Each entity must identify, designate, or appoint one person as its responsible authority (RA). The RA is the person who ultimately is responsible for the collection, use, and dissemination of all entity data, and for all the entity’s data practices decisions. The RA must also make sure the entity complies with the requirements of the Data Practices Act and the Administrative Rules. If an entity violates the Act, both the entity and the RA are liable.
Which person is the RA depends on the type of entity:
If your entity is not one described above, look to Minnesota Rules, Chapter 1205 and Minnesota Statues, Chapter 13 for guidance.
Note that the Rules require each entity to include the RA's name, job title, and business address in a document that is available to the public. The document must also identify the RA or designees as the persons responsible for answering questions from the public about the Act and the Rules. An entity may include this information its public data access policy. (Minnesota Rules, 1205.1200, subp. 2)
If you have questions about RAs, please contact our office.
