1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; providing for human services policy modifications 
1.3 	relating to children and family services, chemical and mental health services, 
1.4 	direct care and treatment, operations, health care, and continuing care; making 
1.5 	changes to child care assistance programs, home and community-based services 
1.6 	standards, medical assistance, the alternative care program, Northstar Care 
1.7 	for Children, children's therapeutic services and supports, human services 
1.8 	licensing provisions, and the community first services and supports program; 
1.9 	modifying requirements for background studies; extending a council; modifying 
1.10 	the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act; making changes to provisions 
1.11 	governing child out-of-home placement; modifying reporting requirements for 
1.12 	maltreatment of children and vulnerable adults; making technical changes; 
1.13 	requiring reports; modifying requirements for administrative sanctions and 
1.14 	hearings; authorizing rulemaking; providing criminal penalties;amending 
1.15 	Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 119B.011, subdivision 16; 119B.025, 
1.16 	subdivision 1; 119B.09, subdivision 9; 119B.125, subdivisions 1, 6, by 
1.17 	adding subdivisions; 144.0724, subdivision 12; 148E.065, subdivision 4a; 
1.18 	168.012, subdivision 1; 245.462, subdivision 4; 245A.02, subdivision 13, by 
1.19 	adding subdivisions; 245A.035, subdivisions 1, 5; 245A.04, subdivision 15a; 
1.20 	245A.07, subdivisions 2, 2a; 245A.11, subdivision 4; 245A.12; 245A.13; 
1.21 	245A.14, subdivision 14; 245A.148; 245A.16, subdivision 1; 245A.175; 
1.22 	245A.1915; 245A.192, subdivisions 3, 5, 10, 11, by adding subdivisions; 
1.23 	245A.40, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 245A.50, subdivision 1; 245C.02, subdivision 
1.24 	2; 245C.04, subdivisions 4, 5, 6; 245C.05, subdivision 1; 245C.07; 245C.09, 
1.25 	subdivision 1; 245C.10, by adding a subdivision; 245C.20, subdivision 2, by 
1.26 	adding a subdivision; 245C.22, subdivision 7; 245D.10, subdivision 3; 245E.01, 
1.27 	subdivision 8, by adding a subdivision; 245E.02, subdivisions 1, 4, by adding 
1.28 	a subdivision; 245E.06, subdivisions 2, 3; 253B.212, subdivision 2, by adding 
1.29 	a subdivision; 254B.05, subdivision 5; 256.01, subdivisions 4, 14b; 256.045, 
1.30 	subdivisions 3, 6; 256.046, subdivision 1; 256.975, subdivision 7; 256B.0625, 
1.31 	subdivision 31, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0911, subdivisions 1a, 2b, 3, 
1.32 	3a; 256B.0913, subdivisions 4, 5, 5a, 6, 10, 11, 12, by adding a subdivision; 
1.33 	256B.0943, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11; 256B.0946, subdivision 1; 
1.34 	256B.0947, subdivision 7a; 256B.85; 256N.02, subdivision 18; 256N.23, 
1.35 	subdivision 6; 257.85, subdivision 3; 259A.01, subdivision 25; 259A.10, 
1.36 	subdivision 6; 260.755, subdivisions 8, 14, by adding subdivisions; 260.761, 
1.37 	subdivisions 1, 2; 260.771, subdivision 3; 260B.007, subdivision 12; 260C.007, 
1.38 	subdivision 27, by adding a subdivision; 260C.168; 260C.178, subdivision 1; 
1.39 	260C.201, subdivision 5; 260C.212, subdivisions 1, 2; 260C.511; 402A.12; 
2.1 	402A.16, subdivisions 2, 4; 402A.18; 471.346; 609.821; 626.556, subdivisions 
2.2 	7, 10, 11d; 626.557, subdivisions 9a, 9b, 10; 626.5572, subdivisions 5, 6, 21; 
2.3 	Laws 2013, chapter 108, article 7, section 58; proposing coding for new law 
2.4 	in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 245; 245A; 256; 256B; 260; 609; repealing 
2.5 	Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 245D.061, subdivision 3; 245E.07, subdivision 
2.6 	3; 256B.0911, subdivision 6a; Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.0175, subpart 32; 
2.7 	9505.0365, subpart 2; 9505.1696, subpart 10; 9505.1709; 9535.2000; 9535.2100; 
2.8 	9535.2200; 9535.2300; 9535.2400; 9535.2500; 9535.2600; 9535.2700; 
2.9 	9535.2800; 9535.2900; 9535.3000; 9555.7400; 9555.7500.
2.10 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

2.11 	ARTICLE 1
2.12 	CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

2.13 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.011, subdivision 16, is amended to 
2.14 	read:
2.15 		Subd. 16.Legal nonlicensed child care provider. "Legal nonlicensed child care 
2.16 	provider" means: (1) a child care provider who is excluded from licensing requirements 
2.17 	under section 245A.03, subdivision 2; or (2) a child care provider authorized to provide 
2.18 	care in a child's home under section 119B.09, subdivision 13, provided the provider only 
2.19 	cares for related children, children from a single, unrelated family, or both related children 
2.20 	and children from a single, unrelated family.

2.21 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

2.22 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.025, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.23 		Subdivision 1.Factors which must be verified. (a) The county shall verify the 
2.24 	following at all initial child care applications using the universal application:
2.25 	(1) identity of adults;
2.26 	(2) presence of the minor child in the home, if questionable;
2.27 	(3) relationship of minor child to the parent, stepparent, legal guardian, eligible 
2.28 	relative caretaker, or the spouses of any of the foregoing;
2.29 	(4) age;
2.30 	(5) immigration status, if related to eligibility;
2.31 	(6) Social Security number, if given;
2.32 	(7) income;
2.33 	(8) spousal support and child support payments made to persons outside the 
2.34 	household;
2.35 	(9) residence; and
2.36 	(10) inconsistent information, if related to eligibility.
3.1 	(b) If a family did not use the universal application or child care addendum to apply 
3.2 	for child care assistance, the family must complete the universal application or child care 
3.3 	addendum at its next eligibility redetermination and the county must verify the factors 
3.4 	listed in paragraph (a) as part of that redetermination. Once a family has completed a 
3.5 	universal application or child care addendum, the county shall use the redetermination 
3.6 	form described in paragraph (c) for that family's subsequent redeterminations. Eligibility 
3.7 	must be redetermined at least every six months. A family is considered to have met 
3.8 	the eligibility redetermination requirement if a complete redetermination form and all 
3.9 	required verifications are received within 30 days after the date the form was due. 
3.10 	When the 30th day after the date the form was due falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal 
3.11 	holiday, the 30-day time period is extended to include the next succeeding day that is not 
3.12 	a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Assistance shall be payable retroactively from the 
3.13 	redetermination due date. For a family where at least one parent is under the age of 21, 
3.14 	does not have a high school or general equivalency diploma, and is a student in a school 
3.15 	district or another similar program that provides or arranges for child care, as well as 
3.16 	parenting, social services, career and employment supports, and academic support to 
3.17 	achieve high school graduation, the redetermination of eligibility shall be deferred beyond 
3.18 	six months, but not to exceed 12 months, to the end of the student's school year. If a 
3.19 	family reports a change in an eligibility factor before the family's next regularly scheduled 
3.20 	redetermination, the county must recalculate eligibility without requiring verification of 
3.21 	any eligibility factor that did not change.
3.22 	(c) The commissioner shall develop a redetermination form to redetermine eligibility 
3.23 	and a change report form to report changes that minimize paperwork for the county and 
3.24 	the participant.

3.25 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.09, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
3.26 		Subd. 9.Licensed and legal nonlicensed family child care providers; assistance.
 3.27 	This subdivision applies to any provider providing care in a setting other than a child care 
3.28 	center. Licensed and legal nonlicensed family child care providers and their employees 
3.29 	are not eligible to receive child care assistance subsidies under this chapter for their own 
3.30 	children or children in their family during the hours they are providing child care or being 
3.31 	paid to provide child care. Child care providers and their employees are eligible to receive 
3.32 	child care assistance subsidies for their children when they are engaged in other activities 
3.33 	that meet the requirements of this chapter and for which child care assistance can be paid. 
3.34 	The hours for which the provider or their employee receives a child care subsidy for their 
3.35 	own children must not overlap with the hours the provider provides child care services.

4.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

4.2 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.035, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
4.3 		Subdivision 1.Emergency placement. Notwithstanding section 245A.03, 
4.4 	subdivision 2a, or 245C.13, subdivision 2, a county agency may place a child with a 
4.5 	relative who is not licensed to provide foster care, provided the requirements of this 
4.6 	section are met. As used in this section, the term "relative" has the meaning given it under 
4.7 	section 260C.007, subdivision 26b or 27.

4.8 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.035, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
4.9 		Subd. 5.Child foster care license application. (a) The relatives with whom the 
4.10 	emergency placement has been made shall complete the child foster care license application 
4.11 	and necessary paperwork within ten days of the placement. The county agency shall assist 
4.12 	the applicant to complete the application. The granting of a child foster care license to a 
4.13 	relative shall be under the procedures in this chapter and according to the standards in 
4.14 	Minnesota Rules, chapter 2960. In licensing a relative, the commissioner shall consider 
4.15 	the importance of maintaining the child's relationship with relatives as an additional 
4.16 	significant factor in determining whether a background study disqualification should be 
4.17 	set aside under section 245C.22, or a variance should be granted under section 245C.30.
4.18 	(b) When the county or private child-placing agency is processing an application 
4.19 	for child foster care licensure of a relative as defined in section 260B.007, subdivision 
4.20 	12, or 260C.007, subdivision 26b or 27, the county agency or child-placing agency must 
4.21 	explain the licensing process to the prospective licensee, including the background study 
4.22 	process and the procedure for reconsideration of an initial disqualification for licensure. 
4.23 	The county or private child-placing agency must also provide the prospective relative 
4.24 	licensee with information regarding appropriate options for legal representation in the 
4.25 	pertinent geographic area. If a relative is initially disqualified under section 245C.14, the 
4.26 	commissioner must provide written notice of the reasons for the disqualification and the 
4.27 	right to request a reconsideration by the commissioner as required under section 245C.17.
4.28 	(c) The commissioner shall maintain licensing data so that activities related to 
4.29 	applications and licensing actions for relative foster care providers may be distinguished 
4.30 	from other child foster care settings.

4.31 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.22, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
4.32 		Subd. 7.Classification of certain data. (a) Notwithstanding section 13.46, except 
4.33 	as provided in paragraph (f), upon setting aside a disqualification under this section, the 
5.1 	identity of the disqualified individual who received the set-aside and the individual's 
5.2 	disqualifying characteristics are public data if the set-aside was:
5.3 	(1) for any disqualifying characteristic under section 245C.15, when the set-aside 
5.4 	relates to a child care center or a family child care provider licensed under chapter 245A; or
5.5 	(2) for a disqualifying characteristic under section 245C.15, subdivision 2.
5.6 	(b) Notwithstanding section 13.46, upon granting a variance to a license holder 
5.7 	under section 245C.30, the identity of the disqualified individual who is the subject of 
5.8 	the variance, the individual's disqualifying characteristics under section 245C.15, and the 
5.9 	terms of the variance are public data, when the variance:
5.10 	(1) is issued to a child care center or a family child care provider licensed under 
5.11 	chapter 245A; or
5.12 	(2) relates to an individual with a disqualifying characteristic under section 245C.15, 
5.13 	subdivision 2.
5.14 	(c) The identity of a disqualified individual and the reason for disqualification 
5.15 	remain private data when:
5.16 	(1) a disqualification is not set aside and no variance is granted, except as provided 
5.17 	under section 13.46, subdivision 4;
5.18 	(2) the data are not public under paragraph (a) or (b);
5.19 	(3) the disqualification is rescinded because the information relied upon to disqualify 
5.20 	the individual is incorrect;
5.21 	(4) the disqualification relates to a license to provide relative child foster care. 
5.22 	As used in this clause, "relative" has the meaning given it under section 260C.007, 
5.23 	subdivision 26b or 27; or
5.24 	(5) the disqualified individual is a household member of a licensed foster care 
5.25 	provider and:
5.26 	(i) the disqualified individual previously received foster care services from this 
5.27 	licensed foster care provider;
5.28 	(ii) the disqualified individual was subsequently adopted by this licensed foster 
5.29 	care provider; and
5.30 	(iii) the disqualifying act occurred before the adoption.
5.31 	(d) Licensed family child care providers and child care centers must provide notices 
5.32 	as required under section 245C.301.
5.33 	(e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the identity of household members who 
5.34 	are the subject of a disqualification related set-aside or variance is not public data if:
5.35 	(1) the household member resides in the residence where the family child care is 
5.36 	provided;
6.1 	(2) the subject of the set-aside or variance is under the age of 18 years; and
6.2 	(3) the set-aside or variance only relates to a disqualification under section 245C.15, 
6.3 	subdivision 4, for a misdemeanor-level theft crime as defined in section 609.52.
6.4 	(f) When the commissioner has reason to know that a disqualified individual has 
6.5 	received an order for expungement for the disqualifying record that does not limit the 
6.6 	commissioner's access to the record, and the record was opened or exchanged with the 
6.7 	commissioner for purposes of a background study under this chapter, the data that would 
6.8 	otherwise become public under paragraph (a) or (b) remain private data.

6.9 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.01, subdivision 14b, is amended to read:
6.10 		Subd. 14b.American Indian child welfare projects. (a) The commissioner 
6.11 	of human services may authorize projects to test tribal delivery of child welfare 
6.12 	services to American Indian children and their parents and custodians living on the 
6.13 	reservation. The commissioner has authority to solicit and determine which tribes may 
6.14 	participate in a project. Grants may be issued to Minnesota Indian tribes to support the 
6.15 	projects. The commissioner may waive existing state rules as needed to accomplish the 
6.16 	projects. Notwithstanding section 626.556, The commissioner may authorize projects 
6.17 	to use alternative methods of investigating and assessing reports of child maltreatment
6.18 	and alternative administrative and judicial appeal processes for child maltreatment 
6.19 	determinations, provided that the projects comply with the provisions of section sections 
6.20 	256.045 and626.556 dealing with the rights of individuals who are subjects of reports or 
6.21 	investigations, including notice and appeal rights and data practices requirements. The 
6.22 	commissioner may seek any federal approvals necessary to carry out the projects as well 
6.23 	as seek and use any funds available to the commissioner, including use of federal funds, 
6.24 	foundation funds, existing grant funds, and other funds. The commissioner is authorized 
6.25 	to advance state funds as necessary to operate the projects. Federal reimbursement 
6.26 	applicable to the projects is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of the 
6.27 	projects. The projects must be required to address responsibility for safety, permanency, 
6.28 	and well-being of children.
6.29 	(b) For the purposes of this section, "American Indian child" means a person under 21 
6.30 	years old and who is a tribal member or eligible for membership in one of the tribes chosen 
6.31 	for a project under this subdivision and who is residing on the reservation of that tribe.
6.32 	(c) In order to qualify for an American Indian child welfare project, a tribe must:
6.33 	(1) be one of the existing tribes with reservation land in Minnesota;
6.34 	(2) have a tribal court with jurisdiction over child custody proceedings;
7.1 	(3) have a substantial number of children for whom determinations of maltreatment 
7.2 	have occurred;
7.3 	(4) have capacity to respond to reports of abuse and neglect under section 626.556;
7.4 	(5) provide a wide range of services to families in need of child welfare services; and
7.5 	(6) have a tribal-state title IV-E agreement in effect.
7.6 	(d) Grants awarded under this section may be used for the nonfederal costs of 
7.7 	providing child welfare services to American Indian children on the tribe's reservation, 
7.8 	including costs associated with:
7.9 	(1) assessment and prevention of child abuse and neglect;
7.10 	(2) family preservation;
7.11 	(3) facilitative, supportive, and reunification services;
7.12 	(4) out-of-home placement for children removed from the home for child protective 
7.13 	purposes; and
7.14 	(5) other activities and services approved by the commissioner that further the goals 
7.15 	of providing safety, permanency, and well-being of American Indian children.
7.16 	(e) When a tribe has initiated a project and has been approved by the commissioner 
7.17 	to assume child welfare responsibilities for American Indian children of that tribe under 
7.18 	this section, the affected county social service agency is relieved of responsibility for 
7.19 	responding to reports of abuse and neglect under section 626.556 for those children 
7.20 	during the time within which the tribal project is in effect and funded. The commissioner 
7.21 	shall work with tribes and affected counties to develop procedures for data collection, 
7.22 	evaluation, and clarification of ongoing role and financial responsibilities of the county 
7.23 	and tribe for child welfare services prior to initiation of the project. Children who have not 
7.24 	been identified by the tribe as participating in the project shall remain the responsibility 
7.25 	of the county. Nothing in this section shall alter responsibilities of the county for law 
7.26 	enforcement or court services.
7.27 	(f) Participating tribes may conduct children's mental health screenings under section 
7.28 	245.4874, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (13), for children who are eligible for the 
7.29 	initiative and living on the reservation and who meet one of the following criteria:
7.30 	(1) the child must be receiving child protective services;
7.31 	(2) the child must be in foster care; or
7.32 	(3) the child's parents must have had parental rights suspended or terminated.
7.33 	Tribes may access reimbursement from available state funds for conducting the screenings. 
7.34 	Nothing in this section shall alter responsibilities of the county for providing services 
7.35 	under section 245.487.
8.1 	(g) Participating tribes may establish a local child mortality review panel. In 
8.2 	establishing a local child mortality review panel, the tribe agrees to conduct local child 
8.3 	mortality reviews for child deaths or near-fatalities occurring on the reservation under 
8.4 	subdivision 12. Tribes with established child mortality review panels shall have access 
8.5 	to nonpublic data and shall protect nonpublic data under subdivision 12, paragraphs (c) 
8.6 	to (e). The tribe shall provide written notice to the commissioner and affected counties 
8.7 	when a local child mortality review panel has been established and shall provide data upon 
8.8 	request of the commissioner for purposes of sharing nonpublic data with members of the 
8.9 	state child mortality review panel in connection to an individual case.
8.10 	(h) The commissioner shall collect information on outcomes relating to child safety, 
8.11 	permanency, and well-being of American Indian children who are served in the projects. 
8.12 	Participating tribes must provide information to the state in a format and completeness 
8.13 	deemed acceptable by the state to meet state and federal reporting requirements.
8.14 	(i) In consultation with the White Earth Band, the commissioner shall develop 
8.15 	and submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees 
8.16 	with jurisdiction over health and human services a plan to transfer legal responsibility 
8.17 	for providing child protective services to White Earth Band member children residing in 
8.18 	Hennepin County to the White Earth Band. The plan shall include a financing proposal, 
8.19 	definitions of key terms, statutory amendments required, and other provisions required to 
8.20 	implement the plan. The commissioner shall submit the plan by January 15, 2012.

8.21 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256N.02, subdivision 18, is amended to read:
8.22 		Subd. 18.Relative. "Relative," as described in section 260C.007, subdivision 27, 
8.23 	means a person related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption, or an individual 
8.24 	who is an important friend with whom the child has resided or had significant contact. 
8.25 	For an Indian child, relative, as described in section 260C.007, subdivision 26b, includes 
8.26 	members a person who is a member of the Indian child's extended family as defined by 
8.27 	the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe or, in the absence of law or custom, nieces, 
8.28 	nephews, or first or second cousins, as provided in the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 
8.29 	United States Code, title 25, section 1903.

8.30 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256N.23, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
8.31 		Subd. 6.Exclusions. The commissioner must not enter into an adoption assistance 
8.32 	agreement with the following individuals:
8.33 	(1) a child's biological parent or stepparent;
9.1 	(2) a child's relative under section 260C.007, subdivision 26b or 27, with whom the 
9.2 	child resided immediately prior to child welfare involvement unless:
9.3 	(i) the child was in the custody of a Minnesota county or tribal agency pursuant to 
9.4 	an order under chapter 260C or equivalent provisions of tribal code and the agency had 
9.5 	placement and care responsibility for permanency planning for the child; and
9.6 	(ii) the child is under guardianship of the commissioner of human services according 
9.7 	to the requirements of section 260C.325, subdivision 1 or 3, or is a ward of a Minnesota 
9.8 	tribal court after termination of parental rights, suspension of parental rights, or a finding 
9.9 	by the tribal court that the child cannot safely return to the care of the parent;
9.10 	(3) an individual adopting a child who is the subject of a direct adoptive placement 
9.11 	under section 259.47 or the equivalent in tribal code;
9.12 	(4) a child's legal custodian or guardian who is now adopting the child; or
9.13 	(5) an individual who is adopting a child who is not a citizen or resident of the 
9.14 	United States and was either adopted in another country or brought to the United States 
9.15 	for the purposes of adoption.

9.16 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 257.85, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
9.17 		Subd. 3.Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this 
9.18 	subdivision have the meanings given them.
9.19 	(a) "MFIP standard" means the transitional standard used to calculate assistance 
9.20 	under the MFIP program, or, if permanent legal and physical custody of the child is given 
9.21 	to a relative custodian residing outside of Minnesota, the analogous transitional standard 
9.22 	or standard of need used to calculate assistance under the TANF program of the state 
9.23 	where the relative custodian lives.
9.24 	(b) "Local agency" means the county social services agency or tribal social services 
9.25 	agency with legal custody of a child prior to the transfer of permanent legal and physical 
9.26 	custody.
9.27 	(c) "Permanent legal and physical custody" means permanent legal and physical 
9.28 	custody ordered by a Minnesota Juvenile Court under section 260C.515, subdivision 4.
9.29 	(d) "Relative" has the meaning given in section 260C.007, subdivision 26b or 27.
9.30 	(e) "Relative custodian" means a person who has permanent legal and physical 
9.31 	custody of a child. When siblings, including half-siblings and stepsiblings, are placed 
9.32 	together in permanent legal and physical custody, the person receiving permanent legal 
9.33 	and physical custody of the siblings is considered a relative custodian of all of the siblings 
9.34 	for purposes of this section.
10.1 	(f) "Relative custody assistance agreement" means an agreement entered into 
10.2 	between a local agency and a person who has been or will be awarded permanent legal 
10.3 	and physical custody of a child.
10.4 	(g) "Relative custody assistance payment" means a monthly cash grant made to a 
10.5 	relative custodian pursuant to a relative custody assistance agreement and in an amount 
10.6 	calculated under subdivision 7.
10.7 	(h) "Remains in the physical custody of the relative custodian" means that the 
10.8 	relative custodian is providing day-to-day care for the child and that the child lives with 
10.9 	the relative custodian; absence from the relative custodian's home for a period of more 
10.10 	than 120 days raises a presumption that the child no longer remains in the physical 
10.11 	custody of the relative custodian.

10.12 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 259A.01, subdivision 25, is amended to read:
10.13 		Subd. 25.Relative. "Relative" means a person related to the child by blood, 
10.14 	marriage, or adoption, or an individual who is an important friend with whom the child has 
10.15 	resided or had significant contact. For an Indian child, relative includes members a person 
10.16 	who is a member of the Indian child's extended family as defined by law or custom of the 
10.17 	Indian child's tribe, or, in the absence of law or custom, shall be a person who has reached 
10.18 	the age of 18 and who is the Indian child's grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, 
10.19 	brother-in-law or sister-in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or stepparent, as 
10.20 	provided in the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1903.

10.21 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 259A.10, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
10.22 		Subd. 6.Exclusions. The commissioner shall not enter into an adoption assistance 
10.23 	agreement with:
10.24 	(1) a child's biological parent or stepparent;
10.25 	(2) a child's relative, according to section 260C.007, subdivision 26b or 27, with 
10.26 	whom the child resided immediately prior to child welfare involvement unless:
10.27 	(i) the child was in the custody of a Minnesota county or tribal agency pursuant to 
10.28 	an order under chapter 260C or equivalent provisions of tribal code and the agency had 
10.29 	placement and care responsibility for permanency planning for the child; and
10.30 	(ii) the child is under guardianship of the commissioner of human services according 
10.31 	to the requirements of section 260C.325, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), or 
10.32 	subdivision 3, paragraphs (a) and (b), or is a ward of a Minnesota tribal court after 
10.33 	termination of parental rights, suspension of parental rights, or a finding by the tribal court 
10.34 	that the child cannot safely return to the care of the parent;
11.1 	(3) a child's legal custodian or guardian who is now adopting the child;
11.2 	(4) an individual adopting a child who is the subject of a direct adoptive placement 
11.3 	under section 259.47 or the equivalent in tribal code; or
11.4 	(5) an individual who is adopting a child who is not a citizen or resident of the 
11.5 	United States and was either adopted in another country or brought to this country for 
11.6 	the purposes of adoption.

11.7 	Sec. 13. [260.753] PURPOSES.
11.8 	The purposes of this act are to (1) protect the long-term interests, as defined by 
11.9 	the tribes, of Indian children, their families as defined by law or custom, and the child's 
11.10 	tribe; and (2) preserve the Indian family and tribal identity, including an understanding 
11.11 	that Indian children are damaged if family and child tribal identity and contact are denied. 
11.12 	Indian children are the future of the tribes and are vital to their very existence.

11.13 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260.755, is amended by adding a subdivision 
11.14 	to read:
11.15 		Subd. 1a.Active efforts. "Active efforts" means a rigorous and concerted level 
11.16 	of effort that is ongoing throughout the involvement of the local social services agency 
11.17 	to continuously involve the Indian child's tribe and that uses the prevailing social and 
11.18 	cultural values, conditions, and way of life of the Indian child's tribe to preserve the 
11.19 	Indian child's family and prevent placement of an Indian child and, if placement occurs, to 
11.20 	return the Indian child to the child's family at the earliest possible time. Active efforts 
11.21 	sets a higher standard than reasonable efforts to preserve the family, prevent breakup of 
11.22 	the family, and reunify the family, according to section 260.762. Active efforts includes 
11.23 	reasonable efforts as required by Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, United States 
11.24 	Code, title 42, sections 670 to 679c.

11.25 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260.755, is amended by adding a subdivision 
11.26 	to read:
11.27 		Subd. 2a.Best interests of an Indian child. "Best interests of an Indian child" 
11.28 	means compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Indian Family 
11.29 	Preservation Act to preserve and maintain an Indian child's family. The best interests of 
11.30 	an Indian child support the child's sense of belonging to family, extended family, and 
11.31 	tribe. The best interests of an Indian child are interwoven with the best interests of the 
11.32 	Indian child's tribe.

12.1 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260.755, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
12.2 		Subd. 8.Indian child. "Indian child" means an unmarried person who is under 
12.3 	age 18 and is:
12.4 	(1) a member of an Indian tribe; or
12.5 	(2) eligible for membership in an Indian tribe.
12.6 	A determination by a tribe that a child is a member of the Indian tribe or is eligible 
12.7 	for membership in the Indian tribe is conclusive. For purposes of this chapter and chapters 
12.8 	256N, 260C, and 260D, Indian child also includes an unmarried person who satisfies 
12.9 	either clause (1) or (2), is under age 21, and is in foster care pursuant to section 260C.451.

12.10 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260.755, subdivision 14, is amended to read:
12.11 		Subd. 14.Parent. "Parent" means the biological parent of an Indian child, or any 
12.12 	Indian person who has lawfully adopted an Indian child, including a person who has 
12.13 	adopted a child by tribal law or custom. It Parent includes a father as defined by tribal 
12.14 	law or custom. Parent does not include an unmarried father whose paternity has not been 
12.15 	acknowledged or established. Paternity has been acknowledged when an unmarried father 
12.16 	takes any action to hold himself out as the biological father of an Indian child.

12.17 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260.761, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
12.18 		Subdivision 1.Determination of Indian child's tribe Inquiry of tribal lineage.
 12.19 	The local social services agency or private licensed child-placing agency shall determine 
12.20 	whether a child brought to its attention for the purposes described in this section is an Indian 
12.21 	child and the identity of the Indian child's tribe inquire of the child, the child's parents and 
12.22 	custodians, and other appropriate persons whether there is any reason to believe that a 
12.23 	child brought to the agency's attention may have lineage to an Indian tribe. This inquiry 
12.24 	shall occur at the time the child comes to the attention of the local social services agency.

12.25 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260.761, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
12.26 		Subd. 2.Agency and court notice of potential out-of-home placement to tribes.
 12.27 	(a) When a local social services agency or private child-placing agency determines that 
12.28 	an Indian child is in a dependent or other condition that could lead to an out-of-home 
12.29 	placement and requires the continued involvement of the agency with the child for a 
12.30 	period in excess of 30 days, the agency shall send notice of the condition and of the initial 
12.31 	steps taken to remedy it to the Indian child's tribal social services agency within seven 
12.32 	days of the determination. has information that a family assessment or investigation being 
12.33 	conducted may involve an Indian child, the local social services agency shall notify the 
13.1 	Indian child's tribe of the family assessment or investigation according to section 626.556, 
13.2 	subdivision 10, paragraph (a), clause (5). Initial notice shall be provided by telephone 
13.3 	and by e-mail or facsimile. The local social services agency shall request that the tribe 
13.4 	or a designated tribal representative participate in evaluating the family circumstances, 
13.5 	identifying family and tribal community resources, and developing case plans.
13.6 	(b) When a local social services agency has information that a child receiving 
13.7 	services may be an Indian child, the local social services agency shall notify the tribe by 
13.8 	telephone and by e-mail or facsimile of the child's full name and date of birth, the full 
13.9 	names and dates of birth of the child's biological parents, and, if known, the full names 
13.10 	and dates of birth of the child's grandparents and of the child's Indian custodian. This 
13.11 	notification must be provided so the tribe can determine if the child is enrolled in the tribe 
13.12 	or eligible for membership, and must be provided within seven days. If information 
13.13 	regarding the child's grandparents or Indian custodian is not available within the seven-day 
13.14 	period, the local social services agency shall continue to request this information and shall 
13.15 	notify the tribe when it is received. Notice shall be provided to all tribes to which the child 
13.16 	may have any tribal lineage. If the identity or location of the child's parent or Indian 
13.17 	custodian and tribe cannot be determined, the local social services agency shall provide 
13.18 	the notice required in this paragraph to the United States secretary of the interior.
13.19 	(c) In accordance with sections 260C.151 and 260C.152, when a court has reason 
13.20 	to believe that a child placed in emergency protective care is an Indian child, the court 
13.21 	administrator or a designee shall, as soon as possible and before a hearing takes place, 
13.22 	notify the tribal social services agency by telephone and by e-mail or facsimile of the date, 
13.23 	time, and location of the emergency protective case hearing. The court shall make efforts to 
13.24 	allow appearances by telephone for tribal representatives, parents, and Indian custodians.
13.25 	(d) A local social services agency must provide the notices required under this 
13.26 	subdivision at the earliest possible time to facilitate involvement of the Indian child's tribe. 
13.27 	Nothing in this subdivision is intended to hinder the ability of the local social services 
13.28 	agency and the court to respond to an emergency situation. Lack of participation by a tribe 
13.29 	shall not prevent the tribe from intervening in services and proceedings at a later date. A 
13.30 	tribe may participate at any time. At this and any subsequent stage of its the local social 
13.31 	services agency's involvement with an Indian child, the agency shall, upon request, give
13.32 	provide full cooperation to the tribal social services agency full cooperation, including 
13.33 	access to all files disclosure of all data concerning the Indian child. If the files contain 
13.34 	confidential or private data, the agency may require execution of an agreement with the 
13.35 	tribal social services agency that the tribal social services agency shall maintain the data 
13.36 	according to statutory provisions applicable to the data. This subdivision applies whenever 
14.1 	the court transfers legal custody of an Indian child under section 260B.198, subdivision 
14.2 	1, clause (3), item (i), (ii), or (iii), following an adjudication for a misdemeanor-level 
14.3 	delinquent act. Nothing in this subdivision relieves the local social services agency of 
14.4 	satisfying the notice requirements in the Indian Child Welfare Act.

14.5 	Sec. 20. [260.762] DUTY TO PREVENT OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT AND 
14.6 	PROMOTE FAMILY REUNIFICATION; ACTIVE EFFORTS.
14.7 		Subdivision 1.Active efforts. Active efforts includes acknowledging traditional 
14.8 	helping and healing systems of an Indian child's tribe and using these systems as the core 
14.9 	to help and heal the Indian child and family.
14.10 		Subd. 2.Requirements for local social services agencies. A local social services 
14.11 	agency shall:
14.12 	(1) work with the Indian child's tribe and family to develop an alternative plan to 
14.13 	out-of-home placement;
14.14 	(2) before making a decision that may affect an Indian child's safety and well-being 
14.15 	or when contemplating out-of-home placement of an Indian child, seek guidance from 
14.16 	the Indian child's tribe on family structure, how the family can seek help, what family 
14.17 	and tribal resources are available, and what barriers the family faces at that time that 
14.18 	could threaten its preservation; and
14.19 	(3) request participation of the Indian child's tribe at the earliest possible time and 
14.20 	request the tribe's active participation throughout the case.
14.21 		Subd. 3.Required findings that active efforts were provided. A court shall not 
14.22 	order an out-of-home or permanency placement for an Indian child unless the court finds 
14.23 	that the local social services agency made active efforts to the Indian child's family. In 
14.24 	determining whether the local social services agency made active efforts for purposes 
14.25 	of out-of-home placement and permanency, the court shall make findings regarding 
14.26 	whether the following activities were appropriate and whether the local social services 
14.27 	agency made appropriate and meaningful services available to the family based upon that 
14.28 	family's specific needs:
14.29 	(1) whether the local social services agency made efforts at the earliest point 
14.30 	possible to (i) identify whether a child may be an Indian child as defined in the Indian 
14.31 	Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, section 1903, and section 260.755, 
14.32 	subdivision 8; and (ii) identify and request participation of the Indian child's tribe at the 
14.33 	earliest point possible and throughout the investigation or assessment, case planning, 
14.34 	provision of services, and case completion;
15.1 	(2) whether the local social services agency requested that a tribally designated 
15.2 	representative with substantial knowledge of prevailing social and cultural standards 
15.3 	and child-rearing practices within the tribal community evaluate the circumstances of 
15.4 	the Indian child's family and assist in developing a case plan that uses tribal and Indian 
15.5 	community resources;
15.6 	(3) whether the local social services agency provided concrete services and access 
15.7 	to both tribal and nontribal services to members of the Indian child's family, including 
15.8 	but not limited to financial assistance, food, housing, health care, transportation, in-home 
15.9 	services, community support services, and specialized services; and whether these services 
15.10 	are being provided in an ongoing manner throughout the agency's involvement with the 
15.11 	family, to directly assist the family in accessing and utilizing services to maintain the 
15.12 	Indian family, or reunify the Indian family as soon as safety can be assured if out-of-home 
15.13 	placement has occurred;
15.14 	(4) whether the local social services agency notified and consulted with the Indian 
15.15 	child's extended family members, as identified by the child, the child's parents, or the 
15.16 	tribe; whether extended family members were consulted to provide support to the child 
15.17 	and parents, to inform the local social services agency and court as to cultural connections 
15.18 	and family structure, to assist in identifying appropriate cultural services and supports for 
15.19 	the child and parents, and to identify and serve as a placement and permanency resource 
15.20 	for the child; and if there was difficulty contacting or engaging with extended family 
15.21 	members, whether assistance was sought from the tribe, the Department of Human 
15.22 	Services, or other agencies with expertise in working with Indian families;
15.23 	(5) whether the local social services agency provided services and resources to 
15.24 	relatives who are considered the primary placement option for an Indian child, as agreed 
15.25 	by the local social services agency and the tribe, to overcome barriers to providing care 
15.26 	to an Indian child. Services and resources shall include but are not limited to child care 
15.27 	assistance, financial assistance, housing resources, emergency resources, and foster care 
15.28 	licensing assistance and resources; and
15.29 	(6) whether the local social services agency arranged for visitation to occur, whenever 
15.30 	possible, in the home of the Indian child's parent, Indian custodian, or other family member 
15.31 	or in another noninstitutional setting, in order to keep the child in close contact with 
15.32 	parents, siblings, and other relatives regardless of the child's age and to allow the child and 
15.33 	those with whom the child visits to have natural, unsupervised interaction when consistent 
15.34 	with protecting the child's safety; and whether the local social services agency consulted 
15.35 	with a tribal representative to determine and arrange for visitation in the most natural 
15.36 	setting that ensures the child's safety, when the child's safety requires supervised visitation.

16.1 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260.771, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
16.2 		Subd. 3.Transfer of proceedings. (a) In a proceeding for: (1) the termination of 
16.3 	parental rights; or (2) the involuntary foster care placement of an Indian child not within 
16.4 	the jurisdiction of subdivision 1, the court, in the absence of good cause to the contrary, 
16.5 	shall transfer the proceeding to the jurisdiction of the tribe absent objection by either 
16.6 	parent, upon the petition of either parent or, the Indian custodian, or the Indian child's 
16.7 	tribe. The transfer is subject to declination by the tribal court of the tribe.
16.8 	(b) In a proceeding for the preadoptive or adoptive placement of an Indian child not 
16.9 	within the jurisdiction of subdivision 1, the court, in the absence of good cause to the 
16.10 	contrary, shall transfer the proceeding to the jurisdiction of the tribe. The transfer is 
16.11 	subject to declination by the tribal court of the tribe. For the purposes of this subdivision, 
16.12 	"preadoptive placement" and "adoptive placement" have the meanings give in section 
16.13 	260.755, subdivision 3.
16.14 	(c) At any point in a proceeding for finalizing a permanency plan, the court, in the 
16.15 	absence of good cause to the contrary and in the absence of an objection by either parent, 
16.16 	shall transfer the proceeding to tribal court for the purpose of achieving a customary 
16.17 	adoption or other culturally appropriate permanency option. This transfer shall be made 
16.18 	upon the petition of a parent whose parental rights have not been terminated, the Indian 
16.19 	custodian, or the Indian child's tribe. The transfer is subject to declination by the tribal 
16.20 	court of the tribe.

16.21 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260B.007, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
16.22 		Subd. 12.Relative. "Relative" means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, 
16.23 	sister, uncle, or aunt of the minor. This relationship may be by blood or marriage. For an 
16.24 	Indian child, relative includes members a person who is a member of the Indian child's 
16.25 	extended family as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe or, in the 
16.26 	absence of laws or custom, nieces, nephews, or first or second cousins, as provided in the 
16.27 	Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1903.

16.28 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.007, is amended by adding a 
16.29 	subdivision to read:
16.30 		Subd. 26b.Relative of an Indian child. "Relative of an Indian child" means a 
16.31 	person who is a member of the Indian child's family as defined in the Indian Child Welfare 
16.32 	Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1903, paragraphs (2), (6), and (9).

16.33 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.007, subdivision 27, is amended to read:
17.1 		Subd. 27.Relative. "Relative" means a person related to the child by blood, 
17.2 	marriage, or adoption, or an individual who is an important friend with whom the child 
17.3 	has resided or had significant contact. For an Indian child, relative includes members of 
17.4 	the extended family as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe or, in the 
17.5 	absence of law or custom, nieces, nephews, or first or second cousins, as provided in the 
17.6 	Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1903.

17.7 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.168, is amended to read:
17.8 	260C.168 COMPLIANCE WITH INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT AND 
17.9 	MINNESOTA INDIAN FAMILY PRESERVATION ACT.
17.10 	The provisions of this chapter must be construed consistently with the Indian 
17.11 	Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1963, and the 
17.12 	Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, sections 260.751 to 260.835.

17.13 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.178, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
17.14 		Subdivision 1.Hearing and release requirements. (a) If a child was taken into 
17.15 	custody under section 260C.175, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2), item (ii), the court shall 
17.16 	hold a hearing within 72 hours of the time the child was taken into custody, excluding 
17.17 	Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, to determine whether the child should continue in 
17.18 	custody.
17.19 	(b) Unless there is reason to believe that the child would endanger self or others or 
17.20 	not return for a court hearing, or that the child's health or welfare would be immediately 
17.21 	endangered, the child shall be released to the custody of a parent, guardian, custodian, 
17.22 	or other suitable person, subject to reasonable conditions of release including, but not 
17.23 	limited to, a requirement that the child undergo a chemical use assessment as provided in 
17.24 	section 260C.157, subdivision 1.
17.25 	(c) If the court determines there is reason to believe that the child would endanger 
17.26 	self or others or not return for a court hearing, or that the child's health or welfare would 
17.27 	be immediately endangered if returned to the care of the parent or guardian who has 
17.28 	custody and from whom the child was removed, the court shall order the child into 
17.29 	foster care under the legal responsibility of the responsible social services agency or 
17.30 	responsible probation or corrections agency for the purposes of protective care as that term 
17.31 	is used in the juvenile court rules or into the home of a noncustodial parent and order the 
17.32 	noncustodial parent to comply with any conditions the court determines to be appropriate 
17.33 	to the safety and care of the child, including cooperating with paternity establishment 
17.34 	proceedings in the case of a man who has not been adjudicated the child's father. The 
18.1 	court shall not give the responsible social services legal custody and order a trial home 
18.2 	visit at any time prior to adjudication and disposition under section 260C.201, subdivision 
18.3 	1, paragraph (a), clause (3), but may order the child returned to the care of the parent or 
18.4 	guardian who has custody and from whom the child was removed and order the parent or 
18.5 	guardian to comply with any conditions the court determines to be appropriate to meet 
18.6 	the safety, health, and welfare of the child.
18.7 	(d) In determining whether the child's health or welfare would be immediately 
18.8 	endangered, the court shall consider whether the child would reside with a perpetrator 
18.9 	of domestic child abuse.
18.10 	(e) The court, before determining whether a child should be placed in or continue 
18.11 	in foster care under the protective care of the responsible agency, shall also make a 
18.12 	determination, consistent with section 260.012 as to whether reasonable efforts were made 
18.13 	to prevent placement or whether reasonable efforts to prevent placement are not required. 
18.14 	In the case of an Indian child, the court shall determine whether active efforts, according 
18.15 	to section 260.762 and the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 
18.16 	25, section 1912(d), were made to prevent placement. The court shall enter a finding that 
18.17 	the responsible social services agency has made reasonable efforts to prevent placement 
18.18 	when the agency establishes either:
18.19 	(1) that it has actually provided services or made efforts in an attempt to prevent 
18.20 	the child's removal but that such services or efforts have not proven sufficient to permit 
18.21 	the child to safely remain in the home; or
18.22 	(2) that there are no services or other efforts that could be made at the time of the 
18.23 	hearing that could safely permit the child to remain home or to return home. When 
18.24 	reasonable efforts to prevent placement are required and there are services or other efforts 
18.25 	that could be ordered which would permit the child to safely return home, the court shall 
18.26 	order the child returned to the care of the parent or guardian and the services or efforts put 
18.27 	in place to ensure the child's safety. When the court makes a prima facie determination 
18.28 	that one of the circumstances under paragraph (g) exists, the court shall determine that 
18.29 	reasonable efforts to prevent placement and to return the child to the care of the parent or 
18.30 	guardian are not required.
18.31 	If the court finds the social services agency's preventive or reunification efforts 
18.32 	have not been reasonable but further preventive or reunification efforts could not permit 
18.33 	the child to safely remain at home, the court may nevertheless authorize or continue 
18.34 	the removal of the child.
18.35 	(f) The court may not order or continue the foster care placement of the child unless 
18.36 	the court makes explicit, individualized findings that continued custody of the child by 
19.1 	the parent or guardian would be contrary to the welfare of the child and that placement is 
19.2 	in the best interest of the child.
19.3 	(g) At the emergency removal hearing, or at any time during the course of the 
19.4 	proceeding, and upon notice and request of the county attorney, the court shall determine 
19.5 	whether a petition has been filed stating a prima facie case that:
19.6 	(1) the parent has subjected a child to egregious harm as defined in section 
19.7 	260C.007, subdivision 14;
19.8 	(2) the parental rights of the parent to another child have been involuntarily 
19.9 	terminated;
19.10 	(3) the child is an abandoned infant under section 260C.301, subdivision 2, 
19.11 	paragraph (a), clause (2);
19.12 	(4) the parents' custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily transferred 
19.13 	to a relative under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph 
19.14 	(e), clause (1); section 260C.515, subdivision 4; or a similar law of another jurisdiction;
19.15 	(5) the parent has committed sexual abuse as defined in section 626.556, subdivision 
19.16 	2, against the child or another child of the parent;
19.17 	(6) the parent has committed an offense that requires registration as a predatory 
19.18 	offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b); or
19.19 	(7) the provision of services or further services for the purpose of reunification is 
19.20 	futile and therefore unreasonable.
19.21 	(h) When a petition to terminate parental rights is required under section 260C.301, 
19.22 	subdivision 4, or 260C.503, subdivision 2, but the county attorney has determined not to 
19.23 	proceed with a termination of parental rights petition, and has instead filed a petition to 
19.24 	transfer permanent legal and physical custody to a relative under section 260C.507, the 
19.25 	court shall schedule a permanency hearing within 30 days of the filing of the petition.
19.26 	(i) If the county attorney has filed a petition under section 260C.307, the court shall 
19.27 	schedule a trial under section 260C.163 within 90 days of the filing of the petition except 
19.28 	when the county attorney determines that the criminal case shall proceed to trial first under 
19.29 	section 260C.503, subdivision 2, paragraph (c).
19.30 	(j) If the court determines the child should be ordered into foster care and the child's 
19.31 	parent refuses to give information to the responsible social services agency regarding 
19.32 	the child's father or relatives of the child, the court may order the parent to disclose the 
19.33 	names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other identifying information to the responsible 
19.34 	social services agency for the purpose of complying with sections 260C.151, 260C.212, 
19.35 	260C.215, and 260C.221.
20.1 	(k) If a child ordered into foster care has siblings, whether full, half, or step, who 
20.2 	are also ordered into foster care, the court shall inquire of the responsible social services 
20.3 	agency of the efforts to place the children together as required by section 260C.212, 
20.4 	subdivision 2, paragraph (d), if placement together is in each child's best interests, unless 
20.5 	a child is in placement for treatment or a child is placed with a previously noncustodial 
20.6 	parent who is not a parent to all siblings. If the children are not placed together at the time 
20.7 	of the hearing, the court shall inquire at each subsequent hearing of the agency's reasonable 
20.8 	efforts to place the siblings together, as required under section 260.012. If any sibling is 
20.9 	not placed with another sibling or siblings, the agency must develop a plan to facilitate 
20.10 	visitation or ongoing contact among the siblings as required under section 260C.212, 
20.11 	subdivision 1, unless it is contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings to do so.
20.12 	(l) When the court has ordered the child into foster care or into the home of a 
20.13 	noncustodial parent, the court may order a chemical dependency evaluation, mental health 
20.14 	evaluation, medical examination, and parenting assessment for the parent as necessary 
20.15 	to support the development of a plan for reunification required under subdivision 7 and 
20.16 	section 260C.212, subdivision 1, or the child protective services plan under section 
20.17 	626.556, subdivision 10, and Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0228.

20.18 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.201, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
20.19 		Subd. 5.Visitation. If the court orders the child into foster care, the court shall 
20.20 	review and either modify or approve the agency's plan for supervised or unsupervised 
20.21 	visitation that contributes to the objectives of the court-ordered case plan and the 
20.22 	maintenance of the familial relationship, and that meets the requirements of section 
20.23 	260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (5). No parent may be denied visitation 
20.24 	unless the court finds at the disposition hearing that the visitation would endanger the 
20.25 	child's physical or emotional well-being, is not in the child's best interests, or is not 
20.26 	required under section 260C.178, subdivision 3, paragraph (c) or (d). The court shall 
20.27 	review and either modify or approve the agency plan for visitation for any relatives as 
20.28 	defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 26b or 27, and with siblings of the child, if 
20.29 	visitation is consistent with the best interests of the child.

20.30 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.212, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
20.31 		Subdivision 1.Out-of-home placement; plan. (a) An out-of-home placement plan 
20.32 	shall be prepared within 30 days after any child is placed in foster care by court order or a 
20.33 	voluntary placement agreement between the responsible social services agency and the 
20.34 	child's parent pursuant to section 260C.227 or chapter 260D.
21.1 	(b) An out-of-home placement plan means a written document which is prepared 
21.2 	by the responsible social services agency jointly with the parent or parents or guardian 
21.3 	of the child and in consultation with the child's guardian ad litem, the child's tribe, if the 
21.4 	child is an Indian child, the child's foster parent or representative of the foster care facility, 
21.5 	and, where appropriate, the child. For a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under 
21.6 	chapter 260D, preparation of the out-of-home placement plan shall additionally include 
21.7 	the child's mental health treatment provider. As appropriate, the plan shall be:
21.8 	(1) submitted to the court for approval under section 260C.178, subdivision 7;
21.9 	(2) ordered by the court, either as presented or modified after hearing, under section 
21.10 	260C.178, subdivision 7, or 260C.201, subdivision 6; and
21.11 	(3) signed by the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the child's guardian ad 
21.12 	litem, a representative of the child's tribe, the responsible social services agency, and, if 
21.13 	possible, the child.
21.14 	(c) The out-of-home placement plan shall be explained to all persons involved in its 
21.15 	implementation, including the child who has signed the plan, and shall set forth:
21.16 	(1) a description of the foster care home or facility selected, including how the 
21.17 	out-of-home placement plan is designed to achieve a safe placement for the child in the 
21.18 	least restrictive, most family-like, setting available which is in close proximity to the home 
21.19 	of the parent or parents or guardian of the child when the case plan goal is reunification, 
21.20 	and how the placement is consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child 
21.21 	according to the factors under subdivision 2, paragraph (b);
21.22 	(2) the specific reasons for the placement of the child in foster care, and when 
21.23 	reunification is the plan, a description of the problems or conditions in the home of the 
21.24 	parent or parents which necessitated removal of the child from home and the changes the 
21.25 	parent or parents must make in order for the child to safely return home;
21.26 	(3) a description of the services offered and provided to prevent removal of the child 
21.27 	from the home and to reunify the family including:
21.28 	(i) the specific actions to be taken by the parent or parents of the child to eliminate 
21.29 	or correct the problems or conditions identified in clause (2), and the time period during 
21.30 	which the actions are to be taken; and
21.31 	(ii) the reasonable efforts, or in the case of an Indian child, active efforts to be made 
21.32 	to achieve a safe and stable home for the child including social and other supportive 
21.33 	services to be provided or offered to the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the 
21.34 	child, and the residential facility during the period the child is in the residential facility;
21.35 	(4) a description of any services or resources that were requested by the child or the 
21.36 	child's parent, guardian, foster parent, or custodian since the date of the child's placement 
22.1 	in the residential facility, and whether those services or resources were provided and if 
22.2 	not, the basis for the denial of the services or resources;
22.3 	(5) the visitation plan for the parent or parents or guardian, other relatives as defined 
22.4 	in section 260C.007, subdivision 26b or 27, and siblings of the child if the siblings are not 
22.5 	placed together in foster care, and whether visitation is consistent with the best interest 
22.6 	of the child, during the period the child is in foster care;
22.7 	(6) when a child cannot return to or be in the care of either parent, documentation of 
22.8 	steps to finalize the permanency plan for the child, including:
22.9 	(i) reasonable efforts to place the child for adoption. At a minimum, the 
22.10 	documentation must include consideration of whether adoption is in the best interests of 
22.11 	the child, child-specific recruitment efforts such as relative search and the use of state, 
22.12 	regional, and national adoption exchanges to facilitate orderly and timely placements in 
22.13 	and outside of the state. A copy of this documentation shall be provided to the court in the 
22.14 	review required under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, paragraph (b); and
22.15 	(ii) documentation necessary to support the requirements of the kinship placement 
22.16 	agreement under section 256N.22 when adoption is determined not to be in the child's 
22.17 	best interests;
22.18 	(7) efforts to ensure the child's educational stability while in foster care, including:
22.19 	(i) efforts to ensure that the child remains in the same school in which the child was 
22.20 	enrolled prior to placement or upon the child's move from one placement to another, 
22.21 	including efforts to work with the local education authorities to ensure the child's 
22.22 	educational stability; or
22.23 	(ii) if it is not in the child's best interest to remain in the same school that the child 
22.24 	was enrolled in prior to placement or move from one placement to another, efforts to 
22.25 	ensure immediate and appropriate enrollment for the child in a new school;
22.26 	(8) the educational records of the child including the most recent information 
22.27 	available regarding:
22.28 	(i) the names and addresses of the child's educational providers;
22.29 	(ii) the child's grade level performance;
22.30 	(iii) the child's school record;
22.31 	(iv) a statement about how the child's placement in foster care takes into account 
22.32 	proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement; and
22.33 	(v) any other relevant educational information;
22.34 	(9) the efforts by the local agency to ensure the oversight and continuity of health 
22.35 	care services for the foster child, including:
22.36 	(i) the plan to schedule the child's initial health screens;
23.1 	(ii) how the child's known medical problems and identified needs from the screens, 
23.2 	including any known communicable diseases, as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 
23.3 	2, will be monitored and treated while the child is in foster care;
23.4 	(iii) how the child's medical information will be updated and shared, including 
23.5 	the child's immunizations;
23.6 	(iv) who is responsible to coordinate and respond to the child's health care needs, 
23.7 	including the role of the parent, the agency, and the foster parent;
23.8 	(v) who is responsible for oversight of the child's prescription medications;
23.9 	(vi) how physicians or other appropriate medical and nonmedical professionals 
23.10 	will be consulted and involved in assessing the health and well-being of the child and 
23.11 	determine the appropriate medical treatment for the child; and
23.12 	(vii) the responsibility to ensure that the child has access to medical care through 
23.13 	either medical insurance or medical assistance;
23.14 	(10) the health records of the child including information available regarding:
23.15 	(i) the names and addresses of the child's health care and dental care providers;
23.16 	(ii) a record of the child's immunizations;
23.17 	(iii) the child's known medical problems, including any known communicable 
23.18 	diseases as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2;
23.19 	(iv) the child's medications; and
23.20 	(v) any other relevant health care information such as the child's eligibility for 
23.21 	medical insurance or medical assistance;
23.22 	(11) an independent living plan for a child age 16 or older. The plan should include, 
23.23 	but not be limited to, the following objectives:
23.24 	(i) educational, vocational, or employment planning;
23.25 	(ii) health care planning and medical coverage;
23.26 	(iii) transportation including, where appropriate, assisting the child in obtaining a 
23.27 	driver's license;
23.28 	(iv) money management, including the responsibility of the agency to ensure that 
23.29 	the youth annually receives, at no cost to the youth, a consumer report as defined under 
23.30 	section 13C.001 and assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report;
23.31 	(v) planning for housing;
23.32 	(vi) social and recreational skills; and
23.33 	(vii) establishing and maintaining connections with the child's family and 
23.34 	community; and
24.1 	(12) for a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, diagnostic 
24.2 	and assessment information, specific services relating to meeting the mental health care 
24.3 	needs of the child, and treatment outcomes.
24.4 	(d) The parent or parents or guardian and the child each shall have the right to legal 
24.5 	counsel in the preparation of the case plan and shall be informed of the right at the time 
24.6 	of placement of the child. The child shall also have the right to a guardian ad litem. 
24.7 	If unable to employ counsel from their own resources, the court shall appoint counsel 
24.8 	upon the request of the parent or parents or the child or the child's legal guardian. The 
24.9 	parent or parents may also receive assistance from any person or social services agency 
24.10 	in preparation of the case plan.
24.11 	After the plan has been agreed upon by the parties involved or approved or ordered 
24.12 	by the court, the foster parents shall be fully informed of the provisions of the case plan 
24.13 	and shall be provided a copy of the plan.
24.14 	Upon discharge from foster care, the parent, adoptive parent, or permanent legal and 
24.15 	physical custodian, as appropriate, and the child, if appropriate, must be provided with 
24.16 	a current copy of the child's health and education record.

