Certain health-related institutions and professional societies must report specified adverse or disciplinary actions to the board; good-faith reporters are immune from liability, and failures to report can lead to civil penalties.
§ Subdivision 1.Institutions. A state agency, political subdivision, agency of a local unit of government, private agency, hospital, clinic, prepaid medical plan, or other health care institution or organization must report to the board: (1) any adversarial action, disciplinary action, or other sanction for conduct that might constitute grounds for action under section 148E.190; (2) the resignation of any applicant or licensee prior to the conclusion of any proceeding for adversarial action, disciplinary action, or other sanction for conduct that might constitute grounds for action under section 148E.190; or (3) the resignation of any applicant or licensee prior to the commencement of a proceeding for adversarial action, disciplinary action, or other sanction for conduct that might constitute grounds for action under section 148E.190, but after the applicant or licensee had knowledge that a proceeding was contemplated or in preparation. § Subd. 2.Professional societies and associations. A state or local professional society or association whose members consist primarily of licensed social workers must report to the board any adversarial action, disciplinary action, or other sanction taken against a member. § Subd. 3.Immunity. An individual, professional society or association, state agency, political subdivision, agency of a local unit of government, private agency, hospital, clinic, prepaid medical plan, other health care institution or organization, or other entity is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution for submitting in good faith a report under subdivision 1 or 2 or for otherwise reporting, providing information, or testifying about violations or alleged violations of this chapter. § Subd. 4.Failure to report. Any person, institution, or organization that fails to report as required under subdivisions 1 and 2 shall be subject to civil penalties for failing to report as required by law.