Minnesota § 181.217 - ENFORCEMENT
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 181.217 — ENFORCEMENT, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 181.217. ENFORCEMENT
Subdivision 1.Minimum nursing home employment standards.
Except as provided in section 181.213, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c), the minimum wages and other compensation established by the board in rule as minimum nursing home employment standards shall be the minimum wages and other compensation for nursing home workers or a subgroup of nursing home workers as a matter of state law. Except as provided in section 181.213, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c), it shall be unlawful for a nursing home employer to employ a nursing home worker for lower wages or other compensation than that established as the minimum nursing home employment standards.
Subd. 2.Investigations.
The commissioner may investigate possible violations of sections 181.214 to 181.217 or of the minimum nursing home employment standards established by the board whenever it has cause to believe that a violation has occurred, either on the basis of a report of a suspected violation or on the basis of any other credible information, including violations found during the course of an investigation.
Subd. 3.Civil action by nursing home worker.
(a) One or more nursing home workers may bring a civil action in district court seeking redress for violations of sections 181.211 to 181.217 or of any applicable minimum nursing home employment standards or local minimum nursing home employment standards. Such an action may be filed in the district court of the county where a violation or violations are alleged to have been committed or where the nursing home employer resides, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, and may represent a class of similarly situated nursing home workers.
(b) Upon a finding of one or more violations, a nursing home employer shall be liable to each nursing home worker for the full amount of the wages, benefits, and overtime compensation, less any amount the nursing home employer is able to establish was actually paid to each nursing home worker, and for an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. In an action under this subdivision, nursing home workers may seek damages and other appropriate relief provided by section 177.27, subdivision 7, or otherwise provided by law, including reasonable costs, disbursements, witness fees, and attorney fees. A court may also issue an order requiring compliance with sections 181.211 to 181.217 or with the applicable minimum nursing home employment standards or local minimum nursing home employment standards. A nursing home worker found to have experienced retaliation in violation of section 181.216 shall be entitled to back pay and reinstatement to the worker's previous position, wages, benefits, hours, and other conditions of employment.
(c) An agreement between a nursing home employer and nursing home worker or labor union that fails to meet the minimum standards and requirements in sections 181.211 to 181.217 or established by the board is not a defense to an action brought under this subdivision.
History:
2023 c 53 art 3 s 9; 2024 c 85 s 49
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 181.217
What does Minnesota Statutes § 181.217 cover?
Section 181.217 ("ENFORCEMENT") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 181.217?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 181.217" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 181.217 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.