Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act approved in Jobs and Labor Budget

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House Representatives passed the conference committee report for SF 3035, the Jobs and Labor Budget Bill. Included in the budget is the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act chief authored by Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL – Minneapolis).

The conference committee report passed on a vote of 70-61.

“Our senior home residents and elder loved ones deserve the utmost dignified care as they are aging,” said Rep. Agbaje. “We must improve the working conditions for our dedicated frontline nursing home professionals as they care for some of our most vulnerable communities. I am proud we are establishing a Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board that will help raise wages and improve working conditions, thereby addressing the main drivers of the staffing crisis in nursing homes across the state.”

This bill establishes the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board and requires the board to establish minimum nursing home employment standards for nursing home workers, certify worker organizations to provide training to nursing home workers, and establish curriculum requirements for training. Initial standards for wages and working hours must be established by Aug. 1, 2024.

It also requires nursing home employers to post notices informing workers of their rights and obligations under the minimum nursing home employment standards and prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for certain conduct.

The bill authorizes the commissioner of labor and industry to investigate violations and enforce minimum nursing home employment standards and authorizes civil actions by nursing home workers.