24.17 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.212, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
24.18 		Subd. 2.Placement decisions based on best interests of the child. (a) The 
24.19 	policy of the state of Minnesota is to ensure that the child's best interests are met by 
24.20 	requiring an individualized determination of the needs of the child and of how the selected 
24.21 	placement will serve the needs of the child being placed. The authorized child-placing 
24.22 	agency shall place a child, released by court order or by voluntary release by the parent 
24.23 	or parents, in a family foster home selected by considering placement with relatives and 
24.24 	important friends in the following order:
24.25 	(1) with an individual who is related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption; or
24.26 	(2) with an individual who is an important friend with whom the child has resided or 
24.27 	had significant contact.
24.28 	For an Indian child, the agency shall follow the order of placement preferences in the 
24.29 	Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1915.
24.30 	(b) Among the factors the agency shall consider in determining the needs of the 
24.31 	child are the following:
24.32 	(1) the child's current functioning and behaviors;
24.33 	(2) the medical needs of the child;
24.34 	(3) the educational needs of the child;
24.35 	(4) the developmental needs of the child;
25.1 	(5) the child's history and past experience;
25.2 	(6) the child's religious and cultural needs;
25.3 	(7) the child's connection with a community, school, and faith community;
25.4 	(8) the child's interests and talents;
25.5 	(9) the child's relationship to current caretakers, parents, siblings, and relatives; and
25.6 	(10) the reasonable preference of the child, if the court, or the child-placing agency 
25.7 	in the case of a voluntary placement, deems the child to be of sufficient age to express 
25.8 	preferences.; and
25.9 	(11) for an Indian child, the best interests of an Indian child as defined in section 
25.10 	260.755, subdivision 2a.
25.11 	(c) Placement of a child cannot be delayed or denied based on race, color, or national 
25.12 	origin of the foster parent or the child.
25.13 	(d) Siblings should be placed together for foster care and adoption at the earliest 
25.14 	possible time unless it is documented that a joint placement would be contrary to the 
25.15 	safety or well-being of any of the siblings or unless it is not possible after reasonable 
25.16 	efforts by the responsible social services agency. In cases where siblings cannot be placed 
25.17 	together, the agency is required to provide frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction 
25.18 	between siblings unless the agency documents that the interaction would be contrary to 
25.19 	the safety or well-being of any of the siblings.
25.20 	(e) Except for emergency placement as provided for in section 245A.035, the 
25.21 	following requirements must be satisfied before the approval of a foster or adoptive 
25.22 	placement in a related or unrelated home: (1) a completed background study under section 
25.23 	245C.08; and (2) a completed review of the written home study required under section 
25.24 	260C.215, subdivision 4, clause (5), or 260C.611, to assess the capacity of the prospective 
25.25 	foster or adoptive parent to ensure the placement will meet the needs of the individual child.

25.26 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.511, is amended to read:
25.27 	260C.511 BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.
25.28 	(a) The "best interests of the child" means all relevant factors to be considered and 
25.29 	evaluated. In the case of an Indian child, best interests of the child includes best interests 
25.30 	of an Indian child as defined in section 260.755, subdivision 2a.
25.31 	(b) In making a permanency disposition order or termination of parental rights, 
25.32 	the court must be governed by the best interests of the child, including a review of the 
25.33 	relationship between the child and relatives and the child and other important persons with 
25.34 	whom the child has resided or had significant contact.

26.1 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
26.2 		Subd. 7.Report; information provided to parent. (a) An oral report shall be 
26.3 	made immediately by telephone or otherwise. An oral report made by a person required 
26.4 	under subdivision 3 to report shall be followed within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends 
26.5 	and holidays, by a report in writing to the appropriate police department, the county 
26.6 	sheriff, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, or the local 
26.7 	welfare agency. The local welfare agency shall determine if the report is accepted for an 
26.8 	assessment or investigation as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours 
26.9 	after the report is received.
26.10 	(b) Any report shall be of sufficient content to identify the child, any person believed 
26.11 	to be responsible for the abuse or neglect of the child if the person is known, the nature 
26.12 	and extent of the abuse or neglect and the name and address of the reporter. The local 
26.13 	welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall 
26.14 	accept a report made under subdivision 3 notwithstanding refusal by a reporter to provide 
26.15 	the reporter's name or address as long as the report is otherwise sufficient under this 
26.16 	paragraph. Written reports received by a police department or the county sheriff shall be 
26.17 	forwarded immediately to the local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing 
26.18 	or investigating the report. The police department or the county sheriff may keep copies of 
26.19 	reports received by them. Copies of written reports received by a local welfare department 
26.20 	or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall be forwarded 
26.21 	immediately to the local police department or the county sheriff.
26.22 	(c) When requested, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report 
26.23 	shall inform the reporter within ten days after the report was made, either orally or in 
26.24 	writing, whether the report was accepted or not. If the responsible agency determines the 
26.25 	report does not constitute a report under this section, the agency shall advise the reporter 
26.26 	the report was screened out. A screened-out report must not be used for any purpose other 
26.27 	than making an offer of social services to the subjects of the screened-out report.
26.28 	(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner of education must inform the 
26.29 	parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child who is the subject of a report of alleged 
26.30 	maltreatment in a school facility within ten days of receiving the report, either orally or 
26.31 	in writing, whether the commissioner is assessing or investigating the report of alleged 
26.32 	maltreatment.
26.33 	(e) Regardless of whether a report is made under this subdivision, as soon as 
26.34 	practicable after a school receives information regarding an incident that may constitute 
26.35 	maltreatment of a child in a school facility, the school shall inform the parent, legal 
26.36 	guardian, or custodian of the child that an incident has occurred that may constitute 
27.1 	maltreatment of the child, when the incident occurred, and the nature of the conduct 
27.2 	that may constitute maltreatment.
27.3 	(f) A written copy of a report maintained by personnel of agencies, other than 
27.4 	welfare or law enforcement agencies, which are subject to chapter 13 shall be confidential. 
27.5 	An individual subject of the report may obtain access to the original report as provided 
27.6 	by subdivision 11.

27.7 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
27.8 		Subd. 10.Duties of local welfare agency and local law enforcement agency upon 
27.9 	receipt of report. (a) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall determine 
27.10 	whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or 
27.11 	provide a remedy for child maltreatment. The local welfare agency:
27.12 	(1) shall conduct an investigation on reports involving substantial child 
27.13 	endangerment;
27.14 	(2) shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time when it is using a family 
27.15 	assessment response, it determines that there is reason to believe that substantial child 
27.16 	endangerment or a serious threat to the child's safety exists;
27.17 	(3) may conduct a family assessment for reports that do not allege substantial child 
27.18 	endangerment. In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the local welfare 
27.19 	agency may consider issues of child safety, parental cooperation, and the need for an 
27.20 	immediate response; and
27.21 	(4) may conduct a family assessment on a report that was initially screened and 
27.22 	assigned for an investigation. In determining that a complete investigation is not required, 
27.23 	the local welfare agency must document the reason for terminating the investigation and 
27.24 	notify the local law enforcement agency if the local law enforcement agency is conducting 
27.25 	a joint investigation.; and
27.26 	(5) shall provide immediate notice, according to section 260.761, subdivision 2, to 
27.27 	an Indian child's tribe when the agency has reason to believe the family assessment or 
27.28 	investigation may involve an Indian child. For purposes of this clause, "immediate notice" 
27.29 	means notice provided within 24 hours.
27.30 	If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, 
27.31 	or individual functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the child's 
27.32 	care, or sexual abuse by a person with a significant relationship to the child when that 
27.33 	person resides in the child's household or by a sibling, the local welfare agency shall 
27.34 	immediately conduct a family assessment or investigation as identified in clauses (1) to 
27.35 	(4). In conducting a family assessment or investigation, the local welfare agency shall 
28.1 	gather information on the existence of substance abuse and domestic violence and offer 
28.2 	services for purposes of preventing future child maltreatment, safeguarding and enhancing 
28.3 	the welfare of the abused or neglected minor, and supporting and preserving family 
28.4 	life whenever possible. If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving 
28.5 	sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect or endangerment, under section 609.378, the 
28.6 	local law enforcement agency and local welfare agency shall coordinate the planning and 
28.7 	execution of their respective investigation and assessment efforts to avoid a duplication of 
28.8 	fact-finding efforts and multiple interviews. Each agency shall prepare a separate report of 
28.9 	the results of its investigation. In cases of alleged child maltreatment resulting in death, 
28.10 	the local agency may rely on the fact-finding efforts of a law enforcement investigation 
28.11 	to make a determination of whether or not maltreatment occurred. When necessary the 
28.12 	local welfare agency shall seek authority to remove the child from the custody of a parent, 
28.13 	guardian, or adult with whom the child is living. In performing any of these duties, the 
28.14 	local welfare agency shall maintain appropriate records.
28.15 	If the family assessment or investigation indicates there is a potential for abuse of 
28.16 	alcohol or other drugs by the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the child's care, 
28.17 	the local welfare agency shall conduct a chemical use assessment pursuant to Minnesota 
28.18 	Rules, part 9530.6615.
28.19 	(b) When a local agency receives a report or otherwise has information indicating 
28.20 	that a child who is a client, as defined in section 245.91, has been the subject of physical 
28.21 	abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect at an agency, facility, or program as defined in section 
28.22 	245.91, it shall, in addition to its other duties under this section, immediately inform the 
28.23 	ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97. The commissioner of education 
28.24 	shall inform the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97 of reports 
28.25 	regarding a child defined as a client in section 245.91 that maltreatment occurred at a 
28.26 	school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and 124D.10.
28.27 	(c) Authority of the local welfare agency responsible for assessing or investigating 
28.28 	the child abuse or neglect report, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating 
28.29 	the report, and of the local law enforcement agency for investigating the alleged abuse or 
28.30 	neglect includes, but is not limited to, authority to interview, without parental consent, 
28.31 	the alleged victim and any other minors who currently reside with or who have resided 
28.32 	with the alleged offender. The interview may take place at school or at any facility or 
28.33 	other place where the alleged victim or other minors might be found or the child may be 
28.34 	transported to, and the interview conducted at, a place appropriate for the interview of a 
28.35 	child designated by the local welfare agency or law enforcement agency. The interview 
28.36 	may take place outside the presence of the alleged offender or parent, legal custodian, 
29.1 	guardian, or school official. For family assessments, it is the preferred practice to request 
29.2 	a parent or guardian's permission to interview the child prior to conducting the child 
29.3 	interview, unless doing so would compromise the safety assessment. Except as provided in 
29.4 	this paragraph, the parent, legal custodian, or guardian shall be notified by the responsible 
29.5 	local welfare or law enforcement agency no later than the conclusion of the investigation 
29.6 	or assessment that this interview has occurred. Notwithstanding rule 32 of the Minnesota 
29.7 	Rules of Procedure for Juvenile Courts, the juvenile court may, after hearing on an ex parte 
29.8 	motion by the local welfare agency, order that, where reasonable cause exists, the agency 
29.9 	withhold notification of this interview from the parent, legal custodian, or guardian. If the 
29.10 	interview took place or is to take place on school property, the order shall specify that 
29.11 	school officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents 
29.12 	of the notification of intent to interview the child on school property, as provided under 
29.13 	this paragraph, and any other related information regarding the interview that may be a 
29.14 	part of the child's school record. A copy of the order shall be sent by the local welfare or 
29.15 	law enforcement agency to the appropriate school official.
29.16 	(d) When the local welfare, local law enforcement agency, or the agency responsible 
29.17 	for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment determines that an interview should 
29.18 	take place on school property, written notification of intent to interview the child on school 
29.19 	property must be received by school officials prior to the interview. The notification 
29.20 	shall include the name of the child to be interviewed, the purpose of the interview, and 
29.21 	a reference to the statutory authority to conduct an interview on school property. For 
29.22 	interviews conducted by the local welfare agency, the notification shall be signed by the 
29.23 	chair of the local social services agency or the chair's designee. The notification shall be 
29.24 	private data on individuals subject to the provisions of this paragraph. School officials 
29.25 	may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification 
29.26 	or any other related information regarding the interview until notified in writing by the 
29.27 	local welfare or law enforcement agency that the investigation or assessment has been 
29.28 	concluded, unless a school employee or agent is alleged to have maltreated the child. 
29.29 	Until that time, the local welfare or law enforcement agency or the agency responsible 
29.30 	for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment shall be solely responsible for any 
29.31 	disclosures regarding the nature of the assessment or investigation.
29.32 	Except where the alleged offender is believed to be a school official or employee, 
29.33 	the time and place, and manner of the interview on school premises shall be within the 
29.34 	discretion of school officials, but the local welfare or law enforcement agency shall have 
29.35 	the exclusive authority to determine who may attend the interview. The conditions as to 
29.36 	time, place, and manner of the interview set by the school officials shall be reasonable and 
30.1 	the interview shall be conducted not more than 24 hours after the receipt of the notification 
30.2 	unless another time is considered necessary by agreement between the school officials and 
30.3 	the local welfare or law enforcement agency. Where the school fails to comply with the 
30.4 	provisions of this paragraph, the juvenile court may order the school to comply. Every 
30.5 	effort must be made to reduce the disruption of the educational program of the child, other 
30.6 	students, or school staff when an interview is conducted on school premises.
30.7 	(e) Where the alleged offender or a person responsible for the care of the alleged 
30.8 	victim or other minor prevents access to the victim or other minor by the local welfare 
30.9 	agency, the juvenile court may order the parents, legal custodian, or guardian to produce 
30.10 	the alleged victim or other minor for questioning by the local welfare agency or the local 
30.11 	law enforcement agency outside the presence of the alleged offender or any person 
30.12 	responsible for the child's care at reasonable places and times as specified by court order.
30.13 	(f) Before making an order under paragraph (e), the court shall issue an order to 
30.14 	show cause, either upon its own motion or upon a verified petition, specifying the basis for 
30.15 	the requested interviews and fixing the time and place of the hearing. The order to show 
30.16 	cause shall be served personally and shall be heard in the same manner as provided in 
30.17 	other cases in the juvenile court. The court shall consider the need for appointment of a 
30.18 	guardian ad litem to protect the best interests of the child. If appointed, the guardian ad 
30.19 	litem shall be present at the hearing on the order to show cause.
30.20 	(g) The commissioner of human services, the ombudsman for mental health and 
30.21 	developmental disabilities, the local welfare agencies responsible for investigating reports, 
30.22 	the commissioner of education, and the local law enforcement agencies have the right to 
30.23 	enter facilities as defined in subdivision 2 and to inspect and copy the facility's records, 
30.24 	including medical records, as part of the investigation. Notwithstanding the provisions of 
30.25 	chapter 13, they also have the right to inform the facility under investigation that they are 
30.26 	conducting an investigation, to disclose to the facility the names of the individuals under 
30.27 	investigation for abusing or neglecting a child, and to provide the facility with a copy of 
30.28 	the report and the investigative findings.
30.29 	(h) The local welfare agency responsible for conducting a family assessment or 
30.30 	investigation shall collect available and relevant information to determine child safety, 
30.31 	risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs and share not public 
30.32 	information with an Indian's tribal social services agency without violating any law of the 
30.33 	state that may otherwise impose duties of confidentiality on the local welfare agency in 
30.34 	order to implement the tribal state agreement. The local welfare agency or the agency 
30.35 	responsible for investigating the report shall collect available and relevant information 
30.36 	to ascertain whether maltreatment occurred and whether protective services are needed. 
31.1 	Information collected includes, when relevant, information with regard to the person 
31.2 	reporting the alleged maltreatment, including the nature of the reporter's relationship to the 
31.3 	child and to the alleged offender, and the basis of the reporter's knowledge for the report; 
31.4 	the child allegedly being maltreated; the alleged offender; the child's caretaker; and other 
31.5 	collateral sources having relevant information related to the alleged maltreatment. The 
31.6 	local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report may make a 
31.7 	determination of no maltreatment early in an investigation, and close the case and retain 
31.8 	immunity, if the collected information shows no basis for a full investigation.
31.9 	Information relevant to the assessment or investigation must be asked for, and 
31.10 	may include:
31.11 	(1) the child's sex and age, prior reports of maltreatment, information relating 
31.12 	to developmental functioning, credibility of the child's statement, and whether the 
31.13 	information provided under this clause is consistent with other information collected 
31.14 	during the course of the assessment or investigation;
31.15 	(2) the alleged offender's age, a record check for prior reports of maltreatment, and 
31.16 	criminal charges and convictions. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for 
31.17 	assessing or investigating the report must provide the alleged offender with an opportunity 
31.18 	to make a statement. The alleged offender may submit supporting documentation relevant 
31.19 	to the assessment or investigation;
31.20 	(3) collateral source information regarding the alleged maltreatment and care of the 
31.21 	child. Collateral information includes, when relevant: (i) a medical examination of the 
31.22 	child; (ii) prior medical records relating to the alleged maltreatment or the care of the 
31.23 	child maintained by any facility, clinic, or health care professional and an interview with 
31.24 	the treating professionals; and (iii) interviews with the child's caretakers, including the 
31.25 	child's parent, guardian, foster parent, child care provider, teachers, counselors, family 
31.26 	members, relatives, and other persons who may have knowledge regarding the alleged 
31.27 	maltreatment and the care of the child; and
31.28 	(4) information on the existence of domestic abuse and violence in the home of 
31.29 	the child, and substance abuse.
31.30 	Nothing in this paragraph precludes the local welfare agency, the local law 
31.31 	enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report 
31.32 	from collecting other relevant information necessary to conduct the assessment or 
31.33 	investigation. Notwithstanding sections 13.384 or 144.291 to 144.298, the local welfare 
31.34 	agency has access to medical data and records for purposes of clause (3). Notwithstanding 
31.35 	the data's classification in the possession of any other agency, data acquired by the 
31.36 	local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report 
32.1 	during the course of the assessment or investigation are private data on individuals and 
32.2 	must be maintained in accordance with subdivision 11. Data of the commissioner of 
32.3 	education collected or maintained during and for the purpose of an investigation of 
32.4 	alleged maltreatment in a school are governed by this section, notwithstanding the data's 
32.5 	classification as educational, licensing, or personnel data under chapter 13.
32.6 	In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined 
32.7 	in subdivision 2, paragraph (i), the commissioner of education shall collect investigative 
32.8 	reports and data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are from local law 
32.9 	enforcement and the school facility.
32.10 	(i) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall conduct a face-to-face 
32.11 	contact with the child reported to be maltreated and with the child's primary caregiver 
32.12 	sufficient to complete a safety assessment and ensure the immediate safety of the child. 
32.13 	The face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver shall occur immediately 
32.14 	if substantial child endangerment is alleged and within five calendar days for all other 
32.15 	reports. If the alleged offender was not already interviewed as the primary caregiver, the 
32.16 	local welfare agency shall also conduct a face-to-face interview with the alleged offender 
32.17 	in the early stages of the assessment or investigation. At the initial contact, the local child 
32.18 	welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report must 
32.19 	inform the alleged offender of the complaints or allegations made against the individual in 
32.20 	a manner consistent with laws protecting the rights of the person who made the report. 
32.21 	The interview with the alleged offender may be postponed if it would jeopardize an active 
32.22 	law enforcement investigation.
32.23 	(j) When conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall use a question 
32.24 	and answer interviewing format with questioning as nondirective as possible to elicit 
32.25 	spontaneous responses. For investigations only, the following interviewing methods and 
32.26 	procedures must be used whenever possible when collecting information:
32.27 	(1) audio recordings of all interviews with witnesses and collateral sources; and
32.28 	(2) in cases of alleged sexual abuse, audio-video recordings of each interview with 
32.29 	the alleged victim and child witnesses.
32.30 	(k) In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as 
32.31 	defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i), the commissioner of education shall collect 
32.32 	available and relevant information and use the procedures in paragraphs (i), (k), and 
32.33 	subdivision 3d, except that the requirement for face-to-face observation of the child 
32.34 	and face-to-face interview of the alleged offender is to occur in the initial stages of the 
32.35 	assessment or investigation provided that the commissioner may also base the assessment 
32.36 	or investigation on investigative reports and data received from the school facility and 
33.1 	local law enforcement, to the extent those investigations satisfy the requirements of 
33.2 	paragraphs (i) and (k), and subdivision 3d.

33.3 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 11d, is amended to read:
33.4 		Subd. 11d.Disclosure in child fatality or near-fatality cases. (a) The definitions 
33.5 	in this paragraph apply to this section.
33.6 	(1) "Child fatality" means the death of a child from suspected child abuse, or
33.7 	neglect, or maltreatment.
33.8 	(2) "Near fatality" means a case in which a physician determines that a child is in 
33.9 	serious or critical condition as the result of sickness or injury caused by suspected child
33.10 	abuse, or neglect, or maltreatment.
33.11 	(3) "Findings and information" means a written summary described in paragraph 
33.12 	(c) of actions taken or services rendered by a local social services agency following 
33.13 	receipt of a report.
33.14 	(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to this subdivision, a 
33.15 	public agency shall disclose to the public, upon request, the findings and information 
33.16 	related to a child fatality or near fatality if:
33.17 	(1) a person is criminally charged with having caused the child fatality or near 
33.18 	fatality; or
33.19 	(2) a county attorney certifies that a person would have been charged with having 
33.20 	caused the child fatality or near fatality but for that person's death.; or
33.21 	(3) a child protection investigation resulted in a determination of child abuse or 
33.22 	neglect.
33.23 	(c) Findings and information disclosed under this subdivision consist of a written 
33.24 	summary that includes any of the following information the agency is able to provide:
33.25 	(1) the dates, outcomes, and results of any actions taken or services rendered cause 
33.26 	and circumstances regarding the child fatality or near fatality;
33.27 	(2) the age and gender of the child;
33.28 	(3) information on any previous reports of child abuse or neglect that are pertinent to 
33.29 	the abuse or neglect that led to the child fatality or near fatality;
33.30 	(4) information on any previous investigations that are pertinent to the abuse or 
33.31 	neglect that led to the child fatality or near fatality;
33.32 	(5) the results of any investigations described in clause (4);
33.33 	(6) actions of and services provided by the local social services agency on behalf 
33.34 	of a child that are pertinent to the child abuse or neglect that led to the child fatality 
33.35 	or near fatality; and
34.1 	(2) (7) the results of any review of the state child mortality review panel, a local child 
34.2 	mortality review panel, a local community child protection team, or any public agency; and.
34.3 	(3) confirmation of the receipt of all reports, accepted or not accepted, by the 
34.4 	local welfare agency for assessment of suspected child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment, 
34.5 	including confirmation that investigations were conducted, the results of the investigations, 
34.6 	a description of the conduct of the most recent investigation and the services rendered, 
34.7 	and a statement of the basis for the agency's determination.
34.8 	(d) Nothing in this subdivision authorizes access to the private data in the custody of 
34.9 	a local social services agency, or the disclosure to the public of the records or content of 
34.10 	any psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic evaluations, or the disclosure of information 
34.11 	that would reveal the identities of persons who provided information related to suspected
34.12 	abuse, or neglect, or maltreatment of the child.
34.13 	(e) A person whose request is denied may apply to the appropriate court for an 
34.14 	order compelling disclosure of all or part of the findings and information of the public 
34.15 	agency. The application must set forth, with reasonable particularity, factors supporting 
34.16 	the application. The court has jurisdiction to issue these orders. Actions under this section 
34.17 	must be set down for immediate hearing, and subsequent proceedings in those actions 
34.18 	must be given priority by the appellate courts.
34.19 	(f) A public agency or its employees acting in good faith in disclosing or declining 
34.20 	to disclose information under this section are immune from criminal or civil liability that 
34.21 	might otherwise be incurred or imposed for that action.

34.22 	Sec. 34. REVIVAL AND REENACTMENT.
 34.23 	Minnesota Statutes, section 518A.53, subdivision 7, is revived and reenacted 
34.24 	retroactively from August 1, 2014. Income withholding implemented after July 31, 2014, 
34.25 	and before the enactment of this section is ratified by the enactment of this section.

34.26 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

34.27 	ARTICLE 2
34.28 	CHEMICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

34.29 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 168.012, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
34.30 		Subdivision 1.Vehicles exempt from tax, fees, or plate display. (a) The following 
34.31 	vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this chapter requiring payment of tax and 
34.32 	registration fees, except as provided in subdivision 1c:
35.1 	(1) vehicles owned and used solely in the transaction of official business by the 
35.2 	federal government, the state, or any political subdivision;
35.3 	(2) vehicles owned and used exclusively by educational institutions and used solely 
35.4 	in the transportation of pupils to and from those institutions;
35.5 	(3) vehicles used solely in driver education programs at nonpublic high schools;
35.6 	(4) vehicles owned by nonprofit charities and used exclusively to transport disabled 
35.7 	persons for charitable, religious, or educational purposes;
35.8 	(5) vehicles owned by nonprofit charities and used exclusively for disaster response 
35.9 	and related activities;
35.10 	(6) vehicles owned by ambulance services licensed under section 144E.10 that 
35.11 	are equipped and specifically intended for emergency response or providing ambulance 
35.12 	services; and
35.13 	(7) vehicles owned by a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, 
35.14 	or an employee of a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, and the 
35.15 	vehicle is used exclusively for driver education and training.
35.16 	(b) Provided the general appearance of the vehicle is unmistakable, the following 
35.17 	vehicles are not required to register or display number plates:
35.18 	(1) vehicles owned by the federal government;
35.19 	(2) fire apparatuses, including fire-suppression support vehicles, owned or leased by 
35.20 	the state or a political subdivision;
35.21 	(3) police patrols owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision; and
35.22 	(4) ambulances owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision.
35.23 	(c) Unmarked vehicles used in general police work, liquor investigations, or arson 
35.24 	investigations, and passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, and buses owned or operated by 
35.25 	the Department of Corrections or by conservation officers of the Division of Enforcement 
35.26 	and Field Service of the Department of Natural Resources, must be registered and must 
35.27 	display appropriate license number plates, furnished by the registrar at cost. Original and 
35.28 	renewal applications for these license plates authorized for use in general police work and 
35.29 	for use by the Department of Corrections or by conservation officers must be accompanied 
35.30 	by a certification signed by the appropriate chief of police if issued to a police vehicle, 
35.31 	the appropriate sheriff if issued to a sheriff's vehicle, the commissioner of corrections if 
35.32 	issued to a Department of Corrections vehicle, or the appropriate officer in charge if 
35.33 	issued to a vehicle of any other law enforcement agency. The certification must be on a 
35.34 	form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicle will be used exclusively 
35.35 	for a purpose authorized by this section.
36.1 	(d) Unmarked vehicles used by the Departments of Revenue and Labor and Industry, 
36.2 	fraud unit, in conducting seizures or criminal investigations must be registered and must 
36.3 	display passenger vehicle classification license number plates, furnished at cost by the 
36.4 	registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates 
36.5 	must be accompanied by a certification signed by the commissioner of revenue or the 
36.6 	commissioner of labor and industry. The certification must be on a form prescribed by 
36.7 	the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the purposes 
36.8 	authorized by this section.
36.9 	(e) Unmarked vehicles used by the Division of Disease Prevention and Control of the 
36.10 	Department of Health must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification 
36.11 	license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original 
36.12 	and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied 
36.13 	by a certification signed by the commissioner of health. The certification must be on a 
36.14 	form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively 
36.15 	for the official duties of the Division of Disease Prevention and Control.
36.16 	(f) Unmarked vehicles used by staff of the Gambling Control Board in gambling 
36.17 	investigations and reviews must be registered and must display passenger vehicle 
36.18 	classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the 
36.19 	registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must 
36.20 	be accompanied by a certification signed by the board chair. The certification must be on a 
36.21 	form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively 
36.22 	for the official duties of the Gambling Control Board.
36.23 	(g) Unmarked vehicles used in general investigation, surveillance, supervision, and 
36.24 	monitoring by the Department of Human Services' Office of Special Investigations' staff; 
36.25 	the Minnesota sex offender program's executive director and the executive director's 
36.26 	staff; and the Office of Inspector General's staff, including, but not limited to, county 
36.27 	fraud prevention investigators, must be registered and must display passenger vehicle 
36.28 	classification license number plates, furnished by the registrar at cost. Original and 
36.29 	renewal applications for passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a 
36.30 	certification signed by the commissioner of human services. The certification must be on a 
36.31 	form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles must be used exclusively 
36.32 	for the official duties of the Office of Special Investigations' staff; the Minnesota sex 
36.33 	offender program's executive director and the executive director's staff; and the Office 
36.34 	of the Inspector General's staff, including, but not limited to, contract and county fraud 
36.35 	prevention investigators.
37.1 	(h) Each state hospital and institution for persons who are mentally ill and 
37.2 	developmentally disabled may have one vehicle without the required identification on 
37.3 	the sides of the vehicle. The vehicle must be registered and must display passenger 
37.4 	vehicle classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the 
37.5 	registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must 
37.6 	be accompanied by a certification signed by the hospital administrator. The certification 
37.7 	must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used 
37.8 	exclusively for the official duties of the state hospital or institution.
37.9 	(i) Each county social service agency may have vehicles used for child and 
37.10 	vulnerable adult protective services without the required identification on the sides of the 
37.11 	vehicle. The vehicles must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification 
37.12 	license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original 
37.13 	and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied 
37.14 	by a certification signed by the agency administrator. The certification must be on a form 
37.15 	prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the 
37.16 	official duties of the social service agency.
37.17 	(j) Unmarked vehicles used in general investigation, surveillance, supervision, and 
37.18 	monitoring by tobacco inspector staff of the Department of Human Services' Alcohol and 
37.19 	Drug Abuse Division for the purposes of tobacco inspections, investigations, and reviews 
37.20 	must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number 
37.21 	plates, furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal applications for passenger 
37.22 	vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the commissioner 
37.23 	of human services. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner 
37.24 	and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively by tobacco inspector staff for the 
37.25 	duties specified in this paragraph.
37.26 	(j) (k) All other motor vehicles must be registered and display tax-exempt number 
37.27 	plates, furnished by the registrar at cost, except as provided in subdivision 1c. All 
37.28 	vehicles required to display tax-exempt number plates must have the name of the state 
37.29 	department or political subdivision, nonpublic high school operating a driver education 
37.30 	program, licensed commercial driving school, or other qualifying organization or entity, 
37.31 	plainly displayed on both sides of the vehicle. This identification must be in a color 
37.32 	giving contrast with that of the part of the vehicle on which it is placed and must endure 
37.33 	throughout the term of the registration. The identification must not be on a removable 
37.34 	plate or placard and must be kept clean and visible at all times; except that a removable 
37.35 	plate or placard may be utilized on vehicles leased or loaned to a political subdivision or 
37.36 	to a nonpublic high school driver education program.

38.1 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.462, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
38.2 		Subd. 4.Case management service provider. (a) "Case management service 
38.3 	provider" means a case manager or case manager associate employed by the county or 
38.4 	other entity authorized by the county board to provide case management services specified 
38.5 	in section 245.4711.
38.6 	(b) A case manager must:
38.7 	(1) be skilled in the process of identifying and assessing a wide range of client needs;
38.8 	(2) be knowledgeable about local community resources and how to use those 
38.9 	resources for the benefit of the client;
38.10 	(3) have a bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences or related fields 
38.11 	including, but not limited to, social work, psychology, or nursing from an accredited 
38.12 	college or university or meet the requirements of paragraph (c); and
38.13 	(4) meet the supervision and continuing education requirements described in 
38.14 	paragraphs (d), (e), and (f), as applicable.
38.15 	(c) Case managers without a bachelor's degree must meet one of the requirements in 
38.16 	clauses (1) to (3):
38.17 	(1) have three or four years of experience as a case manager associate as defined 
38.18 	in this section;
38.19 	(2) be a registered nurse without a bachelor's degree and have a combination 
38.20 	of specialized training in psychiatry and work experience consisting of community 
38.21 	interaction and involvement or community discharge planning in a mental health setting 
38.22 	totaling three years; or
38.23 	(3) be a person who qualified as a case manager under the 1998 Department of 
38.24 	Human Service waiver provision and meet the continuing education and mentoring 
38.25 	requirements in this section.
38.26 	(d) A case manager with at least 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery 
38.27 	of services to adults with mental illness must receive regular ongoing supervision and 
38.28 	clinical supervision totaling 38 hours per year of which at least one hour per month must 
38.29 	be clinical supervision regarding individual service delivery with a case management 
38.30 	supervisor. The remaining 26 hours of supervision may be provided by a case manager with 
38.31 	two years of experience. Group supervision may not constitute more than one-half of the 
38.32 	required supervision hours. Clinical supervision must be documented in the client record.
38.33 	(e) A case manager without 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of 
38.34 	services to adults with mental illness must:
39.1 	(1) receive clinical supervision regarding individual service delivery from a mental 
39.2 	health professional at least one hour per week until the requirement of 2,000 hours of 
39.3 	experience is met; and
39.4 	(2) complete 40 hours of training approved by the commissioner in case management 
39.5 	skills and the characteristics and needs of adults with serious and persistent mental illness.
39.6 	(f) A case manager who is not licensed, registered, or certified by a health-related 
39.7 	licensing board must receive 30 hours of continuing education and training in mental 
39.8 	illness and mental health services every two years.
39.9 	(g) A case manager associate (CMA) must:
39.10 	(1) work under the direction of a case manager or case management supervisor;
39.11 	(2) be at least 21 years of age;
39.12 	(3) have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent; and
39.13 	(4) meet one of the following criteria:
39.14 	(i) have an associate of arts degree in one of the behavioral sciences or human 
39.15 	services;
39.16 	(ii) be a certified peer specialist under section 256B.0615;
39.17 	(ii) (iii) be a registered nurse without a bachelor's degree;
39.18 	(iii) (iv) within the previous ten years, have three years of life experience with 
39.19 	serious and persistent mental illness as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 20; or as 
39.20 	a child had severe emotional disturbance as defined in section 245.4871, subdivision 6; 
39.21 	or have three years life experience as a primary caregiver to an adult with serious and 
39.22 	persistent mental illness within the previous ten years;
39.23 	(iv) (v) have 6,000 hours work experience as a nondegreed state hospital technician; 
39.24 	or
39.25 	(v) (vi) be a mental health practitioner as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 
39.26 	17, clause (2).
39.27 	Individuals meeting one of the criteria in items (i) to (iv) (v), may qualify as a case 
39.28 	manager after four years of supervised work experience as a case manager associate. 
39.29 	Individuals meeting the criteria in item (v) (vi), may qualify as a case manager after three 
39.30 	years of supervised experience as a case manager associate.
39.31 	(h) A case management associate must meet the following supervision, mentoring, 
39.32 	and continuing education requirements:
39.33 	(1) have 40 hours of preservice training described under paragraph (e), clause (2);
39.34 	(2) receive at least 40 hours of continuing education in mental illness and mental 
39.35 	health services annually; and
39.36 	(3) receive at least five hours of mentoring per week from a case management mentor.
40.1 	A "case management mentor" means a qualified, practicing case manager or case 
40.2 	management supervisor who teaches or advises and provides intensive training and 
40.3 	clinical supervision to one or more case manager associates. Mentoring may occur while 
40.4 	providing direct services to consumers in the office or in the field and may be provided 
40.5 	to individuals or groups of case manager associates. At least two mentoring hours per 
40.6 	week must be individual and face-to-face.
40.7 	(i) A case management supervisor must meet the criteria for mental health 
40.8 	professionals, as specified in section 245.462, subdivision 18.
40.9 	(j) An immigrant who does not have the qualifications specified in this subdivision 
40.10 	may provide case management services to adult immigrants with serious and persistent 
40.11 	mental illness who are members of the same ethnic group as the case manager if the person:
40.12 	(1) is currently enrolled in and is actively pursuing credits toward the completion of 
40.13 	a bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences or a related field including, but not 
40.14 	limited to, social work, psychology, or nursing from an accredited college or university;
40.15 	(2) completes 40 hours of training as specified in this subdivision; and
40.16 	(3) receives clinical supervision at least once a week until the requirements of this 
40.17 	subdivision are met.

40.18 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 254B.05, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
40.19 		Subd. 5.Rate requirements. (a) The commissioner shall establish rates for 
40.20 	chemical dependency services and service enhancements funded under this chapter.
40.21 	(b) Eligible chemical dependency treatment services include:
40.22 	(1) outpatient treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, 
40.23 	parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480, or applicable tribal license;
40.24 	(2) medication-assisted therapy services that are licensed according to Minnesota 
40.25 	Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480 and 9530.6500, or applicable tribal license;
40.26 	(3) medication-assisted therapy plus enhanced treatment services that meet the 
40.27 	requirements of clause (2) and provide nine hours of clinical services each week;
40.28 	(4) high, medium, and low intensity residential treatment services that are licensed 
40.29 	according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480 and 9530.6505, or applicable 
40.30 	tribal license which provide, respectively, 30, 15, and five hours of clinical services each 
40.31 	week;
40.32 	(5) hospital-based treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, 
40.33 	parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480, or applicable tribal license and licensed as a hospital under 
40.34 	sections 144.50 to 144.56;
41.1 	(6) adolescent treatment programs that are licensed as outpatient treatment programs 
41.2 	according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6485, or as residential treatment 
41.3 	programs according to Minnesota Rules, parts 2960.0010 to 2960.0220, and 2960.0430 to 
41.4 	2960.0490, or applicable tribal license; and
41.5 	(7) room and board facilities that meet the requirements of section 254B.05, 
41.6 	subdivision 1a.
41.7 	(c) The commissioner shall establish higher rates for programs that meet the 
41.8 	requirements of paragraph (b) and the following additional requirements:
41.9 	(1) programs that serve parents with their children if the program:
41.10 	(i) provides on-site child care during hours of treatment activity that meets the 
41.11 	requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6490, or and meets a criterion to be excluded 
41.12 	from licensure under section 245A.03, subdivision 2; or
41.13 	(ii) arranges for off-site child care during hours of treatment activity at a facility that 
41.14 	is licensed under chapter 245A as:
41.15 	(A) a child care center under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503; or
41.16 	(B) a family child care home under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9502;
41.17 	(2) culturally specific programs as defined in section 254B.01, subdivision 8 4a, if 
41.18 	the program meets the requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6605, subpart 13;
41.19 	(3) programs that offer medical services delivered by appropriately credentialed 
41.20 	health care staff in an amount equal to two hours per client per week if the medical 
41.21 	needs of the client and the nature and provision of any medical services provided are 
41.22 	documented in the client file; and
41.23 	(4) programs that offer services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and 
41.24 	chemical dependency problems if:
41.25 	(i) the program meets the co-occurring requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 
41.26 	9530.6495;
41.27 	(ii) 25 percent of the counseling staff are licensed mental health professionals, as 
41.28 	defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6), or are students or licensing 
41.29 	candidates under the supervision of a licensed alcohol and drug counselor supervisor and 
41.30 	licensed mental health professional, except that no more than 50 percent of the mental 
41.31 	health staff may be students or licensing candidates with time documented to be directly 
41.32 	related to provisions of co-occurring services;
41.33 	(iii) clients scoring positive on a standardized mental health screen receive a mental 
41.34 	health diagnostic assessment within ten days of admission;
41.35 	(iv) the program has standards for multidisciplinary case review that include a 
41.36 	monthly review for each client that, at a minimum, includes a licensed mental health 
42.1 	professional and licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and their involvement in the review 
42.2 	is documented;
42.3 	(v) family education is offered that addresses mental health and substance abuse 
42.4 	disorders and the interaction between the two; and
42.5 	(vi) co-occurring counseling staff will receive eight hours of co-occurring disorder 
42.6 	training annually.
42.7 	(d) In order to be eligible for a higher rate under paragraph (c), clause (1), a program 
42.8 	that provides arrangements for off-site child care must maintain current documentation at 
42.9 	the chemical dependency facility of the child care provider's current licensure to provide 
42.10 	child care services. Programs that provide child care according to paragraph (c), clause 
42.11 	(1), must be deemed in compliance with the licensing requirements in Minnesota Rules, 
42.12 	part 9530.6490.
42.13 	(e) Adolescent residential programs that meet the requirements of Minnesota 
42.14 	Rules, parts 2960.0430 to 2960.0490 and 2960.0580 to 2960.0690, are exempt from the 
42.15 	requirements in paragraph (c), clause (4), items (i) to (iv).
42.16 	(f) Subject to federal approval, chemical dependency services that are otherwise 
42.17 	covered as direct face-to-face services may be provided via two-way interactive video. 
42.18 	The use of two-way interactive video must be medically appropriate to the condition and 
42.19 	needs of the person being served. Reimbursement shall be at the same rates and under the 
42.20 	same conditions that would otherwise apply to direct face-to-face services. The interactive 
42.21 	video equipment and connection must comply with Medicare standards in effect at the 
42.22 	time the service is provided.

42.23 	EFFECTIVE DATE. Paragraph (f) is effective the day following final enactment.

42.24 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
42.25 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
42.26 	the meanings given them.
42.27 	(a) "Children's therapeutic services and supports" means the flexible package of 
42.28 	mental health services for children who require varying therapeutic and rehabilitative 
42.29 	levels of intervention to treat a diagnosed emotional disturbance, as defined in section 
42.30 	245.4871, subdivision 15, or a diagnosed mental illness, as defined in section 245.462, 
42.31 	subdivision 20. The services are time-limited interventions that are delivered using 
42.32 	various treatment modalities and combinations of services designed to reach treatment 
42.33 	outcomes identified in the individual treatment plan.
42.34 	(b) "Clinical supervision" means the overall responsibility of the mental health 
42.35 	professional for the control and direction of individualized treatment planning, service 
43.1 	delivery, and treatment review for each client. A mental health professional who is an 
43.2 	enrolled Minnesota health care program provider accepts full professional responsibility 
43.3 	for a supervisee's actions and decisions, instructs the supervisee in the supervisee's work, 
43.4 	and oversees or directs the supervisee's work.
43.5 	(c) "County board" means the county board of commissioners or board established 
43.6 	under sections 402.01 to 402.10 or 471.59. "Clinical trainee" means a mental health 
43.7 	practitioner who meets the qualifications specified in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0371, 
43.8 	subpart 5, item C.
43.9 	(d) "Crisis assistance" has the meaning given in section 245.4871, subdivision 
43.10 	9a. Crisis assistance entails the development of a written plan to assist a child's family 
43.11 	to contend with a potential future crisis and is distinct from the immediate provision of 
43.12 	crisis intervention services.
43.13 	(e) "Culturally competent provider" means a provider who understands and can 
43.14 	utilize to a client's benefit the client's culture when providing services to the client. A 
43.15 	provider may be culturally competent because the provider is of the same cultural or 
43.16 	ethnic group as the client or the provider has developed the knowledge and skills through 
43.17 	training and experience to provide services to culturally diverse clients.
43.18 	(f) "Day treatment program" for children means a site-based structured mental health 
43.19 	program consisting of psychotherapy for three or more individuals and individual or 
43.20 	group skills training provided by a multidisciplinary team, under the clinical supervision 
43.21 	of a mental health professional.
43.22 	(g) "Diagnostic assessment" has the meaning given in Minnesota Rules, part 
43.23 	9505.0372, subpart 1.
43.24 	(h) "Direct service time" means the time that a mental health professional, clinical 
43.25 	trainee, mental health practitioner, or mental health behavioral aide spends face-to-face 
43.26 	with a client and the client's family or providing covered telemedicine services. Direct 
43.27 	service time includes time in which the provider obtains a client's history, develops a client's 
43.28 	treatment plan, records individual treatment outcomes, or provides service components of 
43.29 	children's therapeutic services and supports. Direct service time does not include time 
43.30 	doing work before and after providing direct services, including scheduling, or maintaining 
43.31 	clinical records, consulting with others about the client's mental health status, preparing 
43.32 	reports, receiving clinical supervision, and revising the client's individual treatment plan.
43.33 	(i) "Direction of mental health behavioral aide" means the activities of a mental 
43.34 	health professional or mental health practitioner in guiding the mental health behavioral 
43.35 	aide in providing services to a client. The direction of a mental health behavioral aide 
44.1 	must be based on the client's individualized treatment plan and meet the requirements in 
44.2 	subdivision 6, paragraph (b), clause (5).
44.3 	(j) "Emotional disturbance" has the meaning given in section 245.4871, subdivision 
44.4 	15. For persons at least age 18 but under age 21, mental illness has the meaning given in 
44.5 	section 245.462, subdivision 20, paragraph (a).
44.6 	(k) "Individual behavioral plan" means a plan of intervention, treatment, and 
44.7 	services for a child written by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner, 
44.8 	under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional, to guide the work of the 
44.9 	mental health behavioral aide.
44.10 	(l) "Individual treatment plan" has the meaning given in section 245.4871, 
44.11 	subdivision 21 Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0371, subpart 7.
44.12 	(m) "Mental health behavioral aide services" means medically necessary one-on-one 
44.13 	activities performed by a trained paraprofessional qualified as provided in subdivision 7, 
44.14 	paragraph (b), clause (3), to assist a child retain or generalize psychosocial skills as taught
44.15 	previously trained by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner and as 
44.16 	described in the child's individual treatment plan and individual behavior plan. Activities 
44.17 	involve working directly with the child or child's family as provided in subdivision 9, 
44.18 	paragraph (b), clause (4).
44.19 	(n) "Mental health practitioner" means an individual as defined in section 245.4871, 
44.20 	subdivision 26 Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0370, subpart 17.
44.21 	(o) "Mental health professional" means an individual as defined in section 245.4871, 
44.22 	subdivision 27, clauses (1) to (6), or tribal vendor as defined in section 256B.02, 
44.23 	subdivision 7, paragraph (b) Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0370, subpart 18.
44.24 	(p) "Mental health service plan development" includes:
44.25 	(1) the development, review, and revision of a child's individual treatment plan, 
44.26 	as provided in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0371, subpart 7, including involvement of 
44.27 	the client or client's parents, primary caregiver, or other person authorized to consent to 
44.28 	mental health services for the client, and including arrangement of treatment and support 
44.29 	activities specified in the individual treatment plan; and
44.30 	(2) administering standardized outcome measurement instruments, determined 
44.31 	and updated by the commissioner, as periodically needed to evaluate the effectiveness 
44.32 	of treatment for children receiving clinical services and reporting outcome measures, 
44.33 	as required by the commissioner.
44.34 	(q) "Mental illness," for persons at least age 18 but under age 21, has the meaning 
44.35 	given in section 245.462, subdivision 20, paragraph (a).
45.1 	(r) "Psychotherapy" means the treatment of mental or emotional disorders or 
45.2 	maladjustment by psychological means. Psychotherapy may be provided in many 
45.3 	modalities in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0372, subpart 6, including 
45.4 	patient and/or family psychotherapy; family psychotherapy; psychotherapy for 
45.5 	crisis; group psychotherapy; or multiple-family psychotherapy. Beginning with the 
45.6 	American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology, standard edition, 
45.7 	2014, the procedure "individual psychotherapy" is replaced with "patient and/or family 
45.8 	psychotherapy," a substantive change that permits the therapist to work with the client's 
45.9 	family without the client present to obtain information about the client or to explain the 
45.10 	client's treatment plan to the family. Psychotherapy is appropriate for crisis response 
45.11 	when a child has become dysregulated or experienced new trauma since the diagnostic 
45.12 	assessment was completed and needs psychotherapy to address issues not currently 
45.13 	included in the child's individual treatment plan.
45.14 	(s) "Rehabilitative services" or "psychiatric rehabilitation services" means a series 
45.15 	or multidisciplinary combination of psychiatric and psychosocial interventions to: (1) 
45.16 	restore a child or adolescent to an age-appropriate developmental trajectory that had been 
45.17 	disrupted by a psychiatric illness; or (2) enable the child to self-monitor, compensate 
45.18 	for, cope with, counteract, or replace psychosocial skills deficits or maladaptive skills 
45.19 	acquired over the course of a psychiatric illness. Psychiatric rehabilitation services 
45.20 	for children combine psychotherapy to address internal psychological, emotional, 
45.21 	and intellectual processing deficits, and skills training to restore personal and social 
45.22 	functioning. Psychiatric rehabilitation services establish a progressive series of goals 
45.23 	with each achievement building upon a prior achievement. Continuing progress toward 
45.24 	goals is expected, and rehabilitative potential ceases when successive improvement is not 
45.25 	observable over a period of time.
45.26 	(q) (t) "Skills training" means individual, family, or group training, delivered by or 
45.27 	under the direction supervision of a mental health professional, designed to facilitate the 
45.28 	acquisition of psychosocial skills that are medically necessary to rehabilitate the child to 
45.29 	an age-appropriate developmental trajectory heretofore disrupted by a psychiatric illness 
45.30 	or to enable the child to self-monitor, compensate for, cope with, counteract, or replace 
45.31 	skills deficits or maladaptive skills acquired over the course of a psychiatric illness. Skills 
45.32 	training is subject to the following requirements: service delivery requirements under 
45.33 	subdivision 9, paragraph (b), clause (2).
45.34 	(1) a mental health professional or a mental health practitioner must provide skills 
45.35 	training;
46.1 	(2) the child must always be present during skills training; however, a brief absence 
46.2 	of the child for no more than ten percent of the session unit may be allowed to redirect or 
46.3 	instruct family members;
46.4 	(3) skills training delivered to children or their families must be targeted to the 
46.5 	specific deficits or maladaptations of the child's mental health disorder and must be 
46.6 	prescribed in the child's individual treatment plan;
46.7 	(4) skills training delivered to the child's family must teach skills needed by parents 
46.8 	to enhance the child's skill development and to help the child use in daily life the skills 
46.9 	previously taught by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner and to 
46.10 	develop or maintain a home environment that supports the child's progressive use skills;
46.11 	(5) group skills training may be provided to multiple recipients who, because of the 
46.12 	nature of their emotional, behavioral, or social dysfunction, can derive mutual benefit from 
46.13 	interaction in a group setting, which must be staffed as follows:
46.14 	(i) one mental health professional or one mental health practitioner under supervision 
46.15 	of a licensed mental health professional must work with a group of four to eight clients; or
46.16 	(ii) two mental health professionals or two mental health practitioners under 
46.17 	supervision of a licensed mental health professional, or one professional plus one 
46.18 	practitioner must work with a group of nine to 12 clients.

