As of August 1, 2022, providers holding a valid license from a health-related licensing board (HLB) who have also undergone a background check under Minn. Statutes 214.075, shall not have a background study completed by the commissioner of human services (a NETStudy 2.0 background study).

MDH has created a document to address questions from providers and organizations about these changes, which you can find here: Background Studies for HLB-Licensed Providers FAQ (PDF)

This page contains information and forms required to operate as a licensed Freestanding Outpatient Surgical Center in Minnesota. These forms are intended to be downloaded and completed by individuals and organizations seeking to be licensed as a Freestanding Outpatient Surgical Center, or for licensees who need to renew a current license or request a change of ownership.

For information about Medicare/Medicaid-certified facilities, see: Federal Certification Process for Ambulatory Surgical Centers.

Required Forms and Documents
Initial State Licensing Process
License Renewal
Related Statutes and Rules

Required Forms and Documents

Application for a License to Operate a Freestanding Outpatient Surgical Center (PDF): Complete and submit this form with payment to apply for an initial license, renew an existing license, or request a change of ownership.
Example Form: Certificate of Liability Insurance (PDF): Providers are required to submit evidence of workers' compensation coverage with their application; this example shows how the form should be filled out.

Initial State Licensing Process

Please read and understand all applicable documents, statutes, and rules listed below before applying for this license.

Complete and submit the Application for a License to Operate a Freestanding Outpatient Surgical Center (PDF).
Register with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State - How to Register Your Business
Once the licensing application and payment is received, MDH will issue a Health Facility Identification (HFID) number and inform the facility.
Complete the MDH Engineering Construction Plan Submittal Process for Healthcare Facilities.
Inspections are completed by MDH Engineers and State Fire Marshals.
The MDH Health Survey Team will coordinate with the facility to schedule the licensing walkthrough. Prior to the walkthrough, the facility must be fully operational.
After inspections and the licensing walkthrough are cleared, the license for the Freestanding Outpatient Surgical Center is issued.
Surgeries may not be scheduled until the license is issued by MDH.

License Renewal

Freestanding Outpatient Surgical Center licenses are renewed annually. Licensees will receive a renewal notification approximately 60-90 days prior to the expiration date of the license. If you do not receive a renewal notification within 30 days of the expiration date, please contact Health.HRD-FedLCR@state.mn.us.

Application for a License to Operate a Freestanding Outpatient Surgical Center (PDF): Complete and submit this form with payment to renew an existing license.
Example Form: Certificate of Liability Insurance (PDF): Providers are required to submit evidence of workers' compensation coverage with their application; this example shows how the form should be filled out.

The completed application, supporting documents, and fee payment can be mailed to:

Minnesota Department of Health
Health Regulation Division
P.O. Box 64900
St. Paul, MN 55164-0900

Read and understand all applicable statutes and rules listed below before submitting the application.