Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to regulate health care worker platforms, which are electronic systems allowing health care workers to book temporary work at health care facilities. It introduces a registration process for these platforms with the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure compliance with state requirements and to enhance oversight.

Main Provisions

• Registration Requirement: Health care worker platforms must register with the Minnesota Commissioner of Health before commencing operations in the state and renew their registration annually. Platforms already operating as of July 1, 2025, need to apply for registration by October 1, 2025, and can continue operating while their application is pending.
• Fee Limits: Health care worker platforms must not charge nursing homes more than 150% of the weighted average wage rate for nursing services, incorporating payroll taxes.
• Information and Fees: Applications for registration must provide extensive information about ownership, operational compliance, insurance proof, and pay an application fee.
• Operational Rules: Platforms cannot enforce non-compete clauses for workers or charge fees if a worker is hired by a facility they connect with via the platform. They also cannot prevent workers from engaging in other employment.
• Insurance and Tax Responsibilities: Platforms must carry liability insurance and notify workers of their tax obligations.
• Record-Keeping: Platforms must keep detailed records of worker qualifications, including licensing and background checks, for five years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Health Care Worker Platform Definition: Introduces a definition distinguishing health care worker platforms from supplemental nursing service agencies, with platforms required to register under new regulations.
• Supplemental Nursing Services Agencies: These agencies are prohibited from registering as health care worker platforms, ensuring a clear separation between the two service models.
• Relevant Funding: Appropriates funds for the administration and enforcement of these new requirements by the Department of Health.

Relevant Terms

health care worker platform, nursing homes, registration, commissioner of health, supplemental nursing services agency, weighted average wage, payroll taxes, non-compete clause, liability insurance, tax obligations, background check.