46.19 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

46.20 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
46.21 		Subd. 2.Covered service components of children's therapeutic services and 
46.22 	supports. (a) Subject to federal approval, medical assistance covers medically necessary 
46.23 	children's therapeutic services and supports as defined in this section that an eligible 
46.24 	provider entity certified under subdivision 4 provides to a client eligible under subdivision 
46.25 	3.
46.26 	(b) The service components of children's therapeutic services and supports are:
46.27 	(1) patient and/or family member psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, 
46.28 	psychotherapy for crisis, and group psychotherapy;
46.29 	(2) individual, family, or group skills training provided by a mental health 
46.30 	professional or mental health practitioner;
46.31 	(3) crisis assistance;
46.32 	(4) mental health behavioral aide services;
46.33 	(5) direction of a mental health behavioral aide;
46.34 	(6) mental health service plan development; and
46.35 	(7) children's day treatment.

47.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

47.2 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
47.3 		Subd. 3.Determination of client eligibility. A client's eligibility to receive 
47.4 	children's therapeutic services and supports under this section shall be determined based 
47.5 	on a diagnostic assessment by a mental health professional or a mental health practitioner 
47.6 	who meets the requirements as of a clinical trainee as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 
47.7 	9505.0371, subpart 5, item C, that is performed within one year before the initial start of 
47.8 	service. The diagnostic assessment must meet the requirements for a standard or extended 
47.9 	diagnostic assessment as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0372, subpart 1, items 
47.10 	B and C, and:
47.11 	(1) include current diagnoses on all five axes of the client's current mental health 
47.12 	status, including any differential diagnosis, in accordance with all criteria for a complete 
47.13 	diagnosis and diagnostic profile as specified in the current edition of the Diagnostic and 
47.14 	Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, or, for children under age 
47.15 	five, as specified in the current edition of the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health 
47.16 	Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood;
47.17 	(2) determine whether a child under age 18 has a diagnosis of emotional disturbance 
47.18 	or, if the person is between the ages of 18 and 21, whether the person has a mental illness;
47.19 	(3) document children's therapeutic services and supports as medically necessary to 
47.20 	address an identified disability, functional impairment, and the individual client's needs 
47.21 	and goals;
47.22 	(4) be used in the development of the individualized treatment plan; and
47.23 	(5) be completed annually until age 18. A client with autism spectrum disorder or 
47.24 	pervasive developmental disorder may receive a diagnostic assessment once every three 
47.25 	years, at the request of the parent or guardian, if a mental health professional agrees 
47.26 	there has been little change in the condition and that an annual assessment is not needed.
47.27 	For individuals between age 18 and 21, unless a client's mental health condition has 
47.28 	changed markedly since the client's most recent diagnostic assessment, annual updating is 
47.29 	necessary. For the purpose of this section, "updating" means an adult diagnostic update as 
47.30 	defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0371, subpart 2, item E.

47.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

47.32 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
47.33 		Subd. 4.Provider entity certification. (a) Effective July 1, 2003, The 
47.34 	commissioner shall establish an initial provider entity application and certification process 
48.1 	and recertification process to determine whether a provider entity has an administrative 
48.2 	and clinical infrastructure that meets the requirements in subdivisions 5 and 6. A provider 
48.3 	entity must be certified for the three core rehabilitation services of psychotherapy, skills 
48.4 	training, and crisis assistance. The commissioner shall recertify a provider entity at least 
48.5 	every three years. The commissioner shall establish a process for decertification of a 
48.6 	provider entity and shall require corrective action, medical assistance repayment, or 
48.7 	decertification of a provider entity that no longer meets the requirements in this section or 
48.8 	that fails to meet the clinical quality standards or administrative standards provided by the 
48.9 	commissioner in the application and certification process.
48.10 	(b) For purposes of this section, a provider entity must be:
48.11 	(1) an Indian health services facility or a facility owned and operated by a tribe or 
48.12 	tribal organization operating as a 638 facility under Public Law 93-638 certified by the state;
48.13 	(2) a county-operated entity certified by the state; or
48.14 	(3) a noncounty entity certified by the state.

48.15 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

48.16 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
48.17 		Subd. 5.Provider entity administrative infrastructure requirements. (a) To be 
48.18 	an eligible provider entity under this section, a provider entity must have an administrative 
48.19 	infrastructure that establishes authority and accountability for decision making and 
48.20 	oversight of functions, including finance, personnel, system management, clinical practice, 
48.21 	and performance individual treatment outcomes measurement. An eligible provider entity 
48.22 	shall demonstrate the availability, by means of employment or contract, of at least one 
48.23 	backup mental health professional in the event of the primary mental health professional's 
48.24 	absence. The provider must have written policies and procedures that it reviews and 
48.25 	updates every three years and distributes to staff initially and upon each subsequent update.
48.26 	(b) The administrative infrastructure written policies and procedures must include:
48.27 	(1) personnel procedures, including a process for: (i) recruiting, hiring, training, and 
48.28 	retention of culturally and linguistically competent providers; (ii) conducting a criminal 
48.29 	background check on all direct service providers and volunteers; (iii) investigating, 
48.30 	reporting, and acting on violations of ethical conduct standards; (iv) investigating, 
48.31 	reporting, and acting on violations of data privacy policies that are compliant with 
48.32 	federal and state laws; (v) utilizing volunteers, including screening applicants, training 
48.33 	and supervising volunteers, and providing liability coverage for volunteers; and (vi) 
48.34 	documenting that each mental health professional, mental health practitioner, or mental 
48.35 	health behavioral aide meets the applicable provider qualification criteria, training criteria 
49.1 	under subdivision 8, and clinical supervision or direction of a mental health behavioral 
49.2 	aide requirements under subdivision 6;
49.3 	(2) fiscal procedures, including internal fiscal control practices and a process for 
49.4 	collecting revenue that is compliant with federal and state laws;
49.5 	(3) a performance measurement system, including monitoring to determine cultural 
49.6 	appropriateness of services identified in the individual treatment plan, as determined 
49.7 	by the client's culture, beliefs, values, and language, and family-driven services a 
49.8 	client-specific treatment outcomes measurement system, including baseline measures, to 
49.9 	measure a client's progress toward achieving mental health rehabilitation goals. Effective 
49.10 	July 1, 2017, to be eligible for medical assistance payment, a provider entity must report 
49.11 	individual client outcomes to the commissioner, using instruments and protocols approved 
49.12 	by the commissioner; and
49.13 	(4) a process to establish and maintain individual client records. The client's records 
49.14 	must include:
49.15 	(i) the client's personal information;
49.16 	(ii) forms applicable to data privacy;
49.17 	(iii) the client's diagnostic assessment, updates, results of tests, individual treatment 
49.18 	plan, and individual behavior plan, if necessary;
49.19 	(iv) documentation of service delivery as specified under subdivision 6;
49.20 	(v) telephone contacts;
49.21 	(vi) discharge plan; and
49.22 	(vii) if applicable, insurance information.
49.23 	(c) A provider entity that uses a restrictive procedure with a client must meet the 
49.24 	requirements of section 245.8261.

49.25 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

49.26 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
49.27 		Subd. 6.Provider entity clinical infrastructure requirements. (a) To be 
49.28 	an eligible provider entity under this section, a provider entity must have a clinical 
49.29 	infrastructure that utilizes diagnostic assessment, individualized treatment plans, 
49.30 	service delivery, and individual treatment plan review that are culturally competent, 
49.31 	child-centered, and family-driven to achieve maximum benefit for the client. The provider 
49.32 	entity must review, and update as necessary, the clinical policies and procedures every 
49.33 	three years and, must distribute the policies and procedures to staff initially and upon each 
49.34 	subsequent update, and must train staff accordingly.
50.1 	(b) The clinical infrastructure written policies and procedures must include policies 
50.2 	and procedures for:
50.3 	(1) providing or obtaining a client's diagnostic assessment, including a diagnostic 
50.4 	assessment performed by an outside or independent clinician, that identifies acute and 
50.5 	chronic clinical disorders, co-occurring medical conditions, and sources of psychological 
50.6 	and environmental problems, including baselines, and a functional assessment. The 
50.7 	functional assessment component must clearly summarize the client's individual strengths 
50.8 	and needs. When baseline measures cannot be attained in a one-session standard 
50.9 	diagnostic assessment, the provider entity must determine baselines within 30 days and 
50.10 	amend the child's diagnostic assessment or incorporate the baselines into the child's 
50.11 	individual treatment plan;
50.12 	(2) developing an individual treatment plan that:
50.13 	(i) is based on the information in the client's diagnostic assessment and baselines;
50.14 	(ii) identified goals and objectives of treatment, treatment strategy, schedule for 
50.15 	accomplishing treatment goals and objectives, and the individuals responsible for 
50.16 	providing treatment services and supports;
50.17 	(iii) is developed after completion of the client's diagnostic assessment by a mental 
50.18 	health professional or clinical trainee and before the provision of children's therapeutic 
50.19 	services and supports;
50.20 	(iv) is developed through a child-centered, family-driven, culturally appropriate 
50.21 	planning process, including allowing parents and guardians to observe or participate in 
50.22 	individual and family treatment services, assessment, and treatment planning;
50.23 	(v) is reviewed at least once every 90 days and revised, if necessary to document 
50.24 	treatment progress on each treatment objective and next goals or, if progress is not 
50.25 	documented, to document changes in treatment; and
50.26 	(vi) is signed by the clinical supervisor and by the client or by the client's parent 
50.27 	or other person authorized by statute to consent to mental health services for the client. 
50.28 	A client's parent may approve the client's individual treatment plan by secure electronic 
50.29 	signature or by documented oral approval that is later verified by written signature;
50.30 	(3) developing an individual behavior plan that documents treatment strategies to be 
50.31 	provided by the mental health behavioral aide. The individual behavior plan must include:
50.32 	(i) detailed instructions on the treatment strategies to be provided;
50.33 	(ii) time allocated to each treatment strategy;
50.34 	(iii) methods of documenting the child's behavior;
50.35 	(iv) methods of monitoring the child's progress in reaching objectives; and
51.1 	(v) goals to increase or decrease targeted behavior as identified in the individual 
51.2 	treatment plan;
51.3 	(4) providing clinical supervision of the plans for mental health practitioner
51.4 	practitioners and mental health behavioral aide aides. A mental health professional must 
51.5 	document the clinical supervision the professional provides by cosigning individual 
51.6 	treatment plans and making entries in the client's record on supervisory activities. The 
51.7 	clinical supervisor also shall document supervisee-specific supervision in the supervisee's 
51.8 	personnel file. Clinical supervision does not include the authority to make or terminate 
51.9 	court-ordered placements of the child. A clinical supervisor must be available for 
51.10 	urgent consultation as required by the individual client's needs or the situation. Clinical 
51.11 	supervision may occur individually or in a small group to discuss treatment and review 
51.12 	progress toward goals. The focus of clinical supervision must be the client's treatment 
51.13 	needs and progress and the mental health practitioner's or behavioral aide's ability to 
51.14 	provide services;
51.15 	(4a) meeting day treatment and therapeutic preschool programs program conditions 
51.16 	in items (i) to (iii):
51.17 	(i) the clinical supervisor must be present and available on the premises more than 
51.18 	50 percent of the time in a five-working-day period provider's standard working week
51.19 	during which the supervisee is providing a mental health service;
51.20 	(ii) the diagnosis and the client's individual treatment plan or a change in the 
51.21 	diagnosis or individual treatment plan must be made by or reviewed, approved, and signed 
51.22 	by the clinical supervisor; and
51.23 	(iii) every 30 days, the clinical supervisor must review and sign the record indicating 
51.24 	the supervisor has reviewed the client's care for all activities in the preceding 30-day period;
51.25 	(4b) meeting the clinical supervision standards in items (i) to (iv) for all other 
51.26 	services provided under CTSS:
51.27 	(i) medical assistance shall reimburse for services provided by a mental health 
51.28 	practitioner who maintains a consulting relationship with is delivering services that fall 
51.29 	within the scope of the practitioner's practice and who is supervised by a mental health 
51.30 	professional who accepts full professional responsibility;
51.31 	(ii) medical assistance shall reimburse for services provided by a mental health 
51.32 	behavioral aide who maintains a consulting relationship with is delivering services that fall 
51.33 	within the scope of the aide's practice and who is supervised by a mental health professional 
51.34 	who accepts full professional responsibility and has an approved plan for clinical 
51.35 	supervision of the behavioral aide. Plans will must be developed in accordance with 
51.36 	supervision standards defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0371, subpart 4, items A to D;
52.1 	(iii) the mental health professional is required to be present on site at the site 
52.2 	of service delivery for observation as clinically appropriate when the mental health 
52.3 	practitioner or mental health behavioral aide is providing CTSS services; and
52.4 	(iv) when conducted, the on-site presence of the mental health professional must be 
52.5 	documented in the child's record and signed by the mental health professional who accepts 
52.6 	full professional responsibility;
52.7 	(5) providing direction to a mental health behavioral aide. For entities that employ 
52.8 	mental health behavioral aides, the clinical supervisor must be employed by the provider 
52.9 	entity or other certified children's therapeutic supports and services provider entity certified 
52.10 	to provide mental health behavioral aide services to ensure necessary and appropriate 
52.11 	oversight for the client's treatment and continuity of care. The mental health professional or 
52.12 	mental health practitioner giving direction must begin with the goals on the individualized 
52.13 	treatment plan, and instruct the mental health behavioral aide on how to construct
52.14 	implement therapeutic activities and interventions that will lead to goal attainment. The 
52.15 	professional or practitioner giving direction must also instruct the mental health behavioral 
52.16 	aide about the client's diagnosis, functional status, and other characteristics that are likely 
52.17 	to affect service delivery. Direction must also include determining that the mental health 
52.18 	behavioral aide has the skills to interact with the client and the client's family in ways that 
52.19 	convey personal and cultural respect and that the aide actively solicits information relevant 
52.20 	to treatment from the family. The aide must be able to clearly explain the activities the 
52.21 	aide is doing with the client and the activities' relationship to treatment goals. Direction is 
52.22 	more didactic than is supervision and requires the professional or practitioner providing 
52.23 	it to continuously evaluate the mental health behavioral aide's ability to carry out the 
52.24 	activities of the individualized treatment plan and the individualized behavior plan. When 
52.25 	providing direction, the professional or practitioner must:
52.26 	(i) review progress notes prepared by the mental health behavioral aide for accuracy 
52.27 	and consistency with diagnostic assessment, treatment plan, and behavior goals and the 
52.28 	professional or practitioner must approve and sign the progress notes;
52.29 	(ii) identify changes in treatment strategies, revise the individual behavior plan, 
52.30 	and communicate treatment instructions and methodologies as appropriate to ensure 
52.31 	that treatment is implemented correctly;
52.32 	(iii) demonstrate family-friendly behaviors that support healthy collaboration among 
52.33 	the child, the child's family, and providers as treatment is planned and implemented;
52.34 	(iv) ensure that the mental health behavioral aide is able to effectively communicate 
52.35 	with the child, the child's family, and the provider; and
53.1 	(v) record the results of any evaluation and corrective actions taken to modify the 
53.2 	work of the mental health behavioral aide;
53.3 	(6) providing service delivery that implements the individual treatment plan and 
53.4 	meets the requirements under subdivision 9; and
53.5 	(7) individual treatment plan review. The review must determine the extent to 
53.6 	which the services have met each of the goals and objectives in the previous treatment 
53.7 	plan. The review must assess the client's progress and ensure that services and treatment 
53.8 	goals continue to be necessary and appropriate to the client and the client's family or 
53.9 	foster family. Revision of the individual treatment plan does not require a new diagnostic 
53.10 	assessment unless the client's mental health status has changed markedly. The updated 
53.11 	treatment plan must be signed by the clinical supervisor and by the client, if appropriate, 
53.12 	and by the client's parent or other person authorized by statute to give consent to the 
53.13 	mental health services for the child.

53.14 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

53.15 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
53.16 		Subd. 9.Service delivery criteria. (a) In delivering services under this section, a 
53.17 	certified provider entity must ensure that:
53.18 	(1) each individual provider's caseload size permits the provider to deliver services 
53.19 	to both clients with severe, complex needs and clients with less intensive needs. The 
53.20 	provider's caseload size should reasonably enable the provider to play an active role in 
53.21 	service planning, monitoring, and delivering services to meet the client's and client's 
53.22 	family's needs, as specified in each client's individual treatment plan;
53.23 	(2) site-based programs, including day treatment and preschool programs, provide 
53.24 	staffing and facilities to ensure the client's health, safety, and protection of rights, and that 
53.25 	the programs are able to implement each client's individual treatment plan; and
53.26 	(3) a day treatment program is provided to a group of clients by a multidisciplinary 
53.27 	team under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional. The day treatment 
53.28 	program must be provided in and by: (i) an outpatient hospital accredited by the Joint 
53.29 	Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations and licensed under sections 144.50 
53.30 	to 144.55; (ii) a community mental health center under section 245.62; or (iii) an entity 
53.31 	that is certified under subdivision 4 to operate a program that meets the requirements of 
53.32 	section 245.4884, subdivision 2, and Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.0170 to 9505.0475. The 
53.33 	day treatment program must stabilize the client's mental health status while developing 
53.34 	and improving the client's independent living and socialization skills. The goal of the day 
53.35 	treatment program must be to reduce or relieve the effects of mental illness and provide 
54.1 	training to enable the client to live in the community. The program must be available 
54.2 	year-round at least three to five days per week, two or three hours per day, except as the 
54.3 	normal five-day school week is foreshortened by a holiday, weather-related cancellation, 
54.4 	or other district-wide reduction in a school week. A child transitioning into or out of day 
54.5 	treatment must receive a minimum treatment of one day a week for a two-hour time block. 
54.6 	The two-hour time block must include at least one hour of individual patient and/or family
54.7 	or group psychotherapy. The remainder of the structured treatment program may include 
54.8 	individual patient and/or family or group psychotherapy, and individual or group skills 
54.9 	training, if included in the client's individual treatment plan. Day treatment programs are 
54.10 	not part of inpatient or residential treatment services. When a day treatment group that 
54.11 	meets the minimum group size requirement temporarily falls below the minimum group 
54.12 	size because of a member's temporary absence, medical assistance covers a group session 
54.13 	conducted for the group members in attendance. A day treatment program may provide 
54.14 	fewer than the minimally required hours for a particular child during a billing period in 
54.15 	which the child is transitioning into, or out of, the program; and.
54.16 	(4) a therapeutic preschool program is a structured treatment program offered 
54.17 	to a child who is at least 33 months old, but who has not yet reached the first day of 
54.18 	kindergarten, by a preschool multidisciplinary team in a day program licensed under 
54.19 	Minnesota Rules, parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0175. The program must be available two 
54.20 	hours per day, five days per week, and 12 months of each calendar year. The structured 
54.21 	treatment program may include individual or group psychotherapy and individual or 
54.22 	group skills training, if included in the client's individual treatment plan. A therapeutic 
54.23 	preschool program may provide fewer than the minimally required hours for a particular 
54.24 	child during a billing period in which the child is transitioning into, or out of, the program.
54.25 	(b) To be eligible for medical assistance payment, a provider entity must deliver the 
54.26 	service components of children's therapeutic services and supports in compliance with the 
54.27 	following requirements:
54.28 	(1) individual patient and/or family, family, and group psychotherapy must be 
54.29 	delivered as specified in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0372, subpart 6. Psychotherapy to 
54.30 	address the child's underlying mental health disorder must be documented as part of the 
54.31 	child's ongoing treatment. A provider must deliver, or arrange for, medically necessary 
54.32 	psychotherapy, unless the child's parent or caregiver chooses not to receive it. When a 
54.33 	provider delivering other services to a child under this section deems it not medically 
54.34 	necessary to provide psychotherapy to the child for a period of 90 days or longer, the 
54.35 	provider entity must document the medical reasons why psychotherapy is not necessary. 
54.36 	When a provider determines that a child needs psychotherapy but psychotherapy cannot 
55.1 	be delivered due to a shortage of licensed mental health professionals in the child's 
55.2 	community, the provider must document the lack of access in the child's medical record;
55.3 	(2) individual, family, or group skills training must be provided by a mental health 
55.4 	professional or a mental health practitioner who has a consulting relationship with is 
55.5 	delivering services that fall within the scope of the provider's practice and is supervised by
55.6 	a mental health professional who accepts full professional responsibility for the training;. 
55.7 	Skills training is subject to the following requirements:
55.8 	(i) a mental health professional, clinical trainee, or mental health practitioner shall 
55.9 	provide skills training;
55.10 	(ii) skills training delivered to a child or the child's family must be targeted to the 
55.11 	specific deficits or maladaptations of the child's mental health disorder and must be 
55.12 	prescribed in the child's individual treatment plan;
55.13 	(iii) the mental health professional delivering or supervising the delivery of skills 
55.14 	training must document any underlying psychiatric condition and must document how 
55.15 	skills training is being used in conjunction with psychotherapy to address the underlying 
55.16 	condition;
55.17 	(iv) skills training delivered to the child's family must teach skills needed by parents 
55.18 	to enhance the child's skill development, to help the child utilize daily life skills taught by 
55.19 	a mental health professional, clinical trainee, or mental health practitioner, and to develop 
55.20 	or maintain a home environment that supports the child's progressive use of skills;
55.21 	(v) group skills training may be provided to multiple recipients who, because of the 
55.22 	nature of their emotional, behavioral, or social dysfunction, can derive mutual benefit from 
55.23 	interaction in a group setting, which must be staffed as follows:
55.24 	(A) one mental health professional or one clinical trainee or mental health 
55.25 	practitioner under supervision of a licensed mental health professional must work with a 
55.26 	group of three to eight clients; or
55.27 	(B) two mental health professionals, two clinical trainees or mental health 
55.28 	practitioners under supervision of a licensed mental health professional, or one mental 
55.29 	health professional or clinical trainee and one mental health practitioner must work with a 
55.30 	group of nine to 12 clients;
55.31 	(vi) a mental health professional, clinical trainee, or mental health practitioner must 
55.32 	have taught the psychosocial skill before a mental health behavioral aide may practice that 
55.33 	skill with the client; and
55.34 	(vii) for group skills training, when a skills group that meets the minimum group 
55.35 	size requirement temporarily falls below the minimum group size because of a group 
56.1 	member's temporary absence, the provider may conduct the session for the group members 
56.2 	in attendance;
56.3 	(3) crisis assistance to a child and family must be time-limited and designed include 
56.4 	development of a written plan that anticipates the particular factors specific to the child 
56.5 	that may precipitate a psychiatric crisis for the child in the near future. The written plan 
56.6 	must document actions that the family should be prepared to take to resolve or stabilize a 
56.7 	crisis through, such as advance arrangements for direct intervention and support services 
56.8 	to the child and the child's family. Crisis assistance must utilize include preparing
56.9 	resources designed to address abrupt or substantial changes in the functioning of the child 
56.10 	or the child's family as evidenced by a when sudden change in behavior with negative 
56.11 	consequences for well being, or a loss of usual coping mechanisms is observed, or the 
56.12 	presentation of child begins to present a danger to self or others;
56.13 	(4) mental health behavioral aide services must be medically necessary treatment 
56.14 	services, identified in the child's individual treatment plan and individual behavior plan, 
56.15 	which are performed minimally by a paraprofessional qualified according to subdivision 
56.16 	7, paragraph (b), clause (3), and which are designed to improve the functioning of the 
56.17 	child in the progressive use of developmentally appropriate psychosocial skills. Activities 
56.18 	involve working directly with the child, child-peer groupings, or child-family groupings 
56.19 	to practice, repeat, reintroduce, and master the skills defined in subdivision 1, paragraph 
56.20 	(p), as previously taught by a mental health professional, clinical trainee, or mental health 
56.21 	practitioner including:
56.22 	(i) providing cues or prompts in skill-building peer-to-peer or parent-child 
56.23 	interactions so that the child progressively recognizes and responds to the cues 
56.24 	independently;
56.25 	(ii) performing as a practice partner or role-play partner;
56.26 	(iii) reinforcing the child's accomplishments;
56.27 	(iv) generalizing skill-building activities in the child's multiple natural settings;
56.28 	(v) assigning further practice activities; and
56.29 	(vi) intervening as necessary to redirect the child's target behavior and to de-escalate 
56.30 	behavior that puts the child or other person at risk of injury.
56.31 	A mental health behavioral aide must document the delivery of services in written progress 
56.32 	notes. To be eligible for medical assistance payment, mental health behavioral aide services 
56.33 	must be delivered to a child who has been diagnosed with an emotional disturbance or a 
56.34 	mental illness, as provided in subdivision 1, paragraph (a). The mental health behavioral 
56.35 	aide must implement treatment strategies in the individual treatment plan and the individual 
56.36 	behavior plan as developed by the mental health professional, clinical trainee, or mental 
57.1 	health practitioner providing direction for the mental health behavioral aide. The mental 
57.2 	health behavioral aide must document the delivery of services in written progress notes. 
57.3 	Progress notes must reflect implementation of the treatment strategies, as performed by 
57.4 	the mental health behavioral aide and the child's responses to the treatment strategies; and
57.5 	(5) direction of a mental health behavioral aide must include the following:
57.6 	(i) a clinical supervision plan approved by the responsible mental health professional;
57.7 	(ii) (i) ongoing face-to-face observation of the mental health behavioral aide 
57.8 	delivering services to a child by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner 
57.9 	for at least a total of one hour during every 40 hours of service provided to a child; and
57.10 	(iii) (ii) immediate accessibility of the mental health professional, clinical trainee, or 
57.11 	mental health practitioner to the mental health behavioral aide during service provision.;
57.12 	(6) mental health service plan development must be performed in consultation 
57.13 	with the child's family and, when appropriate, with other key participants in the child's 
57.14 	life by the child's treating mental health professional or clinical trainee or by a mental 
57.15 	health practitioner and approved by the treating mental health professional. Treatment 
57.16 	plan drafting consists of development, review, and revision by face-to-face or electronic 
57.17 	communication.  The provider must document events, including the time spent with 
57.18 	the family and other key participant's in the child's life to review, revise, and sign the 
57.19 	individual treatment plan; and
57.20 	(7) to be eligible for payment, a diagnostic assessment must be complete with regard 
57.21 	to all required components, including multiple assessment appointments required for an 
57.22 	extended diagnostic assessment and the written report. Dates of the multiple assessment 
57.23 	appointments must be noted in the client's clinical record.

57.24 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

57.25 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0943, subdivision 11, is amended to 
57.26 	read:
57.27 		Subd. 11.Documentation and billing. (a) A provider entity must document the 
57.28 	services it provides under this section. The provider entity must ensure that the entity's 
57.29 	documentation standards meet the requirements of federal and state laws documentation 
57.30 	complies with Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.2175 and 9505.2197. Services billed under 
57.31 	this section that are not documented according to this subdivision shall be subject to 
57.32 	monetary recovery by the commissioner. The provider entity may not bill for Billing 
57.33 	for covered service components under subdivision 2, paragraph (b), must not include
57.34 	anything other than direct service time.
58.1 	(b) An individual mental health provider must promptly document the following 
58.2 	in a client's record after providing services to the client:
58.3 	(1) each occurrence of the client's mental health service, including the date, type, 
58.4 	length, and start and stop times, scope of the service as described in the child's individual 
58.5 	treatment plan, and outcome of the service compared to baselines and objectives;
58.6 	(2) the name, dated signature, and credentials of the person who gave delivered
58.7 	the service;
58.8 	(3) contact made with other persons interested in the client, including representatives 
58.9 	of the courts, corrections systems, or schools. The provider must document the name 
58.10 	and date of each contact;
58.11 	(4) any contact made with the client's other mental health providers, case manager, 
58.12 	family members, primary caregiver, legal representative, or the reason the provider did 
58.13 	not contact the client's family members, primary caregiver, or legal representative, if 
58.14 	applicable; and
58.15 	(5) required clinical supervision directly related to the identified client's services and 
58.16 	needs, as appropriate., with co-signatures of the supervisor and supervisee; and
58.17 	(6) the date when services are discontinued and reasons for discontinuation of 
58.18 	services.

58.19 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

58.20 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0946, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
58.21 		Subdivision 1.Required covered service components. (a) Effective May 23, 2013, 
58.22 	and subject to federal approval, medical assistance covers medically necessary intensive 
58.23 	treatment services described under paragraph (b) that are provided by a provider entity 
58.24 	eligible under subdivision 3 to a client eligible under subdivision 2 who is placed in a foster 
58.25 	home licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 2960.3000 to 2960.3340, or placed in a foster 
58.26 	home licensed under the regulations established by a federally recognized Minnesota tribe.
58.27 	(b) Intensive treatment services to children with mental illness residing in foster 
58.28 	family settings that comprise specific required service components provided in clauses (1) 
58.29 	to (5) are reimbursed by medical assistance when they meet the following standards:
58.30 	(1) psychotherapy provided by a mental health professional as defined in Minnesota 
58.31 	Rules, part 9505.0371, subpart 5, item A, or a clinical trainee, as defined in Minnesota 
58.32 	Rules, part 9505.0371, subpart 5, item C;
58.33 	(2) crisis assistance provided according to standards for children's therapeutic 
58.34 	services and supports in section 256B.0943;
59.1 	(3) individual, family, and group psychoeducation services, defined in subdivision 
59.2 	1a, paragraph (q), provided by a mental health professional or a clinical trainee;
59.3 	(4) clinical care consultation, as defined in subdivision 1a, and provided by a mental 
59.4 	health professional or a clinical trainee; and
59.5 	(5) service delivery payment requirements as provided under subdivision 4.

59.6 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

59.7 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0947, subdivision 7a, is amended to 
59.8 	read:
59.9 		Subd. 7a.Noncovered services. (a) The rate for intensive rehabilitative mental 
59.10 	health services must exclude does not include medical assistance payment for services not 
59.11 	covered under this section in clauses (1) to (7). Services not covered under this section
59.12 	paragraph may be billed separately.:
59.13 	(1) inpatient psychiatric hospital treatment;
59.14 	(2) partial hospitalization;
59.15 	(3) children's mental health day treatment services;
59.16 	(4) physician services outside of care provided by a psychiatrist serving as a member 
59.17 	of the treatment team;
59.18 	(5) room and board costs, as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 6;
59.19 	(6) home and community-based waiver services; and
59.20 	(7) other mental health services identified in the child's individualized education 
59.21 	program.
59.22 	(b) The following services are not covered under this section and are not eligible 
59.23 	for medical assistance payment under the per-client, per-day payment while youth are 
59.24 	receiving intensive rehabilitative mental health services:
59.25 	(1) inpatient psychiatric hospital treatment;
59.26 	(2) (1) mental health residential treatment; and
59.27 	(3) partial hospitalization;
59.28 	(4) physician services outside of care provided by a psychiatrist serving as a member 
59.29 	of the treatment team;
59.30 	(5) room and board costs, as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 6;
59.31 	(6) children's mental health day treatment services; and
59.32 	(7) (2) mental health behavioral aide services, as defined in section 256B.0943, 
59.33 	subdivision 1, paragraph (m).

59.34 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

60.1 	Sec. 14. REPORT ON THE USE OF CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALISTS.
 60.2 	The commissioner of human services shall study and report on the use of certified 
60.3 	peer specialists in the mental health system. The study and report shall include an 
60.4 	assessment of the use of certified peer specialists within existing resources, an evaluation 
60.5 	of the benefits of using certified peer specialists in hospital settings and intensive 
60.6 	residential treatment services (IRTS), an analysis of the existing duties of certified peer 
60.7 	specialists, options for expanding their duties and the benefits of expanding their duties, 
60.8 	methods for obtaining reimbursement for services they provide, an analysis of the cost 
60.9 	of expanding reimbursement, and any necessary proposed legislation. In assessing the 
60.10 	use of certified peer specialists in hospital settings and IRTS, the commissioner shall 
60.11 	make recommendations on how to obtain reimbursement for wraparound services by 
60.12 	these specialists and warm handoffs to community services that facilitate the successful 
60.13 	transition of persons with mental illness to the next level of care. The commissioner shall 
60.14 	include stakeholder input in the study and development of the report. The report and any 
60.15 	necessary proposed legislation shall be submitted to the chairs and ranking minority 
60.16 	members of the committees in the house of representatives and senate with jurisdiction 
60.17 	over health and human services finance by February 1, 2016.

60.18 	Sec. 15.  REPEALER.
 60.19 	Minnesota Rules, parts 9535.2000; 9535.2100; 9535.2200; 9535.2300; 9535.2400; 
60.20 	9535.2500; 9535.2600; 9535.2700; 9535.2800; 9535.2900; and 9535.3000, are repealed.

60.21 	ARTICLE 3
60.22 	DIRECT CARE AND TREATMENT

60.23 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 253B.212, is amended by adding a 
60.24 	subdivision to read:
60.25 		Subd. 1b.Cost of care; commitment by tribal court order; any federally 
60.26 	recognized Indian tribe within the state of Minnesota. The commissioner of human 
60.27 	services may contract with and receive payment from the Indian Health Service of the 
60.28 	United States Department of Health and Human Services for the care and treatment of 
60.29 	those members of any federally recognized Indian tribe within the state, who have been 
60.30 	committed by tribal court order to the Indian Health Service for care and treatment of 
60.31 	mental illness, developmental disability, or chemical dependency. The tribe may also 
60.32 	contract directly with the commissioner for treatment of those members of any federally 
60.33 	recognized Indian tribe within the state who have been committed by tribal court order 
60.34 	to the respective tribal Department of Health for care and treatment of mental illness, 
61.1 	developmental disability, or chemical dependency. The contract shall provide that the 
61.2 	Indian Health Service and any federally recognized Indian tribe within the state shall not 
61.3 	transfer any person for admission to a regional center unless the commitment procedure 
61.4 	utilized by the tribal court provided due process protections similar to those afforded 
61.5 	by sections 253B.05 to 253B.10.

61.6 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 253B.212, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
61.7 		Subd. 2.Effect given to tribal commitment order. When, under an agreement 
61.8 	entered into pursuant to subdivisions 1 or, 1a, or 1b, the Indian Health Service or the 
61.9 	placing tribe applies to a regional center for admission of a person committed to the 
61.10 	jurisdiction of the health service by the tribal court as a person who is mentally ill, 
61.11 	developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent, the commissioner may treat the 
61.12 	patient with the consent of the Indian Health Service or the placing tribe.
61.13 	A person admitted to a regional center pursuant to this section has all the rights 
61.14 	accorded by section 253B.03. In addition, treatment reports, prepared in accordance with 
61.15 	the requirements of section 253B.12, subdivision 1, shall be filed with the Indian Health 
61.16 	Service or the placing tribe within 60 days of commencement of the patient's stay at the 
61.17 	facility. A subsequent treatment report shall be filed with the Indian Health Service or 
61.18 	the placing tribe within six months of the patient's admission to the facility or prior to 
61.19 	discharge, whichever comes first. Provisional discharge or transfer of the patient may be 
61.20 	authorized by the head of the treatment facility only with the consent of the Indian Health 
61.21 	Service or the placing tribe. Discharge from the facility to the Indian Health Service or the 
61.22 	placing tribe may be authorized by the head of the treatment facility after notice to and 
61.23 	consultation with the Indian Health Service or the placing tribe.

61.24 	ARTICLE 4
61.25 	OPERATIONS

61.26 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.125, subdivision 1, is amended to 
61.27 	read:
61.28 		Subdivision 1.Authorization. Except as provided in subdivision 5, a county or the 
61.29 	commissioner must authorize the provider chosen by an applicant or a participant before 
61.30 	the county can authorize payment for care provided by that provider. The commissioner 
61.31 	must establish the requirements necessary for authorization of providers. A provider 
61.32 	must be reauthorized every two years. A legal, nonlicensed family child care provider 
61.33 	also must be reauthorized when another person over the age of 13 joins the household, a 
61.34 	current household member turns 13, or there is reason to believe that a household member 
62.1 	has a factor that prevents authorization. The provider is required to report all family 
62.2 	changes that would require reauthorization. When a provider has been authorized for 
62.3 	payment for providing care for families in more than one county, the county responsible 
62.4 	for reauthorization of that provider is the county of the family with a current authorization 
62.5 	for that provider and who has used the provider for the longest length of time.

62.6 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.125, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
62.7 		Subd. 6.Record-keeping requirement. All providers receiving child care 
62.8 	assistance payments must keep daily attendance records at the site where services are 
62.9 	delivered for children receiving child care assistance and must make those records available 
62.10 	immediately to the county or the commissioner upon request. The attendance records must 
62.11 	be completed daily and include the date, the first and last name of each child in attendance, 
62.12 	and the times when each child is dropped off and picked up. To the extent possible, the 
62.13 	times that the child was dropped off to and picked up from the child care provider must be 
62.14 	entered by the person dropping off or picking up the child. The daily attendance records 
62.15 	must be retained at the site where services are delivered for six years after the date of 
62.16 	service. A county or the commissioner may deny authorization as a child care provider to 
62.17 	any applicant or, rescind authorization of any provider, or establish an overpayment claim 
62.18 	in the system against a current or former provider, when the county or the commissioner 
62.19 	knows or has reason to believe that the provider has not complied with the record-keeping 
62.20 	requirement in this subdivision. A provider's failure to produce attendance records as 
62.21 	requested on more than one occasion constitutes grounds for disqualification as a provider.

62.22 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.125, is amended by adding a subdivision 
62.23 	to read:
62.24 		Subd. 7.Overpayment claim for failure to comply with access to records 
62.25 	requirement. (a) In establishing an overpayment claim under subdivision 6 for failure 
62.26 	to provide access to attendance records, the county or commissioner is limited to the six 
62.27 	years prior to the date the county or the commissioner requested the attendance records.
62.28 	(b) When the commissioner or county establishes an overpayment claim against a 
62.29 	current or former provider, the commissioner or county must provide notice of the claim to 
62.30 	the provider. A notice of overpayment claim must specify the reason for the overpayment, 
62.31 	the authority for making the overpayment claim, the time period in which the overpayment 
62.32 	occurred, the amount of the overpayment, and the provider's right to appeal.
62.33 	(c) The commissioner or county may seek to recover overpayments paid to a current 
62.34 	or former provider. When a provider has been convicted of fraud under section 256.98, 
63.1 	theft under section 609.52, or a federal crime relating to theft of state funds or fraudulent 
63.2 	billing for a program administered by the commissioner or a county, recovery may be 
63.3 	sought regardless of the amount of overpayment.

63.4 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.125, is amended by adding a subdivision 
63.5 	to read:
63.6 		Subd. 8.Reporting required for child's part-time attendance. A provider must 
63.7 	report to the county and report on the billing form as required when a child's attendance in 
63.8 	child care falls to less than half of the child's authorized hours or days for a four-week 
63.9 	period. If requested by the county or the commissioner, the provider must provide 
63.10 	additional information to the county or commissioner on the attendance of specific children.

63.11 	Sec. 5. [245.095] LIMITS ON RECEIVING PUBLIC FUNDS.
63.12 		Subdivision 1.Prohibition. If a provider, vendor, or individual enrolled, licensed, or 
63.13 	receiving funds under a grant contract in any program administered by the commissioner 
63.14 	is excluded from any program administered by the commissioner, including under the 
63.15 	commissioner's powers and authorities in section 256.01, the commissioner shall prohibit 
63.16 	the excluded provider, vendor, or individual from enrolling or becoming licensed in any 
63.17 	other program administered by the commissioner. The duration of this prohibition must 
63.18 	last for the longest applicable sanction or disqualifying period in effect for the provider, 
63.19 	vendor, or individual permitted by state or federal law.
63.20 		Subd. 2.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions 
63.21 	have the meanings given them.
63.22 	(b) "Excluded" means disenrolled, subject to license revocation or suspension, 
63.23 	disqualified, or subject to vendor debarment under Minnesota Rules, part 1230.1150.
63.24 	(c) "Individual" means a natural person providing products or services as a provider 
63.25 	or vendor.
63.26 	(d) "Provider" means an owner, controlling individual, license holder, director, or 
63.27 	managerial official.

63.28 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.02, subdivision 13, is amended to read:
63.29 		Subd. 13.Individual who is related. "Individual who is related" means a spouse, 
63.30 	a parent, a natural birth or adopted child or stepchild, a stepparent, a stepbrother, a 
63.31 	stepsister, a niece, a nephew, an adoptive parent, a grandparent, a sibling, an aunt, an 
63.32 	uncle, or a legal guardian.

64.1 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision 
64.2 	to read:
64.3 		Subd. 20.Weekly. "Weekly" means at least every seven days.

64.4 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision 
64.5 	to read:
64.6 		Subd. 21.Monthly. "Monthly" means at least every 30 days.

64.7 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision 
64.8 	to read:
64.9 		Subd. 22.Quarterly. "Quarterly" means at least every 90 days.

64.10 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.04, subdivision 15a, is amended to read:
64.11 		Subd. 15a.Plan for transfer of clients and records upon closure. (a) Except for 
64.12 	license holders who reside on the premises and child care providers, an applicant for 
64.13 	initial or continuing licensure or certification must submit a written plan indicating how 
64.14 	the agency program  will provide for ensure the transfer of clients and records for both 
64.15 	open and closed cases if the agency program closes. The plan must provide for managing 
64.16 	private and confidential information concerning agency program clients. The plan must 
64.17 	also provide for notifying affected clients of the closure at least 25 days prior to closure, 
64.18 	including information on how to access their medical records. A controlling individual of 
64.19 	the agency program must annually review and sign the plan.
64.20 	(b) Plans for the transfer of open cases and case records must specify arrangements 
64.21 	the agency program will make to transfer clients to another agency provider or county 
64.22 	agency for continuation of services and to transfer the case record with the client.
64.23 	(c) Plans for the transfer of closed case records must be accompanied by a signed 
64.24 	agreement or other documentation indicating that a county or a similarly licensed agency
64.25 	provider has agreed to accept and maintain the agency's program's closed case records and 
64.26 	to provide follow-up services as necessary to affected clients.

64.27 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
64.28 		Subd. 2.Temporary immediate suspension. (a) The commissioner shall act 
64.29 	immediately to temporarily suspend a license if:
64.30 	(1) the license holder's actions or failure to comply with applicable law or rule, or 
64.31 	the actions of other individuals or conditions in the program, pose an imminent risk of 
64.32 	harm to the health, safety, or rights of persons served by the program,; or
65.1 	(2)if while the program continues to operate pending an appeal of an order of 
65.2 	revocation, the commissioner identifies one or more subsequent violations of law or rule 
65.3 	which may adversely affect the health or safety of persons served by the program, the 
65.4 	commissioner shall act immediately to temporarily suspend the license. 
65.5 	(b) No state funds shall be made available or be expended by any agency or 
65.6 	department of state, county, or municipal government for use by a license holder regulated 
65.7 	under this chapter while a license is under immediate suspension. A notice stating the 
65.8 	reasons for the immediate suspension and informing the license holder of the right to an 
65.9 	expedited hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612, 
65.10 	must be delivered by personal service to the address shown on the application or the last 
65.11 	known address of the license holder. The license holder may appeal an order immediately 
65.12 	suspending a license. The appeal of an order immediately suspending a license must 
65.13 	be made in writing by certified mail or personal service. If mailed, the appeal must be 
65.14 	postmarked and sent to the commissioner within five calendar days after the license holder 
65.15 	receives notice that the license has been immediately suspended. If a request is made by 
65.16 	personal service, it must be received by the commissioner within five calendar days after 
65.17 	the license holder received the order. A license holder and any controlling individual 
65.18 	shall discontinue operation of the program upon receipt of the commissioner's order to 
65.19 	immediately suspend the license.

65.20 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.07, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
65.21 		Subd. 2a.Immediate suspension expedited hearing. (a) Within five working days 
65.22 	of receipt of the license holder's timely appeal, the commissioner shall request assignment 
65.23 	of an administrative law judge. The request must include a proposed date, time, and place 
65.24 	of a hearing. A hearing must be conducted by an administrative law judge within 30 
65.25 	calendar days of the request for assignment, unless an extension is requested by either 
65.26 	party and granted by the administrative law judge for good cause. The commissioner shall 
65.27 	issue a notice of hearing by certified mail or personal service at least ten working days 
65.28 	before the hearing. The scope of the hearing shall be limited solely to the issue of whether 
65.29 	the temporary immediate suspension should remain in effect pending the commissioner's 
65.30 	final order under section 245A.08, regarding a licensing sanction issued under subdivision 
65.31 	3 following the immediate suspension. For suspensions under subdivision 2, paragraph 
65.32 	(a), clause (1), the burden of proof in expedited hearings under this subdivision shall be 
65.33 	limited to the commissioner's demonstration that reasonable cause exists to believe that 
65.34 	the license holder's actions or failure to comply with applicable law or rule poses, or if the 
65.35 	actions of other individuals or conditions in the program poses an imminent risk of harm to 
66.1 	the health, safety, or rights of persons served by the program. "Reasonable cause" means 
66.2 	there exist specific articulable facts or circumstances which provide the commissioner 
66.3 	with a reasonable suspicion that there is an imminent risk of harm to the health, safety, or 
66.4 	rights of persons served by the program. When the commissioner has determined there is 
66.5 	reasonable cause to order the temporary immediate suspension of a license based on a 
66.6 	violation of safe sleep requirements, as defined in section 245A.1435, the commissioner is 
66.7 	not required to demonstrate that an infant died or was injured as a result of the safe sleep 
66.8 	violations. For suspensions under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2), the burden of 
66.9 	proof in expedited hearings under this subdivision shall be limited to the commissioner's 
66.10 	demonstration by a preponderance of evidence that, since the license was revoked, the 
66.11 	license holder committed additional violations of law or rule which may adversely affect 
66.12 	the health or safety of persons served by the program.
66.13 	(b) The administrative law judge shall issue findings of fact, conclusions, and a 
66.14 	recommendation within ten working days from the date of hearing. The parties shall 
66.15 	have ten calendar days to submit exceptions to the administrative law judge's report. 
66.16 	The record shall close at the end of the ten-day period for submission of exceptions. 
66.17 	The commissioner's final order shall be issued within ten working days from the close 
66.18 	of the record. When an appeal of a temporary immediate suspension is withdrawn or 
66.19 	dismissed, the commissioner shall issue a final order affirming the temporary immediate 
66.20 	suspension within ten calendar days of the commissioner's receipt of the withdrawal or 
66.21 	dismissal. Within 90 calendar days after a final order affirming an immediate suspension, 
66.22 	the commissioner shall make a determination regarding whether a final licensing sanction 
66.23 	shall be issued under subdivision 3. The license holder shall continue to be prohibited 
66.24 	from operation of the program during this 90-day period.
66.25 	(c) When the final order under paragraph (b) affirms an immediate suspension, and a 
66.26 	final licensing sanction is issued under subdivision 3 and the license holder appeals that 
66.27 	sanction, the license holder continues to be prohibited from operation of the program 
66.28 	pending a final commissioner's order under section 245A.08, subdivision 5, regarding the 
66.29 	final licensing sanction.

66.30 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
66.31 		Subd. 4.Location of residential programs. In determining whether to grant 
66.32 	a license, the commissioner shall specifically consider the population, size, land use 
66.33 	plan, availability of community services, and the number and size of existing licensed 
66.34 	residential programs in the town, municipality, or county in which the applicant seeks 
66.35 	to operate a residential program. The commissioner shall not grant an initial license 
67.1 	to any residential program if the residential program will be within 1,320 feet of an 
67.2 	existing residential program unless one of the following conditions apply: (1) the existing 
67.3 	residential program is located in a hospital licensed by the commissioner of health; (2) the 
67.4 	town, municipality, or county zoning authority grants the residential program a conditional 
67.5 	use or special use permit; (3) the program serves six or fewer persons and is not located 
67.6 	in a city of the first class; or (4) the program is foster care, or a community residential 
67.7 	setting as defined under section 245D.02, subdivision 4a.

