Penalty assessments for violations of Minnesota Statutes, section 144.651, are as follows:
"Patients and residents shall be assured confidential treatment of their personal and medical records, and may approve or refuse their release to any individual outside the facility.", $250;
"Patients and residents may associate and communicate privately with persons of their choice and enter and, except as provided by the Minnesota Commitment Act, leave the facility as they choose...Personal mail shall be sent without interference and received unopened unless medically or programmatically contraindicated and documented by the physician in the medical record.", $250; and
"Patients and residents shall have access, at their expense, to writing instruments, stationery, and postage...There shall be access to a telephone where patients and residents can make and receive calls as well as speak privately. Facilities which are unable to provide a private area shall make reasonable arrangements to accommodate the privacy of patients' or residents' calls.", $250;
Minn. R. agency 144, ch. 4665, FINES, pt. 4665.9070
Statutory Authority: MS s 144.653