SF1621 Summary

• Establishes the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board to adopt and enforce minimum employment standards for nursing home workers, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, with initial wage standards due by August 1, 2024.

• Board comprises 9 voting members: three state commissioners (Human Services, Health, Labor and Industry) and six appointees representing nursing home employers and workers, requiring five affirmative votes for any action.

• Requires nursing home employers to ensure workers complete one hour of training every two years from certified worker organizations covering rights, standards, retaliation protections, and enforcement mechanisms.

• Prohibits retaliation against nursing home workers for exercising protected rights, participating in board proceedings, or attending required training; violators must provide back pay, reinstatement, and damages.

• Authorizes nursing home workers to file civil actions in district court for violations, with remedies including back wages, liquidated damages equal to actual damages, attorney fees, and court-ordered compliance.