§ 254B.212 — Complaints Against Recovery Residences
Plain-Language Summary
Anyone can file a complaint about a recovery residence with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The commissioner must review and investigate complaints about health and safety, management, finances, house rules, and improper evictions. Complaints about illegal activities must be referred to law enforcement. The identity of complainants is kept confidential, and retaliation against complainants is prohibited.
254B.212 COMPLAINTS AGAINST RECOVERY RESIDENCES.
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Subdivision 1.In general.
Any complaints about a recovery residence may be made to and reviewed or investigated by the commissioner. §
Subd. 2.Types of complaints.
The commissioner must receive and review complaints that concern:
(1) the health and safety of residents;
(2) management of the recovery residence, including but not limited to house environment, financial procedures, staffing, house rules and regulations, improper handling of resident terminations, and recovery support environment; or
(3) illegal activities or threats. §
Subd. 3.Investigation.
(a) Complaints regarding illegal activities or threats must be immediately referred to law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the recovery residence is located. The commissioner must continue to investigate complaints under subdivision 2, clause (3), that have been referred to law enforcement unless law enforcement requests the commissioner to stay the investigation.
(b) The commissioner must investigate all other types of complaints under this section and may take any action necessary to conduct an investigation, including but not limited to interviewing the recovery residence operator, staff, and residents and inspecting the premises. §
Subd. 4.Anonymity.
When making a complaint pursuant to this section, an individual must disclose the individual’s identity to the commissioner. Unless ordered by a court or authorized by the complainant, the commissioner must not disclose the complainant’s identity. §
Subd. 5.Prohibition against retaliation.
A recovery residence owner, operator, director, staff member, or resident must not be subject to retaliation, including but not limited to interference, threats, coercion, harassment, or discrimination, for making any complaint against a recovery residence or against a recovery residence owner, operator, or chief financial officer.
History:
**NOTE: **This section, as added by Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 9, article 4, section 40, is effective January 1, 2027. Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 9, article 4, section 40, the effective date.
History: History:
1Sp2025 c 9 art 4 s 40