Assertive community treatment and intensive residential treatment services statutory language recodified, and conforming changes made.
Impact
If enacted, HF2758 will enable medical assistance to cover medically necessary services as defined under the new provisions. This will streamline the processes for providers, allowing them to receive payments based on a daily rate for a range of rehabilitative services, thus promoting better access to care for individuals with mental health needs. Additionally, the bill addresses the need for sustainability and startup grants, facilitating the establishment of new treatment teams and residential services to meet growing demand, particularly in underserved areas.
Summary
House File 2758 (HF2758) proposes significant amendments to the statutory language regarding assertive community treatment (ACT) and intensive residential treatment services in Minnesota. The bill aims to enhance and clarify the provision of medical assistance for these essential services, which are designed to support individuals with mental health challenges. By recodifying existing laws, the legislation seeks to improve the delivery of care, ensuring services are available to those who need them while adhering to updated guidelines and standards mandated by the state and federal government.
Contention
However, the bill does raise points of discussion concerning accountability and funding for these services. Critics may argue about the sustainability of adequate funding for the anticipated services, questioning how these modifications will be financed amid existing budget constraints. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of oversight and the effectiveness of services delivered under such a framework, particularly as entities transition to new funding mechanisms established by the bill.
Home and community-based services systemic critical incident review team established, adult foster care and community residential setting licensing provisions clarified, substance use disorder treatment requirements modified, councils and committees extended, provider-controlled and own-home settings clarified, and chemical health pilot program obsolete language repealed.
Mental health provider staffing, documentation, and diagnostic assessment requirements modified; certification process required; assertive community treatment and behavioral health home services staff requirements modified; adult rehabilitative mental health services provider entity standards modified; managed care contract requirements modified; grant data and reporting requirements modified; and family peer support services eligibility modified.
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.
Access to substance use disorder treatment services governing policies modified, home and community-based services workforce development grants eligibility modified, and workforce development grant money excluded from income.
Human services; provisions modified relating to disability services, aging services, and substance use disorder services; Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Act modified; subminimum wages phased out; blood-borne pathogen provisions expanded to all state-operated treatment programs; and expired reports removed.
Mental and behavioral health care provisions modified including service standards, adult and child mental health services grants, substance use disorder services, supportive housing, and provider certification and reimbursement; reports required; and money appropriated.
Child care assistance expanded, grants and rules regarding children's mental health expanded and modified, transition to community initiative modified, staff training requirements modified, covered transportation services modified, coverage of clinical care coordination modified, children's long-term stays in emergency room rules modified, rural family response and stabilization services pilot program established, and money appropriated.
Education requirements for licensure modified, accrediting body definition modified, behavioral health licensing and eligibility modified, and paperwork reduction report date modified.