f. American Indian Community-Specific Board

American Indian Community-Specific Board 2021, 1st Special Session HF33/SF37 Chapter 7, Article 14 , Section 2 HHS omnibus bill Effective: August 1, 2021

Short description In recognition of the sovereign status of Indian Tribes and the unique laws and standards involved in protecting Indian children, this section enables an American Indian Community-Specific Board to advise and assist the Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families.

Summary Subdivision 5 outlines the powers of the American Indian Community-Specific Board in relation to Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families and includes the following:

Subd. 5. Duties. (a) The board shall appoint the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families and shall advise and assist the ombudsperson in various ways, including, but not limited to: (1) selecting matters for attention; (2) developing policies, plans, and programs to carry out the ombudsperson's functions and powers; (3) attending policy meetings when requested by the ombudsperson; (4) establishing protocols for working with American Indian communities; (5) developing procedures for the ombudsperson's use of the subpoena power to compel testimony and evidence from individuals who are not agency personnel; and

(6) making reports and recommendations for changes designed to improve standards of competence, efficiency, justice, and protection of rights. (b) The board shall not make individual case recommendations.

Implications For members who work with or serve indigenous communities or persons, the roles and functions of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families may develop to include older adults as well as children. Keeping updated on the roles and duties of this ombudsperson as they develop will continue to be important.

Bill language https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2021/1/Session+Law/Chapter/7/