdivision 20.

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, and orderlies. 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.