Department of Direct Care and Services establishment
Impact
The creation of the Department of Direct Care and Treatment will necessitate amendments to various sections of the Minnesota Statutes, ensuring alignment with operational mandates for this new body. This change is expected to streamline protocols concerning mental health treatment and direct care by providing specialized resources and oversight, which could enhance the tractability of services offered at regional treatment centers and community programs.
Summary
Bill SF3022 aims to establish a new agency known as the Department of Direct Care and Treatment within the state of Minnesota. This new department is set to oversee the direct care and treatment services that were previously handled by the Department of Human Services. The bill outlines the structure of this new agency, emphasizing its role in coordinating services related to mental health and other critical care areas, particularly within inpatient settings and community services.
Contention
During discussions surrounding SF3022, points of contention emerged primarily regarding the transition of employees from the Department of Human Services to the new department and the implications of this restructuring. There were concerns about how the transfer would affect existing protocols, employee job security, and service continuity. Moreover, the establishment of an executive board to govern the department raised questions about governance and accountability in managing complex behavioral health systems, as the bill calls for board members who are qualified in healthcare administration.
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.
Department of Emergency Medical Services established to replace Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, and responsibilities specified and transferred.
Children's cabinet modified; Department of Children, Youth, and Families established; Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Department of Public Safety responsibilities transferred to Department of Children, Youth, and Families; reports required; rulemaking authorized; and money appropriated.
Department of Direct Care and Treatment established, commissioner established to oversee department, and direct care and treatment executive board repealed.
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.
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
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.
Cost of care exemption for committed persons and 48-hour rule for admissions extended, Priority Admission Review Panel established, creation of Direct Care and Treatment admissions dashboard and a limited exemption for admissions from hospital settings required, and report required.
Cost of care exemption for certain committed persons and 48-hour rule for admissions provisions extensions, Priority Admissions Review Panel establishment provision, and Direct Care, Treatment admissions dashboard creation and a limited exemption for admissions from hospital settings provision