67.8 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.12, is amended to read:
67.9 	245A.12 VOLUNTARY RECEIVERSHIP FOR RESIDENTIAL OR 
67.10 	NONRESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS.
67.11 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For purposes of this section and section 245A.13, the 
67.12 	following terms have the meanings given them.
67.13 	(a) "Controlling individual" has the meaning in section 245A.02, subdivision 5a. 
67.14 	When used in this section and section 245A.13, it means only those individuals controlling 
67.15 	the residential or nonresidential program prior to the commencement of the receivership 
67.16 	period.
67.17 	(b) "Physical plant" means the building or buildings in which a residential or 
67.18 	nonresidential program is located; all equipment affixed to the building and not easily 
67.19 	subject to transfer as specified in the building and fixed equipment tables of the 
67.20 	depreciation guidelines; and auxiliary buildings in the nature of sheds, garages, and storage 
67.21 	buildings located on the same site if used for purposes related to resident or client care.
67.22 	(c) "Related party" means a person who is a close relative of a provider or a provider 
67.23 	group; an affiliate of a provider or a provider group; a close relative of an affiliate of a 
67.24 	provider or provider group; or an affiliate of a close relative of an affiliate of a provider 
67.25 	or provider group. For the purposes of this paragraph, the following terms have the 
67.26 	meanings given them.
67.27 	(1) "Affiliate" means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more 
67.28 	intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with another 
67.29 	person.
67.30 	(2) "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a 
67.31 	trust, an unincorporated organization, or a government or political subdivision.
67.32 	(3) "Close relative of an affiliate of a provider or provider group" means an 
67.33 	individual whose relationship by blood, marriage, or adoption to an individual who is an 
67.34 	affiliate to a provider or a provider group is no more remote than first cousin.
68.1 	(4) "Control" includes the terms "controlling," "controlled by," and "under common 
68.2 	control with" and means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause 
68.3 	the direction of the management, operations, or policies of a person, whether through the 
68.4 	ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
68.5 	(5) "Provider or provider group" means the license holder or controlling individual 
68.6 	prior to the effective date of the receivership.
68.7 		Subd. 2.Receivership agreement. A majority of controlling individuals of a 
68.8 	residential or nonresidential program licensed or certified by the commissioner may at 
68.9 	any time ask the commissioner to assume operation of the residential program through 
68.10 	appointment of a receiver. On receiving the request for a receiver, the commissioner may 
68.11 	enter into an agreement with a majority of controlling individuals and become the receiver 
68.12 	and operate the residential or nonresidential program under conditions acceptable to both 
68.13 	the commissioner and the majority of controlling individuals. The agreement must specify 
68.14 	the terms and conditions of the receivership and preserve the rights of the persons being 
68.15 	served by the residential program. A receivership set up under this section terminates at 
68.16 	the time specified by the parties to the agreement.
68.17 		Subd. 3.Management agreement. When the commissioner agrees to become the 
68.18 	receiver of a residential or nonresidential program, the commissioner may enter into a 
68.19 	management agreement with another entity or group to act as the managing agent during 
68.20 	the receivership period. The managing agent will be responsible for the day-to-day 
68.21 	operations of the residential program subject at all times to the review and approval of the 
68.22 	commissioner. A reasonable fee may be paid to the managing agent for the performance 
68.23 	of these services.
68.24 		Subd. 4.Rate adjustment. The provisions of section 245A.13, subdivisions 7 and 
68.25 	8, shall also apply to voluntary receiverships.
68.26 		Subd. 5.Controlling individuals; restrictions on licensure. No controlling 
68.27 	individual of a residential or nonresidential program placed into receivership under this 
68.28 	section shall apply for or receive a license or certification from the commissioner to 
68.29 	operate a residential or nonresidential program for five years from the commencement of 
68.30 	the receivership period. This subdivision does not apply to residential programs that are 
68.31 	owned or operated by controlling individuals, that were in existence prior to the date of 
68.32 	the receivership agreement, and that have not been placed into receivership.
68.33 		Subd. 6.Liability. The controlling individuals of a residential or nonresidential
68.34 	program placed into receivership remain liable for any claims made against the residential
68.35 	program that arose from incidents or events that occurred prior to the commencement 
69.1 	of the receivership period. Neither the commissioner nor the managing agent of the 
69.2 	commissioner assumes this liability.
69.3 		Subd. 7.Liability for financial obligations. Neither the commissioner nor the 
69.4 	managing agent of the commissioner shall be liable for payment of any financial obligations 
69.5 	of the residential or nonresidential program or of its controlling individuals incurred prior 
69.6 	to the commencement of the receivership period unless such liability is expressly assumed 
69.7 	in the receivership agreement. Those financial obligations remain the liability of the 
69.8 	residential program and its controlling individuals. Financial obligations of the residential
69.9 	program incurred after the commencement of the receivership period are the responsibility 
69.10 	of the commissioner or the managing agent of the commissioner to the extent such 
69.11 	obligations are expressly assumed by each in the receivership or management agreements. 
69.12 	The controlling individuals of the residential or nonresidential program remain liable for 
69.13 	any financial obligations incurred after the commencement of the receivership period to 
69.14 	the extent these obligations are not reimbursed in the rate paid to the residential program 
69.15 	and are reasonable and necessary to the operation of the residential program. These 
69.16 	financial obligations, or any other financial obligations incurred by the residential program 
69.17 	prior to the commencement of the receivership period which are necessary to the continued 
69.18 	operation of the residential program, may be deducted from any rental payments owed to 
69.19 	the controlling individuals of the residential program as part of the receivership agreement.
69.20 		Subd. 8.Physical plant of the residential or nonresidential program. Occupation 
69.21 	of the physical plant after commencement of the receivership period shall be controlled 
69.22 	by paragraphs (a) and (b).
69.23 	(a) If the physical plant of a residential or nonresidential program placed in 
69.24 	receivership is owned by a controlling individual or related party, the physical plant may 
69.25 	be used by the commissioner or the managing agent for purposes of the receivership as 
69.26 	long as the receivership period continues. A fair monthly rental for the physical plant shall 
69.27 	be paid by the commissioner or managing agent to the owner of the physical plant. This 
69.28 	fair monthly rental shall be determined by considering all relevant factors necessary to 
69.29 	meet required arm's-length obligations of controlling individuals such as the mortgage 
69.30 	payments owed on the physical plant, the real estate taxes, and special assessments. This 
69.31 	rental shall not include any allowance for profit or be based on any formula that includes 
69.32 	an allowance for profit.
69.33 	(b) If the owner of the physical plant of a residential or nonresidential program 
69.34 	placed in receivership is not a related party, the controlling individual shall continue as the 
69.35 	lessee of the property. However, during the receivership period, rental payments shall be 
69.36 	made to the owner of the physical plant by the commissioner or the managing agent on 
70.1 	behalf of the controlling individual. Neither the commissioner nor the managing agent 
70.2 	assumes the obligations of the lease unless expressly stated in the receivership agreement. 
70.3 	Should the lease expire during the receivership, the commissioner or the managing agent 
70.4 	may negotiate a new lease for the term of the receivership period.
70.5 		Subd. 9.Receivership accounting. The commissioner may use the medical 
70.6 	assistance account and funds for receivership cash flow and accounting purposes.
70.7 		Subd. 10.Receivership costs. The commissioner may use the accounts and funds 
70.8 	that would have been available for the room and board, services, and program costs of 
70.9 	persons in the residential program for costs, cash flow, and accounting purposes related 
70.10 	to the receivership.

70.11 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.13, is amended to read:
70.12 	245A.13 INVOLUNTARY RECEIVERSHIP FOR RESIDENTIAL OR 
70.13 	NONRESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS.
70.14 		Subdivision 1.Application. In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the 
70.15 	commissioner may petition the district court in Ramsey County for an order directing the 
70.16 	controlling individuals of the a residential or nonresidential program licensed or certified 
70.17 	by the commissioner to show cause why the commissioner should not be appointed 
70.18 	receiver to operate the residential program. The petition to the district court must contain 
70.19 	proof by affidavit: (1) that the commissioner has either begun license suspension or 
70.20 	revocation proceedings, proceedings to suspend or revoke a license or certification, has
70.21 	suspended or revoked a license or certification, or has decided to deny an application for 
70.22 	licensure or certification of the residential program; or (2) it appears to the commissioner 
70.23 	that the health, safety, or rights of the residents or persons receiving care from the program 
70.24 	may be in jeopardy because of the manner in which the residential program may close, 
70.25 	the residential program's financial condition, or violations committed by the residential
70.26 	program of federal or state laws or rules. If the license holder, applicant, or controlling 
70.27 	individual operates more than one residential program, the commissioner's petition must 
70.28 	specify and be limited to the residential program for which it seeks receivership. The 
70.29 	affidavit submitted by the commissioner must set forth alternatives to receivership that 
70.30 	have been considered, including rate adjustments. The order to show cause is returnable 
70.31 	not less than five days after service is completed and must provide for personal service of 
70.32 	a copy to the residential program administrator and to the persons designated as agents by 
70.33 	the controlling individuals to accept service on their behalf.
70.34 		Subd. 2.Appointment of receiver. If the court finds that involuntary receivership is 
70.35 	necessary as a means of protecting the health, safety, or rights of persons being served by 
71.1 	the residential program, the court shall appoint the commissioner as receiver to operate the 
71.2 	residential program. The commissioner as receiver may contract with another entity or 
71.3 	group to act as the managing agent during the receivership period. The managing agent 
71.4 	will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the residential program subject at all 
71.5 	times to the review and approval of the commissioner.
71.6 		Subd. 3.Powers and duties of the receiver. Within 36 months after the receivership 
71.7 	order, the receiver shall provide for the orderly transfer of the persons served by the 
71.8 	residential program to other residential programs or make other provisions to protect their 
71.9 	health, safety, and rights. The receiver or the managing agent shall correct or eliminate 
71.10 	deficiencies in the residential program that the commissioner determines endanger the 
71.11 	health, safety, or welfare of the persons being served by the residential program unless the 
71.12 	correction or elimination of deficiencies at a residential program involves major alteration 
71.13 	in the structure of the physical plant. If the correction or elimination of the deficiencies 
71.14 	at a residential program requires major alterations in the structure of the physical plant, 
71.15 	the receiver shall take actions designed to result in the immediate transfer of persons 
71.16 	served by the residential program. During the period of the receivership, the receiver 
71.17 	and the managing agent shall operate the residential or nonresidential program in a 
71.18 	manner designed to preserve the health, safety, rights, adequate care, and supervision of 
71.19 	the persons served by the residential program. The receiver or the managing agent may 
71.20 	make contracts and incur lawful expenses. The receiver or the managing agent shall 
71.21 	collect incoming payments from all sources and apply them to the cost incurred in the 
71.22 	performance of the functions of the receivership including the fee set under subdivision 4. 
71.23 	No security interest in any real or personal property comprising the residential program or 
71.24 	contained within it, or in any fixture of the physical plant, shall be impaired or diminished 
71.25 	in priority by the receiver or the managing agent.
71.26 		Subd. 3a.Liability. The provisions contained in section 245A.12, subdivision 6, 
71.27 	shall also apply to receiverships ordered according to this section.
71.28 		Subd. 3b.Liability for financial obligations. The provisions contained in section 
71.29 	245A.12, subdivision 7, also apply to receiverships ordered according to this section.
71.30 		Subd. 3c.Physical plant of the residential program. Occupation of the physical 
71.31 	plant under an involuntary receivership shall be governed by paragraphs (a) and (b).
71.32 	(a) The physical plant owned by a controlling individual of the residential program 
71.33 	or related party must be made available for the use of the residential program throughout 
71.34 	the receivership period. The court shall determine a fair monthly rental for the physical 
71.35 	plant, taking into account all relevant factors necessary to meet required arm's-length 
71.36 	obligations of controlling individuals such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes, 
72.1 	and special assessments. The rental fee must be paid by the receiver to the appropriate 
72.2 	controlling individuals or related parties for each month that the receivership remains in 
72.3 	effect. No payment made to a controlling individual or related party by the receiver or the 
72.4 	managing agent or any state agency during a period of the receivership shall include any 
72.5 	allowance for profit or be based on any formula that includes an allowance for profit.
72.6 	(b) If the owner of the physical plant of a residential program is not a related party, 
72.7 	the court shall order the controlling individual to continue as the lessee of the property 
72.8 	during the receivership period. Rental payments during the receivership period shall be 
72.9 	made to the owner of the physical plant by the commissioner or the managing agent on 
72.10 	behalf of the controlling individual.
72.11 		Subd. 4.Fee. A receiver appointed under an involuntary receivership or the 
72.12 	managing agent is entitled to a reasonable fee as determined by the court.
72.13 		Subd. 5.Termination. An involuntary receivership terminates 36 months after the 
72.14 	date on which it was ordered or at any other time designated by the court or when any 
72.15 	of the following events occurs:
72.16 	(1) the commissioner determines that the residential program's license or certification 
72.17 	application should be granted or should not be suspended or revoked;
72.18 	(2) a new license or certification is granted to the residential program;
72.19 	(3) the commissioner determines that all persons residing in the a residential 
72.20 	program have been provided with alternative residential programs or that all persons 
72.21 	receiving services in a nonresidential program have been referred to other programs; or
72.22 	(4) the residential program closes court determines that the receivership is no longer 
72.23 	necessary because the conditions which gave rise to the receivership no longer exist.
72.24 		Subd. 6.Emergency procedure. If it appears from the petition filed under 
72.25 	subdivision 1, from an affidavit or affidavits filed with the petition, or from testimony of 
72.26 	witnesses under oath if the court determines it necessary, that there is probable cause to 
72.27 	believe that an emergency exists in a residential or nonresidential program, the court shall 
72.28 	issue a temporary order for appointment of a receiver within five days after receipt of the 
72.29 	petition. Notice of the petition must be served on the residential program administrator 
72.30 	and on the persons designated as agents by the controlling individuals to accept service on 
72.31 	their behalf. A hearing on the petition must be held within five days after notice is served 
72.32 	unless the administrator or designated authorized agent consents to a later date. After the 
72.33 	hearing, the court may continue, modify, or terminate the temporary order.
72.34 		Subd. 7.Rate recommendation. The commissioner of human services may review 
72.35 	rates of a residential or nonresidential program participating in the medical assistance 
72.36 	program which is in receivership and that has needs or deficiencies documented by the 
73.1 	Department of Health or the Department of Human Services. If the commissioner of 
73.2 	human services determines that a review of the rate established under sections 256B.5012
73.3 	and 256B.5013 is needed, the commissioner shall:
73.4 	(1) review the order or determination that cites the deficiencies or needs; and
73.5 	(2) determine the need for additional staff, additional annual hours by type of 
73.6 	employee, and additional consultants, services, supplies, equipment, repairs, or capital 
73.7 	assets necessary to satisfy the needs or deficiencies.
73.8 		Subd. 8.Adjustment to the rate. Upon review of rates under subdivision 7, the 
73.9 	commissioner may adjust the residential program's payment rate. The commissioner shall 
73.10 	review the circumstances, together with the residential program's most recent income and 
73.11 	expense report, to determine whether or not the deficiencies or needs can be corrected 
73.12 	or met by reallocating residential program staff, costs, revenues, or any other resources 
73.13 	including investments. If the commissioner determines that any deficiency cannot be 
73.14 	corrected or the need cannot be met with the payment rate currently being paid, the 
73.15 	commissioner shall determine the payment rate adjustment by dividing the additional 
73.16 	annual costs established during the commissioner's review by the residential program's 
73.17 	actual resident client days from the most recent income and expense report or the estimated 
73.18 	resident client days in the projected receivership period. The payment rate adjustment 
73.19 	remains in effect during the period of the receivership or until another date set by the 
73.20 	commissioner. Upon the subsequent sale, closure, or transfer of the residential program, 
73.21 	the commissioner may recover amounts that were paid as payment rate adjustments under 
73.22 	this subdivision. This recovery shall be determined through a review of actual costs and 
73.23 	resident client days in the receivership period. The costs the commissioner finds to be 
73.24 	allowable shall be divided by the actual resident client days for the receivership period. 
73.25 	This rate shall be compared to the rate paid throughout the receivership period, with 
73.26 	the difference multiplied by resident client days, being the amount to be repaid to the 
73.27 	commissioner. Allowable costs shall be determined by the commissioner as those ordinary, 
73.28 	necessary, and related to resident client care by prudent and cost-conscious management. 
73.29 	The buyer or transferee shall repay this amount to the commissioner within 60 days after 
73.30 	the commissioner notifies the buyer or transferee of the obligation to repay. This provision 
73.31 	does not limit the liability of the seller to the commissioner pursuant to section 256B.0641.
73.32 		Subd. 9.Receivership accounting. The commissioner may use the medical 
73.33 	assistance account and funds for receivership cash flow and accounting purposes.
73.34 		Subd. 10.Receivership costs. The commissioner may use the accounts and funds 
73.35 	that would have been available for the room and board, services, and program costs of 
74.1 	persons in the residential program for costs, cash flow, and accounting purposes related 
74.2 	to the receivership.
74.3 		Subd. 11.Controlling individuals; restrictions on licensure. No controlling 
74.4 	individual of a residential program placed into receivership under this section may apply 
74.5 	for or receive a license or certification to operate a residential or nonresidential program 
74.6 	for five years from the commencement of the receivership period. This subdivision does 
74.7 	not apply to residential programs that are owned or operated by controlling individuals 
74.8 	that were in existence before the date of the receivership agreement, and that have not 
74.9 	been placed into receivership.

74.10 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.14, subdivision 14, is amended to read:
74.11 		Subd. 14.Attendance records for publicly funded services. (a) A child care 
74.12 	center licensed under this chapter and according to Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503, must 
74.13 	maintain documentation of actual attendance for each child receiving care for which the 
74.14 	license holder is reimbursed by a governmental program. The records must be accessible 
74.15 	to the commissioner during the program's hours of operation, they must be completed on 
74.16 	the actual day of attendance, and they must include:
74.17 	(1) the first and last name of the child;
74.18 	(2) the time of day that the child was dropped off; and
74.19 	(3) the time of day that the child was picked up.
74.20 	(b) A family child care provider licensed under this chapter and according to 
74.21 	Minnesota Rules, chapter 9502, must maintain documentation of actual attendance for 
74.22 	each child receiving care for which the license holder is reimbursed for the care of that 
74.23 	child by a governmental program. The records must be accessible to the commissioner 
74.24 	during the program's hours of operation, they must be completed on the actual day of 
74.25 	attendance, and they must include:
74.26 	(1) the first and last name of the child;
74.27 	(2) the time of day that the child was dropped off; and
74.28 	(3) the time of day that the child was picked up.
74.29 	(c) An adult day services program licensed under this chapter and according to 
74.30 	Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5105 to 9555.6265, must maintain documentation of actual 
74.31 	attendance for each adult day service recipient for which the license holder is reimbursed 
74.32 	by a governmental program. The records must be accessible to the commissioner during 
74.33 	the program's hours of operation, they must be completed on the actual day of attendance, 
74.34 	and they must include:
74.35 	(1) the first, middle, and last name of the recipient;
75.1 	(2) the time of day that the recipient was dropped off; and
75.2 	(3) the time of day that the recipient was picked up.
75.3 	(d) The commissioner shall not issue a correction for attendance record errors that 
75.4 	occur before August 1, 2013.

75.5 	Sec. 17. [245A.1443] CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY PROGRAMS THAT SERVE 
75.6 	PARENTS WITH THEIR CHILDREN.
75.7 		Subdivision 1.Application. This section applies to chemical dependency treatment 
75.8 	facilities that are licensed under this chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 9530, and that 
75.9 	provide services in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6490.
75.10 		Subd. 2.Requirements for providing education. (a) On or before the date of a 
75.11 	child's initial physical presence at the facility, the license holder must provide education 
75.12 	to the child's parent related to safe bathing and reducing the risk of sudden unexpected 
75.13 	infant death and abusive head trauma from shaking infants and young children. At a 
75.14 	minimum, the education must address:
75.15 	(1) instruction that a child or infant should never be left unattended around water, a 
75.16 	tub should be filled with only two to four inches of water for infants, and an infant should 
75.17 	never be put into a tub when the water is running; and
75.18 	(2) the risk factors related to sudden unexpected infant death and abusive head trauma 
75.19 	from shaking infants and young children, and means of reducing the risks, including the 
75.20 	safety precautions identified in section 245A.1435 and the dangers of co-sleeping.
75.21 	(b) The license holder must document the parent's receipt of the education and keep 
75.22 	the documentation in the parent's file. The documentation must indicate whether the 
75.23 	parent agrees to comply with the safeguards. If the parent refuses to comply, program staff 
75.24 	must provide additional education to the parent at appropriate intervals, at least weekly 
75.25 	for the duration of the parent's participation in the program or until the parent agrees 
75.26 	to comply with the safeguards.
75.27 		Subd. 3.Parental supervision of children. (a) On or before the date of a child's 
75.28 	initial physical presence at the facility, the license holder must complete and document an 
75.29 	assessment of the parent's capacity to meet the health and safety needs of the child while 
75.30 	on the facility premises, including identifying circumstances when the parent may be 
75.31 	unable to adequately care for their child due to:
75.32 	(1) the parent's physical or mental health;
75.33 	(2) the parent being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, medications, or other 
75.34 	chemicals;
75.35 	(3) the parent being unable to provide appropriate supervision for the child; or
76.1 	(4) any other information available to the license holder that indicate the parent may 
76.2 	not be able to adequately care for the child.
76.3 	(b) The license holder must have written procedures specifying the actions to be 
76.4 	taken by staff if a parent is or becomes unable to adequately care for the parent's child.
76.5 		Subd. 4.Alternative supervision arrangements. The license holder must 
76.6 	have written procedures addressing whether the program permits a parent to arrange 
76.7 	for supervision of the parent's child by another client in the program. If permitted, the 
76.8 	facility must have a procedure that requires staff approval of the supervision arrangement 
76.9 	before the supervision by the nonparental client occurs. The procedure for approval must 
76.10 	include an assessment of the nonparental client's capacity to assume the supervisory 
76.11 	responsibilities using the criteria in subdivision 3. The license holder must document 
76.12 	the license holder's approval of the supervisory arrangement and the assessment of the 
76.13 	nonparental client's capacity to supervise the child, and must keep this documentation in 
76.14 	the file of the parent of the child being supervised.

76.15 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.148, is amended to read:
76.16 	245A.148 FAMILY CHILD CARE DIAPERING AREA DISINFECTION.
76.17 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, a family child care provider may 
76.18 	disinfect the diaper changing surface with chlorine bleach in a manner consistent with label 
76.19 	directions for disinfection or with a surface disinfectant that meets the following criteria:
76.20 	(1) the manufacturer's label or instructions state that the product is registered with 
76.21 	the United States Environmental Protection Agency;
76.22 	(2) the manufacturer's label or instructions state that the disinfectant is effective 
76.23 	against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis enterica, and Pseudomonas 
76.24 	aeruginosa;
76.25 	(3) the manufacturer's label or instructions state that the disinfectant is effective with 
76.26 	a ten minute or less contact time;
76.27 	(4) the disinfectant is clearly labeled by the manufacturer with directions for mixing 
76.28 	and use;
76.29 	(5) the disinfectant is used only in accordance with the manufacturer's directions; and
76.30 	(6) the product does not include triclosan or derivatives of triclosan.

76.31 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
76.32 		Subdivision 1.Delegation of authority to agencies. (a) County agencies and 
76.33 	private agencies that have been designated or licensed by the commissioner to perform 
76.34 	licensing functions and activities under section 245A.04 and background studies for family 
77.1 	child care under chapter 245C; to recommend denial of applicants under section 245A.05; 
77.2 	to issue correction orders, to issue variances, and recommend a conditional license under 
77.3 	section 245A.06,; or to recommend suspending or revoking a license or issuing a fine 
77.4 	under section 245A.07, shall comply with rules and directives of the commissioner 
77.5 	governing those functions and with this section. The following variances are excluded 
77.6 	from the delegation of variance authority and may be issued only by the commissioner:
77.7 	(1) dual licensure of family child care and child foster care, dual licensure of child 
77.8 	and adult foster care, and adult foster care and family child care;
77.9 	(2) adult foster care maximum capacity;
77.10 	(3) adult foster care minimum age requirement;
77.11 	(4) child foster care maximum age requirement;
77.12 	(5) variances regarding disqualified individuals except that county agencies may 
77.13 	issue variances under section 245C.30 regarding disqualified individuals when the county 
77.14 	is responsible for conducting a consolidated reconsideration according to sections 245C.25 
77.15 	and 245C.27, subdivision 2, clauses (a) and (b), of a county maltreatment determination 
77.16 	and a disqualification based on serious or recurring maltreatment;
77.17 	(6) the required presence of a caregiver in the adult foster care residence during 
77.18 	normal sleeping hours; and
77.19 	(7) variances for community residential setting licenses under chapter 245D to 
77.20 	requirements relating to chemical use problems of a license holder or a household member 
77.21 	of a license holder.
77.22 	Except as provided in section 245A.14, subdivision 4, paragraph (e), a county agency 
77.23 	must not grant a license holder a variance to exceed the maximum allowable family child 
77.24 	care license capacity of 14 children.
77.25 	(b) County agencies must report information about disqualification reconsiderations 
77.26 	under sections 245C.25 and 245C.27, subdivision 2, paragraphs (a) and (b), and variances 
77.27 	granted under paragraph (a), clause (5), to the commissioner at least monthly in a format 
77.28 	prescribed by the commissioner.
77.29 	(c) For family day care programs, the commissioner may authorize licensing reviews 
77.30 	every two years after a licensee has had at least one annual review.
77.31 	(d) For family adult day services programs, the commissioner may authorize 
77.32 	licensing reviews every two years after a licensee has had at least one annual review.
77.33 	(e) A license issued under this section may be issued for up to two years.
77.34 	(f) During implementation of chapter 245D, the commissioner shall consider:
77.35 	(1) the role of counties in quality assurance;
77.36 	(2) the duties of county licensing staff; and
78.1 	(3) the possible use of joint powers agreements, according to section 471.59, with 
78.2 	counties through which some licensing duties under chapter 245D may be delegated by 
78.3 	the commissioner to the counties.
78.4 	Any consideration related to this paragraph must meet all of the requirements of the 
78.5 	corrective action plan ordered by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
78.6 	(g) Licensing authority specific to section 245D.06, subdivisions 5, 6, 7, and 8, or 
78.7 	successor provisions; and section 245D.061 or successor provisions, for family child 
78.8 	foster care programs providing out-of-home respite, as identified in section 245D.03, 
78.9 	subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (1), is excluded from the delegation of authority 
78.10 	to county and private agencies.

78.11 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.175, is amended to read:
78.12 	245A.175 MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING REQUIREMENT.
78.13 	Prior to a nonemergency placement of a child in a foster care home, the child foster 
78.14 	care provider, licensed after July 1, 2007, license holder and all other caregivers and staff 
78.15 	in the program must complete two hours of training that addresses the causes, symptoms, 
78.16 	and key warning signs of mental health disorders; cultural considerations; and effective 
78.17 	approaches for dealing with a child's behaviors. At least one hour of the annual 12-hour
78.18 	training requirement for foster parents, caregivers, and staff must be on children's mental 
78.19 	health issues and treatment. Training curriculum shall be approved by the commissioner 
78.20 	of human services.

78.21 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.1915, is amended to read:
78.22 	245A.1915 OPIOID ADDICTION TREATMENT EDUCATION 
78.23 	REQUIREMENT FOR PROVIDERS LICENSED TO PROVIDE CHEMICAL 
78.24 	DEPENDENCY TREATMENT SERVICES.
78.25 	All programs  serving persons with substance use issues licensed by the commissioner 
78.26 	must provide educational information concerning:  treatment options for opioid addiction, 
78.27 	including the use of a medication for the use of opioid addiction; and recognition of 
78.28 	and response to opioid overdose and the use and administration of naloxone, to clients 
78.29 	identified as having or seeking treatment for opioid addiction. The commissioner shall 
78.30 	develop educational materials that are supported by research and updated periodically that 
78.31 	must be used by programs to comply with this requirement.

78.32 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.192, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
79.1 		Subd. 3.Medication orders. Prior to the program administering or dispensing a 
79.2 	medication used for the treatment of opioid addiction:
79.3 	(1) a client-specific order must be received from an appropriately credentialed 
79.4 	physician who is enrolled as a Minnesota health care programs provider and meets all 
79.5 	applicable provider standards;
79.6 	(2) the signed order must be documented in the client's record; and
79.7 	(3) if the order is not directly issued by the physician, such as a verbal order, the 
79.8 	physician that issued the order must review the documentation and sign the order in the 
79.9 	client's record within 72 hours of the medication being administered or dispensed. The 
79.10 	physician must document whether the medication was administered or dispensed as 
79.11 	ordered. The license holder must report to the commissioner any medication error that 
79.12 	endangers a patient's health, as determined by the medical director.if the physician that 
79.13 	issued the order is not able to sign the order when issued, the unsigned order must be 
79.14 	entered in the client record at the time it was received, and the physician must review the 
79.15 	documentation and sign the order in the client's record within 72 hours of the medication 
79.16 	being ordered. The license holder must report to the commissioner any medication error 
79.17 	that endangers a patient's health, as determined by the medical director.

79.18 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.192, is amended by adding a 
79.19 	subdivision to read:
79.20 		Subd. 3a.High dose requirements. A client being administered or dispensed 
79.21 	a dose, beyond that set forth in subdivision 5, paragraph (a), clause (1), that exceeds 
79.22 	150 milligrams of methadone or 24 milligrams of buprenorphine daily, and for each 
79.23 	subsequent increase, must meet face to face with a prescribing physician. The meeting 
79.24 	must occur before the administering or dispensing of the increased dose.

79.25 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.192, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
79.26 		Subd. 5.Criteria for unsupervised use. (a) To limit the potential for diversion 
79.27 	of medication used for the treatment of opioid addiction to the illicit market, any such 
79.28 	medications dispensed to patients for unsupervised use shall be subject to the following 
79.29 	requirements:
79.30 	(1) any patient in an opioid treatment program may receive a single take-home dose 
79.31 	for a day that the clinic is closed for business, including Sundays and state and federal 
79.32 	holidays; and
80.1 	(2) treatment program decisions on dispensing medications used to treat opioid 
80.2 	addiction to patients for unsupervised use beyond that set forth in clause (1) shall be 
80.3 	determined by the medical director.
80.4 	(b) The medical director A physician with authority to prescribe  must consider the 
80.5 	criteria in this subdivision in determining whether a client may be permitted unsupervised 
80.6 	or take-home use of such medications. The criteria must also be considered when 
80.7 	determining whether dispensing medication for a client's unsupervised use is appropriate to 
80.8 	increase or to extend the amount of time between visits to the program. The criteria include:
80.9 	(1) absence of recent abuse of drugs including but not limited to opioids, 
80.10 	nonnarcotics, and alcohol;
80.11 	(2) regularity of program attendance;
80.12 	(3) absence of serious behavioral problems at the program;
80.13 	(4) absence of known recent criminal activity such as drug dealing;
80.14 	(5) stability of the client's home environment and social relationships;
80.15 	(6) length of time in comprehensive maintenance treatment;
80.16 	(7) reasonable assurance that take-home medication will be safely stored within the 
80.17 	client's home; and
80.18 	(8) whether the rehabilitative benefit the client derived from decreasing the frequency 
80.19 	of program attendance outweighs the potential risks of diversion or unsupervised use.
80.20 	(c) The determination, including the basis of the determination, must be consistent 
80.21 	with the criteria in this subdivision and must be documented in the client's medical record.

80.22 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.192, subdivision 10, is amended to 
80.23 	read:
80.24 		Subd. 10.Nonmedication treatment services; documentation. (a) The program 
80.25 	must offer at least 50 consecutive minutes of individual or group therapy treatment services 
80.26 	as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6430, subpart 1, item A, subitem (1), per week, 
80.27 	for the first ten weeks following admission, and at least 50 consecutive minutes per month 
80.28 	thereafter. As clinically appropriate, the program may offer these services cumulatively 
80.29 	and not consecutively in increments of no less than 15 minutes over the required time 
80.30 	period, and for a total of 60 minutes of treatment services over the time period, and must 
80.31 	document the reason for providing services cumulatively in the client's record. The 
80.32 	program may offer additional levels of service when deemed clinically necessary.
80.33 	(b)  Notwithstanding the requirements of comprehensive assessments in Minnesota 
80.34 	Rules, part 9530.6422, the assessment must be completed within 21 days of service 
80.35 	initiation.
81.1 	(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of individual treatment plans set forth in 
81.2 	Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6425:
81.3 	(1) treatment plan contents for maintenance clients are not required to include goals 
81.4 	the client must reach to complete treatment and have services terminated;
81.5 	(2) treatment plans for clients in a taper or detox status must include goals the client 
81.6 	must reach to complete treatment and have services terminated;
81.7 	(3) for the initial ten weeks after admission for all new admissions, readmissions, and 
81.8 	transfers, progress notes must be entered in a client's file at least weekly and be recorded 
81.9 	in each of the six dimensions upon the development of the treatment plan and thereafter. 
81.10 	Subsequently, the counselor must document progress no less than one time monthly, 
81.11 	recorded in the six dimensions or when clinical need warrants more frequent notations; and
81.12 	(4) upon the development of the treatment plan and thereafter, treatment plan 
81.13 	reviews must occur weekly, or after each treatment service, whichever is less frequent, 
81.14 	for the first ten weeks of treatment for all new admissions, readmissions, and transfers
81.15 	after the treatment plan is developed. Following the first ten weeks of treatment, treatment 
81.16 	plan reviews, reviews  may occur monthly, unless the client has needs that warrant more 
81.17 	frequent revisions or documentation.

81.18 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.192, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
81.19 		Subd. 11.Prescription monitoring program. (a) Upon admission to a methadone 
81.20 	clinic outpatient treatment program, clients shall be notified that the Department of Human 
81.21 	Services and the medical director will monitor the prescription monitoring program to 
81.22 	review the prescribed controlled drugs the clients have received. The medical director or 
81.23 	the medical director's delegate must review data from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy 
81.24 	prescription monitoring program (PMP) established under section 152.126 prior to the 
81.25 	client being ordered any controlled substance as defined under section 152.126, subdivision 
81.26 	1, paragraph (b), including medications used for the treatment of opioid addiction. The 
81.27 	subsequent reviews of the PMP data must occur quarterly and be documented in the 
81.28 	client's individual file. When the PMP data shows a recent history of multiple prescribers 
81.29 	or multiple prescriptions for controlled substances, then subsequent reviews of the PMP 
81.30 	data must occur monthly and be documented in the client's individual file. If, at any time, 
81.31 	the medical director believes the use of the controlled substances places the client at risk 
81.32 	of harm, the program must seek the client's consent to discuss the client's opioid treatment 
81.33 	with other prescribers and must seek consent for the other prescriber to disclose to the 
81.34 	opioid treatment program's medical director the client's condition that formed the basis of 
81.35 	the other prescriptions. Additionally, any findings from the PMP data that are relevant to 
82.1 	the medical director's course of treatment for the client must be documented in the client's 
82.2 	individual file. A review of the PMP is not required for every medication dose adjustment.
82.3 	The program must develop and maintain a policy and procedure that requires the ongoing 
82.4 	monitoring of the data from the prescription monitoring program for each client. The policy 
82.5 	and procedure must include how the program will meet the requirements in paragraph (b).
82.6 	(b)  If a medication used for the treatment of opioid addiction is administered or 
82.7 	dispensed to a client, the license holder shall be subject to the following requirements:
82.8 	(1) upon admission to a methadone clinic outpatient treatment program, clients must 
82.9 	be notified in writing that the commissioner of human services and the medical director 
82.10 	will monitor the prescription monitoring program to review the prescribed controlled 
82.11 	drugs the clients have received;
82.12 	(2) the medical director or the medical director's delegate must review the data from 
82.13 	the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy prescription monitoring program (PMP) established 
82.14 	under section 152.126 prior to the client being ordered any controlled substance, as 
82.15 	defined under section 152.126, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), including medications used 
82.16 	for the treatment of opioid addiction, and subsequent reviews of the PMP data must occur 
82.17 	at least every 90 days;
82.18 	(3) a copy of the PMP data reviewed must be maintained in the client file;
82.19 	(4) when the PMP data contains a recent history of multiple prescribers or multiple 
82.20 	prescriptions for controlled substances, the physician's review of the data and subsequent 
82.21 	actions must be documented in the client's individual file within 72 hours and must contain 
82.22 	the medical director's determination of whether or not the prescriptions place the client at 
82.23 	risk of harm and the actions to be taken in response to the PMP findings. In addition, the 
82.24 	provider must conduct subsequent reviews of the PMP on a monthly basis; and
82.25 	(5) if at any time the medical director believes the use of the controlled substances 
82.26 	places the client at risk of harm, the program must seek the client's consent to discuss 
82.27 	the client's opioid treatment with other prescribers and must seek consent for the other 
82.28 	prescriber to disclose to the opioid treatment program's medical director the client's 
82.29 	condition that formed the basis of the other prescriptions. If the information is not 
82.30 	obtained within seven days, the medical director must document whether or not changes 
82.31 	to the client's medication dose or number of take-home doses are necessary until the 
82.32 	information is obtained.
82.33 	(c) The commissioner shall collaborate with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy 
82.34 	to develop and implement an electronic system through which the commissioner shall 
82.35 	routinely access the data from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy prescription monitoring 
82.36 	program established under section 152.126 for the purpose of determining whether 
83.1 	any client enrolled in an opioid addiction treatment program licensed according to this 
83.2 	section has also been prescribed or dispensed a controlled substance in addition to 
83.3 	that administered or dispensed by the opioid addiction treatment program. When the 
83.4 	commissioner determines there have been multiple prescribers or multiple prescriptions of 
83.5 	controlled substances, the commissioner shall:
83.6 	(1) inform the medical director of the opioid treatment program only that the 
83.7 	commissioner determined the existence of multiple prescribers or multiple prescriptions of 
83.8 	controlled substances; and
83.9 	(2) direct the medical director of the opioid treatment program to access the data 
83.10 	directly, review the effect of the multiple prescribers or multiple prescriptions, and 
83.11 	document the review.
83.12 	(c)(d) If determined necessary, the commissioner shall seek a federal waiver of, or 
83.13 	exception to, any applicable provision of Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 
83.14 	2.34(c), prior to implementing this subdivision.

83.15 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.192, is amended by adding a 
83.16 	subdivision to read:
83.17 		Subd. 15.A program's duty to report suspected drug diversion. (a) To the 
83.18 	fullest extent permitted under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 2.1 to 2.67, 
83.19 	a program shall report to law enforcement any credible evidence that the program or its 
83.20 	personnel knows, or reasonably should know, that is directly related to a diversion crime 
83.21 	on the premises of the program, or a threat to commit a diversion crime.
83.22 	(b) "Diversion crime" for the purposes of this section, means diverting, attempting 
83.23 	to divert, or conspiring to divert schedule I, II, III, or IV drugs, as defined in section 
83.24 	152.02, on the program's premises.
83.25 	(c) The program must document its compliance with the requirement in paragraph 
83.26 	(a) in either a client's record or an incident report.
83.27 	(d) Failure to comply with the duty in paragraph (a) may result in sanctions as 
83.28 	provided in sections 245A.06 and 245A.07.

83.29 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.192, is amended by adding a 
83.30 	subdivision to read:
83.31 		Subd. 16.Variance. The commissioner may grant a variance to the requirements 
83.32 	of this section.

83.33 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.40, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
84.1 		Subd. 3.First aid. (a) All teachers and assistant teachers in a child care center 
84.2 	governed by Minnesota Rules, parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0170, and at least one staff person 
84.3 	during field trips and when transporting children in care, must satisfactorily complete first 
84.4 	aid training within 90 days of the start of work, unless the training has been completed 
84.5 	within the previous three years.
84.6 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), which allows 90 days to complete training, at 
84.7 	least one staff person who has satisfactorily completed first aid training must be present at 
84.8 	all times in the center, during field trips, and when transporting children in care. 
84.9 	(c) The first aid training must be repeated at least every three years, documented in 
84.10 	the person's personnel record and indicated on the center's staffing chart, and provided by 
84.11 	an individual approved as a first aid instructor. This training may be less than eight hours.

84.12 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.40, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
84.13 		Subd. 4.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (a) All teachers and assistant teachers 
84.14 	in a child care center governed by Minnesota Rules, parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0170, and 
84.15 	at least one staff person during field trips and when transporting children in care, must 
84.16 	satisfactorily complete training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that includes CPR 
84.17 	techniques for infants and children and in the treatment of obstructed airways that includes 
84.18 	CPR techniques for infants and children. The CPR training must be completed within 90 
84.19 	days of the start of work, unless the training has been completed within the previous 
84.20 	three years. The CPR training must have been provided by an individual approved to 
84.21 	provide CPR instruction, must be repeated at least once every three years, and must be 
84.22 	documented in the staff person's records.
84.23 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), which allows 90 days to complete training, at 
84.24 	least one staff person who has satisfactorily completed cardiopulmonary resuscitation 
84.25 	training must be present at all times in the center, during field trips, and when transporting 
84.26 	children in care. 
84.27 	(b) (c) CPR training may be provided for less than four hours.
84.28 	(c) (d) Persons providing CPR training must use CPR training that has been 
84.29 	developed:
84.30 	(1) by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross and incorporates 
84.31 	psychomotor skills to support the instruction; or
84.32 	(2) using nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines for CPR and incorporates 
84.33 	psychomotor skills to support the instruction.

84.34 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.40, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
85.1 		Subd. 5.Sudden unexpected infant death and abusive head trauma training. (a) 
85.2 	License holders must document that before staff persons and volunteers care for infants, 
85.3 	they are instructed on the standards in section 245A.1435 and receive training on reducing 
85.4 	the risk of sudden unexpected infant death. In addition, license holders must document 
85.5 	that before staff persons care for infants or children under school age, they receive training 
85.6 	on the risk of abusive head trauma from shaking infants and young children. The training 
85.7 	in this subdivision may be provided as orientation training under subdivision 1 and 
85.8 	in-service training under subdivision 7.
85.9 	(b) Sudden unexpected infant death reduction training required under this 
85.10 	subdivision must be at least one-half hour in length and must be completed at least once 
85.11 	every year. At a minimum, the training must address the risk factors related to sudden 
85.12 	unexpected infant death, means of reducing the risk of sudden unexpected infant death in 
85.13 	child care, and license holder communication with parents regarding reducing the risk of 
85.14 	sudden unexpected infant death.
85.15 	(c) Abusive head trauma training under this subdivision must be at least one-half 
85.16 	hour in length and must be completed at least once every year. At a minimum, the training 
85.17 	must address the risk factors related to shaking infants and young children, means to 
85.18 	reduce the risk of abusive head trauma in child care, and license holder communication 
85.19 	with parents regarding reducing the risk of abusive head trauma.
85.20 	(d) The commissioner shall make available for viewing a video presentation on 
85.21 	the dangers associated with shaking infants and young children, which may be used in 
85.22 	conjunction with the annual training required under paragraph (c). The video presentation 
85.23 	must be part of the orientation and annual in-service training of licensed child care center 
85.24 	staff persons caring for children under school age. The commissioner shall provide to 
85.25 	child care providers and interested individuals, at cost, copies of a video approved by the 
85.26 	commissioner of health under section 144.574 on the dangers associated with shaking 
85.27 	infants and young children.

85.28 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245A.50, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
85.29 		Subdivision 1.Initial training. (a) License holders, caregivers, and substitutes must 
85.30 	comply with the training requirements in this section.
85.31 	(b) Helpers who assist with care on a regular basis must complete six hours of 
85.32 	training within one year after the date of initial employment.
85.33 	(c) Training requirements established under this section that must be completed prior 
85.34 	to initial licensure must be satisfied only by a newly licensed child care provider or by 
85.35 	a child care provider who has not held an active child care license in Minnesota in the 
86.1 	previous 12 months. A child care provider who relocates within the state or who voluntarily 
86.2 	cancels a license or allows the license to lapse for a period of less than 12 months and 
86.3 	who seeks reinstatement of the lapsed or canceled license within 12 months of the lapse or 
86.4 	cancellation must satisfy the annual, ongoing training requirements, and is not required to 
86.5 	satisfy the training requirements that must be completed prior to initial licensure.

86.6 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
86.7 		Subd. 2.Access to persons served by a program. "Access to persons served by a 
86.8 	program" means physical access to persons receiving services or, access to  the persons' 
86.9 	personal property, or access to the persons' personal, financial, or health information,
86.10 	without continuous, direct supervision, as defined in subdivision 8.

86.11 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
86.12 		Subd. 4.Supplemental nursing services agencies. (a) The commissioner shall 
86.13 	conduct a background study of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, 
86.14 	subdivision 3, at least upon application for registration under section 144A.71, subdivision 
86.15 	1.
86.16 	(b) Each supplemental nursing services agency must initiate background studies 
86.17 	using the electronic system known as NETStudy before an individual begins a position 
86.18 	allowing direct contact with persons served by the agency and annually thereafter.
86.19 	(c) A supplemental nursing services agency that initiates background studies through 
86.20 	NETStudy 2.0 is exempt from the requirement to initiate annual background studies under 
86.21 	paragraph (b) for individuals who are on the agency's active roster.

86.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

86.23 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.04, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
86.24 		Subd. 5.Personnel agencies; educational programs; professional services 
86.25 	agencies. (a) Agencies, programs, and individuals who initiate background studies under 
86.26 	section 245C.03, subdivision 4, must initiate the studies annually using the electronic 
86.27 	system known as NETStudy.
86.28 	(b) Agencies, programs, and individuals who initiate background studies through 
86.29 	NETStudy 2.0 are exempt from the requirement to initiate annual background studies 
86.30 	under paragraph (a) for individuals who are on the agency's or program's active roster.

86.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

87.1 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
87.2 		Subd. 6.Unlicensed home and community-based waiver providers of service to 
87.3 	seniors and individuals with disabilities. (a) Providers required to initiate background 
87.4 	studies under section 256B.4912 must initiate a study using the electronic system known 
87.5 	as NETStudy before the individual begins in a position allowing direct contact with 
87.6 	persons served by the provider.
87.7 	(b) Except as provided in paragraph paragraphs (c) and (d), the providers must 
87.8 	initiate a background study annually of an individual required to be studied under section 
87.9 	245C.03, subdivision 6.
87.10 	(c) After an initial background study under this subdivision is initiated on an 
87.11 	individual by a provider of both services licensed by the commissioner and the unlicensed 
87.12 	services under this subdivision, a repeat annual background study is not required if:
87.13 	(1) the provider maintains compliance with the requirements of section 245C.07, 
87.14 	paragraph (a), regarding one individual with one address and telephone number as the 
87.15 	person to receive sensitive background study information for the multiple programs that 
87.16 	depend on the same background study, and that the individual who is designated to receive 
87.17 	the sensitive background information is capable of determining, upon the request of the 
87.18 	commissioner, whether a background study subject is providing direct contact services 
87.19 	in one or more of the provider's programs or services and, if so, at which location or 
87.20 	locations; and
87.21 	(2) the individual who is the subject of the background study provides direct 
87.22 	contact services under the provider's licensed program for at least 40 hours per year so 
87.23 	the individual will be recognized by a probation officer or corrections agent to prompt 
87.24 	a report to the commissioner regarding criminal convictions as required under section 
87.25 	245C.05, subdivision 7.
87.26 	(d) A provider who initiates background studies through NETStudy 2.0 is exempt 
87.27 	from the requirement to initiate annual background studies under paragraph (b) for 
87.28 	individuals who are on the provider's active roster.

87.29 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

87.30 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
87.31 		Subdivision 1.Individual studied. (a) The individual who is the subject of the 
87.32 	background study must provide the applicant, license holder, or other entity under section 
87.33 	245C.04 with sufficient information to ensure an accurate study, including:
87.34 	(1) the individual's first, middle, and last name and all other names by which the 
87.35 	individual has been known;
88.1 	(2) current home address, city, and state of residence;
88.2 	(3) current zip code;
88.3 	(4) sex;
88.4 	(5) date of birth;
88.5 	(6) Minnesota driver's license number or state identification number; and
88.6 	(7) upon implementation of NETStudy 2.0, the home address, city, county, and 
88.7 	state of residence for the past five years.
88.8 	(b) Every subject of a background study conducted or initiated by counties or private 
88.9 	agencies under this chapter must also provide the home address, city, county, and state of 
88.10 	residence for the past five years.
88.11 	(c) Every subject of a background study related to private agency adoptions or 
88.12 	related to child foster care licensed through a private agency, who is 18 years of age 
88.13 	or older, shall also provide the commissioner a signed consent for the release of any 
88.14 	information received from national crime information databases to the private agency that 
88.15 	initiated the background study.
88.16 	(d) The subject of a background study shall provide fingerprints and a photograph as 
88.17 	required in subdivision 5.

88.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

88.19 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.07, is amended to read:
88.20 	245C.07 STUDY SUBJECT AFFILIATED WITH MULTIPLE FACILITIES.
88.21 	(a) Subject to the conditions in paragraph (d), when a license holder, applicant, or 
88.22 	other entity owns multiple programs or services that are licensed by the Department 
88.23 	of Human Services, Department of Health, or Department of Corrections, only one 
88.24 	background study is required for an individual who provides direct contact services in one 
88.25 	or more of the licensed programs or services if:
88.26 	(1) the license holder designates one individual with one address and telephone 
88.27 	number as the person to receive sensitive background study information for the multiple 
88.28 	licensed programs or services that depend on the same background study; and
88.29 	(2) the individual designated to receive the sensitive background study information 
88.30 	is capable of determining, upon request of the department, whether a background study 
88.31 	subject is providing direct contact services in one or more of the license holder's programs 
88.32 	or services and, if so, at which location or locations.
88.33 	(b) When a license holder maintains background study compliance for multiple 
88.34 	licensed programs according to paragraph (a), and one or more of the licensed programs 
89.1 	closes, the license holder shall immediately notify the commissioner which staff must be 
89.2 	transferred to an active license so that the background studies can be electronically paired 
89.3 	with the license holder's active program.
89.4 	(c) When a background study is being initiated by a licensed program or service or a 
89.5 	foster care provider that is also registered under chapter 144D, a study subject affiliated 
89.6 	with multiple licensed programs or services may attach to the background study form a 
89.7 	cover letter indicating the additional names of the programs or services, addresses, and 
89.8 	background study identification numbers.
89.9 	When the commissioner receives a notice, the commissioner shall notify each 
89.10 	program or service identified by the background study subject of the study results.
89.11 	The background study notice the commissioner sends to the subsequent agencies 
89.12 	shall satisfy those programs' or services' responsibilities for initiating a background study 
89.13 	on that individual.
89.14 	(d) If a background study was conducted on an individual related to child foster care 
89.15 	and the requirements under paragraph (a) are met, the background study is transferable 
89.16 	across all licensed programs. If a background study was conducted on an individual under 
89.17 	a license other than child foster care and the requirements under paragraph (a) are met, the 
89.18 	background study is transferable to all licensed programs except child foster care.
89.19 	(e) The provisions of this section that allow a single background study in one 
89.20 	or more licensed programs or services do not apply to background studies submitted 
89.21 	by adoption agencies, supplemental nursing services agencies, personnel agencies, 
89.22 	educational programs, professional services agencies, and unlicensed personal care 
89.23 	provider organizations.
89.24 	(f) For an entity operating under NETStudy 2.0, the entity's active roster must be 
89.25 	the system used to document when a background study subject is affiliated with multiple 
89.26 	entities. For a background study to be transferable:
89.27 	(1) the background study subject must be on and moving to a roster for which the 
89.28 	person designated to receive sensitive background study information is the same; and
89.29 	(2) the same entity must own or legally control both the roster from which the 
89.30 	transfer is occurring and the roster to which the transfer is occurring. For an entity that 
89.31 	holds or controls multiple licenses, or unlicensed personal care provider organizations, 
89.32 	there must be a common highest level entity that has a legally identifiable structure that 
89.33 	can be verified through records available from the secretary of state.

89.34 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

89.35 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
90.1 		Subdivision 1.Disqualification; licensing action. An applicant's, license holder's, 
90.2 	or other entity's failure or refusal to cooperate with the commissioner, including failure to 
90.3 	provide required fingerprints and photograph under section 245C.05, subdivision 5, within 
90.4 	14 days of a background study's initiation or failure to provide additional information 
90.5 	required under section 245C.05, subdivision 3, is reasonable cause to disqualify a subject, 
90.6 	deny a license application, or immediately suspend or revoke a license or registration.

90.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

90.8 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.10, is amended by adding a 
90.9 	subdivision to read:
90.10 		Subd. 1a.Expenses. Section 181.645 does not apply to background studies 
90.11 	completed under this chapter.

90.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

90.13 	Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
90.14 		Subd. 2.Background studies initiated by others; personnel pool agencies, 
90.15 	temporary personnel agencies, or professional services agencies. When a license 
90.16 	holder relies on a background study initiated by a personnel pool agency, a temporary 
90.17 	personnel agency, an educational program, or a professional services agency for a person 
90.18 	required to have a background study completed under section 245C.03, the license holder 
90.19 	must maintain a copy of the background study results in the license holder's files.

90.20 	Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.20, is amended by adding a 
90.21 	subdivision to read:
90.22 		Subd. 2a.Background studies initiated by others; educational programs. When 
90.23 	a license holder relies on a background study initiated by an educational program for a 
90.24 	person required to have a background study completed under section 245C.03 and the 
90.25 	person is on the educational program's active roster, the license holder is responsible 
90.26 	for ensuring that the background study has been completed. The license holder may 
90.27 	satisfy the documentation requirements through a written agreement with the educational 
90.28 	program verifying that documentation of the background study may be provided upon 
90.29 	request and that the educational program will inform the license holder if there is a change 
90.30 	in the person's background study status. The license holder remains responsible for 
90.31 	ensuring that all background study requirements are met.

