1998 Minnesota Code
Chapters 245 - 267 Public Welfare and Related Activities
Chapter 246 Public Institutions
Section 246.08 Inspections; investigations; witnesses; contempt.

246.08 Inspections; investigations; witnesses; contempt.

At least once each year and in addition as frequently as the commissioner deems necessary, the commissioner, or a designated representative, shall visit and inspect each institution, and investigate its financial condition and management, and the care being provided for the inmates thereof. The commissioner shall have power to summon and compel the attendance of witnesses; to examine them under oath, and order the production of all books, property, and papers material to such investigation. Witnesses other than those in the employ of the state shall receive the same fees as in civil cases in the district court. The claim that any testimony or evidence sought to be elicited or produced may tend to criminate the person giving or producing it, or to expose the person to public ignominy, shall not excuse the person, but no person shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any matter or thing concerning which the person may be so required to testify or produce evidence; provided, that the person shall not be exempted from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. The commissioner of human services shall cause the testimony so taken to be transcribed and filed with the commissioner as soon as practicable and when so filed it shall be open to public inspection. Every person failing or refusing to obey any order of the commissioner of human services issued under this section, or to give or produce evidence when so requested, shall be reported by the commissioner to the district court and dealt with as for a contempt of court.

HIST: (4417) RL s 1877; 1953 c 239 s 1; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444