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When a definition is not provided in a statute, statutory interpretation often begins by using dictionary definitions to determine the term’s “plain and ordinary meaning.” see Lewison, d at 450 (using dictionary definition to interpret word not defined in chapter 211B).

A decision is supported by substantial evidence if there is “such evidence that a reasonable person would accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” (quotation omitted).

(remanding to DHS when there was an important unresolved factual issue that the court could not “determine on [its] own”).

See Hanson, d at 374; Moore, d 12 The legislature amended the whistleblower act in 2023.

See The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 32, 910 (5th ed. 2018) (defining “agency” as “[a]n administrative division of a government” and “instrumentality” as a “subsidiary branch, as of a government, by means of which functions or policies are carried out”); (“In the absence of statutory definitions, [courts] often look to dictionary definitions to determine the plain meaning of a statute’ s terms.”).

And we consider the “statute as a whole so as to harmonize and give effect to all its parts.”

Haack argues that the commissioner erred as a matter of law by determining that she committed maltreatment by neglect because they misinterpreted and misapplied the Maltreatment of Minors Act, Minn. Stat. §§ 260E.01-.38 (2022 & Supp. 2023) (MMA), 4 and and imposed their will rather than their judgment because Haack (1) had a plan of direct supervision in place; (2) provided necessary supervision by use of the monitor; and (3) appropriately supervised the children in her care.

Instead, we remand the case to DHS “ ‘to permit further evidence to be taken or additional findings to be made in accordance with the applicable law.’ ” ().

(noting that we can “look to an outside statute or rule .

(explaining that courts often use dictionary definitions to determine a statute’s plain meaning).

But the dictionary defines “appropriate” broadly as meaning something that is “especially suitable or compatible.” Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 57 (10th ed. 1993); (explaining that “appropriate” supervision , in the context of arrangements at a childcare facility, requires consideration of the relevant circumstances).