91.1 	Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.01, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
91.2 		Subd. 8.Financial misconduct or misconduct. "Financial misconduct" or 
91.3 	"misconduct" means an entity's or individual's acts or omissions that result in fraud and 
91.4 	abuse or error against the Department of Human Services. Financial misconduct includes 
91.5 	acting as a recruiter offering conditional employment on behalf of a provider that has 
91.6 	received funds from the child care assistance program.

91.7 	Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.01, is amended by adding a subdivision 
91.8 	to read:
91.9 		Subd. 13a.Recruiter offering conditional employment. "Recruiter offering 
91.10 	conditional employment" means a child care provider, center owner, director, manager, 
91.11 	license holder, or other controlling individual or agent who, for pecuniary gain, directly 
91.12 	procures or solicits an applicant or a prospective employee and requires as a condition of 
91.13 	employment that the applicant or prospective employee has one or more children who are 
91.14 	eligible for or receive child care assistance.

91.15 	Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
91.16 		Subdivision 1.Investigating provider or recipient financial misconduct. The 
91.17 	department shall investigate alleged or suspected financial misconduct by providers and 
91.18 	errors related to payments issued by the child care assistance program under this chapter. 
91.19 	Recipients, employees, and staff may be investigated when the evidence shows that their 
91.20 	conduct is related to the financial misconduct of a provider, license holder, or controlling 
91.21 	individual. When the alleged or suspected financial misconduct relates to acting as a 
91.22 	recruiter offering conditional employment on behalf of a provider that has received funds 
91.23 	from the child care assistance program, the department may investigate the provider, 
91.24 	center owner, director, manager, license holder, or other controlling individual or agent, 
91.25 	who is alleged to have acted as a recruiter offering conditional employment.

91.26 	Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.02, is amended by adding a subdivision 
91.27 	to read:
91.28 		Subd. 3a.Prohibited hiring practice. It is prohibited to hire a child care center 
91.29 	employee when, as a condition of employment, the employee is required to have one or 
91.30 	more children who are eligible for or receive child care assistance, if:
91.31 	(1) the individual hiring the employee is, or is acting at the direction of or in 
91.32 	cooperation with, a child care center provider, center owner, director, manager, license 
91.33 	holder, or other controlling individual; and
92.1 	(2) the individual hiring the employee knows or has reason to know the purpose in 
92.2 	hiring the employee is to obtain child care assistance program funds.

92.3 	Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
92.4 		Subd. 4.Actions or administrative sanctions. (a) After completing the 
92.5 	determination under subdivision 3, the department may take one or more of the actions 
92.6 	or sanctions specified in this subdivision.
92.7 	(b) The department may take the following actions:
92.8 	(1) refer the investigation to law enforcement or a county attorney for possible 
92.9 	criminal prosecution;
92.10 	(2) refer relevant information to the department's licensing division, the child care 
92.11 	assistance program, the Department of Education, the federal child and adult care food 
92.12 	program, or appropriate child or adult protection agency;
92.13 	(3) enter into a settlement agreement with a provider, license holder, controlling 
92.14 	individual, or recipient; or
92.15 	(4) refer the matter for review by a prosecutorial agency with appropriate jurisdiction 
92.16 	for possible civil action under the Minnesota False Claims Act, chapter 15C.
92.17 	(c) In addition to section 256.98, the department may impose sanctions by:
92.18 	(1) pursuing administrative disqualification through hearings or waivers;
92.19 	(2) establishing and seeking monetary recovery or recoupment; or
92.20 	(3) issuing an order of corrective action that states the practices that are violations 
92.21 	of child care assistance program policies, laws, or regulations, and that they must be 
92.22 	corrected.; or
92.23 	(4) suspending, denying, or terminating payments to a provider.
92.24 	(d) Upon a finding by the commissioner that any child care provider, center owner, 
92.25 	director, manager, license holder, or other controlling individual of a child care center has 
92.26 	employed, used, or acted as a recruiter offering conditional employment for a child care 
92.27 	center that has received child care assistance program funding, the commissioner shall:
92.28 	(1) immediately suspend all program payments to all child care centers in which 
92.29 	the person employing, using, or acting as a recruiter offering conditional employment 
92.30 	is an owner, director, manager, license holder, or other controlling individual. The 
92.31 	commissioner shall suspend program payments under this clause even if services have 
92.32 	already been provided; and
92.33 	(2) immediately and permanently revoke the licenses of all child care centers 
92.34 	of which the person employing, using, or acting as a recruiter offering conditional 
92.35 	employment is an owner, director, manager, license holder, or other controlling individual.

93.1 	Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
93.2 		Subd. 2.Written notice of department sanction; sanction effective date; 
93.3 	informal meeting. (a) The department shall give notice in writing to a person of an 
93.4 	administrative sanction that is to be imposed. The notice shall be sent by mail as defined 
93.5 	in section 245E.01, subdivision 11.
93.6 	(b) The notice shall state:
93.7 	(1) the factual basis for the department's determination;
93.8 	(2) the sanction the department intends to take;
93.9 	(3) the dollar amount of the monetary recovery or recoupment, if any;
93.10 	(4) how the dollar amount was computed;
93.11 	(5) the right to dispute the department's determination and to provide evidence;
93.12 	(6) the right to appeal the department's proposed sanction; and
93.13 	(7) the option to meet informally with department staff, and to bring additional 
93.14 	documentation or information, to resolve the issues.
93.15 	(c) In cases of determinations resulting in denial or termination of payments, in 
93.16 	addition to the requirements of paragraph (b), the notice must state:
93.17 	(1) the length of the denial or termination;
93.18 	(2) the requirements and procedures for reinstatement; and
93.19 	(3) the provider's right to submit documents and written arguments against the 
93.20 	denial or termination of payments for review by the department before the effective date 
93.21 	of denial or termination.
93.22 	(d) The submission of documents and written argument for review by the department 
93.23 	under paragraph (b), clause (5) or (7), or paragraph (c), clause (3), does not stay the 
93.24 	deadline for filing an appeal.
93.25 	(e) Unless timely appealed Notwithstanding section 245E.03, subdivision 4, the 
93.26 	effective date of the proposed sanction shall be 30 days after the license holder's, provider's, 
93.27 	controlling individual's, or recipient's receipt of the notice, unless timely appealed. If a 
93.28 	timely appeal is made, the proposed sanction shall be delayed pending the final outcome 
93.29 	of the appeal. Implementation of a proposed sanction following the resolution of a timely 
93.30 	appeal may be postponed if, in the opinion of the department, the delay of sanction is 
93.31 	necessary to protect the health or safety of children in care. The department may consider 
93.32 	the economic hardship of a person in implementing the proposed sanction, but economic 
93.33 	hardship shall not be a determinative factor in implementing the proposed sanction.
93.34 	(f) Requests for an informal meeting to attempt to resolve issues and requests 
93.35 	for appeals must be sent or delivered to the department's Office of Inspector General, 
93.36 	Financial Fraud and Abuse Division.

94.1 	Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.06, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
94.2 		Subd. 3.Appeal of department sanction. (a) If the department does not pursue 
94.3 	a criminal action against a provider, license holder, controlling individual, or recipient 
94.4 	for financial misconduct, but the department imposes an administrative sanction under 
94.5 	section 245E.02, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), any individual or entity against whom 
94.6 	the sanction was imposed may appeal the department's administrative sanction under 
94.7 	this section pursuant to section 119B.16 or 256.045 with the additional requirements in 
94.8 	clauses (1) to (4). An appeal must specify:
94.9 	(1) each disputed item, the reason for the dispute, and an estimate of the dollar 
94.10 	amount involved for each disputed item, if appropriate;
94.11 	(2) the computation that is believed to be correct, if appropriate;
94.12 	(3) the authority in the statute or rule relied upon for each disputed item; and
94.13 	(4) the name, address, and phone number of the person at the provider's place of 
94.14 	business with whom contact may be made regarding the appeal.
94.15 	(b) Notwithstanding section 245E.03, subdivision 4, an appeal is considered timely 
94.16 	only if postmarked or received by the department's Appeals Division within 30 days after 
94.17 	receiving a notice of department sanction.
94.18 	(c) Before the appeal hearing, the department may deny or terminate authorizations 
94.19 	or payment to the entity or individual if the department determines that the action is 
94.20 	necessary to protect the public welfare or the interests of the child care assistance program.

94.21 	Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
94.22 		Subd. 4.Duties as state agency. (a) The state agency shall:
94.23 	(1) supervise the administration of assistance to dependent children under Laws 
94.24 	1937, chapter 438, by the county agencies in an integrated program with other service for 
94.25 	dependent children maintained under the direction of the state agency;
94.26 	(2) establish adequate standards for personnel employed by the counties and the 
94.27 	state agency in the administration of Laws 1937, chapter 438, and make the necessary 
94.28 	rules to maintain such standards;
94.29 	(3) prescribe the form of and print and supply to the county agencies blanks for 
94.30 	applications, reports, affidavits, and such other forms as it may deem necessary and 
94.31 	advisable;
94.32 	(4) cooperate with the federal government and its public welfare agencies in 
94.33 	any reasonable manner as may be necessary to qualify for federal aid for temporary 
94.34 	assistance for needy families and in conformity with title I of Public Law 104-193, the 
94.35 	Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and successor 
95.1 	amendments, including the making of such reports and such forms and containing such 
95.2 	information as the Federal Social Security Board may from time to time require, and 
95.3 	comply with such provisions as such board may from time to time find necessary to assure 
95.4 	the correctness and verification of such reports;
95.5 	(5) on or before October 1 in each even-numbered year make a biennial report to the 
95.6 	governor concerning the activities of the agency;
95.7 	(6) enter into agreements with other departments of the state as necessary to meet all 
95.8 	requirements of the federal government; and
95.9 	(7) cooperate with the commissioner of education to enforce the requirements for 
95.10 	program integrity and fraud prevention for investigation for child care assistance under 
95.11 	chapter 119B.
95.12 	(b) The state agency may:
95.13 	(1) subpoena witnesses and administer oaths, make rules, and take such action as 
95.14 	may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the provisions of Laws 1937, chapter 438. 
95.15 	All rules made by the state agency shall be binding on the counties and shall be complied 
95.16 	with by the respective county agencies;
95.17 	(2) cooperate with other state agencies in establishing reciprocal agreements in 
95.18 	instances where a child receiving Minnesota family investment program assistance moves 
95.19 	or contemplates moving into or out of the state, in order that the child may continue 
95.20 	to receive supervised aid from the state moved from until the child has resided for one 
95.21 	year in the state moved to; and
95.22 	(3) administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, certify to official acts, and 
95.23 	issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of individuals and the production of documents 
95.24 	and other personal property necessary in connection with the administration of programs 
95.25 	administered by, or for the purpose of any investigation, hearing, proceeding, or inquiry 
95.26 	related to the duties and responsibilities of, the Department of Human Services.
95.27 	(c) The fees for service of a subpoena in paragraph (b), clause (3), must be paid in 
95.28 	the same manner as prescribed by law for a service of process issued by a district court. 
95.29 	Witnesses must receive the same fees and mileage as in civil actions.
95.30 	(d) The subpoena in paragraph (b), clause (3), shall be enforceable through the 
95.31 	district court in the district where the subpoena is issued.
95.32 	(e) A subpoena issued under this subdivision must state that the person to whom the 
95.33 	subpoena is directed may not disclose the fact that the subpoena was issued or the fact 
95.34 	that the requested records have been given to law enforcement personnel or agents of 
95.35 	the commissioner except:
96.1 	(1) insofar as the disclosure is necessary and agreed upon by the commissioner, to 
96.2 	find and disclose the records; or
96.3 	(2) pursuant to court order.

96.4 	Sec. 51. [256.041] CULTURAL AND ETHNIC COMMUNITIES LEADERSHIP 
96.5 	COUNCIL.
96.6 		Subdivision 1.Establishment; purpose. There is hereby established the Cultural 
96.7 	and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council for the Department of Human Services. The 
96.8 	purpose of the council is to advise the commissioner of human services on reducing 
96.9 	disparities that affect racial and ethnic groups.
96.10 		Subd. 2.Members. (a) The council must consist of:
96.11 	(1) the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees in the house of 
96.12 	representatives and the senate with jurisdiction over human services; and 
96.13 	(2) no fewer than 15 and no more than 25 members appointed by the commissioner 
96.14 	of human services, in consultation with county, tribal, cultural, and ethnic communities; 
96.15 	diverse program participants; and parent representatives from these communities.
96.16 	(b) In making appointments under this section, the commissioner shall give priority 
96.17 	consideration to public members of the legislative councils of color established under 
96.18 	chapter 3.
96.19 	(c) Members must be appointed to allow for representation of the following groups:
96.20 	(1) racial and ethnic minority groups;
96.21 	(2) the American Indian community, which must be represented by two members;
96.22 	(3) culturally and linguistically specific advocacy groups and service providers;
96.23 	(4) human services program participants;
96.24 	(5) public and private institutions;
96.25 	(6) parents of human services program participants;
96.26 	(7) members of the faith community;
96.27 	(8) Department of Human Services employees; and 
96.28 	(9) any other group the commissioner deems appropriate to facilitate the goals 
96.29 	and duties of the council.
96.30 		Subd. 3.Guidelines. The commissioner shall direct the development of guidelines 
96.31 	defining the membership of the council; setting out definitions; and developing duties of 
96.32 	the commissioner, the council, and council members regarding racial and ethnic disparities 
96.33 	reduction. The guidelines must be developed in consultation with:
96.34 	(1) the chairs of relevant committees; and
97.1 	(2) county, tribal, and cultural communities and program participants from these 
97.2 	communities.
97.3 		Subd. 4.Chair. The commissioner shall appoint a chair.
97.4 		Subd. 5.Terms for first appointees. The initial members appointed shall serve 
97.5 	until January 15, 2016.
97.6 		Subd. 6.Terms. A term shall be for two years and appointees may be reappointed 
97.7 	to serve two additional terms. The commissioner shall make appointments to replace 
97.8 	members vacating their positions by January 15 of each year.
97.9 		Subd. 7.Duties of commissioner. (a) The commissioner of human services or the 
97.10 	commissioner's designee shall:
97.11 	(1) maintain the council established in this section; 
97.12 	(2) supervise and coordinate policies for persons from racial, ethnic, cultural, 
97.13 	linguistic, and tribal communities who experience disparities in access and outcomes;
97.14 	(3) approve compensation to public members of the council as recommended by the 
97.15 	council chair;
97.16 	(4) identify human services rules or statutes affecting persons from racial, ethnic, 
97.17 	cultural, linguistic, and tribal communities that may need to be revised;
97.18 	(5) investigate and implement cost-effective models of service delivery such as 
97.19 	careful adaptation of clinically proven services that constitute one strategy for increasing the 
97.20 	number of culturally relevant services available to currently underserved populations; and 
97.21 	(6) based on recommendations of the council, review identified department 
97.22 	policies that maintain racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and tribal disparities, and make 
97.23 	adjustments to ensure those disparities are not perpetuated.
97.24 	(b) The commissioner of human services or the commissioner's designee shall 
97.25 	consult with the council and receive recommendations from the council when meeting the 
97.26 	requirements in this subdivision.
97.27 		Subd. 8.Duties of council. The council shall:
97.28 	(1) recommend to the commissioner for review identified policies in the Department 
97.29 	of Human Services that maintain racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and tribal disparities;
97.30 	(2) identify issues regarding disparities by engaging diverse populations in human 
97.31 	services programs;
97.32 	(3) engage in mutual learning essential for achieving human services parity and 
97.33 	optimal wellness for service recipients;
97.34 	(4) raise awareness about human services disparities to the legislature and media; 
97.35 	(5) provide technical assistance and consultation support to counties, private 
97.36 	nonprofit agencies, and other service providers to build their capacity to provide equitable 
98.1 	human services for persons from racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and tribal communities 
98.2 	who experience disparities in access and outcomes;
98.3 	(6) provide technical assistance to promote statewide development of culturally 
98.4 	and linguistically appropriate, accessible, and cost-effective human services and related 
98.5 	policies;
98.6 	(7) provide training and outreach to facilitate access to culturally and linguistically 
98.7 	appropriate, accessible, and cost-effective human services to prevent disparities;
98.8 	(8) facilitate culturally appropriate and culturally sensitive admissions, continued 
98.9 	services, discharges, and utilization review for human services agencies and institutions;
98.10 	(9) form work groups to help carry out the duties of the council that include, but are 
98.11 	not limited to, persons who provide and receive services and representatives of advocacy 
98.12 	groups, and provide the work groups with clear guidelines, standardized parameters, and 
98.13 	tasks for the work groups to accomplish;
98.14 	(10) promote information sharing in the human services community and statewide; 
98.15 	and
98.16 	(11) by February 15 each year, prepare and submit to the chairs and ranking minority 
98.17 	members of the committees in the house of representatives and the senate with jurisdiction 
98.18 	over human services a report that summarizes the activities of the council, identifies 
98.19 	the major problems and issues confronting racial and ethnic groups in accessing human 
98.20 	services, makes recommendations to address issues, and lists the specific objectives that 
98.21 	the council seeks to attain during the next biennium. The report must also include a list of 
98.22 	programs, groups, and grants used to reduce disparities, and statistically valid reports of 
98.23 	outcomes on the reduction of the disparities.
98.24 		Subd. 9.Duties of council members. The members of the council shall:
98.25 	(1) attend and participate in scheduled meetings and be prepared by reviewing 
98.26 	meeting notes;
98.27 	(2) maintain open communication channels with respective constituencies;
98.28 	(3) identify and communicate issues and risks that could impact the timely 
98.29 	completion of tasks;
98.30 	(4) collaborate on disparity reduction efforts;
98.31 	(5) communicate updates of the council's work progress and status on the 
98.32 	Department of Human Services Web site; and
98.33 	(6) participate in any activities the council or chair deems appropriate and necessary 
98.34 	to facilitate the goals and duties of the council.
98.35 		Subd. 10.Expiration. The council expires on June 30, 2020.

98.36 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective retroactively from March 15, 2015.

99.1 	Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.046, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
99.2 		Subdivision 1.Local agency hearing authority. A local agency must initiate 
99.3 	an administrative fraud disqualification hearing for individuals, including child care 
99.4 	providers caring for children receiving child care assistance, accused of wrongfully 
99.5 	obtaining assistance or intentional program violations, in lieu of a criminal action when it 
99.6 	has not been pursued, in:
99.7 	(1)  the Minnesota family investment program and any affiliated program to include 
99.8 	the diversionary work program and the work participation cash benefit program,;
99.9 	(2) child care assistance programs,;
99.10 	(3) general assistance,;
99.11 	(4) family general assistance program formerly codified in section 256D.05, 
99.12 	subdivision 1, clause (15),;
99.13 	(5) Minnesota supplemental aid,;
99.14 	(6) food stamp programs,;
99.15 	(7) general assistance medical care,;
99.16 	(8) MinnesotaCare for adults without children, and;
99.17 	(9) upon federal approval, all categories of medical assistance and remaining 
99.18 	categories of MinnesotaCare except for children through age 18.; and
99.19 	(10) emergency general assistance and emergency assistance.
99.20 		Subd. 1a.State hearing authority. The Department of Human Services, in lieu of a 
99.21 	local agency, may initiate an administrative fraud disqualification hearing when the state 
99.22 	agency is directly responsible for administration or investigation of the program for which 
99.23 	benefits were wrongfully obtained. The hearing is subject to the requirements of section 
99.24 	256.045 and the requirements in Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 273.16.

99.25 	Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a 
99.26 	subdivision to read:
99.27 		Subd. 17b.Documentation required. (a) As a condition for payment, 
99.28 	nonemergency medical transportation providers must document each occurrence of a 
99.29 	service provided to a recipient according to this subdivision. Program funds paid for 
99.30 	transportation that is not documented according to this subdivision shall be recovered 
99.31 	by the department.
99.32 	(b) A nonemergency medical transportation provider must compile transportation 
99.33 	records that meet the following requirements:
99.34 	(1) the record must be in English and must be legible according to the standard 
99.35 	of a reasonable person;
100.1 	(2) the recipient's name must be on each page of the record; and 
100.2 	(3) each entry in the record must document:
100.3 	(i) the date on which the entry is made;
100.4 	(ii) the date or dates the service is provided;
100.5 	(iii) the printed last name, first name, and middle initial of the driver;
100.6 	(iv) the signature of the driver attesting to the following: "I certify that I have 
100.7 	accurately reported in this mileage log the miles I actually drove and the dates and times I 
100.8 	actually drove them. I understand that misreporting the miles driven and hours worked is 
100.9 	fraud for which I could face criminal prosecution or civil proceedings.";
100.10 	(v) the signature of the recipient attesting to the following: "I certify that I received 
100.11 	the reported transportation service.";
100.12 	(vi) the description and address of both the origin and destination, and the mileage 
100.13 	for the most direct route from the origin to the destination;
100.14 	(vii) the mode of transportation in which the service is provided;
100.15 	(viii) the license plate number of the vehicle used to transport the recipient;
100.16 	(ix) whether the recipient is ambulatory or nonambulatory;
100.17 	(x) the time of the pickup and the time of the drop-off with "a.m." and "p.m." 
100.18 	designations;
100.19 	(xi) the number of occupants in the vehicle;
100.20 	(xii) the name of the extra attendant when an extra attendant is used to provide 
100.21 	special transportation service;
100.22 	(xiii) the odometer reading at the origin and the destination and total miles traveled;
100.23 	(xiv) unscheduled stops or detours between the origin and final destination; and 
100.24 	(xv) the electronic source documentation used to calculate driving directions and 
100.25 	mileage.

100.26 	Sec. 54. [256B.0705] PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANCE SERVICES; 
100.27 	MANDATED SERVICE VERIFICATION.
100.28 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms 
100.29 	have the meanings given them.
100.30 	(b) "Personal care assistance services" or "PCA services" means services provided 
100.31 	according to section 256B.0659.
100.32 	(c) "Personal care assistant" or "PCA" has the meaning given in section 256B.0659, 
100.33 	subdivision 1.
100.34 	(d) "Service verification" means a random, unscheduled telephone call made for the 
100.35 	purpose of verifying that the individual personal care assistant is present at the location 
101.1 	where personal care assistance services are being provided and is providing services 
101.2 	as scheduled.
101.3 		Subd. 2.Verification schedule. An agency that submits claims for reimbursement 
101.4 	for PCA services under this chapter must develop and implement administrative policies 
101.5 	and procedures by which the agency verifies the services provided by a PCA. For each 
101.6 	service recipient, the agency must conduct at least one service verification every 90 days. 
101.7 	If more than one PCA provides services to a single service recipient, the agency must 
101.8 	conduct a service verification for each PCA providing services before conducting a service 
101.9 	verification for a PCA whose services were previously verified by the agency. Service 
101.10 	verification must occur on an ongoing basis while the agency provides PCA services to 
101.11 	the recipient. During service verification, the agency must speak with both the PCA and 
101.12 	the service recipient or recipient's authorized representative. Service verifications are not 
101.13 	eligible for reimbursement. An agency may substitute a visit by a qualified professional 
101.14 	that is eligible for reimbursement under section 256B.0659, subdivision 14 or 19, for no 
101.15 	more than two service verifications for a PCA within a 12-month period, when the PCA is 
101.16 	present during the visit.
101.17 		Subd. 3.Documentation of verification. An agency must fully document service 
101.18 	verifications in a legible manner and must maintain the documentation on site for at least 
101.19 	five years from the date of documentation. For each service verification, documentation 
101.20 	must include:
101.21 	(1) the names and signatures of the service recipient or recipient's authorized 
101.22 	representative, the PCA and any other agency staff present with the PCA during the 
101.23 	service verification, and the staff person conducting the service verification; and
101.24 	(2) the start and end time, day, month, and year of the service verification, and the 
101.25 	corresponding PCA time sheet.
101.26 		Subd. 4.Variance. The Office of Inspector General at the Department of Human 
101.27 	Services may grant a variance to the service verification requirements in this section 
101.28 	if an agency uses an electronic monitoring system that verifies a PCA is present at the 
101.29 	location where services are provided and is providing services according to the prescribed 
101.30 	schedule. A decision to grant or deny a variance request is final and not subject to appeal 
101.31 	under chapter 14.

101.32 	Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 402A.12, is amended to read:
101.33 	402A.12 ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT 
101.34 	SYSTEM FOR HUMAN SERVICES.
102.1 	By January 1, 2014, the commissioner shall implement a performance management 
102.2 	system for essential human services as described in sections 402A.16 and 402A.18
102.3 	that includes initial performance measures and standards thresholds consistent with the 
102.4 	recommendations of the Steering Committee on Performance and Outcome Reforms in 
102.5 	the December 2012 report to the legislature.

102.6 	Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 402A.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
102.7 		Subd. 2.Duties. The Human Services Performance Council shall:
102.8 	(1) hold meetings at least quarterly that are in compliance with Minnesota's Open 
102.9 	Meeting Law under chapter 13D;
102.10 	(2) annually review the annual performance data submitted by counties or service 
102.11 	delivery authorities;
102.12 	(3) review and advise the commissioner on department procedures related to the 
102.13 	implementation of the performance management system and system process requirements 
102.14 	and on barriers to process improvement in human services delivery;
102.15 	(4) advise the commissioner on the training and technical assistance needs of county 
102.16 	or service delivery authority and department personnel;
102.17 	(5) review instances in which a county or service delivery authority has not made 
102.18 	adequate progress on a performance improvement plan and make recommendations to 
102.19 	the commissioner under section 402A.18;
102.20 	(6) consider appeals from counties or service delivery authorities that are in the 
102.21 	remedies process and make recommendations to the commissioner on resolving the issue;
102.22 	(7) convene working groups to update and develop outcomes, measures, and 
102.23 	performance standards thresholds for the performance management system and, 
102.24 	on an annual basis, present these recommendations to the commissioner, including 
102.25 	recommendations on when a particular essential human services program has a balanced 
102.26 	set of program measures in place;
102.27 	(8) make recommendations on human services administrative rules or statutes that 
102.28 	could be repealed in order to improve service delivery;
102.29 	(9) provide information to stakeholders on the council's role and regularly collect 
102.30 	stakeholder input on performance management system performance; and
102.31 	(10) submit an annual report to the legislature and the commissioner, which 
102.32 	includes a comprehensive report on the performance of individual counties or service 
102.33 	delivery authorities as it relates to system measures; a list of counties or service delivery 
102.34 	authorities that have been required to create performance improvement plans and the areas 
102.35 	identified for improvement as part of the remedies process; a summary of performance 
103.1 	improvement training and technical assistance activities offered to the county personnel 
103.2 	by the department; recommendations on administrative rules or state statutes that could be 
103.3 	repealed in order to improve service delivery; recommendations for system improvements, 
103.4 	including updates to system outcomes, measures, and standards thresholds; and a response 
103.5 	from the commissioner.

103.6 	Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 402A.16, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
103.7 		Subd. 4.Commissioner duties. The commissioner shall:
103.8 	(1) implement and maintain the performance management system for human services;
103.9 	(2) establish and regularly update the system's outcomes, measures, and standards
103.10 	thresholds, including the minimum performance standard threshold for each performance 
103.11 	measure;
103.12 	(3) determine when a particular program has a balanced set of measures;
103.13 	(4) receive reports from counties or service delivery authorities at least annually on 
103.14 	their performance against system measures, provide counties with data needed to assess 
103.15 	performance and monitor progress, and provide timely feedback to counties or service 
103.16 	delivery authorities on their performance;
103.17 	(5) implement and monitor the remedies process in section 402A.18;
103.18 	(6) report to the Human Services Performance Council on county or service delivery 
103.19 	authority performance on a semiannual basis;
103.20 	(7) provide general training and technical assistance to counties or service delivery 
103.21 	authorities on topics related to performance measurement and performance improvement;
103.22 	(8) provide targeted training and technical assistance to counties or service delivery 
103.23 	authorities that supports their performance improvement plans; and
103.24 	(9) provide staff support for the Human Services Performance Council.

103.25 	Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 402A.18, is amended to read:
103.26 	402A.18 COMMISSIONER POWER TO REMEDY FAILURE TO MEET 
103.27 	PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES.
103.28 		Subdivision 1.Underperforming county; specific service. If the commissioner 
103.29 	determines that a county or service delivery authority is deficient in achieving minimum 
103.30 	performance standards thresholds for a specific essential human services program, the 
103.31 	commissioner may impose the following remedies and adjust state and federal program 
103.32 	allocations accordingly:
103.33 	(1) voluntary incorporation of the administration and operation of the specific 
103.34 	essential human services program with an existing service delivery authority or another 
104.1 	county. A service delivery authority or county incorporating an underperforming county 
104.2 	shall not be financially liable for the costs associated with remedying performance 
104.3 	outcome deficiencies;
104.4 	(2) mandatory incorporation of the administration and operation of the specific 
104.5 	essential human services program with an existing service delivery authority or another 
104.6 	county. A service delivery authority or county incorporating an underperforming county 
104.7 	shall not be financially liable for the costs associated with remedying performance 
104.8 	outcome deficiencies; or
104.9 	(3) transfer of authority for program administration and operation of the specific 
104.10 	essential human services program to the commissioner.
104.11 		Subd. 2.Underperforming county; more than one-half of services. If the 
104.12 	commissioner determines that a county or service delivery authority is deficient in 
104.13 	achieving minimum performance standards thresholds for more than one-half of the defined 
104.14 	essential human services programs, the commissioner may impose the following remedies:
104.15 	(1) voluntary incorporation of the administration and operation of essential human 
104.16 	services programs with an existing service delivery authority or another county. A 
104.17 	service delivery authority or county incorporating an underperforming county shall 
104.18 	not be financially liable for the costs associated with remedying performance outcome 
104.19 	deficiencies;
104.20 	(2) mandatory incorporation of the administration and operation of essential human 
104.21 	services programs with an existing service delivery authority or another county. A 
104.22 	service delivery authority or county incorporating an underperforming county shall 
104.23 	not be financially liable for the costs associated with remedying performance outcome 
104.24 	deficiencies; or
104.25 	(3) transfer of authority for administration and operation of essential human services 
104.26 	programs to the commissioner.
104.27 		Subd. 2a.Financial responsibility of underperforming county. A county subject 
104.28 	to remedies under subdivision 1 or 2 shall provide to the entity assuming administration of 
104.29 	the essential human services program or programs the amount of nonfederal and nonstate 
104.30 	funding needed to remedy performance outcome deficiencies.
104.31 		Subd. 3.Conditions prior to imposing remedies. (a) The commissioner 
104.32 	shall notify a county or service delivery authority that it must submit a performance 
104.33 	improvement plan if:
104.34 	(1) the county or service delivery authority does not meet the minimum performance 
104.35 	standard threshold for a measure; or
105.1 	(2) the county or service delivery authority does not meet the minimum performance 
105.2 	standard threshold for one or more racial or ethnic subgroup for which there is a 
105.3 	statistically valid population size for three or more measures, even if the county or service 
105.4 	delivery authority met the standard threshold for the overall population.
105.5 	The commissioner must approve the performance improvement plan. The county or 
105.6 	service delivery authority may negotiate the terms of the performance improvement plan 
105.7 	with the commissioner.
105.8 	(b) When the department determines that a county or service delivery authority 
105.9 	does not meet the minimum performance standard threshold for a given measure, the 
105.10 	commissioner must advise the county or service delivery authority that fiscal penalties 
105.11 	may result if the performance does not improve. The department must offer technical 
105.12 	assistance to the county or service delivery authority. Within 30 days of the initial 
105.13 	advisement from the department, the county or service delivery authority may claim 
105.14 	and the department may approve an extenuating circumstance that relieves the county 
105.15 	or service delivery authority of any further remedy. If a county or service delivery 
105.16 	authority has a small number of participants in an essential human services program such 
105.17 	that reliable measurement is not possible, the commissioner may approve extenuating 
105.18 	circumstances or may average performance over three years.
105.19 	(c) If there are no extenuating circumstances, the county or service delivery authority 
105.20 	must submit a performance improvement plan to the commissioner within 60 days of the 
105.21 	initial advisement from the department. The term of the performance improvement plan 
105.22 	must be two years, starting with the date the plan is approved by the commissioner. This 
105.23 	plan must include a target level for improvement for each measure that did not meet 
105.24 	the minimum performance standard threshold. The commissioner must approve the 
105.25 	performance improvement plan within 60 days of submittal.
105.26 	(d) The department must monitor the performance improvement plan for two 
105.27 	years. After two years, if the county or service delivery authority meets the minimum 
105.28 	performance standard threshold, there is no further remedy. If the county or service 
105.29 	delivery authority fails to meet the minimum performance standard threshold, but 
105.30 	meets the improvement target in the performance improvement plan, the county or 
105.31 	service delivery authority shall modify the performance improvement plan for further 
105.32 	improvement and the department shall continue to monitor the plan.
105.33 	(e) If, after two years of monitoring, the county or service delivery authority fails 
105.34 	to meet both the minimum performance standard threshold and the improvement target 
105.35 	identified in the performance improvement plan, the next step of the remedies process 
105.36 	shall be invoked by the commissioner. This phase of the remedies process may include:
106.1 	(1) fiscal penalties for the county or service delivery authority that do not exceed 
106.2 	one percent of the county's human services expenditures and that are negotiated in the 
106.3 	performance improvement plan, based on what is needed to improve outcomes. Counties 
106.4 	or service delivery authorities must reinvest the amount of the fiscal penalty into the 
106.5 	essential human services program that was underperforming. A county or service delivery 
106.6 	authority shall not be required to pay more than three fiscal penalties in a year; and
106.7 	(2) the department's provision of technical assistance to the county or service 
106.8 	delivery authority that is targeted to address the specific performance issues.
106.9 	The commissioner shall continue monitoring the performance improvement plan for a 
106.10 	third year.
106.11 	(f) If, after the third year of monitoring, the county or service delivery authority 
106.12 	meets the minimum performance standard threshold, there is no further remedy. If the 
106.13 	county or service delivery authority fails to meet the minimum performance standard
106.14 	threshold, but meets the improvement target for the performance improvement plan, the 
106.15 	county or service delivery authority shall modify the performance improvement plan for 
106.16 	further improvement and the department shall continue to monitor the plan.
106.17 	(g) If, after the third year of monitoring, the county or service delivery authority 
106.18 	fails to meet the minimum performance standard threshold and the improvement target 
106.19 	identified in the performance improvement plan, the Human Services Performance 
106.20 	Council shall review the situation and recommend a course of action to the commissioner.
106.21 	(h) If the commissioner has determined that a program has a balanced set of program 
106.22 	measures and a county or service delivery authority is subject to fiscal penalties for more 
106.23 	than one-half of the measures for that program, the commissioner may apply further 
106.24 	remedies as described in subdivisions 1 and 2.

106.25 	Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 471.346, is amended to read:
106.26 	471.346 PUBLICLY OWNED AND LEASED VEHICLES IDENTIFIED.
106.27 	All motor vehicles owned or leased by a statutory or home rule charter city, county, 
106.28 	town, school district, metropolitan or regional agency, or other political subdivision, 
106.29 	except for unmarked vehicles used in general police and fire work, arson investigations, 
106.30 	and Department of Human Services investigations including conducted by central office 
106.31 	staff, and county fraud prevention investigations conducted by county or contract fraud 
106.32 	prevention investigators, shall have the name of the political subdivision plainly displayed 
106.33 	on both sides of the vehicle in letters not less than 2-1/2 inches high and one-half inch wide. 
106.34 	The identification must be in a color that contrasts with the color of the part of the vehicle 
106.35 	on which it is placed and must remain on and be clean and visible throughout the period of 
107.1 	which the vehicle is owned or leased by the political subdivision. The identification must 
107.2 	not be on a removable plate or placard except on leased vehicles but the plate or placard 
107.3 	must not be removed from a leased vehicle at any time during the term of the lease.

107.4 	Sec. 60. [609.816] WRONGFUL EMPLOYMENT AT A CHILD CARE CENTER.
107.5 	A person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more 
107.6 	than three years, to payment of a fine of not more than $6,000, or both, if the person:
107.7 	(1) is a child care center owner, director, manager, license holder, or other controlling 
107.8 	individual or agent of a child care center;
107.9 	(2) engages in the recruitment or screening of potential employees or applicants or 
107.10 	instructs other persons engaged in the recruitment or screening of potential employees 
107.11 	or applicants; and
107.12 	(3) requires, as a condition of obtaining or continuing employment at the child care 
107.13 	center, that the applicant, potential employee, or employee has one or more children who 
107.14 	are eligible for or receive child care assistance.

107.15 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment 
107.16 	and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

107.17 	Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.821, is amended to read:
107.18 	609.821 FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD FRAUD.
107.19 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms 
107.20 	have the meanings given them:
107.21 	(a) "Financial transaction card" means any instrument or device, whether known as 
107.22 	a credit card, credit plate, charge plate, courtesy card, bank services card, banking card, 
107.23 	check guarantee card, debit card, electronic benefit system (EBS) card, electronic benefit 
107.24 	transfer (EBT) card, assistance transaction card, or by any other name, issued with or 
107.25 	without fee by an issuer for the use of the cardholder in obtaining credit, money, goods, 
107.26 	services, public assistance benefits, or anything else of value, and includes the account or 
107.27 	identification number or symbol of a financial transaction card.
107.28 	(b) "Cardholder" means a person in whose name a card is issued.
107.29 	(c) "Issuer" means a person, firm, or governmental agency, or a duly authorized 
107.30 	agent or designee, that issues a financial transaction card.
107.31 	(d) "Property" includes money, goods, services, public assistance benefit, or 
107.32 	anything else of value.
108.1 	(e) "Public assistance benefit" means any money, goods or services, or anything else 
108.2 	of value, issued under chapters 256, 256B, 256D, or section 393.07, subdivision 10.
108.3 	(f) "Trafficking of SNAP benefits" means:
108.4 	(1) the buying, selling, stealing, or otherwise effecting an exchange of Supplemental 
108.5 	Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits issued and accessed via an electronic 
108.6 	benefit transfer (EBT) card, card number and personal identification number (PIN), or 
108.7 	manual voucher and signature, for cash or consideration other than eligible food, either 
108.8 	directly, indirectly, in complicity or collusion with others, or acting alone;
108.9 	(2) the exchange of one of the following for SNAP benefits: firearms, ammunition, 
108.10 	explosives, or controlled substances as defined in United States Code, title 21, section 802;
108.11 	(3) purchasing a product with SNAP benefits that has a container requiring a return 
108.12 	deposit with the intent of obtaining cash by discarding the product and returning the 
108.13 	container for the deposit amount, intentionally discarding the product, and intentionally 
108.14 	returning the container for the deposit amount;
108.15 	(4) purchasing a product with SNAP benefits with the intent of obtaining cash or 
108.16 	consideration other than eligible food by reselling the product, and intentionally reselling 
108.17 	the product purchased with SNAP benefits in exchange for cash or consideration other 
108.18 	than eligible food;
108.19 	(5) intentionally purchasing products originally purchased with SNAP benefits in 
108.20 	exchange for cash or consideration other than eligible food; or
108.21 	(6) attempting to buy, sell, steal, or otherwise effect an exchange of SNAP benefits 
108.22 	issued and accessed via an EBT card, card number and PIN number, or manual voucher 
108.23 	and signature, for cash or consideration other than eligible food, either directly, indirectly, 
108.24 	in complicity or collusion with others, or acting alone.
108.25 		Subd. 2.Violations; penalties. A person who does any of the following commits 
108.26 	financial transaction card fraud:
108.27 	(1) without the consent of the cardholder, and knowing that the cardholder has not 
108.28 	given consent, uses or attempts to use a card to obtain the property of another, or a public 
108.29 	assistance benefit issued for the use of another;
108.30 	(2) uses or attempts to use a card knowing it to be forged, false, fictitious, or obtained 
108.31 	in violation of clause (6);
108.32 	(3) sells or transfers a card knowing that the cardholder and issuer have not 
108.33 	authorized the person to whom the card is sold or transferred to use the card, or that the 
108.34 	card is forged, false, fictitious, or was obtained in violation of clause (6);
108.35 	(4) without a legitimate business purpose, and without the consent of the cardholders, 
108.36 	receives or possesses, with intent to use, or with intent to sell or transfer in violation of 
109.1 	clause (3), two or more cards issued in the name of another, or two or more cards knowing 
109.2 	the cards to be forged, false, fictitious, or obtained in violation of clause (6);
109.3 	(5) being authorized by an issuer to furnish money, goods, services, or anything else 
109.4 	of value, knowingly and with an intent to defraud the issuer or the cardholder:
109.5 	(i) furnishes money, goods, services, or anything else of value upon presentation of a 
109.6 	financial transaction card knowing it to be forged, expired, or revoked, or knowing that it 
109.7 	is presented by a person without authority to use the card; or
109.8 	(ii) represents in writing to the issuer that the person has furnished money, goods, 
109.9 	services, or anything else of value which has not in fact been furnished;
109.10 	(6) upon applying for a financial transaction card to an issuer, or for a public 
109.11 	assistance benefit which is distributed by means of a financial transaction card:
109.12 	(i) knowingly gives a false name or occupation;
109.13 	(ii) knowingly and substantially overvalues assets or substantially undervalues 
109.14 	indebtedness for the purpose of inducing the issuer to issue a financial transaction card; or
109.15 	(iii) knowingly makes a false statement or representation for the purpose of inducing 
109.16 	an issuer to issue a financial transaction card used to obtain a public assistance benefit;
109.17 	(7) with intent to defraud, falsely notifies the issuer or any other person of a theft, 
109.18 	loss, disappearance, or nonreceipt of a financial transaction card; or
109.19 	(8) without the consent of the cardholder and knowing that the cardholder has not 
109.20 	given consent, falsely alters, makes, or signs any written document pertaining to a card 
109.21 	transaction to obtain or attempt to obtain the property of another.; or
109.22 	(9) engages in trafficking of SNAP benefits.
109.23 		Subd. 3.Sentence. (a) A person who commits financial transaction card fraud may 
109.24 	be sentenced as follows:
109.25 	(1) for a violation of subdivision 2, clause (1), (2), (5), or (8), or (9):
109.26 	(i) to imprisonment for not more than 20 years or to payment of a fine of not more 
109.27 	than $100,000, or both, if the value of the property the person obtained or attempted to 
109.28 	obtain was more than $35,000, or the aggregate amount of the transactions under this 
109.29 	subdivision was more than $35,000; or
109.30 	(ii) to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more 
109.31 	than $20,000, or both, if the value of the property the person obtained or attempted to 
109.32 	obtain was more than $2,500, or the aggregate amount of the transactions under this 
109.33 	subdivision was more than $2,500; or
109.34 	(iii) to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not 
109.35 	more than $10,000, or both, if the value of the property the person obtained or attempted 
110.1 	to obtain was more than $250 but not more than $2,500, or the aggregate amount of the 
110.2 	transactions under this subdivision was more than $250 but not more than $2,500; or
110.3 	(iv) to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not 
110.4 	more than $10,000, or both, if the value of the property the person obtained or attempted 
110.5 	to obtain was not more than $250, or the aggregate amount of the transactions under 
110.6 	this subdivision was not more than $250, and the person has previously been convicted 
110.7 	within the preceding five years for an offense under this section, section 609.24; 609.245; 
110.8 	609.52; 609.53; 609.582, subdivision 1, 2, or 3; 609.625; 609.63; or 609.631, or a statute 
110.9 	from another state in conformity with any of those sections, and the person received a 
110.10 	felony or gross misdemeanor sentence for the offense, or a sentence that was stayed under 
110.11 	section 609.135 if the offense to which a plea was entered would allow imposition of a 
110.12 	felony or gross misdemeanor sentence; or
110.13 	(v) to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more 
110.14 	than $3,000, or both, if the value of the property the person obtained or attempted to 
110.15 	obtain was not more than $250, or the aggregate amount of the transactions under this 
110.16 	subdivision was not more than $250;
110.17 	(2) for a violation of subdivision 2, clause (3) or (4), to imprisonment for not more 
110.18 	than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both; or
110.19 	(3) for a violation of subdivision 2, clause (6) or (7):
110.20 	(i) if no property, other than a financial transaction card, has been obtained by the 
110.21 	defendant by means of the false statement or false report, to imprisonment for not more 
110.22 	than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both; or
110.23 	(ii) if property, other than a financial transaction card, is so obtained, in the manner 
110.24 	provided in clause (1).
110.25 	(b) In any prosecution under paragraph (a), clause (1), the value of the transactions 
110.26 	made or attempted within any six-month period may be aggregated and the defendant 
110.27 	charged accordingly in applying the provisions of this section. When two or more offenses 
110.28 	are committed by the same person in two or more counties, the accused may be prosecuted 
110.29 	in any county in which one of the card transactions occurred for all of the transactions 
110.30 	aggregated under this paragraph.

110.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment 
110.32 	and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

110.33 	Sec. 62.  REPEALER.
 110.34 	Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245E.07, subdivision 3, is repealed.

111.1 	ARTICLE 5
111.2 	HEALTH CARE

111.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0625, subdivision 31, is amended to 
111.4 	read:
111.5 		Subd. 31.Medical supplies and equipment. (a) Medical assistance covers medical 
111.6 	supplies and equipment. Separate payment outside of the facility's payment rate shall 
111.7 	be made for wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories for recipients who are residents 
111.8 	of intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled. Reimbursement for 
111.9 	wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories for ICF/DD recipients shall be subject to the same 
111.10 	conditions and limitations as coverage for recipients who do not reside in institutions. A 
111.11 	wheelchair purchased outside of the facility's payment rate is the property of the recipient. 
111.12 	The commissioner may set reimbursement rates for specified categories of medical 
111.13 	supplies at levels below the Medicare payment rate.
111.14 	(b) Vendors of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, or medical supplies 
111.15 	must enroll as a Medicare provider.
111.16 	(c) When necessary to ensure access to durable medical equipment, prosthetics, 
111.17 	orthotics, or medical supplies, the commissioner may exempt a vendor from the Medicare 
111.18 	enrollment requirement if:
111.19 	(1) the vendor supplies only one type of durable medical equipment, prosthetic, 
111.20 	orthotic, or medical supply;
111.21 	(2) the vendor serves ten or fewer medical assistance recipients per year;
111.22 	(3) the commissioner finds that other vendors are not available to provide same or 
111.23 	similar durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, or medical supplies; and
111.24 	(4) the vendor complies with all screening requirements in this chapter and Code of 
111.25 	Federal Regulations, title 42, part 455. The commissioner may also exempt a vendor from 
111.26 	the Medicare enrollment requirement if the vendor is accredited by a Centers for Medicare 
111.27 	and Medicaid Services approved national accreditation organization as complying with 
111.28 	the Medicare program's supplier and quality standards and the vendor serves primarily 
111.29 	pediatric patients.
111.30 	(d) Durable medical equipment means a device or equipment that:
111.31 	(1) can withstand repeated use;
111.32 	(2) is generally not useful in the absence of an illness, injury, or disability; and
111.33 	(3) is provided to correct or accommodate a physiological disorder or physical 
111.34 	condition or is generally used primarily for a medical purpose.
112.1 	(e) Electronic tablets may be considered durable medical equipment if the electronic 
112.2 	tablet will be used as an augmentative and alternative communication system as defined 
112.3 	under subdivision 31a, paragraph (a). To be covered by medical assistance, the device 
112.4 	must be locked in order to prevent use not related to communication.
112.5 	(f) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (e) that an electronic tablet must 
112.6 	be locked to prevent use not as an augmentative communication device, a recipient of 
112.7 	waiver services may use an electronic tablet for a use not related to communication when 
112.8 	the recipient has been authorized under the waiver to receive one or more additional 
112.9 	applications that can be loaded onto the electronic tablet, such that allowing the additional 
112.10 	use prevents the purchase of a separate electronic tablet with waiver funds.

112.11 	Sec. 2. OBSOLETE RULES REGARDING PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS FOR 
112.12 	MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT.
 112.13 	(a) The commissioner of human services shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 
112.14 	9505.0310, subpart 3, to remove the following medical supplies and equipment from the 
112.15 	list for which prior authorization is required as a condition of medical assistance payment: 
112.16 	a nondurable medical supply that costs more than the performance agreement limit; 
112.17 	and durable medical equipment, prostheses, and orthoses if the cost of their purchase, 
112.18 	projected cumulative rental for the period of the recipient's expected use, or repairs 
112.19 	exceeds the performance agreement limit. 
112.20 	(b) The commissioner of human services shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 
112.21 	9505.0365, subpart 3, to remove the requirement that prior authorization for an ambulatory 
112.22 	aid is required for an aid that costs in excess of the limits specified in the provider's 
112.23 	performance agreement.
112.24 	(c) The commissioner may use the good cause exemption in Minnesota Statutes, 
112.25 	section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section. Minnesota 
112.26 	Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 
112.27 	14.388.

112.28 	Sec. 3.  REPEALER.
 112.29 	Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.0175, subpart 32; 9505.0365, subpart 2; 9505.1696, 
112.30 	subpart 10; and 9505.1709, are repealed.

113.1 	ARTICLE 6
113.2 	CONTINUING CARE

113.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 144.0724, subdivision 12, is amended to 
113.4 	read:
113.5 		Subd. 12.Appeal of nursing facility level of care determination. (a) A resident or 
113.6 	prospective resident whose level of care determination results in a denial of long-term care 
113.7 	services can appeal the determination as outlined in section 256B.0911, subdivision 3a, 
113.8 	paragraph (h), clause (9).
113.9 	(b) The commissioner of human services shall ensure that notice of changes in 
113.10 	eligibility due to a nursing facility level of care determination is provided to each affected 
113.11 	recipient or the recipient's guardian at least 30 days before the effective date of the change. 
113.12 	The notice shall include the following information:
113.13 	(1) how to obtain further information on the changes;
113.14 	(2) how to receive assistance in obtaining other services;
113.15 	(3) a list of community resources; and
113.16 	(4) appeal rights.
113.17 	A recipient who meets the criteria in section 256B.0922, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), 
113.18 	clauses (1) and (2), may request continued services pending appeal within the time period 
113.19 	allowed to request an appeal under section 256.045, subdivision 3, paragraph (h) (i). This 
113.20 	paragraph is in effect for appeals filed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016.

113.21 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 148E.065, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:
113.22 		Subd. 4a.City, county, and state social workers. (a) Beginning July 1, 2016, the 
113.23 	licensure of city, county, and state agency social workers is voluntary, except an individual 
113.24 	who is newly employed by a city or state agency after July 1, 2016, must be licensed 
113.25 	if the individual who provides social work services, as those services are defined in 
113.26 	section 148E.010, subdivision 11, paragraph (b), is presented to the public by any title 
113.27 	incorporating the words "social work" or "social worker."
113.28 	(b) City, county, and state agencies employing social workers and staff who are 
113.29 	designated to perform mandated duties under sections 256.01, subdivision 24, and 
113.30 	256.975, subdivisions 7 to 7c, are not required to employ licensed social workers.

