Transfer of duties from Department of Human Services to Department of Direct Care and Treatment implemented; general executive board duties, powers, rulemaking authority, and administrative service contracting established; and conforming changes made.
Impact
The implementation of HF3987 is expected to significantly impact state law governing mental health services. Specifically, it creates a distinct framework for the DCT, which will have the authority to manage regional treatment centers and set overarching policies for service delivery. The goal is to improve the availability and quality of mental health services across the state, ensuring that regional treatment centers can better meet the needs of adults with mental illness. This realignment is particularly focused on facilitating community-based transitions for individuals receiving care, thereby aligning with broader health care reform efforts.
Summary
House File 3987 proposes a significant restructuring of responsibilities within Minnesota's human services framework, specifically transferring duties from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the newly established Department of Direct Care and Treatment (DCT). This legislative change aims to streamline the management of treatment services provided to individuals with mental health challenges, emphasizing the need for efficient service delivery within the state. By significantly amending multiple existing statutes, HF3987 seeks to clarify the roles and powers of the new department, ensuring a focused approach to direct care and treatment services.
Contention
While proponents of HF3987 argue that the restructuring will enhance the efficacy of state-operating services, there are concerns surrounding the potential for reduced oversight and local input in mental health care decisions. Critics fear that shifting responsibilities in this manner could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies or disconnect between state agencies and local communities. The debate centers around the balance of administrative power and the need for direct, responsive care that adequately reflects the needs of Minnesota's diverse populations.
Similar To
Transfer of duties from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Direct Care and Treatment, executive board duties and rulemaking authority establishment, and appropriations
Transfer of duties from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Direct Care and Treatment, executive board duties and rulemaking authority establishment, and appropriations
Department of Direct Care and Treatment established, commissioner established to oversee department, and direct care and treatment executive board repealed.
Direct Care and Treatment agency established; date for transfer of authority and responsibility modified; board membership qualifications, procedures, powers, and duties established; chief executive officer powers and duties established; accounts established; social welfare fund terms modified; effective dates modified; and initial appointments provided.
Disability services, aging services, substance use disorder services, and priority admissions and civil commitment provisions modified; Direct Care and Treatment executive board, human services response contingency account, Homelessness and Housing Support Office, workgroups, and councils established; studies and reports required; rulemaking provided; and money appropriated.
Crisis services and criteria availability modified for community-based program locations, 48-hour admission requirement removed, and conforming and technical changes made to effectuate creation of Direct Care and Treatment agency.
Department of Direct Care and Treatment and Office of Human Services Licensing and Integrity created, duties transferred, commissioners directed to contract with third party to administer grant programs, commissioner directed to contract with third party to review appropriations for IT projects, and performance-based budgeting provided.
Transfer of duties from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Direct Care and Treatment, executive board duties and rulemaking authority establishment, and appropriations
Crisis services and criteria availability modified for community-based program locations, 48-hour admission requirement removed, and conforming and technical changes made to effectuate creation of Direct Care and Treatment agency.
Department of Direct Care and Treatment established, commissioner established to oversee department, and direct care and treatment executive board repealed.