From Valleynewslive · · 1m 30s
DHS Orders Care Provider to Pay $600 for Background Check Lapses
DHS fines Crookston care provider $600 for three staff background check violations.
In brief
DHS fines Crookston care provider $600 for three staff background check violations. DHS ordered Independence Plus, Inc. to pay $600 after finding three staff members lacked required background checks before direct client contact. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
DHS orders fine
The Minnesota Department of Human Services ordered Independence Plus, Inc. to pay $600 for three background study violations involving staff who worked directly with clients for years before being properly checked.
Staff hired without checks
DHS found one staff member hired in 2014, another in 2011, and a third in 2013, but background studies were not initiated in the state’s NetStudy 2.0 system until 2026.
State law violation
State law requires providers to complete background studies before an employee has direct contact with clients, but DHS cited Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.04, subdivision 1, paragraph (h).
Fine details
DHS assessed a $200 fine for each of the three violations, totaling $600, and ordered immediate compliance with state background study requirements.
Consequences of nonpayment
If the fine is not paid by the due date and no appeal is filed, DHS may issue a second fine, refuse to issue or reissue a license, or suspend the license until payment is made.
Company response
Independence Plus, Inc. Administrator Glen Baranski stated the violations were due to staff not being affiliated with NetStudy 2.0 after a 2018 system update, and all three passed rerun checks without client service risk.
What it means
DHS ordered Independence Plus, Inc. to pay $600 after finding three staff members lacked required background checks before direct client contact.
