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September 5, 2025 CERTIFIED MAIL Jessica Johnson, Authorized Agent RS Eden 1931 W Broadway Avenue, Suite 101 Minneapolis, MN 55411-2418
License Number 1003334 (Co-Ed Residential, Men’s Non-Residential) License Number 1078488 (Co-ed Non-Residential)
ORDER TO PAY A FINE FOR
BACKGROUND STUDY VIOLATIONS
Dear Jessica Johnson: The Department of Human Services (DHS) is ordering you to pay a fine of $1000 for five background study violations. Details of our findings are provided below. Our next steps and your options are also detailed. Reason for the Fine
DHS is issuing this fine order based on you not complying with the following background study requirement: Background Study Violation Determined on June 23, 2025.
Personnel files reviewed worked for both licenses reviewed (1003334 and 1078488) 1. As a result of a licensing review, DHS licensors determined that you did not request background studies for three staff persons before they began working in positions allowing direct contact with persons served.
· SP1 began working in a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the programs beginning April 4, 2022. The license holder completed a background study for providers of housing support, but did not initiate a background study for the licenses under Minnesota Statute, chapter 245G.
· SP2 began working in a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the programs beginning May 15, 2023. The license holder completed a background study for board and lodge establishments, but did not initiate a background study for the licenses under Minnesota Statute, chapter 245G.
· SP3 began working in a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the programs beginning May 21, 2025. The license holder completed a background study for board and lodge establishments, but did not initiate a background study for the licenses under Minnesota Statute, chapter 245G.
Statute Violated: Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.04, subdivision 1, paragraph (h). Fine: $ 600 ($200 for each violation) Corrective Action Required: License holder must comply with all background study requirements in Minnesota Statute, chapter 245C. 2. As a result of a licensing review, DHS licensors determined that you did not comply with a set aside notice.
· SP4 was issued a set aside to a specific license (1114733) on November 28, 2023, and the license holder allowed them to work at another of their licensed programs (1003334 and 1078488) beginning January 3, 2022.
· SP5 was issued a set aside to a specific license (1114733) on November 15, 2022, and the license holder allowed them to work at another of their other licensed programs (1003334 and 1078488) beginning November 22, 2021.
Set asides are issued based on the specifics of the staff person and the people they will provide direct contact to a specific licensed program. License holders may not affiliate a person across all their licenses without set aside approval for each license.
Statute Violated: Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.22, subdivision 5, paragraph (a). Fine: $400 ($200 for each violation) Corrective Action Required: License holder must comply with all background study requirements in Minnesota Statute, chapter 245C. Billing and Payment of the Fine
DHS will send you an invoice for the $1000 fine. Payment must be made as directed on the invoice. If you request a contested case hearing, as described below, do not pay the fine at this time. Following the contested case hearing, the Commissioner of DHS will issue a final order on this matter. Please note, you may not avoid payment of this fine by closing, selling, or otherwise transferring the license to a third party. If this occurs, each controlling individual is personally and jointly responsible for payment. If you do not pay the fine on or before the date specified on the invoice and you did not request a contested case hearing, as described below, the Commissioner may issue a second fine, may not issue or reissue a license, or may suspend the license until the license holder pays the fine.
Your Right to Appeal
You have the right to appeal the fine. Your request must be in writing and clearly state that you are requesting a contested case hearing for this matter. Your request must be made before the deadlines provided below. If you do not meet this deadline, you lose your right to an administrative appeal. The timeline to appeal began when you received this order. If you are mailing your request, it must be sent by certified mail and postmarked within 10 calendar days from when you receive this order. Please send it to: Commissioner, Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General Legal Counsel’s Office Attn: Licensing Legal Unit PO Box 64953 St. Paul, MN 55164-0953 If your request is being personally delivered, it must be received by DHS within 10 calendar days from when you receive this order. Please bring it to: Commissioner, Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General Legal Counsel’s Office Attn: Licensing Legal Unit 444 Lafayette Road North St. Paul, MN 55155 Upon DHS’ receipt of your timely appeal, your case would be scheduled for a contested case hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. Following this hearing, the Commissioner of DHS will issue a final order. Legal representation at the contested case hearing
You do not need a lawyer to appeal. However, a lawyer can help you with your appeal. The state or county will not get you a lawyer and will not pay for a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to get free legal advice or help with your appeal. To find out if free help is available, contact: Volunteer Lawyers Network at 612-752-6677; Central Minnesota Legal Services at 612-332-8151; Southern Minnesota Legal Services at 651-222-4731; or go to www.lawhelpmn.org to find a local legal services program that may be able to help you. You can also find information on contested cases from the Office of Administrative Hearings website at https://mn.gov/oah/self-help. Click on Administrative Law Overview, then click on Administrative Law Contested Case Hearing Guide for a list of frequently asked questions. Legal Authority for this Licensing Action
· DHS may impose a $200 fine for each background study violation under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (c)(4)(iv).
· Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (c)(5) states that license holders may not avoid payment of a fine by closing, selling, or transferring a license.
· Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.04, subdivision 7, paragraph (d)(4), states that DHS shall not issue or reissue a license if the applicant, license holder, or controlling individual has an outstanding debt related to a license fee, licensing fine, or settlement agreement for which payment is delinquent.
· Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (c)(2), states that that the license holder shall pay the fine assessed on or before the payment date specified, and if the license holder does not do so the commissioner may issue a second fine or suspend the license until the license holder complies.
· License holders have a right to appeal licensing actions and request a contested case hearing, under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612.
· NetStudy 2.0 is defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.02, subdivision 13e.
Questions
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, you may contact Maura McGarry, Supervisor, at 651-431-6671. Sincerely, 
Paula Halverson, Unit Manager Licensing Division Office of Inspector General
PO Box 64242 • Saint Paul, Minnesota • 55164-0242 • An Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Employer https://mn.gov/dhs/general-public/licensing/
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