# DHS Orders Care Provider to Pay $600 for Background Check Lapses

> DHS fines Crookston care provider $600 for three staff background check violations.
- Title: DHS Orders Care Provider to Pay $600 for Background Check…
- Summary: DHS fines Crookston care provider $600 for three staff background check violations. DHS ordered Independence Plus, Inc. to pay $600 after finding three staff…
- Keywords: dhs, minnesota, crookston, independence plus inc, background check, netstudy 2.0, criminal background study, license violation, news, local, Orders, Care
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/23/dhs-orders-crookston-care-provider-pay-600-background-check-lapses
- Published: 2026-09-23T17:22:45.136+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dhs, minnesota, crookston, independence plus inc, background check, netstudy 2.0, criminal background study, license violation, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

DHS ordered Independence Plus, Inc. to pay $600 after finding three staff members lacked required background checks before direct client contact.