113.31 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245D.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
113.32 		Subd. 3.Service suspension and service termination. (a) The license holder must 
113.33 	establish policies and procedures for temporary service suspension and service termination 
114.1 	that promote continuity of care and service coordination with the person and the case 
114.2 	manager and with other licensed caregivers, if any, who also provide support to the person.
114.3 	(b) The license holder must limit temporary service suspension to situations in which 
114.4 	the person's conduct poses an imminent risk of physical harm to self or others and less 
114.5 	restrictive or positive support strategies would not achieve and maintain safety. If, based on 
114.6 	a review by the person's support team or expanded support team, that team determines the 
114.7 	person no longer poses an imminent risk of physical harm to self or others, the person has a 
114.8 	right to return to receiving services. If, at the time of the service suspension or at any time 
114.9 	during the suspension, the person is receiving treatment related to the conduct that resulted 
114.10 	in the service suspension, the support team or expanded support team must consider the 
114.11 	recommendation of the licensed health professional, mental health professional, or other 
114.12 	licensed professional involved in the person's care or treatment when determining whether 
114.13 	the person no longer poses an imminent risk of physical harm to self or others and can 
114.14 	return to the program. If the support team or expanded support team makes a determination 
114.15 	that is contrary to the recommendation of a licensed professional treating the person, the 
114.16 	license holder must document the specific reasons why a contrary decision was made. 
114.17 	(c) The license holder must permit each person to remain in the program and must 
114.18 	not terminate services unless: 
114.19 	(1) the termination is necessary for the person's welfare and the person's needs 
114.20 	cannot be met in the facility; 
114.21 	(2) the safety of the person or others in the program is endangered and positive 
114.22 	support strategies were attempted and have not achieved and effectively maintained safety 
114.23 	for the person or others; 
114.24 	(3) the health of the person or others in the program would otherwise be endangered;
114.25 	(4) the program has not been paid for services; 
114.26 	(5) the program ceases to operate; or
114.27 	(6) the person has been terminated by the lead agency from waiver programs or 
114.28 	services.
114.29 	(b)(d) The policy must include the following requirements:
114.30 	(1) the license holder must notify the person or the person's legal representative and 
114.31 	case manager in writing of the intended termination or temporary service suspension, and 
114.32 	the person's right to seek a temporary order staying the termination of service according 
114.33 	to the procedures in section 256.045, subdivision 4a, or 6, paragraph (c);. If the service 
114.34 	termination or temporary service suspension is from residential supports and services as 
114.35 	defined in section 245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (3), the license holder 
114.36 	must also notify the commissioner in writing. The notice must include:
115.1 	(i) the reason for the action;
115.2 	(ii) except for a service termination under paragraph (c), clause (5), or temporary 
115.3 	service suspension under paragraph (b), a summary of actions taken to minimize or 
115.4 	eliminate the need for service termination or temporary service suspension as required 
115.5 	under clause (5) of this paragraph, and why these measures failed to prevent the 
115.6 	termination or suspension; 
115.7 	(iii) the person's right to seek a temporary order staying the termination of services 
115.8 	according to the procedures in section 256.045, subdivision 4a or 6, paragraph (c); and
115.9 	(iv) the person's right to appeal the termination of services under section 256.045, 
115.10 	subdivision 3, paragraph (a); 
115.11 	(2) notice of the proposed termination of services, including those situations that 
115.12 	began with a temporary service suspension, must be given at least 60 days before the 
115.13 	proposed termination is to become effective when a license holder is providing intensive 
115.14 	supports and services identified in section 245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), and 30 
115.15 	days prior to termination for all other services licensed under this chapter. This notice may 
115.16 	be given in conjunction with a notice of temporary service suspension;
115.17 	(3) notice of temporary service suspension must be given on the first day of the 
115.18 	service suspension;
115.19 	(4) the license holder must provide information requested by the person or case 
115.20 	manager when services are temporarily suspended or upon notice of termination;
115.21 	(5) prior to giving notice of service termination or temporary service suspension, 
115.22 	the license holder must document actions taken to minimize or eliminate the need for 
115.23 	service suspension or termination;. If, based on the best interests of the individual, the 
115.24 	circumstances at the time of the notice were such that the license holder was unable to 
115.25 	take the action specified in items (i) and (ii), the license holder must document the specific 
115.26 	circumstances and the reason for being unable to do so. Action taken by the license holder 
115.27 	must include, at a minimum: 
115.28 	(i) consultation with the person's support team or expanded support team to identify 
115.29 	and resolve issues leading to issuance of the notice; and
115.30 	(ii) a request to the case manager for intervention services identified in section 
115.31 	245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (1), or other professional consultation or 
115.32 	intervention services to support the person in the program; 
115.33 	(6) during the temporary service suspension or service termination notice period, 
115.34 	the license holder must work with the support team or expanded support team to develop 
115.35 	reasonable alternatives to protect the person and others; and to support continuity of care 
115.36 	for the person during the transition; and
116.1 	(7) the license holder must maintain information about the service suspension or 
116.2 	termination, including the written termination notice, in the service recipient record; and.
116.3 	(8) the license holder must restrict temporary service suspension to situations in 
116.4 	which the person's conduct poses an imminent risk of physical harm to self or others and 
116.5 	less restrictive or positive support strategies would not achieve and maintain safety.

116.6 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.045, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
116.7 		Subd. 3.State agency hearings. (a) State agency hearings are available for the 
116.8 	following:
116.9 	(1) any person applying for, receiving or having received public assistance, medical 
116.10 	care, or a program of social services granted by the state agency or a county agency or 
116.11 	the federal Food Stamp Act whose application for assistance is denied, not acted upon 
116.12 	with reasonable promptness, or whose assistance is suspended, reduced, terminated, or 
116.13 	claimed to have been incorrectly paid;
116.14 	(2) any patient or relative aggrieved by an order of the commissioner under section 
116.15 	252.27;
116.16 	(3) a party aggrieved by a ruling of a prepaid health plan;
116.17 	(4) except as provided under chapter 245C, any individual or facility determined by a 
116.18 	lead investigative agency to have maltreated a vulnerable adult under section 626.557 after 
116.19 	they have exercised their right to administrative reconsideration under section 626.557;
116.20 	(5) any person whose claim for foster care payment according to a placement of the 
116.21 	child resulting from a child protection assessment under section 626.556 is denied or not 
116.22 	acted upon with reasonable promptness, regardless of funding source;
116.23 	(6) any person to whom a right of appeal according to this section is given by other 
116.24 	provision of law;
116.25 	(7) an applicant aggrieved by an adverse decision to an application for a hardship 
116.26 	waiver under section 256B.15;
116.27 	(8) an applicant aggrieved by an adverse decision to an application or redetermination 
116.28 	for a Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy under section 256B.04, subdivision 4a;
116.29 	(9) except as provided under chapter 245A, an individual or facility determined 
116.30 	to have maltreated a minor under section 626.556, after the individual or facility has 
116.31 	exercised the right to administrative reconsideration under section 626.556;
116.32 	(10) except as provided under chapter 245C, an individual disqualified under sections 
116.33 	245C.14 and 245C.15, following a reconsideration decision issued under section 245C.23, 
116.34 	on the basis of serious or recurring maltreatment; a preponderance of the evidence that 
116.35 	the individual has committed an act or acts that meet the definition of any of the crimes 
117.1 	listed in section 245C.15, subdivisions 1 to 4; or for failing to make reports required 
117.2 	under section 626.556, subdivision 3, or 626.557, subdivision 3. Hearings regarding a 
117.3 	maltreatment determination under clause (4) or (9) and a disqualification under this clause 
117.4 	in which the basis for a disqualification is serious or recurring maltreatment, shall be 
117.5 	consolidated into a single fair hearing. In such cases, the scope of review by the human 
117.6 	services judge shall include both the maltreatment determination and the disqualification. 
117.7 	The failure to exercise the right to an administrative reconsideration shall not be a bar to a 
117.8 	hearing under this section if federal law provides an individual the right to a hearing to 
117.9 	dispute a finding of maltreatment; or
117.10 	(11) any person with an outstanding debt resulting from receipt of public assistance, 
117.11 	medical care, or the federal Food Stamp Act who is contesting a setoff claim by the 
117.12 	Department of Human Services or a county agency. The scope of the appeal is the 
117.13 	validity of the claimant agency's intention to request a setoff of a refund under chapter 
117.14 	270A against the debt.;
117.15 	(12) a person issued a notice of service termination under section 245D.10, 
117.16 	subdivision 3, from residential supports and services as defined in section 245D.03, 
117.17 	subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (3), that is not otherwise subject to appeal under 
117.18 	subdivision 4a; or 
117.19 	(13) an individual disability waiver recipient based on a denial of a request for a 
117.20 	rate exception under section 256B.4914.
117.21 	(b) The hearing for an individual or facility under paragraph (a), clause (4), (9), or 
117.22 	(10), is the only administrative appeal to the final agency determination specifically, 
117.23 	including a challenge to the accuracy and completeness of data under section 13.04. 
117.24 	Hearings requested under paragraph (a), clause (4), apply only to incidents of maltreatment 
117.25 	that occur on or after October 1, 1995. Hearings requested by nursing assistants in nursing 
117.26 	homes alleged to have maltreated a resident prior to October 1, 1995, shall be held as a 
117.27 	contested case proceeding under the provisions of chapter 14. Hearings requested under 
117.28 	paragraph (a), clause (9), apply only to incidents of maltreatment that occur on or after 
117.29 	July 1, 1997. A hearing for an individual or facility under paragraph (a), clauses (4), (9), 
117.30 	and (10), is only available when there is no district court action pending. If such action is 
117.31 	filed in district court while an administrative review is pending that arises out of some 
117.32 	or all of the events or circumstances on which the appeal is based, the administrative 
117.33 	review must be suspended until the judicial actions are completed. If the district court 
117.34 	proceedings are completed, dismissed, or overturned, the matter may be considered in 
117.35 	an administrative hearing.
118.1 	(c) For purposes of this section, bargaining unit grievance procedures are not an 
118.2 	administrative appeal.
118.3 	(d) The scope of hearings involving claims to foster care payments under paragraph 
118.4 	(a), clause (5), shall be limited to the issue of whether the county is legally responsible for a 
118.5 	child's placement under court order or voluntary placement agreement and, if so, the correct 
118.6 	amount of foster care payment to be made on the child's behalf and shall not include review 
118.7 	of the propriety of the county's child protection determination or child placement decision.
118.8 	(e) The scope of hearings under paragraph (a), clause (12), shall be limited to 
118.9 	whether the proposed termination of services is authorized under section 245D.10, 
118.10 	subdivision 3, paragraph (c), and whether the requirements of section 245D.10, 
118.11 	subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clause (5), were met.
118.12 	(e) (f) A vendor of medical care as defined in section 256B.02, subdivision 7, or a 
118.13 	vendor under contract with a county agency to provide social services is not a party and 
118.14 	may not request a hearing under this section, except if assisting a recipient as provided in 
118.15 	subdivision 4.
118.16 	(f) (g) An applicant or recipient is not entitled to receive social services beyond the 
118.17 	services prescribed under chapter 256M or other social services the person is eligible 
118.18 	for under state law.
118.19 	(g) (h) The commissioner may summarily affirm the county or state agency's 
118.20 	proposed action without a hearing when the sole issue is an automatic change due to 
118.21 	a change in state or federal law.
118.22 	(h) (i) Unless federal or Minnesota law specifies a different time frame in which to file 
118.23 	an appeal, an individual or organization specified in this section may contest the specified 
118.24 	action, decision, or final disposition before the state agency by submitting a written request 
118.25 	for a hearing to the state agency within 30 days after receiving written notice of the action, 
118.26 	decision, or final disposition, or within 90 days of such written notice if the applicant, 
118.27 	recipient, patient, or relative shows good cause, as defined in section 256.0451, subdivision 
118.28 	13, why the request was not submitted within the 30-day time limit. The individual filing 
118.29 	the appeal has the burden of proving good cause by a preponderance of the evidence.

118.30 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.045, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
118.31 		Subd. 6.Additional powers of commissioner; subpoenas. (a) The commissioner 
118.32 	of human services, or the commissioner of health for matters within the commissioner's 
118.33 	jurisdiction under subdivision 3b, may initiate a review of any action or decision of a 
118.34 	county agency and direct that the matter be presented to a state human services judge 
118.35 	for a hearing held under subdivision 3, 3a, 3b, or 4a. In all matters dealing with human 
119.1 	services committed by law to the discretion of the county agency, the commissioner's 
119.2 	judgment may be substituted for that of the county agency. The commissioner may order 
119.3 	an independent examination when appropriate.
119.4 	(b) Any party to a hearing held pursuant to subdivision 3, 3a, 3b, or 4a may request 
119.5 	that the commissioner issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of witnesses and the 
119.6 	production of records at the hearing. A local agency may request that the commissioner 
119.7 	issue a subpoena to compel the release of information from third parties prior to a request 
119.8 	for a hearing under section 256.046 upon a showing of relevance to such a proceeding. 
119.9 	The issuance, service, and enforcement of subpoenas under this subdivision is governed 
119.10 	by section 357.22 and the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure.
119.11 	(c) The commissioner may issue a temporary order staying a proposed demission by 
119.12 	a residential facility licensed under chapter 245A:
119.13 	(1) while an appeal by a recipient under subdivision 3 is pending or for the period of 
119.14 	time necessary for the county agency to implement the commissioner's order.; or
119.15 	(2) when a recipient has been issued a notice of service termination pursuant to 
119.16 	section 245D.10, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), from residential supports and services as 
119.17 	defined in section 245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (3), and the county agency 
119.18 	has not yet finalized arrangements for a residential facility, a program, or services that will 
119.19 	meet the assessed needs of the recipient by the effective date of the service termination. 
119.20 	Except as otherwise provided by law, the stay of the demission must be limited to a 
119.21 	period of no more than 60 calendar days from the effective date of the proposed service 
119.22 	termination. At the end of that time, the stay shall end by operation of law. During the 
119.23 	period of the stay of demission, the county agency must ensure that additional services 
119.24 	and supports are provided to protect the health and safety of the recipient and others in the 
119.25 	program, and must finalize the plan for services for the recipient.

119.26 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.975, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
119.27 		Subd. 7.Consumer information and assistance and long-term care options 
119.28 	counseling; Senior LinkAge Line. (a) The Minnesota Board on Aging shall operate a 
119.29 	statewide service to aid older Minnesotans and their families in making informed choices 
119.30 	about long-term care options and health care benefits. Language services to persons 
119.31 	with limited English language skills may be made available. The service, known as 
119.32 	Senior LinkAge Line, shall serve older adults as the designated Aging and Disability 
119.33 	Resource Center under United States Code, title 42, section 3001, the Older Americans 
119.34 	Act Amendments of 2006 in partnership with the Disability Linkage Line under section 
119.35 	256.01, subdivision 24, and must be available during business hours through a statewide 
120.1 	toll-free number and the Internet. The Minnesota Board on Aging shall consult with, 
120.2 	and when appropriate work through, the area agencies on aging counties, and other 
120.3 	entities that serve aging and disabled populations of all ages, to provide and maintain 
120.4 	the telephone infrastructure and related support for the Aging and Disability Resource 
120.5 	Center partners which agree by memorandum to access the infrastructure, including the 
120.6 	designated providers of the Senior LinkAge Line and the Disability Linkage Line.
120.7 	(b) The service must provide long-term care options counseling by assisting older 
120.8 	adults, caregivers, and providers in accessing information and options counseling about 
120.9 	choices in long-term care services that are purchased through private providers or available 
120.10 	through public options. The service must:
120.11 	(1) develop and provide for regular updating of a comprehensive database that 
120.12 	includes detailed listings in both consumer- and provider-oriented formats that can provide 
120.13 	search results down to the neighborhood level;
120.14 	(2) make the database accessible on the Internet and through other telecommunication 
120.15 	and media-related tools;
120.16 	(3) link callers to interactive long-term care screening tools and make these tools 
120.17 	available through the Internet by integrating the tools with the database;
120.18 	(4) develop community education materials with a focus on planning for long-term 
120.19 	care and evaluating independent living, housing, and service options;
120.20 	(5) conduct an outreach campaign to assist older adults and their caregivers in 
120.21 	finding information on the Internet and through other means of communication;
120.22 	(6) implement a messaging system for overflow callers and respond to these callers 
120.23 	by the next business day;
120.24 	(7) link callers with county human services and other providers to receive more 
120.25 	in-depth assistance and consultation related to long-term care options;
120.26 	(8) link callers with quality profiles for nursing facilities and other home and 
120.27 	community-based services providers developed by the commissioners of health and 
120.28 	human services;
120.29 	(9) develop an outreach plan to seniors and their caregivers with a particular focus 
120.30 	on establishing a clear presence in places that seniors recognize and:
120.31 	(i) place a significant emphasis on improved outreach and service to seniors and 
120.32 	their caregivers by establishing annual plans by neighborhood, city, and county, as 
120.33 	necessary, to address the unique needs of geographic areas in the state where there are 
120.34 	dense populations of seniors;
120.35 	(ii) establish an efficient workforce management approach and assign community 
120.36 	living specialist staff and volunteers to geographic areas as well as aging and disability 
121.1 	resource center sites so that seniors and their caregivers and professionals recognize the 
121.2 	Senior LinkAge Line as the place to call for aging services and information;
121.3 	(iii) recognize the size and complexity of the metropolitan area service system by 
121.4 	working with metropolitan counties to establish a clear partnership with them, including 
121.5 	seeking county advice on the establishment of local aging and disabilities resource center 
121.6 	sites; and
121.7 	(iv) maintain dashboards with metrics that demonstrate how the service is expanding 
121.8 	and extending or enhancing its outreach efforts in dispersed or hard to reach locations in 
121.9 	varied population centers;
121.10 	(10) incorporate information about the availability of housing options, as well as 
121.11 	registered housing with services and consumer rights within the MinnesotaHelp.info 
121.12 	network long-term care database to facilitate consumer comparison of services and costs 
121.13 	among housing with services establishments and with other in-home services and to 
121.14 	support financial self-sufficiency as long as possible. Housing with services establishments 
121.15 	and their arranged home care providers shall provide information that will facilitate price 
121.16 	comparisons, including delineation of charges for rent and for services available. The 
121.17 	commissioners of health and human services shall align the data elements required by 
121.18 	section 144G.06, the Uniform Consumer Information Guide, and this section to provide 
121.19 	consumers standardized information and ease of comparison of long-term care options. 
121.20 	The commissioner of human services shall provide the data to the Minnesota Board on 
121.21 	Aging for inclusion in the MinnesotaHelp.info network long-term care database;
121.22 	(11) provide long-term care options counseling. Long-term care options counselors 
121.23 	shall:
121.24 	(i) for individuals not eligible for case management under a public program or public 
121.25 	funding source, provide interactive decision support under which consumers, family 
121.26 	members, or other helpers are supported in their deliberations to determine appropriate 
121.27 	long-term care choices in the context of the consumer's needs, preferences, values, and 
121.28 	individual circumstances, including implementing a community support plan;
121.29 	(ii) provide Web-based educational information and collateral written materials to 
121.30 	familiarize consumers, family members, or other helpers with the long-term care basics, 
121.31 	issues to be considered, and the range of options available in the community;
121.32 	(iii) provide long-term care futures planning, which means providing assistance to 
121.33 	individuals who anticipate having long-term care needs to develop a plan for the more 
121.34 	distant future; and
121.35 	(iv) provide expertise in benefits and financing options for long-term care, including 
121.36 	Medicare, long-term care insurance, tax or employer-based incentives, reverse mortgages, 
122.1 	private pay options, and ways to access low or no-cost services or benefits through 
122.2 	volunteer-based or charitable programs;
122.3 	(12) using risk management and support planning protocols, provide long-term 
122.4 	care options counseling to current residents of nursing homes deemed appropriate for 
122.5 	discharge by the commissioner, former residents of nursing homes who were discharged 
122.6 	to community settings, and older adults who request service after consultation with the 
122.7 	Senior LinkAge Line under clause (13). The Senior LinkAge Line shall also receive 
122.8 	referrals from the residents or staff of nursing homes. The Senior LinkAge Line shall 
122.9 	identify and contact residents deemed appropriate for discharge by developing targeting 
122.10 	criteria in consultation with the commissioner who shall provide designated Senior 
122.11 	LinkAge Line contact centers with a list of nursing home residents that meet the criteria 
122.12 	as being appropriate for discharge planning via a secure Web portal. Senior LinkAge 
122.13 	Line shall provide these residents, if they indicate a preference to receive long-term care 
122.14 	options counseling, with initial assessment and, if appropriate, a referral to:
122.15 	(i) long-term care consultation services under section 256B.0911;
122.16 	(ii) designated care coordinators of contracted entities under section 256B.035 for 
122.17 	persons who are enrolled in a managed care plan; or
122.18 	(iii) the long-term care consultation team for those who are eligible for relocation 
122.19 	service coordination due to high-risk factors or psychological or physical disability; and
122.20 	(13) develop referral protocols and processes that will assist certified health care 
122.21 	homes and hospitals to identify at-risk older adults and determine when to refer these 
122.22 	individuals to the Senior LinkAge Line for long-term care options counseling under this 
122.23 	section. The commissioner is directed to work with the commissioner of health to develop 
122.24 	protocols that would comply with the health care home designation criteria and protocols 
122.25 	available at the time of hospital discharge. The commissioner shall keep a record of the 
122.26 	number of people who choose long-term care options counseling as a result of this section.
122.27 	(c) Nursing homes shall provide contact information to the Senior LinkAge Line 
122.28 	for residents identified in paragraph (b), clause (12), to provide long-term care options 
122.29 	counseling pursuant to paragraph (b), clause (11). The contact information for residents 
122.30 	shall include all information reasonably necessary to contact residents, including first and 
122.31 	last names, permanent and temporary addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

122.32 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0911, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
122.33 		Subd. 1a.Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
122.34 	(a) Until additional requirements apply under paragraph (b), "long-term care 
122.35 	consultation services" means:
123.1 	(1) intake for and access to assistance in identifying services needed to maintain an 
123.2 	individual in the most inclusive environment;
123.3 	(2) providing recommendations for and referrals to cost-effective community 
123.4 	services that are available to the individual;
123.5 	(3) development of an individual's person-centered community support plan;
123.6 	(4) providing information regarding eligibility for Minnesota health care programs;
123.7 	(5) face-to-face long-term care consultation assessments, which may be completed 
123.8 	in a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility for persons with developmental 
123.9 	disabilities (ICF/DDs), regional treatment centers, or the person's current or planned 
123.10 	residence;
123.11 	(6) determination of home and community-based waiver and other service eligibility 
123.12 	as required under sections 256B.0913, 256B.0915, and 256B.49, including level of 
123.13 	care determination for individuals who need an institutional level of care as determined 
123.14 	under subdivision 4e, based on assessment and community support plan development, 
123.15 	appropriate referrals to obtain necessary diagnostic information, and including an 
123.16 	eligibility determination for consumer-directed community supports;
123.17 	(7) providing recommendations for institutional placement when there are no 
123.18 	cost-effective community services available;
123.19 	(8) providing access to assistance to transition people back to community settings 
123.20 	after institutional admission; and
123.21 	(9) providing information about competitive employment, with or without supports, 
123.22 	for school-age youth and working-age adults and referrals to the Disability Linkage 
123.23 	Line and Disability Benefits 101 to ensure that an informed choice about competitive 
123.24 	employment can be made. For the purposes of this subdivision, "competitive employment" 
123.25 	means work in the competitive labor market that is performed on a full-time or part-time 
123.26 	basis in an integrated setting, and for which an individual is compensated at or above the 
123.27 	minimum wage, but not less than the customary wage and level of benefits paid by the 
123.28 	employer for the same or similar work performed by individuals without disabilities.
123.29 	(b) Upon statewide implementation of lead agency requirements in subdivisions 2b, 
123.30 	2c, and 3a, "long-term care consultation services" also means:
123.31 	(1) service eligibility determination for state plan home care services identified in:
123.32 	(i) section 256B.0625, subdivisions 7, 19a, and 19c; or
123.33 	(ii) consumer support grants under section 256.476; or
123.34 	(iii) section 256B.85;
123.35 	(2) notwithstanding provisions in Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0004 to 9525.0024, 
123.36 	determination of eligibility for case management services available under sections 
124.1 	256B.0621, subdivision 2, paragraph (4), and 256B.0924 and Minnesota Rules, part 
124.2 	9525.0016;
124.3 	(3) determination of institutional level of care, home and community-based service 
124.4 	waiver, and other service eligibility as required under section 256B.092, determination 
124.5 	of eligibility for family support grants under section 252.32, semi-independent living 
124.6 	services under section 252.275, and day training and habilitation services under section 
124.7 	256B.092; and
124.8 	(4) obtaining necessary diagnostic information to determine eligibility under clauses 
124.9 	(2) and (3).
124.10 	(c) "Long-term care options counseling" means the services provided by the linkage 
124.11 	lines as mandated by sections 256.01, subdivision 24, and 256.975, subdivision 7, and 
124.12 	also includes telephone assistance and follow up once a long-term care consultation 
124.13 	assessment has been completed.
124.14 	(d) "Minnesota health care programs" means the medical assistance program under 
124.15 	chapter 256B and the alternative care program under section 256B.0913.
124.16 	(e) "Lead agencies" means counties administering or tribes and health plans under 
124.17 	contract with the commissioner to administer long-term care consultation assessment and 
124.18 	support planning services.

124.19 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0911, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:
124.20 		Subd. 2b. MnCHOICES certified assessors. (a) Each lead agency shall use 
124.21 	certified assessors who have completed MnCHOICES training and the certification 
124.22 	processes determined by the commissioner in subdivision 2c. Certified assessors shall 
124.23 	demonstrate best practices in assessment and support planning including person-centered 
124.24 	planning principals and have a common set of skills that must ensure consistency 
124.25 	and equitable access to services statewide. A lead agency may choose, according 
124.26 	to departmental policies, to contract with a qualified, certified assessor to conduct 
124.27 	assessments and reassessments on behalf of the lead agency.
124.28 	(b) MnCHOICES certified assessors are persons with a minimum of a bachelor's 
124.29 	degree in social work, nursing with a public health nursing certificate, or other closely 
124.30 	related field with at least one year of home and community-based experience, or a 
124.31 	registered nurse without public health certification with at least two years of home and 
124.32 	community-based experience thatwho has received training and certification specific to 
124.33 	assessment and consultation for long-term care services in the state.

124.34 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0911, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
125.1 		Subd. 3.Long-term care consultation team. (a) A long-term care consultation 
125.2 	team shall be established by the county board of commissioners. Two or more counties 
125.3 	may collaborate to establish a joint local consultation team or teams.
125.4 	(b) Certified assessors must be part of a multidisciplinary long-term care consultation
125.5 	Each lead agency shall establish and maintain a team of professionals that includes public 
125.6 	health nurses, social workers, and other professionals as defined in certified assessors 
125.7 	qualified under subdivision 2b, paragraph (b). Each team member is responsible for 
125.8 	providing consultation with other team members upon request. The team is responsible 
125.9 	for providing long-term care consultation services to all persons located in the county who 
125.10 	request the services, regardless of eligibility for Minnesota health care programs. The 
125.11 	team of certified assessors must include, at a minimum:
125.12 	(1) a social worker; and
125.13 	(2) a public health nurse or registered nurse.
125.14 	(c) The commissioner shall allow arrangements and make recommendations that 
125.15 	encourage counties and tribes to collaborate to establish joint local long-term care 
125.16 	consultation teams to ensure that long-term care consultations are done within the 
125.17 	timelines and parameters of the service. This includes integrated service models as 
125.18 	required in subdivision 1, paragraph (b).
125.19 	(d) Tribes and health plans under contract with the commissioner must provide 
125.20 	long-term care consultation services as specified in the contract.
125.21 	(e) The lead agency must provide the commissioner with an administrative contact 
125.22 	for communication purposes.

125.23 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0911, subdivision 3a, is amended to 
125.24 	read:
125.25 		Subd. 3a.Assessment and support planning. (a) Persons requesting assessment, 
125.26 	services planning, or other assistance intended to support community-based living, 
125.27 	including persons who need assessment in order to determine waiver or alternative care 
125.28 	program eligibility, must be visited by a long-term care consultation team within 20 
125.29 	calendar days after the date on which an assessment was requested or recommended. 
125.30 	Upon statewide implementation of subdivisions 2b, 2c, and 5, this requirement also 
125.31 	applies to an assessment of a person requesting personal care assistance services and home 
125.32 	care nursing. The commissioner shall provide at least a 90-day notice to lead agencies 
125.33 	prior to the effective date of this requirement. Face-to-face assessments must be conducted 
125.34 	according to paragraphs (b) to (i).
126.1 	(b) The lead agency may utilize a team of either the social worker or public health 
126.2 	nurse, or both. Upon implementation of subdivisions 2b, 2c, and 5, lead agencies shall 
126.3 	use certified assessors to conduct the assessment. The consultation team members must 
126.4 	confer regarding the most appropriate care for each individual screened or assessed. For 
126.5 	a person with complex health care needs, a public health or registered nurse from the 
126.6 	team must be consulted.
126.7 	(c) The MnCHOICES assessment provided by the commissioner to lead agencies
126.8 	must be used to complete a comprehensive and include a, person-centered assessment of. 
126.9 	The assessment must include the health, psychological, functional, environmental, and 
126.10 	social needs of referred individuals and provide informationthe individual necessary to 
126.11 	develop a community support plan that meets the consumers individual's needs, using an 
126.12 	assessment form provided by the commissioner and preferences.
126.13 	(d) The assessment must be conducted in a face-to-face interview with the person 
126.14 	being assessed and the person's legal representative, and other individuals as requested by 
126.15 	the person, who can provide information on the needs, strengths, and preferences of the 
126.16 	person necessary to develop a community support plan that ensures the person's health and 
126.17 	safety, but who is not a provider of service or has any financial interest in the provision 
126.18 	of services. For persons who are to be assessed for elderly waiver customized living 
126.19 	services under section 256B.0915, with the permission of the person being assessed or 
126.20 	the person's designated or legal representative, the client's current or proposed provider 
126.21 	of services may submit a copy of the provider's nursing assessment or written report 
126.22 	outlining its recommendations regarding the client's care needs. The person conducting 
126.23 	the assessment will must notify the provider of the date by which this information is to be 
126.24 	submitted. This information shall be provided to the person conducting the assessment 
126.25 	prior to the assessment. For a person who is to be assessed for waiver services under 
126.26 	section 256B.092 or 256B.49, with the permission of the person being assessed or the 
126.27 	person's designated legal representative, the person's current provider of services may 
126.28 	submit a written report outlining recommendations regarding the person's care needs 
126.29 	prepared by a direct service employee with at least 20 hours of service to that client. The 
126.30 	person conducting the assessment or reassessment must notify the provider of the date 
126.31 	by which this information is to be submitted. This information shall be provided to the 
126.32 	person conducting the assessment and the person or the person's legal representative, and 
126.33 	must be considered prior to the finalization of the assessment or reassessment.
126.34 	(e) If the person chooses to use community-based services, The person or the person's 
126.35 	legal representative must be provided with a written community support plan within 40 
127.1 	calendar days of the assessment visit, regardless of whether the individual is eligible for 
127.2 	Minnesota health care programs. The written community support plan must include:
127.3 	(1) a summary of assessed needs as defined in paragraphs (c) and (d);
127.4 	(2) the individual's options and choices to meet identified needs, including all 
127.5 	available options for case management services and providers;
127.6 	(3) identification of health and safety risks and how those risks will be addressed, 
127.7 	including personal risk management strategies;
127.8 	(4) referral information; and
127.9 	(5) informal caregiver supports, if applicable.
127.10 	For a person determined eligible for state plan home care under subdivision 1a, 
127.11 	paragraph (b), clause (1), the person or person's representative must also receive a copy of 
127.12 	the home care service plan developed by the certified assessor.
127.13 	(f) A person may request assistance in identifying community supports without 
127.14 	participating in a complete assessment. Upon a request for assistance identifying 
127.15 	community support, the person must be transferred or referred to long-term care options 
127.16 	counseling services available under sections 256.975, subdivision 7, and 256.01, 
127.17 	subdivision 24, for telephone assistance and follow up.
127.18 	(g) The person has the right to make the final decision between institutional 
127.19 	placement and community placement after the recommendations have been provided, 
127.20 	except as provided in section 256.975, subdivision 7a, paragraph (d).
127.21 	(h) The lead agency must give the person receiving assessment or support planning, 
127.22 	or the person's legal representative, materials, and forms supplied by the commissioner 
127.23 	containing the following information:
127.24 	(1) written recommendations for community-based services and consumer-directed 
127.25 	options;
127.26 	(2) documentation that the most cost-effective alternatives available were offered to 
127.27 	the individual. For purposes of this clause, "cost-effective" means community services and 
127.28 	living arrangements that cost the same as or less than institutional care. For an individual 
127.29 	found to meet eligibility criteria for home and community-based service programs under 
127.30 	section 256B.0915 or 256B.49, "cost-effectiveness" has the meaning found in the federally 
127.31 	approved waiver plan for each program;
127.32 	(3) the need for and purpose of preadmission screening conducted by long-term care 
127.33 	options counselors according to section 256.975, subdivisions 7a to 7c, if the person selects 
127.34 	nursing facility placement. If the individual selects nursing facility placement, the lead 
127.35 	agency shall forward information needed to complete the level of care determinations and 
128.1 	screening for developmental disability and mental illness collected during the assessment 
128.2 	to the long-term care options counselor using forms provided by the commissioner;
128.3 	(4) the role of long-term care consultation assessment and support planning in 
128.4 	eligibility determination for waiver and alternative care programs, and state plan home 
128.5 	care, case management, and other services as defined in subdivision 1a, paragraphs (a), 
128.6 	clause (6), and (b);
128.7 	(5) information about Minnesota health care programs;
128.8 	(6) the person's freedom to accept or reject the recommendations of the team;
128.9 	(7) the person's right to confidentiality under the Minnesota Government Data 
128.10 	Practices Act, chapter 13;
128.11 	(8) the certified assessor's decision regarding the person's need for institutional 
128.12 	level of care as determined under criteria established in subdivision 4e and the certified 
128.13 	assessor's decision regarding eligibility for all services and programs as defined in 
128.14 	subdivision 1a, paragraphs (a), clause (6), and (b); and
128.15 	(9) the person's right to appeal the certified assessor's decision regarding eligibility 
128.16 	for all services and programs as defined in subdivision 1a, paragraphs (a), clauses (6), (7), 
128.17 	and (8), and (b), and incorporating the decision regarding the need for institutional level of 
128.18 	care or the lead agency's final decisions regarding public programs eligibility according to 
128.19 	section 256.045, subdivision 3.
128.20 	(i) Face-to-face assessment completed as part of eligibility determination for 
128.21 	the alternative care, elderly waiver, community alternatives for disabled individuals, 
128.22 	community alternative care, and brain injury waiver programs under sections 256B.0913, 
128.23 	256B.0915, and 256B.49 is valid to establish service eligibility for no more than 60 
128.24 	calendar days after the date of assessment.
128.25 	(j) The effective eligibility start date for programs in paragraph (i) can never be prior 
128.26 	to the date of assessment. If an assessment was completed more than 60 days before 
128.27 	the effective waiver or alternative care program eligibility start date, assessment and 
128.28 	support plan information must be updated and documented in the department's Medicaid 
128.29 	Management Information System (MMIS). Notwithstanding retroactive medical assistance 
128.30 	coverage of state plan services, the effective date of eligibility for programs included in 
128.31 	paragraph (i) cannot be prior to the date the most recent updated assessment is completed.

128.32 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
128.33 		Subd. 4.Eligibility for funding for services for nonmedical assistance recipients.
 128.34 	(a) Funding for services under the alternative care program is available to persons who 
128.35 	meet the following criteria:
129.1 	(1) the person is a citizen of the United States or a United States national;
129.2 	(1) (2) the person has been determined by a community assessment under section 
129.3 	256B.0911 to be a person who would require the level of care provided in a nursing 
129.4 	facility, as determined under section 256B.0911, subdivision 4e, but for the provision of 
129.5 	services under the alternative care program;
129.6 	(2) (3) the person is age 65 or older;
129.7 	(3) (4) the person would be eligible for medical assistance within 135 days of 
129.8 	admission to a nursing facility;
129.9 	(4) (5) the person is not ineligible for the payment of long-term care services by the 
129.10 	medical assistance program due to an asset transfer penalty under section 256B.0595 or 
129.11 	equity interest in the home exceeding $500,000 as stated in section 256B.056;
129.12 	(5) (6) the person needs long-term care services that are not funded through other 
129.13 	state or federal funding, or other health insurance or other third-party insurance such as 
129.14 	long-term care insurance;
129.15 	(6) (7) except for individuals described in clause (7) (8), the monthly cost of the 
129.16 	alternative care services funded by the program for this person does not exceed 75 percent 
129.17 	of the monthly limit described under section 256B.0915, subdivision 3a. This monthly 
129.18 	limit does not prohibit the alternative care client from payment for additional services, 
129.19 	but in no case may the cost of additional services purchased under this section exceed the 
129.20 	difference between the client's monthly service limit defined under section 256B.0915, 
129.21 	subdivision 3, and the alternative care program monthly service limit defined in this 
129.22 	paragraph. If care-related supplies and equipment or environmental modifications and 
129.23 	adaptations are or will be purchased for an alternative care services recipient, the costs 
129.24 	may be prorated on a monthly basis for up to 12 consecutive months beginning with the 
129.25 	month of purchase. If the monthly cost of a recipient's other alternative care services 
129.26 	exceeds the monthly limit established in this paragraph, the annual cost of the alternative 
129.27 	care services shall be determined. In this event, the annual cost of alternative care services 
129.28 	shall not exceed 12 times the monthly limit described in this paragraph;
129.29 	(7) (8) for individuals assigned a case mix classification A as described under 
129.30 	section 256B.0915, subdivision 3a, paragraph (a), with (i) no dependencies in activities 
129.31 	of daily living, or (ii) up to two dependencies in bathing, dressing, grooming, walking, 
129.32 	and eating when the dependency score in eating is three or greater as determined by an 
129.33 	assessment performed under section 256B.0911, the monthly cost of alternative care 
129.34 	services funded by the program cannot exceed $593 per month for all new participants 
129.35 	enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2011. This monthly limit shall be applied to 
129.36 	all other participants who meet this criteria at reassessment. This monthly limit shall be 
130.1 	increased annually as described in section 256B.0915, subdivision 3a, paragraph (a). This 
130.2 	monthly limit does not prohibit the alternative care client from payment for additional 
130.3 	services, but in no case may the cost of additional services purchased exceed the difference 
130.4 	between the client's monthly service limit defined in this clause and the limit described in 
130.5 	clause (6) (7) for case mix classification A; and
130.6 	(8) (9) the person is making timely payments of the assessed monthly fee.
130.7 	A person is ineligible if payment of the fee is over 60 days past due, unless the person 
130.8 	agrees to:
130.9 	(i) the appointment of a representative payee;
130.10 	(ii) automatic payment from a financial account;
130.11 	(iii) the establishment of greater family involvement in the financial management of 
130.12 	payments; or
130.13 	(iv) another method acceptable to the lead agency to ensure prompt fee payments.
130.14 	The lead agency may extend the client's eligibility as necessary while making 
130.15 	arrangements to facilitate payment of past-due amounts and future premium payments. 
130.16 	Following disenrollment due to nonpayment of a monthly fee, eligibility shall not be 
130.17 	reinstated for a period of 30 days.
130.18 	(b) Alternative care funding under this subdivision is not available for a person who 
130.19 	is a medical assistance recipient or who would be eligible for medical assistance without a 
130.20 	spenddown or waiver obligation. A person whose initial application for medical assistance 
130.21 	and the elderly waiver program is being processed may be served under the alternative care 
130.22 	program for a period up to 60 days. If the individual is found to be eligible for medical 
130.23 	assistance, medical assistance must be billed for services payable under the federally 
130.24 	approved elderly waiver plan and delivered from the date the individual was found eligible 
130.25 	for the federally approved elderly waiver plan. Notwithstanding this provision, alternative 
130.26 	care funds may not be used to pay for any service the cost of which: (i) is payable by 
130.27 	medical assistance; (ii) is used by a recipient to meet a waiver obligation; or (iii) is used to 
130.28 	pay a medical assistance income spenddown for a person who is eligible to participate in the 
130.29 	federally approved elderly waiver program under the special income standard provision.
130.30 	(c) Alternative care funding is not available for a person who resides in a licensed 
130.31 	nursing home, certified boarding care home, hospital, or intermediate care facility, except 
130.32 	for case management services which are provided in support of the discharge planning 
130.33 	process for a nursing home resident or certified boarding care home resident to assist with 
130.34 	a relocation process to a community-based setting.
130.35 	(d) Alternative care funding is not available for a person whose income is greater 
130.36 	than the maintenance needs allowance under section 256B.0915, subdivision 1d, but equal 
131.1 	to or less than 120 percent of the federal poverty guideline effective July 1 in the fiscal 
131.2 	year for which alternative care eligibility is determined, who would be eligible for the 
131.3 	elderly waiver with a waiver obligation.

131.4 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
131.5 		Subd. 5.Services covered under alternative care. Alternative care funding may 
131.6 	be used for payment of costs of:
131.7 	(1) adult day care services and adult day services bath;
131.8 	(2) home health aide care;
131.9 	(3) homemaker services;
131.10 	(4) personal care;
131.11 	(5) case management and conversion case management;
131.12 	(6) respite care;
131.13 	(7) care-related specialized supplies and equipment;
131.14 	(8) meals delivered to the home home-delivered meals;
131.15 	(9) nonmedical transportation;
131.16 	(10) nursing services;
131.17 	(11) chore services;
131.18 	(12) companion services;
131.19 	(13) nutrition services;
131.20 	(14) training for direct informal caregivers family caregiver training, education, 
131.21 	coaching, and counseling;
131.22 	(15) telehome care to provide services in their own homes in conjunction with 
131.23 	in-home visits;
131.24 	(16) consumer-directed community services supports under the alternative care 
131.25 	programs which are available statewide and limited to the average monthly expenditures 
131.26 	representative of all alternative care program participants for the same case mix resident 
131.27 	class assigned in the most recent fiscal year for which complete expenditure data is 
131.28 	available;
131.29 	(17) environmental modifications accessibility and adaptations; and
131.30 	(18) discretionary services, for which lead agencies may make payment from their 
131.31 	alternative care program allocation for services not otherwise defined in this section or 
131.32 	section 256B.0625, following approval by the commissioner.
131.33 	Total annual payments for discretionary services for all clients served by a lead 
131.34 	agency must not exceed 25 percent of that lead agency's annual alternative care program 
131.35 	base allocation, except that when alternative care services receive federal financial 
132.1 	participation under the 1115 waiver demonstration, funding shall be allocated in 
132.2 	accordance with subdivision 17.

132.3 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, subdivision 5a, is amended to 
132.4 	read:
132.5 		Subd. 5a.Services; service definitions; service standards. (a) Unless specified in 
132.6 	statute, the services, service definitions, and standards for alternative care services shall 
132.7 	be the same as the services, service definitions, and standards specified in the federally 
132.8 	approved elderly waiver plan, except alternative care does not cover transitional support 
132.9 	services, assisted living services, adult foster care services, and residential care and 
132.10 	benefits defined under section 256B.0625 that meet primary and acute health care needs.
132.11 	(b) The lead agency must ensure that the funds are not used to supplant or 
132.12 	supplement services available through other public assistance or services programs, 
132.13 	including supplementation of client co-pays, deductibles, premiums, or other cost-sharing 
132.14 	arrangements for health-related benefits and services or entitlement programs and services 
132.15 	that are available to the person, but in which they have elected not to enroll. The 
132.16 	lead agency must ensure that the benefit department recovery system in the Medicaid 
132.17 	Management Information System (MMIS) has the necessary information on any other 
132.18 	health insurance or third-party insurance policy to which the client may have access. 
132.19 	Supplies and equipment may be purchased from a vendor not certified to participate in the 
132.20 	Medicaid program if the cost for the item is less than that of a Medicaid vendor.
132.21 	(c) Personal care services must meet the service standards defined in the federally 
132.22 	approved elderly waiver plan, except that a lead agency may authorize services to be 
132.23 	provided by a client's relative who meets the relative hardship waiver requirements or a 
132.24 	relative who meets the criteria and is also the responsible party under an individual service 
132.25 	plan that ensures the client's health and safety and supervision of the personal care services 
132.26 	by a qualified professional as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19c. Relative 
132.27 	hardship is established by the lead agency when the client's care causes a relative caregiver 
132.28 	to do any of the following: resign from a paying job, reduce work hours resulting in lost 
132.29 	wages, obtain a leave of absence resulting in lost wages, incur substantial client-related 
132.30 	expenses, provide services to address authorized, unstaffed direct care time, or meet 
132.31 	special needs of the client unmet in the formal service plan.
132.32 	(d) Minnesota health care programs cover sign language interpreter services and 
132.33 	spoken language interpreter services for recipients eligible for alternative care when 
132.34 	the services are necessary to help deaf and hard-of-hearing recipients or recipients with 
132.35 	limited English proficiency obtain covered services.

133.1 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
133.2 		Subd. 6.Alternative care program administration. (a) The alternative care 
133.3 	program is administered by the county agency. This agency is the lead agency responsible 
133.4 	for the local administration of the alternative care program as described in this section. 
133.5 	However, it may contract with the public health nursing service to be the lead agency. The 
133.6 	commissioner may contract with federally recognized Indian tribes with a reservation in 
133.7 	Minnesota to serve as the lead agency responsible for the local administration of the 
133.8 	alternative care program as described in the contract. When the commissioner determines 
133.9 	that an overpayment has been made by the state, the commissioner shall recover the 
133.10 	overpayment.
133.11 	(b) Alternative care pilot projects operate according to this section and the provisions 
133.12 	of Laws 1993, First Special Session chapter 1, article 5, section 133, under agreement 
133.13 	with the commissioner. Each pilot project agreement period shall begin no later than the 
133.14 	first payment cycle of the state fiscal year and continue through the last payment cycle of 
133.15 	the state fiscal year.

133.16 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, subdivision 10, is amended to 
133.17 	read:
133.18 		Subd. 10.Allocation formula. (a) By July 15 of each year, the commissioner 
133.19 	shall allocate to county agencies the state funds available for alternative care for persons 
133.20 	eligible under subdivision 2, except that when alternative care services receive federal 
133.21 	financial participation under the 1115 waiver demonstration, funding shall be allocated in 
133.22 	accordance with subdivision 17.
133.23 	(b) The adjusted base for each lead agency is the lead agency's current fiscal 
133.24 	year base allocation plus any targeted funds approved during the current fiscal year. 
133.25 	Calculations for paragraphs (c) and (d) are to be made as follows: for each lead agency, 
133.26 	the determination of alternative care program expenditures shall be based on payments 
133.27 	for services rendered from April 1 through March 31 in the base year, to the extent that 
133.28 	claims have been submitted and paid by June 1 of that year, except that when alternative 
133.29 	care services receive federal financial participation under the 1115 waiver demonstration, 
133.30 	funding shall be allocated in accordance with subdivision 17.
133.31 	(c) If the alternative care program expenditures as defined in paragraph (b) are 95 
133.32 	percent or more of the lead agency's adjusted base allocation, the allocation for the next 
133.33 	fiscal year is 100 percent of the adjusted base, plus inflation to the extent that inflation 
133.34 	is included in the state budget.
134.1 	(d) If the alternative care program expenditures as defined in paragraph (b) are 
134.2 	less than 95 percent of the lead agency's adjusted base allocation, the allocation for the 
134.3 	next fiscal year is the adjusted base allocation less the amount of unspent funds below 
134.4 	the 95 percent level.
134.5 	(e) If the annual legislative appropriation for the alternative care program is 
134.6 	inadequate to fund the combined lead agency allocations for a biennium, the commissioner 
134.7 	shall distribute to each lead agency the entire annual appropriation as that lead agency's 
134.8 	percentage of the computed base as calculated in paragraphs (c) and (d).
134.9 	(f) On agreement between the commissioner and the lead agency, the commissioner 
134.10 	may have discretion to reallocate alternative care base allocations distributed to lead 
134.11 	agencies in which the base amount exceeds program expenditures.

134.12 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, subdivision 11, is amended to 
134.13 	read:
134.14 		Subd. 11.Targeted funding. (a) The purpose of targeted funding is to make 
134.15 	additional money available to lead agencies with the greatest need. Targeted funds are 
134.16 	not intended to be distributed equitably among all lead agencies, but rather, allocated to 
134.17 	those with long-term care strategies that meet state goals.
134.18 	(b) The funds available for targeted funding shall be the total appropriation for each 
134.19 	fiscal year minus lead agency allocations determined under subdivision 10 as adjusted 
134.20 	for any inflation increases provided in appropriations for the biennium, except that when 
134.21 	alternative care services receive federal financial participation under the 1115 waiver 
134.22 	demonstration, funding shall be allocated in accordance with subdivision 17.
134.23 	(c) The commissioner shall allocate targeted funds to lead agencies that demonstrate 
134.24 	to the satisfaction of the commissioner that they have developed feasible plans to increase 
134.25 	alternative care spending, except that when alternative care services receive federal 
134.26 	financial participation under the 1115 waiver demonstration, funding shall be allocated in 
134.27 	accordance with subdivision 17. In making targeted funding allocations, the commissioner 
134.28 	shall use the following priorities:
134.29 	(1) lead agencies that received a lower allocation in fiscal year 1991 than in fiscal 
134.30 	year 1990. Counties remain in this priority until they have been restored to their fiscal 
134.31 	year 1990 level plus inflation;
134.32 	(2) lead agencies that sustain a base allocation reduction for failure to spend 95 
134.33 	percent of the allocation if they demonstrate that the base reduction should be restored;
134.34 	(3) lead agencies that propose projects to divert community residents from nursing 
134.35 	home placement or convert nursing home residents to community living; and
135.1 	(4) lead agencies that can otherwise justify program growth by demonstrating the 
135.2 	existence of waiting lists, demographically justified needs, or other unmet needs.
135.3 	(d) Lead agencies that would receive targeted funds according to paragraph (c) must 
135.4 	demonstrate to the commissioner's satisfaction that the funds would be appropriately spent 
135.5 	by showing how the funds would be used to further the state's alternative care goals 
135.6 	as described in subdivision 1, and that the county has the administrative and service 
135.7 	delivery capability to use them.
135.8 	(e) The commissioner shall make applications available for targeted funds by 
135.9 	November 1 of each year, except that when alternative care services receive federal 
135.10 	financial participation under the 1115 waiver demonstration, funding shall be allocated 
135.11 	in accordance with subdivision 17. The lead agencies selected for targeted funds shall 
135.12 	be notified of the amount of their additional funding. Targeted funds allocated to a lead 
135.13 	agency in one year shall be treated as part of the lead agency's base allocation for that 
135.14 	year in determining allocations for subsequent years. No reallocations between lead 
135.15 	agencies shall be made.

135.16 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, subdivision 12, is amended to 
135.17 	read:
135.18 		Subd. 12.Client fees. (a) A fee is required for all alternative care eligible clients 
135.19 	to help pay for the cost of participating in the program. The amount of the fee for the 
135.20 	alternative care client shall be determined as follows:
135.21 	(1) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical 
135.22 	expenses is less than 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline effective on July 1 of 
135.23 	the state fiscal year in which the fee is being computed, and total assets are less than 
135.24 	$10,000, the fee is zero;
135.25 	(2) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical 
135.26 	expenses is equal to or greater than 100 percent but less than 150 percent of the federal 
135.27 	poverty guideline effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the fee is being 
135.28 	computed, and total assets are less than $10,000, the fee is five percent of the cost of 
135.29 	alternative care services;
135.30 	(3) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical 
135.31 	expenses is equal to or greater than 150 percent but less than 200 percent of the federal 
135.32 	poverty guidelines effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the fee is being 
135.33 	computed and assets are less than $10,000, the fee is 15 percent of the cost of alternative 
135.34 	care services;
136.1 	(4) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical 
136.2 	expenses is equal to or greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines effective 
136.3 	on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the fee is being computed and assets are less than 
136.4 	$10,000, the fee is 30 percent of the cost of alternative care services; and
136.5 	(5) when the alternative care client's assets are equal to or greater than $10,000, the 
136.6 	fee is 30 percent of the cost of alternative care services.
136.7 	For married persons, total assets are defined as the total marital assets less the 
136.8 	estimated community spouse asset allowance, under section 256B.059, if applicable. For 
136.9 	married persons, total income is defined as the client's income less the monthly spousal 
136.10 	allotment, under section 256B.058.
136.11 	All alternative care services shall be included in the estimated costs for the purpose 
136.12 	of determining the fee.
136.13 	Fees are due and payable each month alternative care services are received unless the 
136.14 	actual cost of the services is less than the fee, in which case the fee is the lesser amount.
136.15 	(b) The fee shall be waived by the commissioner when:
136.16 	(1) a person is residing in a nursing facility;
136.17 	(2) a married couple is requesting an asset assessment under the spousal 
136.18 	impoverishment provisions;
136.19 	(3) a person is found eligible for alternative care, but is not yet receiving alternative 
136.20 	care services including case management services; or
136.21 	(4) a person has chosen to participate in a consumer-directed service plan for which 
136.22 	the cost is no greater than the total cost of the person's alternative care service plan less the 
136.23 	monthly fee amount that would otherwise be assessed.; or
136.24 	(5) a person is receiving temporary alternative care services.
136.25 	(c) The commissioner will bill and collect the fee from the client. Money collected 
136.26 	must be deposited in the general fund and is appropriated to the commissioner for the 
136.27 	alternative care program. The client must supply the lead agency with the client's Social 
136.28 	Security number at the time of application. The lead agency shall supply the commissioner 
136.29 	with the client's Social Security number and other information the commissioner requires 
136.30 	to collect the fee from the client. The commissioner shall collect unpaid fees using the 
136.31 	Revenue Recapture Act in chapter 270A and other methods available to the commissioner. 
136.32 	The commissioner may require lead agencies to inform clients of the collection procedures 
136.33 	that may be used by the state if a fee is not paid.

