NETStudy 2.0 FAQs

NETStudy 2.0 is a secure web-based system used to submit background study requests to DHS. Background studies are submitted by multiple entities, including:

• Entities licensed by DHS 
• Entities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) 
• Certain entities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) 
• Unlicensed Personal Care Provider Organizations (PCPOs) 
• Temporary personnel and staffing agencies that place workers in settings where background studies are required 
• Educational programs that place students in settings where background studies are required 
• Supplemental nursing services agencies that are registered with MDH 
• County social service agencies and private child placing agencies

You may use the Forgot Password feature to reset your password and unlock your account:

• Click the Forgot Password link under the Password field.
• Enter your username in the Username field and click Next.
• You will be asked to answer the security question you chose when creating your original password. Enter the answer to your security question. Click Email New Password. The system will generate an automated email notification to the email address on file for your user account. The email will contain a new, system-generated password. 
• Return to the log in page. Enter your username in the Username field and enter the system-generated password by copying and pasting (make sure no blank space is copied) the password into the Password field. Click Login. 
• The system will prompt you to change your password. You may see an End User License Agreement before being logged into the NETStudy 2.0 Home Screen.

If you continue to experience issues logging in to NETStudy 2.0, or your email address has changed and you did not receive the system-generated password, please call 651-431-6620 or email dhs.netstudy2@state.mn.us.

A study subject's prior background study determination(s) may be immediately available to an entity if the background study was submitted in NETStudy 2.0 and the study subject met these requirements:

• Correct Social Security number submitted
• Fingerprints and photos performed an at authorized location
• Named on a current roster
• Received an eligible determination

The background study requirements for the subsequent study must be the same or less. For example, if the current study requires an FBI record check and the previous clearance did not include an FBI record check, the determination cannot be transferred to the current entity. 

Additional NETStudy 2.0 users may only be created by a current user who has been designated the Administrative Rights role. The Sensitive Information Person (SIP) will always be designated with the Administrative Rights role and may also choose to create additional users with this role. Users who are not designated with this role will not be able to create new user accounts. 

New users must read and sign the NETStudy 2.0 User Agreement attesting to understanding their role and responsibilities. The SIP is ultimately responsible for the actions of all NETStudy 2.0 users and ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures outlined in the NETStudy 2.0 User Agreement. Step-by-step user account creation is listed in the NETStudy 2.0 User Manual located in the help section once you are logged into an entity account in NETStudy 2.0.