Training requirements modified for mandatory reporters, the official text

A bill for an act relating to maltreatment; modifying training requirements for mandatory reporters; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260E.065.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260E.065, is amended to read:

260E.065 TRAINING FOR REPORTERS.

Subdivision 1.

Required training.

The local welfare agency must offer training to a person required to make a report under section 260E.055 or 260E.06. The training may be offered online or in person and must provide an explanation of the legal obligations of a reporter, consequences for failure to report, and instruction on how to detect and report suspected maltreatment or suspected abuse, as defined under section 260E.055, subdivision 1, paragraph (b). A local welfare agency may fulfill the requirement under this section by directing reporters to trainings offered by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.

Training content.

For a training under this section, at least half of the training time must be spent on how to identify signs of suspected maltreatment or abuse, as defined in section 260E.055, subdivision 1, paragraph (b). The training must cover the definition of each maltreatment type as defined in section 260E.03, subdivision 12.

Subd. 3.

Expert input.

The commissioner must create trainings with input from professionals with specialized knowledge related to maltreatment, including but not limited to medical professionals, attorneys, mental health professionals, and social workers.