136.34 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0913, is amended by adding a 
136.35 	subdivision to read:
137.1 		Subd. 17. Allocation under 1115 waiver demonstration. When alternative care 
137.2 	services receive federal financial participation under the 1115 waiver demonstration, 
137.3 	alternative care funding shall be distributed in accordance with the projected demand for 
137.4 	services based on service and financial eligibility. Discretionary alternative care services 
137.5 	not listed in subdivision 5 or section 256B.0625 require approval from the commissioner.

137.6 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.85, is amended to read:
137.7 	256B.85 COMMUNITY FIRST SERVICES AND SUPPORTS.
137.8 		Subdivision 1.Basis and scope. (a) Upon federal approval, the commissioner 
137.9 	shall establish a medical assistance state plan option for the provision of home and 
137.10 	community-based personal assistance service and supports called "community first 
137.11 	services and supports (CFSS)."
137.12 	(b) CFSS is a participant-controlled method of selecting and providing services 
137.13 	and supports that allows the participant maximum control of the services and supports. 
137.14 	Participants may choose the degree to which they direct and manage their supports by 
137.15 	choosing to have a significant and meaningful role in the management of services and 
137.16 	supports including by directly employing support workers with the necessary supports 
137.17 	to perform that function.
137.18 	(c) CFSS is available statewide to eligible individuals people to assist with 
137.19 	accomplishing activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living 
137.20 	(IADLs), and health-related procedures and tasks through hands-on assistance to 
137.21 	accomplish the task or constant supervision and cueing to accomplish the task; and to 
137.22 	assist with acquiring, maintaining, and enhancing the skills necessary to accomplish 
137.23 	ADLs, IADLs, and health-related procedures and tasks. CFSS allows payment for certain 
137.24 	supports and goods such as environmental modifications and technology that are intended 
137.25 	to replace or decrease the need for human assistance.
137.26 	(d) Upon federal approval, CFSS will replace the personal care assistance program 
137.27 	under sections 256.476, 256B.0625, subdivisions 19a and 19c, and 256B.0659.
137.28 		Subd. 2.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in 
137.29 	this subdivision have the meanings given.
137.30 	(b) "Activities of daily living" or "ADLs" means eating, toileting, grooming, 
137.31 	dressing, bathing, mobility, positioning, and transferring.
137.32 	(c) "Agency-provider model" means a method of CFSS under which a qualified 
137.33 	agency provides services and supports through the agency's own employees and policies. 
137.34 	The agency must allow the participant to have a significant role in the selection and 
138.1 	dismissal of support workers of their choice for the delivery of their specific services 
138.2 	and supports.
138.3 	(d) "Behavior" means a description of a need for services and supports used to 
138.4 	determine the home care rating and additional service units. The presence of Level I 
138.5 	behavior is used to determine the home care rating. "Level I behavior" means physical 
138.6 	aggression towards self or others or destruction of property that requires the immediate 
138.7 	response of another person. If qualified for a home care rating as described in subdivision 
138.8 	8, additional service units can be added as described in subdivision 8, paragraph (f), for 
138.9 	the following behaviors:
138.10 	(1) Level I behavior;
138.11 	(2) increased vulnerability due to cognitive deficits or socially inappropriate 
138.12 	behavior; or
138.13 	(3) increased need for assistance for participants who are verbally aggressive or 
138.14 	resistive to care so that time needed to perform activities of daily living is increased.
138.15 	(e) "Budget model" means a service delivery method of CFSS that allows the use of 
138.16 	a service budget and assistance from a financial management services (FMS) contractor
138.17 	provider for a participant to directly employ support workers and purchase supports and 
138.18 	goods.
138.19 	(f) "Complex health-related needs" means an intervention listed in clauses (1) to 
138.20 	(8) that has been ordered by a physician, and is specified in a community services and 
138.21 	support plan, including:
138.22 	(1) tube feedings requiring:
138.23 	(i) a gastrojejunostomy tube; or
138.24 	(ii) continuous tube feeding lasting longer than 12 hours per day;
138.25 	(2) wounds described as:
138.26 	(i) stage III or stage IV;
138.27 	(ii) multiple wounds;
138.28 	(iii) requiring sterile or clean dressing changes or a wound vac; or
138.29 	(iv) open lesions such as burns, fistulas, tube sites, or ostomy sites that require 
138.30 	specialized care;
138.31 	(3) parenteral therapy described as:
138.32 	(i) IV therapy more than two times per week lasting longer than four hours for 
138.33 	each treatment; or
138.34 	(ii) total parenteral nutrition (TPN) daily;
138.35 	(4) respiratory interventions, including:
138.36 	(i) oxygen required more than eight hours per day;
139.1 	(ii) respiratory vest more than one time per day;
139.2 	(iii) bronchial drainage treatments more than two times per day;
139.3 	(iv) sterile or clean suctioning more than six times per day;
139.4 	(v) dependence on another to apply respiratory ventilation augmentation devices 
139.5 	such as BiPAP and CPAP; and
139.6 	(vi) ventilator dependence under section 256B.0652 256B.0651;
139.7 	(5) insertion and maintenance of catheter, including:
139.8 	(i) sterile catheter changes more than one time per month;
139.9 	(ii) clean intermittent catheterization, and including self-catheterization more than 
139.10 	six times per day; or
139.11 	(iii) bladder irrigations;
139.12 	(6) bowel program more than two times per week requiring more than 30 minutes to 
139.13 	perform each time;
139.14 	(7) neurological intervention, including:
139.15 	(i) seizures more than two times per week and requiring significant physical 
139.16 	assistance to maintain safety; or
139.17 	(ii) swallowing disorders diagnosed by a physician and requiring specialized 
139.18 	assistance from another on a daily basis; and
139.19 	(8) other congenital or acquired diseases creating a need for significantly increased 
139.20 	direct hands-on assistance and interventions in six to eight activities of daily living.
139.21 	(g) "Community first services and supports" or "CFSS" means the assistance and 
139.22 	supports program under this section needed for accomplishing activities of daily living, 
139.23 	instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related tasks through hands-on assistance 
139.24 	to accomplish the task or constant supervision and cueing to accomplish the task, or 
139.25 	the purchase of goods as defined in subdivision 7, clause (3), that replace the need for 
139.26 	human assistance.
139.27 	(h) "Community first services and supports service delivery plan" or "CFSS service 
139.28 	delivery plan" means a written document detailing the services and supports chosen by the 
139.29 	participant to meet assessed needs that are within the approved CFSS service authorization 
139.30 	amount, as determined in subdivision 8. Services and supports are based on the community 
139.31 	support plan identified in section 256B.0911 and coordinated services and support plan 
139.32 	and budget identified in section 256B.0915, subdivision 6, if applicable, that is determined 
139.33 	by the participant to meet the assessed needs, using a person-centered planning process.
139.34 	(i) "Consultation services" means a Minnesota health care program enrolled provider 
139.35 	organization that is under contract with the department and has the knowledge, skills, 
139.36 	and ability to assist CFSS participants in using either the agency-provider model under 
140.1 	subdivision 11 or the budget model under subdivision 13. provides assistance to the 
140.2 	participant in making informed choices about CFSS services in general and self-directed 
140.3 	tasks in particular, and in developing a person-centered CFSS service delivery plan to 
140.4 	achieve quality service outcomes.
140.5 	(j) "Critical activities of daily living" means transferring, mobility, eating, and 
140.6 	toileting.
140.7 	(k) "Dependency" in activities of daily living means a person requires hands-on 
140.8 	assistance or constant supervision and cueing to accomplish one or more of the activities 
140.9 	of daily living every day or on the days during the week that the activity is performed; 
140.10 	however, a child may not be found to be dependent in an activity of daily living if, 
140.11 	because of the child's age, an adult would either perform the activity for the child or assist 
140.12 	the child with the activity and the assistance needed is the assistance appropriate for 
140.13 	a typical child of the same age.
140.14 	(l) "Extended CFSS" means CFSS services and supports provided under CFSS 
140.15 	that are included in a the CFSS service delivery plan through one of the home and 
140.16 	community-based services waivers and as approved and authorized under sections 
140.17 	256B.0915; 256B.092, subdivision 5; and 256B.49, which exceed the amount, duration, 
140.18 	and frequency of the state plan CFSS services for participants.
140.19 	(m) "Financial management services contractor or vendorprovider" or "FMS 
140.20 	contractorprovider" means a qualified organization required for participants using the 
140.21 	budget model under subdivision 13 that has a written contractis an enrolled provider with 
140.22 	the department to provide vendor fiscal/employer agent financial management services 
140.23 	(FMS). Services include but are not limited to: filing and payment of federal and state 
140.24 	payroll taxes on behalf of the participant; initiating criminal background checks; billing 
140.25 	for approved CFSS services with authorized funds; monitoring expenditures; accounting 
140.26 	for and disbursing CFSS funds; providing assistance in obtaining and filing for liability, 
140.27 	workers' compensation, and unemployment coverage; and providing participant instruction 
140.28 	and technical assistance to the participant in fulfilling employer-related requirements in 
140.29 	accordance with Section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations and 
140.30 	interpretations, including Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 31.3504-1.
140.31 	(n) "Health-related procedures and tasks" means procedures and tasks related to 
140.32 	the specific assessed health needs of an individual a participant that can be taught or 
140.33 	assigned by a state-licensed health care or mental health professional and performed 
140.34 	by a support worker.
140.35 	(o) "Instrumental activities of daily living" means activities related to living 
140.36 	independently in the community, including but not limited to: meal planning, preparation, 
141.1 	and cooking; shopping for food, clothing, or other essential items; laundry; housecleaning; 
141.2 	assistance with medications; managing finances; communicating needs and preferences 
141.3 	during activities; arranging supports; and assistance with traveling around and 
141.4 	participating in the community.
141.5 	(p) "Lead agency" has the meaning given in section 256B.0911, subdivision 1a, 
141.6 	paragraph (e).
141.7 	(p) (q) "Legal representative" means parent of a minor, a court-appointed guardian, 
141.8 	or another representative with legal authority to make decisions about services and 
141.9 	supports for the participant. Other representatives with legal authority to make decisions 
141.10 	include but are not limited to a health care agent or an attorney-in-fact authorized through 
141.11 	a health care directive or power of attorney.
141.12 	(r) "Level I behavior" means physical aggression towards self or others or 
141.13 	destruction of property that requires the immediate response of another person.
141.14 	(q) (s) "Medication assistance" means providing verbal or visual reminders to take 
141.15 	regularly scheduled medication, and includes any of the following supports listed in clauses 
141.16 	(1) to (3) and other types of assistance, except that a support worker may not determine 
141.17 	medication dose or time for medication or inject medications into veins, muscles, or skin:
141.18 	(1) under the direction of the participant or the participant's representative, bringing 
141.19 	medications to the participant including medications given through a nebulizer, opening a 
141.20 	container of previously set-up medications, emptying the container into the participant's 
141.21 	hand, opening and giving the medication in the original container to the participant, or 
141.22 	bringing to the participant liquids or food to accompany the medication;
141.23 	(2) organizing medications as directed by the participant or the participant's 
141.24 	representative; and
141.25 	(3) providing verbal or visual reminders to perform regularly scheduled medications.
141.26 	(t) "Participant" means a person who is eligible for CFSS.
141.27 	(r) (u) "Participant's representative" means a parent, family member, advocate, 
141.28 	or other adult authorized by the participant or participant's legal representative, if any, 
141.29 	to serve as a representative in connection with the provision of CFSS as described in 
141.30 	subdivision 20b. This authorization must be in writing or by another method that clearly 
141.31 	indicates the participant's free choice and may be withdrawn at any time. The participant's 
141.32 	representative must have no financial interest in the provision of any services included in 
141.33 	the participant's CFSS service delivery plan and must be capable of providing the support 
141.34 	necessary to assist the participant in the use of CFSS. If through the assessment process 
141.35 	described in subdivision 5 a participant is determined to be in need of a participant's 
141.36 	representative, one must be selected. If the participant is unable to assist in the selection of 
142.1 	a participant's representative, the legal representative shall appoint one. Two persons may 
142.2 	be designated as a participant's representative for reasons such as divided households and 
142.3 	court-ordered custodies. Duties of a participant's representatives may include:
142.4 	(1) being available while services are provided in a method agreed upon by the 
142.5 	participant or the participant's legal representative and documented in the participant's 
142.6 	CFSS service delivery plan;
142.7 	(2) monitoring CFSS services to ensure the participant's CFSS service delivery 
142.8 	plan is being followed; and
142.9 	(3) reviewing and signing CFSS time sheets after services are provided to provide 
142.10 	verification of the CFSS services.
142.11 	(s) (v) "Person-centered planning process" means a process that is directed by the 
142.12 	participant to plan for CFSS services and supports. The person-centered planning process 
142.13 	must:
142.14 	(1) include people chosen by the participant;
142.15 	(2) provide necessary information and support to ensure that the participant directs 
142.16 	the process to the maximum extent possible, and is enabled to make informed choices 
142.17 	and decisions;
142.18 	(3) be timely and occur at time and locations of convenience to the participant;
142.19 	(4) reflect cultural considerations of the participant;
142.20 	(5) include strategies for solving conflict or disagreement within the process, 
142.21 	including clear conflict-of-interest guidelines for all planning;
142.22 	(6) provide the participant choices of the services and supports they receive and the 
142.23 	staff providing those services and supports;
142.24 	(7) include a method for the participant to request updates to the plan; and
142.25 	(8) record the alternative home and community-based settings that were considered 
142.26 	by the participant.
142.27 	(w) "Service budget" means the authorized dollar amount used for the budget model 
142.28 	or for the purchase of goods.
142.29 	(t) (x) "Shared services" means the provision of CFSS services by the same CFSS 
142.30 	support worker to two or three participants who voluntarily enter into an agreement to 
142.31 	receive services at the same time and in the same setting by the same employer.
142.32 	(u) (y) "Support worker" means a qualified and trained employee of the 
142.33 	agency-provider as required by subdivision 11b or of the participant employer under the 
142.34 	budget model as required by subdivision 14 who has direct contact with the participant 
142.35 	and provides services as specified within the participant's CFSS service delivery plan.
143.1 	(z) "Unit" means the increment of service based on hours or minutes identified 
143.2 	in the service agreement.
143.3 	(aa) "Vendor fiscal employer agent" means an agency that provides financial 
143.4 	management services.
143.5 	(v) (bb) "Wages and benefits" means the hourly wages and salaries, the employer's 
143.6 	share of FICA taxes, Medicare taxes, state and federal unemployment taxes, workers' 
143.7 	compensation, mileage reimbursement, health and dental insurance, life insurance, 
143.8 	disability insurance, long-term care insurance, uniform allowance, contributions to 
143.9 	employee retirement accounts, or other forms of employee compensation and benefits.
143.10 	(w) (cc) "Worker training and development" means services provided according to 
143.11 	subdivision 18a for developing workers' skills as required by the participant's individual 
143.12 	CFSS service delivery plan that are arranged for or provided by the agency-provider or 
143.13 	purchased by the participant employer. These services include training, education, direct 
143.14 	observation and supervision, and evaluation and coaching of job skills and tasks, including 
143.15 	supervision of health-related tasks or behavioral supports.
143.16 		Subd. 3.Eligibility. (a) CFSS is available to a person who meets one of the 
143.17 	following:
143.18 	(1) is an enrollee of medical assistance as determined under section 256B.055, 
143.19 	256B.056, or 256B.057, subdivisions 5 and 9;
143.20 	(2) is a participant in the alternative care program under section 256B.0913;
143.21 	(3) is a waiver participant as defined under section 256B.0915, 256B.092, 256B.093, 
143.22 	or 256B.49; or
143.23 	(4) has medical services identified in a participant's person's individualized education 
143.24 	program and is eligible for services as determined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 26.
143.25 	(b) In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria in paragraph (a), a person must also 
143.26 	meet all of the following:
143.27 	(1) require assistance and be determined dependent in one activity of daily living or 
143.28 	Level I behavior based on assessment under section 256B.0911; and
143.29 	(2) is not a participant under a family support grant under section 252.32.
143.30 		Subd. 4.Eligibility for other services. Selection of CFSS by a participant must not 
143.31 	restrict access to other medically necessary care and services furnished under the state 
143.32 	plan medical assistance benefit or other services available through alternative care.
143.33 		Subd. 5.Assessment requirements. (a) The assessment of functional need must:
143.34 	(1) be conducted by a certified assessor according to the criteria established in 
143.35 	section 256B.0911, subdivision 3a;
144.1 	(2) be conducted face-to-face, initially and at least annually thereafter, or when there 
144.2 	is a significant change in the participant's condition or a change in the need for services 
144.3 	and supports, or at the request of the participant when the participant experiences a change 
144.4 	in condition or needs a change in the services or supports; and
144.5 	(3) be completed using the format established by the commissioner.
144.6 	(b) The results of the assessment and any recommendations and authorizations for 
144.7 	CFSS must be determined and communicated in writing by the lead agency's certified 
144.8 	assessor as defined in section 256B.0911 to the participant and the agency-provider or 
144.9 	FMS contractorprovider chosen by the participant within 40 calendar days and must 
144.10 	include the participant's right to appeal under section 256.045, subdivision 3.
144.11 	(c) The lead agency assessor may authorize a temporary authorization for CFSS 
144.12 	services to be provided under the agency-provider model. Authorization for a temporary 
144.13 	level of CFSS services under the agency-provider model is limited to the time specified by 
144.14 	the commissioner, but shall not exceed 45 days. The level of services authorized under 
144.15 	this paragraph shall have no bearing on a future authorization. Participants approved for a 
144.16 	temporary authorization shall access the consultation service to complete their orientation 
144.17 	and selection of a service model.
144.18 		Subd. 6.Community first services and support supports service delivery 
144.19 	plan. (a) The CFSS service delivery plan must be developed and evaluated through a 
144.20 	person-centered planning process by the participant, or the participant's representative 
144.21 	or legal representative who may be assisted by a consultation services provider. The 
144.22 	CFSS service delivery plan must reflect the services and supports that are important to 
144.23 	the participant and for the participant to meet the needs assessed by the certified assessor 
144.24 	and identified in the community support plan under section 256B.0911, subdivision 3, or 
144.25 	the coordinated services and support plan identified in section 256B.0915, subdivision 6, 
144.26 	if applicable. The CFSS service delivery plan must be reviewed by the participant, the 
144.27 	consultation services provider, and the agency-provider or FMS contractorprovider prior 
144.28 	to starting services and at least annually upon reassessment, or when there is a significant 
144.29 	change in the participant's condition, or a change in the need for services and supports.
144.30 	(b) The commissioner shall establish the format and criteria for the CFSS service 
144.31 	delivery plan.
144.32 	(c) The CFSS service delivery plan must be person-centered and:
144.33 	(1) specify the consultation services provider, agency-provider, or FMS contractor
144.34 	provider selected by the participant;
144.35 	(2) reflect the setting in which the participant resides that is chosen by the participant;
144.36 	(3) reflect the participant's strengths and preferences;
145.1 	(4) include the means methods and supports used to address the clinical and support
145.2 	needs as identified through an assessment of functional needs;
145.3 	(5) include individually the participant's identified goals and desired outcomes;
145.4 	(6) reflect the services and supports, paid and unpaid, that will assist the participant 
145.5 	to achieve identified goals, including the costs of the services and supports, and the 
145.6 	providers of those services and supports, including natural supports;
145.7 	(7) identify the amount and frequency of face-to-face supports and amount and 
145.8 	frequency of remote supports and technology that will be used;
145.9 	(8) identify risk factors and measures in place to minimize them, including 
145.10 	individualized backup plans;
145.11 	(9) be understandable to the participant and the individuals providing support;
145.12 	(10) identify the individual or entity responsible for monitoring the plan;
145.13 	(11) be finalized and agreed to in writing by the participant and signed by all 
145.14 	individuals and providers responsible for its implementation;
145.15 	(12) be distributed to the participant and other people involved in the plan;
145.16 	(13) prevent the provision of unnecessary or inappropriate care;
145.17 	(14) include a detailed budget for expenditures for budget model participants or 
145.18 	participants under the agency-provider model if purchasing goods; and
145.19 	(15) include a plan for worker training and development provided according to 
145.20 	subdivision 18a detailing what service components will be used, when the service 
145.21 	components will be used, how they will be provided, and how these service components 
145.22 	relate to the participant's individual needs and CFSS support worker services.
145.23 	(d) The total units of agency-provider services or the service budget amount for 
145.24 	the budget model include both annual totals and a monthly average amount that cover 
145.25 	the number of months of the service authorization agreement. The amount used each 
145.26 	month may vary, but additional funds must not be provided above the annual service 
145.27 	authorization amount, determined according to subdivision 8, unless a change in condition 
145.28 	is assessed and authorized by the certified assessor and documented in the community 
145.29 	support plan, coordinated services and supports plan, and CFSS service delivery plan.
145.30 	(e) In assisting with the development or modification of the CFSS service delivery 
145.31 	plan during the authorization time period, the consultation services provider shall:
145.32 	(1) consult with the FMS contractorprovider on the spending budget when 
145.33 	applicable; and
145.34 	(2) consult with the participant or participant's representative, agency-provider, and 
145.35 	case manager/care coordinator.
146.1 	(f) The CFSS service delivery plan must be approved by the consultation services 
146.2 	provider for participants without a case manager/care manager or care coordinator who is 
146.3 	responsible for authorizing services. A case manager/care manager or care coordinator 
146.4 	must approve the plan for a waiver or alternative care program participant.
146.5 		Subd. 6a.Person-centered planning process. The person-centered planning 
146.6 	process must:
146.7 	(1) include people chosen by the participant;
146.8 	(2) provide necessary information and support to ensure that the participant directs 
146.9 	the process to the maximum extent possible, and is enabled to make informed choices 
146.10 	and decisions;
146.11 	(3) be timely and occur at times and locations convenient to the participant;
146.12 	(4) reflect cultural considerations of the participant;
146.13 	(5) include within the process strategies for solving conflict or disagreement, 
146.14 	including clear conflict-of-interest guidelines as identified in Code of Federal Regulations, 
146.15 	title 42, section 441.500, for all planning;
146.16 	(6) provide the participant choices of the services and supports the participant 
146.17 	receives and the staff providing those services and supports;
146.18 	(7) include a method for the participant to request updates to the plan; and
146.19 	(8) record the alternative home and community-based settings that were considered 
146.20 	by the participant.
146.21 		Subd. 7.Community first services and supports; covered services. Within the 
146.22 	service unit authorization or service budget amount, Services and supports covered under 
146.23 	CFSS include:
146.24 	(1) assistance to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities 
146.25 	of daily living (IADLs), and health-related procedures and tasks through hands-on 
146.26 	assistance to accomplish the task or constant supervision and cueing to accomplish the task;
146.27 	(2) assistance to acquire, maintain, or enhance the skills necessary for the participant 
146.28 	to accomplish activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, or 
146.29 	health-related tasks;
146.30 	(3) expenditures for items, services, supports, environmental modifications, or 
146.31 	goods, including assistive technology. These expenditures must:
146.32 	(i) relate to a need identified in a participant's CFSS service delivery plan; and
146.33 	(ii) increase independence or substitute for human assistance to the extent that 
146.34 	expenditures would otherwise be made for human assistance for the participant's assessed 
146.35 	needs;
147.1 	(4) observation and redirection for behavior or symptoms where there is a need for 
147.2 	assistance. An assessment of behaviors must meet the criteria in this clause. A participant 
147.3 	qualifies as having a need for assistance due to behaviors if the participant's behavior 
147.4 	requires assistance at least four times per week and shows one or more of the following 
147.5 	behaviors:;
147.6 	(i) physical aggression towards self or others, or destruction of property that requires 
147.7 	the immediate response of another person;
147.8 	(ii) increased vulnerability due to cognitive deficits or socially inappropriate 
147.9 	behavior; or
147.10 	(iii) increased need for assistance for participants who are verbally aggressive or 
147.11 	resistive to care so that time needed to perform activities of daily living is increased;
147.12 	(5) back-up systems or mechanisms, such as the use of pagers or other electronic 
147.13 	devices, to ensure continuity of the participant's services and supports;
147.14 	(6) services provided by a consultation services provider as defined under 
147.15 	subdivision 17, that is under contract with the department and enrolled as a Minnesota 
147.16 	health care program provider as defined under subdivision 17;
147.17 	(7) services provided by an FMS contractor under contractprovider as defined 
147.18 	under subdivision 13a, that is an enrolled provider with the department as defined under 
147.19 	subdivision 13;
147.20 	(8) CFSS services provided by a qualified support worker who is a parent, stepparent, 
147.21 	or legal guardian of a participant under age 18, or who is the participant's spouse. These 
147.22 	support workers shall not provide any medical assistance home and community-based 
147.23 	services in excess of 40 hours per seven-day period regardless of the number of parents
147.24 	providing services, combination of parents and spouses providing services, or number 
147.25 	of children who receive medical assistance services; and
147.26 	(9) worker training and development services as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph 
147.27 	(w), and described in subdivision 18a.
147.28 		Subd. 8.Determination of CFSS service methodology authorization amount. (a) 
147.29 	All community first services and supports must be authorized by the commissioner or the 
147.30 	commissioner's designee before services begin, except for the assessments established in 
147.31 	section 256B.0911. The authorization for CFSS must be completed as soon as possible 
147.32 	following an assessment but no later than 40 calendar days from the date of the assessment.
147.33 	(b) The amount of CFSS authorized must be based on the participant's home care 
147.34 	rating described in paragraphs (d) and (e) and any additional service units for which the 
147.35 	participant qualifies as described in paragraph (f).
148.1 	(c) The home care rating shall be determined by the commissioner or the 
148.2 	commissioner's designee based on information submitted to the commissioner identifying 
148.3 	the following for a participant:
148.4 	(1) the total number of dependencies of activities of daily living as defined in 
148.5 	subdivision 2, paragraph (b);
148.6 	(2) the presence of complex health-related needs as defined in subdivision 2, 
148.7 	paragraph (f); and
148.8 	(3) the presence of Level I behavior as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (d).
148.9 	(d) The methodology to determine the total service units for CFSS for each home 
148.10 	care rating is based on the median paid units per day for each home care rating from 
148.11 	fiscal year 2007 data for the PCA program.
148.12 	(e) Each home care rating is designated by the letters P through Z and EN and has 
148.13 	the following base number of service units assigned:
148.14 	(1) P home care rating requires Level I behavior or one to three dependencies in 
148.15 	ADLs and qualifies one the person for five service units;
148.16 	(2) Q home care rating requires Level I behavior and one to three dependencies in 
148.17 	ADLs and qualifies one the person for six service units;
148.18 	(3) R home care rating requires a complex health-related need and one to three 
148.19 	dependencies in ADLs and qualifies one the person for seven service units;
148.20 	(4) S home care rating requires four to six dependencies in ADLs and qualifies one
148.21 	the person for ten service units;
148.22 	(5) T home care rating requires four to six dependencies in ADLs and Level I 
148.23 	behavior and qualifies one the person for 11 service units;
148.24 	(6) U home care rating requires four to six dependencies in ADLs and a complex 
148.25 	health-related need and qualifies one the person for 14 service units;
148.26 	(7) V home care rating requires seven to eight dependencies in ADLs and qualifies 
148.27 	one the person for 17 service units;
148.28 	(8) W home care rating requires seven to eight dependencies in ADLs and Level I 
148.29 	behavior and qualifies one the person for 20 service units;
148.30 	(9) Z home care rating requires seven to eight dependencies in ADLs and a complex 
148.31 	health-related need and qualifies one the person for 30 service units; and
148.32 	(10) EN home care rating includes ventilator dependency as defined in section 
148.33 	256B.0651, subdivision 1, paragraph (g). Participants A person who meet meets the 
148.34 	definition of ventilator-dependent and the EN home care rating and utilize a combination 
148.35 	of CFSS and other home care nursing services are is limited to a total of 96 service units 
148.36 	per day for those services in combination. Additional units may be authorized when 
149.1 	a participant's person's assessment indicates a need for two staff to perform activities. 
149.2 	Additional time is limited to 16 service units per day.
149.3 	(f) Additional service units are provided through the assessment and identification of 
149.4 	the following:
149.5 	(1) 30 additional minutes per day for a dependency in each critical activity of daily 
149.6 	living as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (j);
149.7 	(2) 30 additional minutes per day for each complex health-related function as defined 
149.8 	in subdivision 2, paragraph (f) need; and
149.9 	(3) 30 additional minutes per day for each behavior issue as defined in subdivision 
149.10 	2, paragraph (d). when the behavior requires assistance at least four times per week for 
149.11 	one or more of the following behaviors:
149.12 	(i) level I behavior;
149.13 	(ii) increased vulnerability due to cognitive deficits or socially inappropriate 
149.14 	behavior; or
149.15 	(iii) increased need for assistance for participants who are verbally aggressive or 
149.16 	resistive to care so that the time needed to perform activities of daily living is increased.
149.17 	(g) The service budget for budget model participants shall be based on:
149.18 	(1) assessed units as determined by the home care rating; and
149.19 	(2) an adjustment needed for administrative expenses.
149.20 		Subd. 9.Noncovered services. (a) Services or supports that are not eligible for 
149.21 	payment under this section include those that:
149.22 	(1) are not authorized by the certified assessor or included in the written CFSS
149.23 	service delivery plan;
149.24 	(2) are provided prior to the authorization of services and the approval of the written
149.25 	CFSS service delivery plan;
149.26 	(3) are duplicative of other paid services in the written CFSS service delivery plan;
149.27 	(4) supplant natural unpaid supports that appropriately meet a need in the CFSS 
149.28 	service delivery plan, are provided voluntarily to the participant, and are selected by the 
149.29 	participant in lieu of other services and supports;
149.30 	(5) are not effective means to meet the participant's needs; and
149.31 	(6) are available through other funding sources, including, but not limited to, funding 
149.32 	through title IV-E of the Social Security Act.
149.33 	(b) Additional services, goods, or supports that are not covered include:
149.34 	(1) those that are not for the direct benefit of the participant, except that services for 
149.35 	caregivers such as training to improve the ability to provide CFSS are considered to directly 
149.36 	benefit the participant if chosen by the participant and approved in the support plan;
150.1 	(2) any fees incurred by the participant, such as Minnesota health care programs fees 
150.2 	and co-pays, legal fees, or costs related to advocate agencies;
150.3 	(3) insurance, except for insurance costs related to employee coverage;
150.4 	(4) room and board costs for the participant;
150.5 	(5) services, supports, or goods that are not related to the assessed needs;
150.6 	(6) special education and related services provided under the Individuals with 
150.7 	Disabilities Education Act and vocational rehabilitation services provided under the 
150.8 	Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
150.9 	(7) assistive technology devices and assistive technology services other than those 
150.10 	for back-up systems or mechanisms to ensure continuity of service and supports listed in 
150.11 	subdivision 7;
150.12 	(8) medical supplies and equipment covered under medical assistance;
150.13 	(9) environmental modifications, except as specified in subdivision 7;
150.14 	(10) expenses for travel, lodging, or meals related to training the participant or the 
150.15 	participant's representative or legal representative;
150.16 	(11) experimental treatments;
150.17 	(12) any service or good covered by other medical assistance state plan services, 
150.18 	including prescription and over-the-counter medications, compounds, and solutions and 
150.19 	related fees, including premiums and co-payments;
150.20 	(13) membership dues or costs, except when the service is necessary and appropriate 
150.21 	to treat a health condition or to improve or maintain the participant's health condition. The 
150.22 	condition must be identified in the participant's CFSS service delivery plan and monitored 
150.23 	by a Minnesota health care program enrolled physician;
150.24 	(14) vacation expenses other than the cost of direct services;
150.25 	(15) vehicle maintenance or modifications not related to the disability, health 
150.26 	condition, or physical need;
150.27 	(16) tickets and related costs to attend sporting or other recreational or entertainment 
150.28 	events;
150.29 	(17) services provided and billed by a provider who is not an enrolled CFSS provider;
150.30 	(18) CFSS provided by a participant's representative or paid legal guardian;
150.31 	(19) services that are used solely as a child care or babysitting service;
150.32 	(20) services that are the responsibility or in the daily rate of a residential or program 
150.33 	license holder under the terms of a service agreement and administrative rules;
150.34 	(21) sterile procedures;
150.35 	(22) giving of injections into veins, muscles, or skin;
150.36 	(23) homemaker services that are not an integral part of the assessed CFSS service;
151.1 	(24) home maintenance or chore services;
151.2 	(25) home care services, including hospice services if elected by the participant, 
151.3 	covered by Medicare or any other insurance held by the participant;
151.4 	(26) services to other members of the participant's household;
151.5 	(27) services not specified as covered under medical assistance as CFSS;
151.6 	(28) application of restraints or implementation of deprivation procedures;
151.7 	(29) assessments by CFSS provider organizations or by independently enrolled 
151.8 	registered nurses;
151.9 	(30) services provided in lieu of legally required staffing in a residential or child 
151.10 	care setting; and
151.11 	(31) services provided by the residential or program license holder in a residence 
151.12 	for more than four persons participants.
151.13 		Subd. 10.Agency-provider and FMS contractorprovider qualifications, 
151.14 	general requirements, and duties. (a) Agency-providers delivering services under the 
151.15 	agency-provider model under identified in subdivision 11 or and FMS contractors under
151.16 	providers identified in subdivision 13 13a shall:
151.17 	(1) enroll as a medical assistance Minnesota health care programs provider and meet 
151.18 	all applicable provider standards and requirements;
151.19 	(2) demonstrate compliance with federal and state laws and policies for CFSS as 
151.20 	determined by the commissioner;
151.21 	(3) comply with background study requirements under chapter 245C and maintain 
151.22 	documentation of background study requests and results;
151.23 	(4) verify and maintain records of all services and expenditures by the participant, 
151.24 	including hours worked by support workers;
151.25 	(5) not engage in any agency-initiated direct contact or marketing in person, by 
151.26 	telephone, or other electronic means to potential participants, guardians, family members, 
151.27 	or participants' representatives;
151.28 	(6) directly provide services and not use a subcontractor or reporting agent;
151.29 	(7) meet the financial requirements established by the commissioner for financial 
151.30 	solvency;
151.31 	(8) have never had a lead agency contract or provider agreement discontinued due to 
151.32 	fraud, or have never had an owner, board member, or manager fail a state or FBI-based 
151.33 	criminal background check while enrolled or seeking enrollment as a Minnesota health 
151.34 	care programs provider; and
152.1 	(9) have established business practices that include written policies and procedures, 
152.2 	internal controls, and a system that demonstrates the organization's ability to deliver 
152.3 	quality CFSS; and
152.4 	(10) (9) have an office located in Minnesota.
152.5 	(b) In conducting general duties, agency-providers and FMS contractorsproviders
152.6 	shall:
152.7 	(1) pay support workers based upon actual hours of services provided;
152.8 	(2) pay for worker training and development services based upon actual hours of 
152.9 	services provided or the unit cost of the training session purchased;
152.10 	(3) withhold and pay all applicable federal and state payroll taxes;
152.11 	(4) make arrangements and pay unemployment insurance, taxes, workers' 
152.12 	compensation, liability insurance, and other benefits, if any;
152.13 	(5) enter into a written agreement with the participant, participant's representative, or 
152.14 	legal representative that assigns roles and responsibilities to be performed before services, 
152.15 	supports, or goods are provided using a format established by the commissioner;
152.16 	(6) report maltreatment as required under sections 626.556 and 626.557; and
152.17 	(7) provide the participant with a copy of the service-related rights under subdivision 
152.18 	20 at the start of services and supports; and
152.19 	(8) (7) comply with any data requests from the department consistent with the 
152.20 	Minnesota Government Data Practices Act under chapter 13.
152.21 		Subd. 11.Agency-provider model. (a) The agency-provider model includes 
152.22 	services provided by support workers and staff providing worker training and development 
152.23 	services who are employed by an agency-provider that is licensed according to chapter 
152.24 	245A or meets other the criteria established by the commissioner, including required 
152.25 	training.
152.26 	(b) The agency-provider shall allow the participant to have a significant role in the 
152.27 	selection and dismissal of the support workers for the delivery of the services and supports 
152.28 	specified in the participant's CFSS service delivery plan.
152.29 	(c) A participant may use authorized units of CFSS services as needed within a 
152.30 	service authorization agreement that is not greater than 12 months. Using authorized units 
152.31 	in a flexible manner in either the agency-provider model or the budget model does not 
152.32 	increase the total amount of services and supports authorized for a participant or included 
152.33 	in the participant's CFSS service delivery plan.
152.34 	(d) A participant may share CFSS services. Two or three CFSS participants may 
152.35 	share services at the same time provided by the same support worker.
153.1 	(e) The agency-provider must use a minimum of 72.5 percent of the revenue generated 
153.2 	by the medical assistance payment for CFSS for support worker wages and benefits. The 
153.3 	agency-provider must document how this requirement is being met. The revenue generated 
153.4 	by the worker training and development services and the reasonable costs associated with 
153.5 	the worker training and development services must not be used in making this calculation.
153.6 	(f) The agency-provider model must be used by individuals who have been are
153.7 	restricted by the Minnesota restricted recipient program under Minnesota Rules, parts 
153.8 	9505.2160 to 9505.2245.
153.9 	(g) Participants purchasing goods under this model, along with support worker 
153.10 	services, must:
153.11 	(1) specify the goods in the CFSS service delivery plan and detailed budget for 
153.12 	expenditures that must be approved by the consultation services provider or the, case 
153.13 	manager/care manager, or care coordinator; and
153.14 	(2) use the FMS contractorprovider for the billing and payment of such goods.
153.15 		Subd. 11a.Agency-provider model; evaluation of CFSS services. (a) The 
153.16 	agency-provider is responsible to work with the participant and the participant's 
153.17 	representative, if any, in the evaluation of the CFSS goals and CFSS service delivery 
153.18 	plan. The agency-provider must complete an evaluation of CFSS services within 90 days 
153.19 	of service initiation and at least quarterly thereafter. Quarterly evaluations during the 
153.20 	first year must be completed in person. Following the first year of service, at least one 
153.21 	quarterly evaluation each year must be completed in person. An in-person evaluation must 
153.22 	also be completed within 30 calendar days of the discovery or receipt of information of 
153.23 	any changes in the participant's condition for which CFSS is provided.
153.24 	(b) Each CFSS evaluation required in paragraph (a) must evaluate and document 
153.25 	the required elements in clauses (1) to (5):
153.26 	(1) whether the CFSS service delivery plan accurately identifies the participant's 
153.27 	current service needs;
153.28 	(2) whether services are supporting accomplishment of the goals identified in the 
153.29 	CFSS service delivery plan;
153.30 	(3) whether workers are competent in providing services identified in the CFSS 
153.31 	service delivery plan;
153.32 	(4) whether the agency-provider, the participant, or the participant's representative, 
153.33 	if any, has any additional concerns with the CFSS service delivery plan, goals, service 
153.34 	delivery, or worker competency not identified in clauses (1) to (3); and
153.35 	(5) based on the evaluation required in clauses (1) to (4), whether revisions are 
153.36 	needed to the CFSS service delivery plan or goals or how CFSS is used or delivered, 
154.1 	whether there is a need for additional worker training, or whether any other actions are 
154.2 	needed to support the participant's use of CFSS and who will take the action.
154.3 	If changes are needed based on the results of the evaluation, a revised CFSS service 
154.4 	delivery plan must be completed and provided to the participant or participant's 
154.5 	representative, if any, within 30 calendar days of the evaluation.
154.6 		Subd. 11b.Agency-provider model; support worker competency. (a) The 
154.7 	agency-provider must ensure that support workers are competent to meet the participant's 
154.8 	assessed needs, goals, and additional requirements as written in the CFSS service 
154.9 	delivery plan. Within 30 days of any support worker beginning to provide services for 
154.10 	a participant, the agency-provider must evaluate the competency of the worker through 
154.11 	direct observation of the support worker's performance of the job functions in a setting 
154.12 	where the participant is using CFSS.
154.13 	(b) The agency-provider must verify and maintain evidence of support worker 
154.14 	competency, including documentation of the support worker's:
154.15 	(1) education and experience relevant to the job responsibilities assigned to the 
154.16 	support worker and the needs of the participant;
154.17 	(2) relevant training received from sources other than the agency-provider;
154.18 	(3) orientation and instruction to implement services and supports to participant 
154.19 	needs and preferences as identified in the CFSS service delivery plan; and
154.20 	(4) periodic performance reviews completed by the agency-provider at least 
154.21 	annually, including any evaluations required under subdivision 11a, paragraph (a).
154.22 	If a support worker is a minor, all evaluations of worker competency must be completed in 
154.23 	person and in a setting where the participant is using CFSS.
154.24 	(c) The agency-provider must develop a worker training and development plan 
154.25 	with the participant to ensure support worker competency. The worker training and 
154.26 	development plan must be updated when:
154.27 	(1) the support worker begins providing services;
154.28 	(2) there is any change in condition or a modification to the CFSS service delivery 
154.29 	plan; or
154.30 	(3) a performance review indicates that additional training is needed.
154.31 		Subd. 12.Requirements for enrollment of CFSS agency-providers. (a) All CFSS 
154.32 	agency-providers must provide, at the time of enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation 
154.33 	as a CFSS agency-provider in a format determined by the commissioner, information and 
154.34 	documentation that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
154.35 	(1) the CFSS agency-provider's current contact information including address, 
154.36 	telephone number, and e-mail address;
155.1 	(2) proof of surety bond coverage. Upon new enrollment, or if the agency-provider's 
155.2 	Medicaid revenue in the previous calendar year is less than or equal to $300,000, the 
155.3 	agency-provider must purchase a surety bond of $50,000. If the agency-provider's 
155.4 	Medicaid revenue in the previous calendar year is greater than $300,000, the 
155.5 	agency-provider must purchase a surety bond of $100,000. The surety bond must be in 
155.6 	a form approved by the commissioner, must be renewed annually, and must allow for 
155.7 	recovery of costs and fees in pursuing a claim on the bond;
155.8 	(3) proof of fidelity bond coverage in the amount of $20,000;
155.9 	(4) proof of workers' compensation insurance coverage;
155.10 	(5) proof of liability insurance;
155.11 	(6) a description of the CFSS agency-provider's organization identifying the names 
155.12 	of all owners, managing employees, staff, board of directors, and the affiliations of the 
155.13 	directors and owners to other service providers;
155.14 	(7) a copy of the CFSS agency-provider's written policies and procedures including: 
155.15 	hiring of employees; training requirements; service delivery; and employee and consumer 
155.16 	safety, including the process for notification and resolution of consumer participant
155.17 	grievances, incident response, identification and prevention of communicable diseases, 
155.18 	and employee misconduct;
155.19 	(8) copies of all other forms the CFSS agency-provider uses in the course of daily 
155.20 	business including, but not limited to:
155.21 	(i) a copy of the CFSS agency-provider's time sheet if the time sheet varies from 
155.22 	the standard time sheet for CFSS services approved by the commissioner, and a letter 
155.23 	requesting approval of the CFSS agency-provider's nonstandard time sheet; and
155.24 	(ii) a copy of the participant's individual CFSS service delivery plan;
155.25 	(9) a list of all training and classes that the CFSS agency-provider requires of its 
155.26 	staff providing CFSS services;
155.27 	(10) documentation that the CFSS agency-provider and staff have successfully 
155.28 	completed all the training required by this section;
155.29 	(11) documentation of the agency-provider's marketing practices;
155.30 	(12) disclosure of ownership, leasing, or management of all residential properties 
155.31 	that are used or could be used for providing home care services;
155.32 	(13) documentation that the agency-provider will use at least the following 
155.33 	percentages of revenue generated from the medical assistance rate paid for CFSS services 
155.34 	for CFSS support worker wages and benefits: 72.5 percent of revenue from CFSS 
155.35 	providers. The revenue generated by the worker training and development services and 
156.1 	the reasonable costs associated with the worker training and development services shall 
156.2 	not be used in making this calculation; and
156.3 	(14) documentation that the agency-provider does not burden participants' free 
156.4 	exercise of their right to choose service providers by requiring CFSS support workers to 
156.5 	sign an agreement not to work with any particular CFSS participant or for another CFSS 
156.6 	agency-provider after leaving the agency and that the agency is not taking action on any 
156.7 	such agreements or requirements regardless of the date signed.
156.8 	(b) CFSS agency-providers shall provide to the commissioner the information 
156.9 	specified in paragraph (a).
156.10 	(c) All CFSS agency-providers shall require all employees in management and 
156.11 	supervisory positions and owners of the agency who are active in the day-to-day 
156.12 	management and operations of the agency to complete mandatory training as determined 
156.13 	by the commissioner. Employees in management and supervisory positions and owners 
156.14 	who are active in the day-to-day operations of an agency who have completed the required 
156.15 	training as an employee with a CFSS agency-provider do not need to repeat the required 
156.16 	training if they are hired by another agency, if they have completed the training within 
156.17 	the past three years. CFSS agency-provider billing staff shall complete training about 
156.18 	CFSS program financial management. Any new owners or employees in management 
156.19 	and supervisory positions involved in the day-to-day operations are required to complete 
156.20 	mandatory training as a requisite of working for the agency.
156.21 	(d) The commissioner shall send annual review notifications to agency-providers 30 
156.22 	days prior to renewal. The notification must:
156.23 	(1) list the materials and information the agency-provider is required to submit;
156.24 	(2) provide instructions on submitting information to the commissioner; and
156.25 	(3) provide a due date by which the commissioner must receive the requested 
156.26 	information.
156.27 	Agency-providers shall submit the all required documentation for annual review within 
156.28 	30 days of notification from the commissioner. If no documentation is submitted, 
156.29 	the agency-provider enrollment number must be terminated or suspended If an 
156.30 	agency-provider fails to submit all the required documentation, the commissioner may 
156.31 	take action under subdivision 23a.
156.32 		Subd. 12a.CFSS agency-provider requirements; policies for complaint process 
156.33 	and incident response. (a) The CFSS agency-provider must establish policies and 
156.34 	procedures that promote service recipient rights by providing a simple complaint process 
156.35 	for participants served by the program and their authorized representatives to bring a 
156.36 	grievance. The complaint process must:
157.1 	(1) provide staff assistance with the complaint process when requested;
157.2 	(2) allow the participant to bring the complaint to the highest level of authority in 
157.3 	the program if the grievance cannot be resolved by other staff members, and provide the 
157.4 	name, address, and telephone number of that person;
157.5 	(3) provide the addresses and telephone numbers of outside agencies to assist the 
157.6 	participant;
157.7 	(4) require a prompt response to all complaints affecting a participant's health and 
157.8 	safety and a timely response to all other complaints;
157.9 	(5) require an evaluation of whether:
157.10 	(i) related policies and procedures were followed and adequate;
157.11 	(ii) there is a need for additional staff training;
157.12 	(iii) the complaint is similar to past complaints with the persons, staff, or services 
157.13 	involved; and
157.14 	(iv) there is a need for corrective action by the agency-provider to protect the health 
157.15 	and safety of participants receiving services;
157.16 	(6) provide a written summary of the complaint and a notice of the complaint 
157.17 	resolution to the participant and, if applicable, case manager or care coordinator; and
157.18 	(7) require that the complaint summary and resolution notice be maintained in 
157.19 	the participant's service record.
157.20 	(b) The CFSS agency-provider must establish policies and procedures for responding 
157.21 	to incidents that occur while services are being provided. When a participant has a 
157.22 	legal representative or a participant's representative, incidents must be reported to these 
157.23 	representatives. For the purposes of this paragraph, "incident" means an occurrence that 
157.24 	involves a participant and requires a response that is not a part of the ordinary provision of 
157.25 	the services to that participant, and includes:
157.26 	(1) serious injury of a participant as determined by section 245.91, subdivision 6;
157.27 	(2) a participant's death;
157.28 	(3) any medical emergency, unexpected serious illness, or significant unexpected 
157.29 	change in a participant's illness or medical condition that requires a call to 911, physician 
157.30 	treatment, or hospitalization;
157.31 	(4) any mental health crisis that requires a call to 911 or a mental health crisis 
157.32 	intervention team;
157.33 	(5) an act or situation involving a participant that requires a call to 911, law 
157.34 	enforcement, or the fire department;
157.35 	(6) a participant's unexplained absence;
157.36 	(7) behavior that creates an imminent risk of harm to the participant or another; and
158.1 	(8) a report of alleged or suspected child or vulnerable adult maltreatment under 
158.2 	section 626.556 or 626.557.
158.3 		Subd. 12b.CFSS agency-provider requirements; notice regarding termination 
158.4 	of services. (a) An agency-provider must provide written notice when it intends to 
158.5 	terminate services with a participant at least ten calendar days before the proposed service 
158.6 	termination is to become effective, except in cases where:
158.7 	(1) the participant engages in conduct that significantly alters the terms of the CFSS 
158.8 	service delivery plan with the agency-provider;
158.9 	(2) the participant or other persons at the setting where services are being provided 
158.10 	engage in conduct that creates an imminent risk of harm to the support worker or other 
158.11 	agency-provider staff; or
158.12 	(3) an emergency or a significant change in the participant's condition occurs within 
158.13 	a 24-hour period that results in the participant's service needs exceeding the participant's 
158.14 	identified needs in the current CFSS service delivery plan so that the agency-provider 
158.15 	cannot safely meet the participant's needs.
158.16 	(b) When a participant initiates a request to terminate CFSS services with the 
158.17 	agency-provider, the agency-provider must give the participant a written acknowledgement 
158.18 	of the participant's service termination request that includes the date the request was 
158.19 	received by the agency-provider and the requested date of termination.
158.20 	(c) The agency-provider must participate in a coordinated transfer of the participant 
158.21 	to a new agency-provider to ensure continuity of care.
158.22 		Subd. 13.Budget model. (a) Under the budget model participants may exercise 
158.23 	responsibility and control over the services and supports described and budgeted within 
158.24 	the CFSS service delivery plan. Participants must use services specified in subdivision 
158.25 	13a provided by an FMS contractor as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (m)provider. 
158.26 	Under this model, participants may use their approved service budget allocation to:
158.27 	(1) directly employ support workers, and pay wages, federal and state payroll taxes, 
158.28 	and premiums for workers' compensation, liability, and health insurance coverage; and
158.29 	(2) obtain supports and goods as defined in subdivision 7.
158.30 	(b) Participants who are unable to fulfill any of the functions listed in paragraph (a) 
158.31 	may authorize a legal representative or participant's representative to do so on their behalf.
158.32 	(c) The commissioner shall disenroll or exclude participants from the budget model 
158.33 	and transfer them to the agency-provider model under, but not limited to, the following 
158.34 	circumstances:
159.1 	(1) when a participant has been restricted by the Minnesota restricted recipient 
159.2 	program, in which case the participant may be excluded for a specified time period under 
159.3 	Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.2160 to 9505.2245;
159.4 	(2) when a participant exits the budget model during the participant's service plan 
159.5 	year. Upon transfer, the participant shall not access the budget model for the remainder of 
159.6 	that service plan year; or
159.7 	(3) when the department determines that the participant or participant's representative 
159.8 	or legal representative cannot manage participant is unable to fulfill the responsibilities 
159.9 	under the budget model, as specified in subdivision 14. The commissioner must develop 
159.10 	policies for determining if a participant is unable to manage responsibilities under the 
159.11 	budget model.
159.12 	(d) A participant may appeal in writing to the department under section 256.045, 
159.13 	subdivision 3, to contest the department's decision under paragraph (c), clause (3), to 
159.14 	disenroll or exclude the participant from the budget model.
159.15 		Subd. 13a.Financial management services. (a) Services provided by an FMS 
159.16 	provider include but are not limited to: filing and payment of federal and state payroll taxes 
159.17 	on behalf of the participant; initiating criminal background checks; billing for approved 
159.18 	CFSS services with authorized funds; monitoring expenditures; accounting for and 
159.19 	disbursing CFSS funds; providing assistance in obtaining and filing for liability, workers' 
159.20 	compensation, and unemployment coverage; and providing participant instruction and 
159.21 	technical assistance to the participant in fulfilling employer-related requirements in 
159.22 	accordance with section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations and 
159.23 	interpretations, including Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 31.3504-1.
159.24 	(e) (b) The FMS contractorprovider shall not provide CFSS services and supports 
159.25 	under the agency-provider service model.
159.26 	(f) (c) The FMS contractorprovider shall provide service functions as determined by 
159.27 	the commissioner for budget model participants that include but are not limited to:
159.28 	(1) assistance with the development of the detailed budget for expenditures portion 
159.29 	of the CFSS service delivery plan as requested by the consultation services provider 
159.30 	or participant;
159.31 	(2) billing and making payments for budget model expenditures;
159.32 	(3) assisting participants in fulfilling employer-related requirements according to 
159.33 	section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations and interpretations, 
159.34 	including Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 31.3504-1, which includes 
159.35 	assistance with filing and paying payroll taxes, and obtaining worker compensation 
159.36 	coverage;
160.1 	(4) (2) data recording and reporting of participant spending;
160.2 	(5) (3) other duties established in the contract withby the department, including 
160.3 	with respect to providing assistance to the participant, participant's representative, or 
160.4 	legal representative in performing their employer responsibilities regarding support 
160.5 	workers. The support worker shall not be considered the employee of the FMS contractor
160.6 	provider; and
160.7 	(6) (4) billing, payment, and accounting of approved expenditures for goods for
160.8 	agency-provider participants.
160.9 	(d) The FMS provider shall obtain an assurance statement from the participant 
160.10 	employer agreeing to follow state and federal regulations and CFSS policies regarding 
160.11 	employment of support workers.
160.12 	(g) (e) The FMS contractorprovider shall:
160.13 	(1) not limit or restrict the participant's choice of service or support providers or 
160.14 	service delivery models consistent with any applicable state and federal requirements;
160.15 	(2) provide the participant, consultation services provider, and the case manager 
160.16 	or care coordinator, if applicable, with a monthly written summary of the spending for 
160.17 	services and supports that were billed against the spending budget;
160.18 	(3) be knowledgeable of state and federal employment regulations, including those 
160.19 	under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and comply with the requirements under 
160.20 	section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations and interpretations, 
160.21 	including Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 31.3504-1, regarding agency 
160.22 	employer tax liability for vendor or fiscal employer fiscal/employer agent, and any 
160.23 	requirements necessary to process employer and employee deductions, provide appropriate 
160.24 	and timely submission of employer tax liabilities, and maintain documentation to support 
160.25 	medical assistance claims;
160.26 	(4) have current and adequate liability insurance and bonding and sufficient cash 
160.27 	flow as determined by the commissioner and have on staff or under contract a certified 
160.28 	public accountant or an individual with a baccalaureate degree in accounting;
160.29 	(5) assume fiscal accountability for state funds designated for the program and be 
160.30 	held liable for any overpayments or violations of applicable statutes or rules, including but 
160.31 	not limited to the Minnesota False Claims Act, chapter 15C; and
160.32 	(6) maintain documentation of receipts, invoices, and bills to track all services and 
160.33 	supports expenditures for any goods purchased and maintain time records of support 
160.34 	workers. The documentation and time records must be maintained for a minimum of 
160.35 	five years from the claim date and be available for audit or review upon request by the 
160.36 	commissioner. Claims submitted by the FMS contractorprovider to the commissioner 
161.1 	for payment must correspond with services, amounts, and time periods as authorized in 
161.2 	the participant's service budget and service plan and must contain specific identifying 
161.3 	information as determined by the commissioner.
161.4 	(h) (f) The commissioner of human services shall:
161.5 	(1) establish rates and payment methodology for the FMS contractorprovider;
161.6 	(2) identify a process to ensure quality and performance standards for the FMS 
161.7 	contractorprovider and ensure statewide access to FMS contractorsproviders; and
161.8 	(3) establish a uniform protocol for delivering and administering CFSS services to 
161.9 	be used by eligible FMS contractorsproviders.
161.10 		Subd. 14.Participant's responsibilities under budget model. (a) A participant 
161.11 	using the budget model must use an FMS contractor or vendor that is under contract with 
161.12 	the department. Upon a determination of eligibility and completion of the assessment 
161.13 	and community support plan, the participant shall choose a FMS contractor from a 
161.14 	list of eligible vendors maintained by the department. The participant or participant's 
161.15 	representative is responsible for:
161.16 	(1) orienting support workers to individual needs and preferences and providing 
161.17 	direction during the delivery of services;
161.18 	(2) tracking the services provided and all expenditures for goods or other supports;
161.19 	(3) preparing, verifying, and submitting time sheets according to the requirements 
161.20 	in subdivision 15;
161.21 	(4) reporting any problems resulting from the failure of the CFSS service delivery 
161.22 	plan to be implemented or the quality of services rendered by the support worker to the 
161.23 	agency-provider, consultation services provider, FMS provider, and case manager or care 
161.24 	coordinator if applicable;
161.25 	(5) notifying the agency-provider or the FMS provider within ten days of any 
161.26 	changes in circumstances affecting the CFSS service delivery plan, including but not 
161.27 	limited to changes in the participant's place of residence or hospitalization; and
161.28 	(6) under the agency-provider model, participating in the evaluation of CFSS 
161.29 	services and support workers according to subdivision 11a.
161.30 	(b) When the participant, participant's representative, or legal representative 
161.31 	chooses to be the employer of the support worker, they are responsible for the hiring and 
161.32 	supervision of the support worker, including but not limited to recruiting, interviewing, 
161.33 	training, scheduling, and discharging the support worker consistent with federal and 
161.34 	state laws and regulations.For a participant using the budget model, the participant or 
161.35 	participant's representative is responsible for:
162.1 	(1) using an FMS provider that is enrolled with the department. Upon a 
162.2 	determination of eligibility and completion of the assessment and community and services 
162.3 	support plan, the participant shall choose an FMS provider from a list of eligible providers 
162.4 	maintained by the department;
162.5 	(2) complying with policies and procedures of the FMS provider as required to meet 
162.6 	state and federal regulations for CFSS and the employment of support workers;
162.7 	(3) the hiring and supervision of the support worker, including but not limited 
162.8 	to recruiting, interviewing, training, scheduling, and discharging the support worker 
162.9 	consistent with federal and state laws and regulations;
162.10 	(4) notifying the FMS provider of any changes in the employment status of each 
162.11 	support worker;
162.12 	(5) ensuring that support workers are competent to meet the participant's assessed 
162.13 	needs and additional requirements as written in the CFSS service delivery plan; 
162.14 	(6) determining the competency of the support worker through evaluation within 
162.15 	30 days of any support worker beginning to provide services and with any change in the 
162.16 	participant's condition or modification to the CFSS service delivery plan;
162.17 	(7) verifying and maintaining evidence of support worker competency, including 
162.18 	documentation of the support worker's:
162.19 	(i) education and experience relevant to the job responsibilities assigned to the 
162.20 	support worker and the needs of the participant;
162.21 	(ii) training received from sources other than the participant;
162.22 	(iii) orientation and instruction to implement defined services and supports to meet 
162.23 	participant needs and preferences as detailed in the CFSS service delivery plan; and
162.24 	(iv) periodic written performance reviews completed by the participant at least 
162.25 	annually based on the direct observation of the support worker's ability to perform the 
162.26 	job functions;
162.27 	(8) developing and communicating to each support worker a worker training and 
162.28 	development plan to ensure the support worker is competent when:
162.29 	(i) the support worker begins providing services;
162.30 	(ii) there is any change in the participant's condition or modification to the CFSS 
162.31 	service delivery plan; or
162.32 	(iii) a performance review indicates that additional training is needed; and
162.33 	(9) participating in the evaluation of CFSS services.
162.34 	(c) In addition to the employer responsibilities in paragraph (b), the participant, 
162.35 	participant's representative, or legal representative is responsible for:
162.36 	(1) tracking the services provided and all expenditures for goods or other supports;
163.1 	(2) preparing and submitting time sheets, signed by both the participant and support 
163.2 	worker, to the FMS contractor on a regular basis and in a timely manner according to 
163.3 	the FMS contractor's procedures;
163.4 	(3) notifying the FMS contractor within ten days of any changes in circumstances 
163.5 	affecting the CFSS service plan or in the participant's place of residence including, but 
163.6 	not limited to, any hospitalization of the participant or change in the participant's address, 
163.7 	telephone number, or employment;
163.8 	(4) notifying the FMS contractor of any changes in the employment status of each 
163.9 	participant support worker; and
163.10 	(5) reporting any problems resulting from the quality of services rendered by the 
163.11 	support worker to the FMS contractor. If the participant is unable to resolve any problems 
163.12 	resulting from the quality of service rendered by the support worker with the assistance of 
163.13 	the FMS contractor, the participant shall report the situation to the department.
163.14 		Subd. 15.Documentation of support services provided; time sheets. (a) Support
163.15 	CFSS services provided to a participant by a support worker employed by either an 
163.16 	agency-provider or the participant acting as the employer must be documented daily by each 
163.17 	support worker, on a time sheet form approved by the commissioner. All documentation 
163.18 	may be Web-based, electronic, or paper documentation. The completed form must be 
163.19 	submitted on a regular basis to the provider or the participant and the FMS contractor 
163.20 	selected by the participant to provide assistance with meeting the participant's employer 
163.21 	obligations and kept in the participant's record. Time sheets may be created, submitted, 
163.22 	and maintained electronically. Time sheets must be submitted by the support worker to the:
163.23 	(1) agency-provider when the participant is using the agency-provider model. The 
163.24 	agency-provider must maintain a record of the time sheet and provide a copy of the time 
163.25 	sheet to the participant; or
163.26 	(2) participant and the participant's FMS provider when the participant is using 
163.27 	the budget model. The participant and the FMS provider must maintain a record of the 
163.28 	time sheet.
163.29 	(b) The activity documentation on the time sheet must correspond to the written 
163.30 	service delivery plan and be reviewed by the agency-provider or the participant and the 
163.31 	FMS contractor when the participant is the employer of the support worker. participant's 
163.32 	assessed needs within the scope of CFSS covered services. The accuracy of the time 
163.33 	sheets must be verified by the:
163.34 	(1) agency-provider when the participant is using the agency-provider model; or
163.35 	(2) participant employer and the participant's FMS provider when the participant is 
163.36 	using the budget model.
164.1 	(c) The time sheet must be on a form approved by the commissioner documenting
164.2 	document the time the support worker provides services to the participant. The following 
164.3 	criteria elements must be included in the time sheet:
164.4 	(1) the support worker's full name of the support worker and individual provider 
164.5 	number;
164.6 	(2) agency-provider the agency-provider's name and telephone numbers, if when
164.7 	responsible for CFSS service delivery services under the written service plan;
164.8 	(3) the participant's full name of the participant;
164.9 	(4) consecutive the dates within the pay period established by the agency-provider or 
164.10 	FMS provider, including month, day, and year, and arrival and departure times with a.m. 
164.11 	or p.m. notations for days worked within the established pay period;
164.12 	(5) the covered services provided to the participant on each date of service;
164.13 	(5) signatures of (6) a signature line for the participant or the participant's 
164.14 	representative and a statement that the participant's or participant's representative's 
164.15 	signature is verification of the time sheet's accuracy;
164.16 	(6) (7) the personal signature of the support worker;
164.17 	(7) (8) any shared care provided, if applicable;
164.18 	(8) (9) a statement that it is a federal crime to provide false information on CFSS 
164.19 	billings for medical assistance payments; and
164.20 	(9) (10) dates and location of participant stays in a hospital, care facility, or 
164.21 	incarceration occurring within the established pay period.
164.22 		Subd. 16.Support workers requirements. (a) Support workers shall:
164.23 	(1) enroll with the department as a support worker after a background study under 
164.24 	chapter 245C has been completed and the support worker has received a notice from 
164.25 	the commissioner that the support worker:
164.26 	(i) the support worker is not disqualified under section 245C.14; or
164.27 	(ii) is disqualified, but the support worker has received a set-aside of the 
164.28 	disqualification under section 245C.22;
164.29 	(2) have the ability to effectively communicate with the participant or the 
164.30 	participant's representative;
164.31 	(3) have the skills and ability to provide the services and supports according to the 
164.32 	participant's CFSS service delivery plan and respond appropriately to the participant's 
164.33 	needs;
164.34 	(4) not be a participant of CFSS, unless the support services provided by the support 
164.35 	worker differ from those provided to the support worker;
165.1 	(5) (4) complete the basic standardized CFSS training as determined by the 
165.2 	commissioner before completing enrollment. The training must be available in languages 
165.3 	other than English and to those who need accommodations due to disabilities. CFSS 
165.4 	support worker training must include successful completion of the following training 
165.5 	components: basic first aid, vulnerable adult, child maltreatment, OSHA universal 
165.6 	precautions, basic roles and responsibilities of support workers including information 
165.7 	about basic body mechanics, emergency preparedness, orientation to positive behavioral 
165.8 	practices, orientation to responding to a mental health crisis, fraud issues, time cards and 
165.9 	documentation, and an overview of person-centered planning and self-direction. Upon 
165.10 	completion of the training components, the support worker must pass the certification 
165.11 	test to provide assistance to participants;
165.12 	(6) (5) complete employer-directed training and orientation on the participant's 
165.13 	individual needs; and
165.14 	(7) (6) maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the participant,; and
165.15 	(7) not independently determine the medication dose or time for medications for 
165.16 	the participant.
165.17 	(b) The commissioner may deny or terminate a support worker's provider enrollment 
165.18 	and provider number if the support worker:
165.19 	(1) lacks the skills, knowledge, or ability to adequately or safely perform the 
165.20 	required work does not meet the requirements in paragraph (a);
165.21 	(2) fails to provide the authorized services required by the participant employer;
165.22 	(3) has been intoxicated by alcohol or drugs while providing authorized services to 
165.23 	the participant or while in the participant's home;
165.24 	(4) has manufactured or distributed drugs while providing authorized services to the 
165.25 	participant or while in the participant's home; or
165.26 	(5) has been excluded as a provider by the commissioner of human services, or by 
165.27 	the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, 
165.28 	from participation in Medicaid, Medicare, or any other federal health care program.
165.29 	(c) A support worker may appeal in writing to the commissioner to contest the 
165.30 	decision to terminate the support worker's provider enrollment and provider number.
165.31 	(d) A support worker must not provide or be paid for more than 275 hours of 
165.32 	CFSS per month, regardless of the number of participants the support worker serves or 
165.33 	the number of agency-providers or participant employers by which the support worker 
165.34 	is employed. The department shall not disallow the number of hours per day a support 
165.35 	worker works unless it violates other law.
166.1 		Subd. 16a.Exception to support worker requirements for continuity of services.
 166.2 	The support worker for a participant may be allowed to enroll with a different CFSS 
166.3 	agency-provider or FMS contractorprovider upon initiation, rather than completion, of a 
166.4 	new background study according to chapter 245C, if the following conditions are met:
166.5 	(1) the commissioner determines that the support worker's change in enrollment or 
166.6 	affiliation is needed to ensure continuity of services and protect the health and safety 
166.7 	of the participant;
166.8 	(2) the chosen agency-provider or FMS contractorprovider has been continuously 
166.9 	enrolled as a CFSS agency-provider or FMS contractorprovider for at least two years or 
166.10 	since the inception of the CFSS program, whichever is shorter;
166.11 	(3) the participant served by the support worker chooses to transfer to the CFSS 
166.12 	agency-provider or the FMS contractorprovider to which the support worker is transferring;
166.13 	(4) the support worker has been continuously enrolled with the former CFSS 
166.14 	agency-provider or FMS contractorprovider since the support worker's last background 
166.15 	study was completed; and
166.16 	(5) the support worker continues to meet requirements of subdivision 16, excluding 
166.17 	paragraph (a), clause (1).
166.18 		Subd. 17.Consultation services description and duties. (a) Consultation services 
166.19 	means providing assistance to the participant in making informed choices regarding 
166.20 	CFSS services in general, and self-directed tasks in particular, and in developing a 
166.21 	person-centered service delivery plan to achieve quality service outcomes.
166.22 	(b) Consultation services is a required service that may include but is not limited to
166.23 	that includes:
166.24 	(1) entering into a written agreement with the participant, participant's representative, 
166.25 	or legal representative that includes but is not limited to the details of services, service 
166.26 	delivery methods, dates of services, and contact information;
166.27 	(1) (2) providing an initial and annual orientation to CFSS information and policies, 
166.28 	including selecting a service model;
166.29 	(3) assisting with accessing FMS providers or agency-providers;
166.30 	(2) (4) providing assistance with the development, implementation, management, 
166.31 	documentation, and evaluation of the person-centered CFSS service delivery plan;
166.32 	(3) consultation on recruiting, selecting, training, managing, directing, evaluating, 
166.33 	and supervising support workers;
166.34 	(4) reviewing the use of and access to informal and community supports, goods, or 
166.35 	resources;
167.1 	(5) approving the CFSS service delivery plan for a participant without a case 
167.2 	manager or care coordinator who is responsible for authorizing services;
167.3 	(6) maintaining documentation of the approved CFSS service delivery plan;
167.4 	(7) distributing copies of the final CFSS service delivery plan to the participant and 
167.5 	to the agency-provider or FMS provider, case manager or care coordinator, and other 
167.6 	designated parties;
167.7 	(5) assistance with fulfilling (8) assisting to fulfill responsibilities and requirements of 
167.8 	CFSS, including modifying CFSS service delivery plans and changing service models; and
167.9 	(6) assistance with accessing FMS contractors or agency-providers.
167.10 	(c) Duties of a consultation services provider shall include but are not limited to:
167.11 	(1) review and finalization of the CFSS service delivery plan by the consultation 
167.12 	services provider organization;
167.13 	(2) distribution of copies of the final service delivery plan to the participant and 
167.14 	to the agency-provider or FMS contractor, case manager/care coordinator, and other 
167.15 	designated parties;
167.16 	(9) if requested, providing consultation or recruiting, selecting, training, managing, 
167.17 	directing, supervising, and evaluating support workers;
167.18 	(3) an evaluation of (10) evaluating services upon receiving information from an 
167.19 	FMS contractorprovider indicating spending or participant employer concerns;
167.20 	(11) reviewing the use of and access to informal and community supports, goods, or 
167.21 	resources;
167.22 	(4) (12) a semiannual review of services if the participant does not have a case
167.23 	manager/care manager or care coordinator and when the support worker is a paid parent of 
167.24 	a minor participant or the participant's spouse;
167.25 	(5) collection (13) collecting and reporting of data as required by the department; and
167.26 	(6) (14) providing the participant with a copy of the service-related rights participant 
167.27 	protections under subdivision 20 at the start of consultation services.;
167.28 	(15) providing assistance to resolve issues of noncompliance with the requirements 
167.29 	of CFSS;
167.30 	(16) providing recommendations to the commissioner for changes to services when 
167.31 	support to participants to resolve issues of noncompliance have been unsuccessful; and
167.32 	(17) other duties as assigned by the commissioner.
167.33 		Subd. 17a.Consultation services provider qualifications and requirements.
 167.34 	The commissioner shall develop the qualifications and requirements for providers of 
167.35 	consultation services under subdivision 17. These Consultation services providers must 
167.36 	satisfy at least meet the following qualifications and requirements:
168.1 	(1) meet the requirements under subdivision 10, paragraph (a) excluding clauses 
168.2 	(4) and (5);
168.3 	(1) (2) are under contract with the department;
168.4 	(2) (3) are not the FMS contractorprovideras defined in subdivision 2, paragraph 
168.5 	(m), the lead agency, or the CFSS or home and community-based services waiver vendor 
168.6 	or agency-provider or vendor to the participant, or a lead agency;
168.7 	(3) (4) meet the service standards as established by the commissioner;
168.8 	(4) (5) employ lead professional staff with a minimum of three years of experience 
168.9 	in providing services such as support planning, support broker, case management or care 
168.10 	coordination, or consultation services and consumer education to participants using a 
168.11 	self-directed program using FMS under medical assistance;
168.12 	(5) are knowledgeable about CFSS roles and responsibilities including those of the 
168.13 	certified assessor, FMS contractor, agency-provider, and case manager/care coordinator;
168.14 	(6) comply with medical assistance provider requirements;
168.15 	(7) understand the CFSS program and its policies;
168.16 	(8) are knowledgeable about self-directed principles and the application of the 
168.17 	person-centered planning process;
168.18 	(9) have general knowledge of the FMS contractorprovider duties and participant 
168.19 	employment the vendor fiscal/employer agent model, including all applicable federal, 
168.20 	state, and local laws and regulations regarding tax, labor, employment, and liability and 
168.21 	workers' compensation coverage for household workers; and
168.22 	(10) have all employees, including lead professional staff, staff in management 
168.23 	and supervisory positions, and owners of the agency who are active in the day-to-day 
168.24 	management and operations of the agency, complete training as specified in the contract 
168.25 	with the department.
168.26 		Subd. 18.Service unit and budget allocation requirements and limits. (a) For the 
168.27 	agency-provider model, services will be are authorized in units of service. The total service 
168.28 	unit amount must be established based upon the assessed need for CFSS services, and must 
168.29 	not exceed the maximum number of units available as determined under subdivision 8.
168.30 	(b) For the budget model, the service budget allocation allowed for services and 
168.31 	supports is defined in subdivision 8, paragraph (g).
168.32 		Subd. 18a.Worker training and development services. (a) The commissioner 
168.33 	shall develop the scope of tasks and functions, service standards, and service limits for 
168.34 	worker training and development services.
169.1 	(b) Worker training and development services costs are in addition to the participant's 
169.2 	assessed service units or service budget. Services provided according to this subdivision 
169.3 	must:
169.4 	(1) help support workers obtain and expand the skills and knowledge necessary to 
169.5 	ensure competency in providing quality services as needed and defined in the participant's 
169.6 	CFSS service delivery plan and as required under subdivisions 11b and 14;
169.7 	(2) be provided or arranged for by the agency-provider under subdivision 11, or 
169.8 	purchased by the participant employer under the budget model under as identified in
169.9 	subdivision 13; and
169.10 	(3) be described in the participant's CFSS service delivery plan and documented in 
169.11 	the participant's file.
169.12 	(c) Services covered under worker training and development shall include:
169.13 	(1) support worker training on the participant's individual assessed needs,
169.14 	and condition, or both, provided individually or in a group setting by a skilled and 
169.15 	knowledgeable trainer beyond any training the participant or participant's representative 
169.16 	provides;
169.17 	(2) tuition for professional classes and workshops for the participant's support 
169.18 	workers that relate to the participant's assessed needs, and condition, or both; and
169.19 	(3) direct observation, monitoring, coaching, and documentation of support worker 
169.20 	job skills and tasks, beyond any training the participant or participant's representative 
169.21 	provides, including supervision of health-related tasks or behavioral supports that is 
169.22 	conducted by an appropriate professional based on the participant's assessed needs. 
169.23 	These services must be provided within 14 days of at the start of services or the start of 
169.24 	a new support worker except as provided in paragraph (d) and must be specified in the 
169.25 	participant's CFSS service delivery plan; and
169.26 	(4) reporting service and support concerns to the appropriate provider the 
169.27 	activities to evaluate CFSS services and ensure support worker competency described in 
169.28 	subdivisions 11a and 11b.
169.29 	(d) The services in paragraph (c), clause (3), are not required to be provided for a 
169.30 	new support worker providing services for a participant due to staffing failures, unless the 
169.31 	support worker is expected to provide ongoing backup staffing coverage.
169.32 	(e) Worker training and development services shall not include:
169.33 	(1) general agency training, worker orientation, or training on CFSS self-directed 
169.34 	models;
169.35 	(2) payment for preparation or development time for the trainer or presenter;
169.36 	(3) payment of the support worker's salary or compensation during the training;
170.1 	(4) training or supervision provided by the participant, the participant's support 
170.2 	worker, or the participant's informal supports, including the participant's representative; or
170.3 	(5) services in excess of 96 units per annual service authorization agreement, unless 
170.4 	approved by the department.
170.5 		Subd. 19.Support system. (a) The commissioner shall provide information, 
170.6 	consultation, training, and assistance to ensure the participant is able to manage the 
170.7 	services and supports and budgets, if applicable. This support shall include individual 
170.8 	consultation on how to select and employ workers, manage responsibilities under CFSS, 
170.9 	and evaluate personal outcomes.
170.10 	(b) The commissioner shall provide assistance with the development of risk 
170.11 	management agreements.
170.12 		Subd. 20.Service-related rights Participant protections. (a) All CFSS 
170.13 	participants have the protections identified in this subdivision.
170.14 	(a) (b) Participants or participant's representatives must be provided with adequate 
170.15 	information, counseling, training, and assistance, as needed, to ensure that the participant 
170.16 	is able to choose and manage services, models, and budgets. This information must 
170.17 	be provided by the consultation services provider at the time of the initial or annual 
170.18 	orientation to CFSS, at the time of reassessment, or when requested by the participant or 
170.19 	participant's representative. This support shall include information regarding must explain:
170.20 	(1) person-centered planning;
170.21 	(2) the range and scope of individual participant choices, including the differences 
170.22 	between the agency-provider model and the budget model, available CFSS providers, and 
170.23 	other services available in the community to meet the participant's needs;
170.24 	(3) the process for changing plans, services, and budgets;
170.25 	(4) the grievance process;
170.26 	(5) individual rights;
170.27 	(6) (4) identifying and assessing appropriate services; and
170.28 	(7) (5) risks to and responsibilities; and of the participant under the budget model.
170.29 	(8) risk management.
170.30 	(b) (c) The commissioner consultation services provider must ensure that the 
170.31 	participant has a copy of the most recent community support plan and service delivery 
170.32 	plan chooses freely between the agency-provider model and the budget model and among 
170.33 	available agency-providers and that the participant may change agency-providers after 
170.34 	services have begun.
171.1 	(c) (d) A participant who appeals a reduction in previously authorized CFSS services 
171.2 	may continue previously authorized services pending an appeal in accordance with section 
171.3 	256.045.
171.4 	(d) (e) If the units of service or budget allocation for CFSS are reduced, denied, or 
171.5 	terminated, the commissioner must provide notice of the reasons for the reduction in the 
171.6 	participant's notice of denial, termination, or reduction.
171.7 	(e) (f) If all or part of a CFSS service delivery plan is denied approval by the 
171.8 	consultation services provider, the commissioner consultation services provider must 
171.9 	provide a notice that describes the basis of the denial.
171.10 		Subd. 20a.Notice of participant rights from an agency-provider. A participant 
171.11 	receiving CFSS from an agency-provider has the rights identified in this subdivision and 
171.12 	in subdivisions 20b and 20c. The agency-provider must:
171.13 	(1) within five working days of service initiation and annually thereafter, provide 
171.14 	each participant or participant's representative with a written notice that identifies the 
171.15 	service recipient rights in subdivisions 20b and 20c, and an explanation of those rights;
171.16 	(2) make reasonable accommodations to provide this information in other formats or 
171.17 	languages as needed to facilitate understanding of the rights by the participant and the 
171.18 	participant's legal representative, if any;
171.19 	(3) maintain documentation of the receipt of a copy and an explanation of the rights 
171.20 	by the participant or participant's representative; and
171.21 	(4) ensure the exercise and protection of the participant's rights in the services 
171.22 	provided by the agency-provider and as authorized in the CFSS service delivery plan.
171.23 		Subd. 20b.Service-related rights under an agency-provider. A participant 
171.24 	receiving CFSS from an agency-provider has service-related rights to:
171.25 	(1) participate in and approve the initial development and ongoing modification and 
171.26 	evaluation of CFSS services provided to the participant;
171.27 	(2) refuse or terminate services and be informed of the consequences of refusing 
171.28 	or terminating services;
171.29 	(3) before services are initiated, be told the limits to the services available from the 
171.30 	agency-provider, including the agency-provider's knowledge, skill, and ability to meet the 
171.31 	participant's needs identified in the CFSS service delivery plan;
171.32 	(4) a coordinated transfer of services when there will be a change in the 
171.33 	agency-provider;
171.34 	(5) before services are initiated, be told what the agency-provider charges for the 
171.35 	services;
172.1 	(6) before services are initiated, be told to what extent payment may be expected 
172.2 	from health insurance, public programs, or other sources, if known; and what charges the 
172.3 	participant may be responsible for paying;
172.4 	(7) receive services from an individual who is competent and trained, who has 
172.5 	professional certification or licensure, as required, and who meets additional qualifications 
172.6 	identified in the participant's CFSS service delivery plan;
172.7 	(8) have the participant's preferences for support workers identified and documented, 
172.8 	and have those preferences met when possible; and
172.9 	(9) before services are initiated, be told the choices that are available from the 
172.10 	agency-provider for meeting the participant's assessed needs identified in the CFSS service 
172.11 	delivery plan, including but not limited to which support worker staff will be providing 
172.12 	services and the proposed frequency and schedule of visits.
172.13 		Subd. 20c.Protection-related rights under an agency-provider. A participant 
172.14 	receiving CFSS from an agency provider has protection-related rights to:
172.15 	(1) access records and recorded information about the participant in accordance with 
172.16 	applicable state and federal law, regulation, or rule;
172.17 	(2) know how to contact an individual associated with the agency-provider who is 
172.18 	responsible for handling problems, know the agency-provider's policies and procedures 
172.19 	for resolving grievances as required by subdivision 12a, and have the agency-provider 
172.20 	investigate and attempt to resolve the grievance or complaint;
172.21 	(3) know the name, telephone number, and address of the state or county agency, 
172.22 	the Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, and the state protection and advocacy 
172.23 	service to contact for additional information or assistance;
172.24 	(4) have personal, financial, and medical information kept private, and be advised of 
172.25 	disclosure of this information by the agency-provider and the agency-provider's policies 
172.26 	and procedures regarding data privacy;
172.27 	(5) be treated with courtesy and respect, and have the participant's property treated 
172.28 	with respect;
172.29 	(6) be free from maltreatment; and
172.30 	(7) assert these rights personally, or have them asserted by the participant's 
172.31 	representative or by anyone authorized by the participant to act on behalf of the participant, 
172.32 	without retaliation.
172.33 		Subd. 21.Development and Implementation Council. The commissioner shall 
172.34 	establish a Development and Implementation Council of which the majority of members 
172.35 	are individuals participants with disabilities, elderly individuals participants, and their 
172.36 	representatives. The commissioner shall consult and collaborate with the council when 
173.1 	developing and implementing this section for at least the first five years of operation. The 
173.2 	commissioner, in consultation with the council, shall provide recommendations on how to 
173.3 	improve the quality and integrity of CFSS, reduce the paper documentation required in 
173.4 	subdivisions 10, 12, and 15, make use of electronic means of documentation and online 
173.5 	reporting in order to reduce administrative costs, and improve training to the legislative 
173.6 	chairs of the health and human services policy and finance committees by February 1, 2014.
173.7 		Subd. 22.Quality assurance and risk management system. (a) The commissioner 
173.8 	shall establish quality assurance and risk management measures for use in developing and 
173.9 	implementing CFSS, including those that:
173.10 	(1) recognize the roles and responsibilities of those involved in obtaining CFSS,; and 
173.11 	(2) ensure the appropriateness of such plans and budgets based upon a recipient's 
173.12 	resources and capabilities. 
173.13 	Risk management measures must include background studies and backup and emergency 
173.14 	plans, including disaster planning.
173.15 	(b) The commissioner shall provide ongoing technical assistance and resource and 
173.16 	educational materials for CFSS participants.
173.17 	(c) The commissioner shall develop performance assessment measures, such as a 
173.18 	participant's satisfaction with the services and supports, and ongoing monitoring of health 
173.19 	and well-being shall be identified and data reporting requirements in consultation with 
173.20 	the council established in subdivision 21.
173.21 	(d) Data reporting requirements will be developed in consultation with the council 
173.22 	established in subdivision 21.
173.23 		Subd. 23.Commissioner's access. (a) When the commissioner is investigating a 
173.24 	possible overpayment of Medicaid funds, the commissioner must be given immediate 
173.25 	access without prior notice to the agency-provider, consultation services provider, or 
173.26 	FMS contractor'sprovider's office during regular business hours and to documentation 
173.27 	and records related to services provided and submission of claims for services provided. 
173.28 	Denying the commissioner access to records is cause for immediate suspension of 
173.29 	payment and terminating the agency-provider's enrollment or FMS provider's enrollment
173.30 	according to section 256B.064 or terminating the FMS contract consultation services 
173.31 	provider contract.
173.32 	(b) The commissioner has the authority to request proof of compliance with laws, 
173.33 	rules, and policies from agency-providers, consultation services providers, FMS providers, 
173.34 	and participants.
173.35 	(c) When relevant to an investigation conducted by the commissioner, the 
173.36 	commissioner must be given access to the business office, documents, and records of the 
174.1 	agency-provider, consultation services provider, or FMS provider, including records 
174.2 	maintained in electronic format; participants served by the program; and staff during 
174.3 	regular business hours. The commissioner must be given access without prior notice and 
174.4 	as often as the commissioner considers necessary if the commissioner is investigating an 
174.5 	alleged violation of applicable laws or rules. The commissioner may request and shall 
174.6 	receive assistance from lead agencies and other state, county, and municipal agencies 
174.7 	and departments. The commissioner's access includes being allowed to photocopy, 
174.8 	photograph, and make audio and video recordings at the commissioner's expense.
174.9 		Subd. 23a.Sanctions; information for participants upon termination of services.
 174.10 	(a) The commissioner may withhold payment from the provider or suspend or terminate 
174.11 	the provider enrollment number if the provider fails to comply fully with applicable laws 
174.12 	or rules. The provider has the right to appeal the decision of the commissioner under 
174.13 	section 256B.064.
174.14 	(b) Notwithstanding subdivision 13, paragraph (c), if a participant employer fails to 
174.15 	comply fully with applicable laws or rules, the commissioner may disenroll the participant 
174.16 	from the budget model. A participant may appeal in writing to the department under 
174.17 	section 256.045, subdivision 3, to contest the department's decision to disenroll the 
174.18 	participant from the budget model.
174.19 	(c) Agency-providers of CFSS services must provide each participant with a copy of 
174.20 	participant protections in subdivision 20a at least 30 days prior to terminating services to 
174.21 	a participant, if the termination results from sanctions under this subdivision or section 
174.22 	256B.064, such as a payment withhold or a suspension or termination of the provider 
174.23 	enrollment number. If a CFSS agency-provider determines it is unable to continue 
174.24 	providing services to a participant because of an action under this subdivision or section 
174.25 	256B.064, the agency-provider must notify the participant, the participant's representative, 
174.26 	and the commissioner 30 days prior to terminating services to the participant, and must 
174.27 	assist the commissioner and lead agency in supporting the participant in transitioning to 
174.28 	another CFSS agency-provider of the participant's choice.
174.29 	(d) In the event the commissioner withholds payment from a CFSS agency-provider, 
174.30 	or suspends or terminates a provider enrollment number of a CFSS agency-provider 
174.31 	under this subdivision or section 256B.064, the commissioner may inform the Office of 
174.32 	Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and the lead agencies for all participants with active 
174.33 	service agreements with the agency-provider. At the commissioner's request, the lead 
174.34 	agencies must contact participants to ensure that the participants are continuing to receive 
174.35 	needed care, and that the participants have been given free choice of agency-provider if 
174.36 	they transfer to another CFSS agency-provider. In addition, the commissioner or the 
175.1 	commissioner's delegate may directly notify participants who receive care from the 
175.2 	agency-provider that payments have been withheld or that the provider's participation in 
175.3 	medical assistance has been suspended or terminated, if the commissioner determines that 
175.4 	the notification is necessary to protect the welfare of the participants.
175.5 		Subd. 24.CFSS agency-providers and FMS providers; background studies.
 175.6 	CFSS agency-providers and FMS providers enrolled to provide CFSS services under the 
175.7 	medical assistance program shall comply with the following:
175.8 	(1) owners who have a five percent interest or more and all managing employees 
175.9 	are subject to a background study as provided in chapter 245C. This applies to currently 
175.10 	enrolled CFSS agency-providers providers and those agencies seeking enrollment as a 
175.11 	CFSS agency-provider. "Managing employee" has the same meaning as given in Code 
175.12 	of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 455 455.101. An organization is barred from 
175.13 	enrollment if:
175.14 	(i) the organization has not initiated background studies on owners and managing 
175.15 	employees; or
175.16 	(ii) the organization has initiated background studies on owners and managing 
175.17 	employees, but the commissioner has sent the organization a notice that an owner or 
175.18 	managing employee of the organization has been disqualified under section 245C.14, and 
175.19 	the owner or managing employee has not received a set-aside of the disqualification 
175.20 	under section 245C.22;
175.21 	(2) a background study must be initiated and completed for all staff who will have 
175.22 	direct contact with the participant to provide worker training and development; and
175.23 	(3) a background study must be initiated and completed for all support workers.
175.24 		Subd. 25.Commissioner recommendations required. In consultation with 
175.25 	the Development and Implementation Council described in subdivision 21 and other 
175.26 	stakeholders, the commissioner shall develop recommendations for revisions to 
175.27 	subdivisions 12, 15, and 16 that promote self-direction in the following areas:
175.28 	(1) CFSS provider and support worker enrollment, qualification, and disqualification 
175.29 	criteria;
175.30 	(2) documentation requirements that are consistent with state and federal 
175.31 	requirements; and
175.32 	(3) provisions to maintain program integrity and assure fiscal accountability for 
175.33 	goods and services purchased through CFSS.
175.34 	The recommendations shall be provided to the chairs and ranking minority members 
175.35 	of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over health and human 
175.36 	services policy and finance by November 15, 2013.
176.1 		Subd. 26.Licensure plan. In consultation with the Development and 
176.2 	Implementation Council described in subdivision 21 and other stakeholders, the 
176.3 	commissioner shall develop a plan to implement licensure of CFSS.

