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.
The bill also includes provisions for performance-based budgeting, requiring that by the end of 2024, these departments submit detailed operating budgets that align with their outlined performance objectives. This budget practice is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that the funding allocated directly correlates with measurable outcomes in service delivery. The effective date for these changes is set to occur on July 1, 2024, thus allowing for a transitional period during which the governor and state officials will endeavor to implement the changes while maintaining continuity of services.
House File 1703 is an act aimed at restructuring various aspects of state governance around the administration of human services in Minnesota. Central to this bill is the creation of the Department of Direct Care and Treatment and the Office of Human Services Licensing and Integrity. These new agencies will assume responsibilities that were previously managed by the Department of Human Services, indicating a significant shift in how human services are administered at the state level. This transition intends to streamline operations and improve accountability within the state's approach to direct care and treatment services, informed by specific legislative mandates.
While the bill's proponents argue that this restructuring will promote more effective and accountable human services, potential points of contention might arise around the implications of transferring duties to new offices. Concerns have been raised regarding the efficiency of transitioning roles and whether necessary staff and resources will be adequately managed in the new structures. Additionally, the market for grant administration could also witness a shift as third parties are contracted for administering specific programs, which may introduce challenges related to oversight and quality control.