176.4 	EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments to this section are effective upon federal 
176.5 	approval. The service will begin 90 days after federal approval. The commissioner of 
176.6 	human services shall notify the revisor of statutes when this occurs.

176.7 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.557, subdivision 9a, is amended to read:
176.8 		Subd. 9a.Evaluation and referral of reports made to common entry point unit.
 176.9 	(a) The common entry point must screen the reports of alleged or suspected maltreatment 
176.10 	for immediate risk and make all necessary referrals as follows:
176.11 	(1) if the common entry point determines that there is an immediate need for 
176.12 	emergency adult protective services, the common entry point agency shall immediately 
176.13 	notify the appropriate county agency;
176.14 	(2) if the report contains suspected criminal activity against a vulnerable adult, the 
176.15 	common entry point shall immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency;
176.16 	(3) the common entry point shall refer all reports of alleged or suspected 
176.17 	maltreatment to the appropriate lead investigative agency as soon as possible, but in any 
176.18 	event no longer than two working days; and
176.19 	(4) if the report contains information about a suspicious death, the common entry 
176.20 	point shall immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agencies, the local 
176.21 	medical examiner, and the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities 
176.22 	established under section 245.92. Law enforcement agencies shall coordinate with the 
176.23 	local medical examiner and the ombudsman as provided by law.; and
176.24 	(5) for reports involving multiple locations or changing circumstances, the common 
176.25 	entry point shall determine the county agency responsible for emergency adult protective 
176.26 	services and the county responsible as the lead investigative agency, using referral 
176.27 	guidelines established by the commissioner.
176.28 	(b) If the lead investigative agency receiving a report believes the report was referred 
176.29 	by the common entry point in error, the lead investigative agency shall immediately notify 
176.30 	the common entry point of the error, including the basis for the lead investigative agency's 
176.31 	belief that the referral was made in error. The common entry point shall review the 
176.32 	information submitted by the lead investigative agency and immediately refer the report to 
176.33 	the appropriate lead investigative agency.

176.34 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.557, subdivision 9b, is amended to read:
177.1 		Subd. 9b.Response to reports. Law enforcement is the primary agency to conduct 
177.2 	investigations of any incident in which there is reason to believe a crime has been 
177.3 	committed. Law enforcement shall initiate a response immediately. If the common entry 
177.4 	point notified a county agency for emergency adult protective services, law enforcement 
177.5 	shall cooperate with that county agency when both agencies are involved and shall 
177.6 	exchange data to the extent authorized in subdivision 12b, paragraph (g). County adult 
177.7 	protection shall initiate a response immediately. Each lead investigative agency shall 
177.8 	complete the investigative process for reports within its jurisdiction. A lead investigative 
177.9 	agency, county, adult protective agency, licensed facility, or law enforcement agency 
177.10 	shall cooperate in coordinating its investigation with other agencies in the provision of 
177.11 	protective services, coordinating its investigations, and may assist assisting another agency 
177.12 	upon request within the limits of its resources and expertise and shall exchange data to the 
177.13 	extent authorized in subdivision 12b, paragraph (g). The lead investigative agency shall 
177.14 	obtain the results of any investigation conducted by law enforcement officials. The lead 
177.15 	investigative agency has the right to enter facilities and inspect and copy records as part of 
177.16 	investigations. The lead investigative agency has access to not public data, as defined in 
177.17 	section 13.02, and medical records under sections 144.291 to 144.298, that are maintained 
177.18 	by facilities to the extent necessary to conduct its investigation. Each lead investigative 
177.19 	agency shall develop guidelines for prioritizing reports for investigation.

177.20 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.557, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
177.21 		Subd. 10.Duties of county social service agency. (a) Upon receipt of a report 
177.22 	from When the common entry point staff refers a report to the county social service 
177.23 	agency as the lead investigative agency or makes a referral to the county social service 
177.24 	agency for emergency adult protective services, or when another lead investigative agency 
177.25 	requests assistance from the county social service agency for adult protective services, 
177.26 	the county social service agency shall immediately assess and offer emergency and 
177.27 	continuing protective social services for purposes of preventing further maltreatment and 
177.28 	for safeguarding the welfare of the maltreated vulnerable adult. The county shall use a 
177.29 	standardized tool made available by the commissioner. The information entered by the 
177.30 	county into the standardized tool must be accessible to the Department of Human Services. 
177.31 	In cases of suspected sexual abuse, the county social service agency shall immediately 
177.32 	arrange for and make available to the vulnerable adult appropriate medical examination 
177.33 	and treatment. When necessary in order to protect the vulnerable adult from further harm, 
177.34 	the county social service agency shall seek authority to remove the vulnerable adult from 
177.35 	the situation in which the maltreatment occurred. The county social service agency 
178.1 	may also investigate to determine whether the conditions which resulted in the reported 
178.2 	maltreatment place other vulnerable adults in jeopardy of being maltreated and offer 
178.3 	protective social services that are called for by its determination.
178.4 	(b) County social service agencies may enter facilities and inspect and copy records 
178.5 	as part of an investigation. The county social service agency has access to not public 
178.6 	data, as defined in section 13.02, and medical records under sections 144.291 to 144.298, 
178.7 	that are maintained by facilities to the extent necessary to conduct its investigation. The 
178.8 	inquiry is not limited to the written records of the facility, but may include every other 
178.9 	available source of information.
178.10 	(c) When necessary in order to protect a vulnerable adult from serious harm, the 
178.11 	county social service agency shall immediately intervene on behalf of that adult to help 
178.12 	the family, vulnerable adult, or other interested person by seeking any of the following:
178.13 	(1) a restraining order or a court order for removal of the perpetrator from the 
178.14 	residence of the vulnerable adult pursuant to section 518B.01;
178.15 	(2) the appointment of a guardian or conservator pursuant to sections 524.5-101 to 
178.16 	524.5-502, or guardianship or conservatorship pursuant to chapter 252A;
178.17 	(3) replacement of a guardian or conservator suspected of maltreatment and 
178.18 	appointment of a suitable person as guardian or conservator, pursuant to sections 
178.19 	524.5-101 to 524.5-502; or
178.20 	(4) a referral to the prosecuting attorney for possible criminal prosecution of the 
178.21 	perpetrator under chapter 609.
178.22 	The expenses of legal intervention must be paid by the county in the case of indigent 
178.23 	persons, under section 524.5-502 and chapter 563.
178.24 	In proceedings under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502, if a suitable relative or 
178.25 	other person is not available to petition for guardianship or conservatorship, a county 
178.26 	employee shall present the petition with representation by the county attorney. The county 
178.27 	shall contract with or arrange for a suitable person or organization to provide ongoing 
178.28 	guardianship services. If the county presents evidence to the court exercising probate 
178.29 	jurisdiction that it has made a diligent effort and no other suitable person can be found, 
178.30 	a county employee may serve as guardian or conservator. The county shall not retaliate 
178.31 	against the employee for any action taken on behalf of the ward or protected person even 
178.32 	if the action is adverse to the county's interest. Any person retaliated against in violation 
178.33 	of this subdivision shall have a cause of action against the county and shall be entitled to 
178.34 	reasonable attorney fees and costs of the action if the action is upheld by the court.

178.35 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.5572, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
179.1 		Subd. 5.Common entry point. "Common entry point" means the entity designated 
179.2 	by each county responsible for receiving reports of alleged or suspected maltreatment of a 
179.3 	vulnerable adult under section 626.557.

179.4 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.5572, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
179.5 		Subd. 6.Facility. (a) "Facility" means a hospital or other entity required to be 
179.6 	licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58; a nursing home required to be licensed to serve 
179.7 	adults under section 144A.02; a residential or nonresidential facility or service required to 
179.8 	be licensed to serve adults under sections 245A.01 to 245A.16 chapter 245A; a home care 
179.9 	provider licensed or required to be licensed under section 144A.46; a hospice provider 
179.10 	licensed under sections 144A.75 to 144A.755; or a person or organization that exclusively
179.11 	offers, provides, or arranges for personal care assistance services under the medical 
179.12 	assistance program as authorized under sectionssection256B.0625, subdivision 19a, 
179.13 	sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0654, and section256B.0659, or section 256B.85.
179.14 	(b) For home care providers and personal care attendants services identified 
179.15 	in paragraph (a) that are provided in the vulnerable adult's own home or in another 
179.16 	unlicensed location, the term "facility" refers to the provider or, person, or organization 
179.17 	that exclusively offers, provides, or arranges for personal care services, and does not refer 
179.18 	to the client's vulnerable adult's home or other location at which services are rendered.

179.19 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.5572, subdivision 21, is amended to read:
179.20 		Subd. 21.Vulnerable adult. (a) "Vulnerable adult" means any person 18 years of 
179.21 	age or older who:
179.22 	(1) is a resident or inpatient of a facility;
179.23 	(2) receives services at or from a facility required to be licensed to serve adults under 
179.24 	sections 245A.01 to 245A.15 chapter 245A, except that a person receiving outpatient 
179.25 	services for treatment of chemical dependency or mental illness, or one who is served in the 
179.26 	Minnesota sex offender program on a court-hold order for commitment, or is committed as 
179.27 	a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person under chapter 253B, 
179.28 	is not considered a vulnerable adult unless the person meets the requirements of clause (4);
179.29 	(3) receives services from a home care provider required to be licensed under section 
179.30 	144A.46; or from a person or organization that exclusively offers, provides, or arranges 
179.31 	for personal care assistance services under the medical assistance program as authorized 
179.32 	under sectionssection256B.0625, subdivision 19a, 256B.0651, 256B.0653, 256B.0654, 
179.33 	and256B.0659, or 256B.85; or
180.1 	(4) regardless of residence or whether any type of service is received, possesses a 
180.2 	physical or mental infirmity or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction:
180.3 	(i) that impairs the individual's ability to provide adequately for the individual's 
180.4 	own care without assistance, including the provision of food, shelter, clothing, health 
180.5 	care, or supervision; and
180.6 	(ii) because of the dysfunction or infirmity and the need for care or services, the 
180.7 	individual has an impaired ability to protect the individual's self from maltreatment.
180.8 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "care or services" means care or services for the 
180.9 	health, safety, welfare, or maintenance of an individual.

180.10 	Sec. 26. Laws 2013, chapter 108, article 7, section 58, is amended to read:
180.11 	Sec. 58. NURSING HOME LEVEL OF CARE REPORT.
 180.12 	(a) The commissioner of human services shall report on the impact of the 
180.13 	modification to the nursing facility level of care to be implemented January 1, 2014 2015, 
180.14 	including the following:
180.15 	(1) the number of individuals who lose eligibility for home and community-based 
180.16 	services waivers under Minnesota Statutes, sections 256B.0915 and 256B.49, and 
180.17 	alternative care under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0913;
180.18 	(2) the number of individuals who lose eligibility for medical assistance; and 
180.19 	(3) for individuals reported under clauses (1) and (2), and to the extent possible:
180.20 	(i) their living situation before and after nursing facility level of care implementation; 
180.21 	and
180.22 	(ii) the programs or services they received before and after nursing facility level of 
180.23 	care implementation, including, but not limited to, personal care assistant services and 
180.24 	essential community supports.
180.25 	(b) The commissioner of human services shall report to the chairs and ranking 
180.26 	minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over health 
180.27 	and human services policy and finance with the information required under paragraph 
180.28 	(a). A preliminary report shall be submitted on October 1, 2014 2015, and a final report 
180.29 	shall be submitted February 15, 2015 2016.

180.30 	Sec. 27. HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SETTINGS TRANSITION PLAN.
 180.31 	Upon federal approval, the Department of Human Services must take initial steps to 
180.32 	come into compliance with the home and community-based settings transition plan for the 
180.33 	home and community-based services waiver authorized under Minnesota Statutes, sections 
180.34 	256B.0915, 256B.092, and 256B.49. By January 15, 2016, and annually thereafter 
181.1 	during the transition period ending on or before March 17, 2019, the commissioner of 
181.2 	human services must report on this process to the chairs and ranking minority members 
181.3 	of the policy and finance committees in the house of representatives and the senate with 
181.4 	jurisdiction over health and human services for seniors and people with disabilities.

181.5 	Sec. 28. REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.
 181.6 	The revisor of statutes shall change the term "community alternatives for disabled 
181.7 	individuals" to "community access for disability inclusion" wherever it appears in 
181.8 	Minnesota Statutes, chapters 245D and 256B, and sections 144G.05; 256N.26, subdivision 
181.9 	17; and 260C.4411, subdivision 2. The revisor shall also make related grammatical 
181.10 	changes and changes in headnotes.

181.11 	Sec. 29.  REPEALER.
 181.12 	(a) Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 245D.061, subdivision 3; and 256B.0911, 
181.13 	subdivision 6a, are repealed.
181.14 	(b) Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.7400; and 9555.7500, are repealed.