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HF 135

1st Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/25/2010 10:54am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
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A bill for an act
relating to health; guaranteeing that all necessary health care is available and
affordable for every Minnesotan; establishing the Minnesota Health Plan,
Minnesota Health Board, Minnesota Health Fund, Office of Health Quality
and Planning, ombudsman for patient advocacy, and inspector general for the
Minnesota Health Plan; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes
2008, section 14.03, subdivisions 2, 3; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement,
section 15A.0815, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 62V.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1.

new text begin [62V.01] HEALTH PLAN REQUIREMENTS.
new text end

new text begin In order to keep Minnesotans healthy and provide the best quality of health care,
the Minnesota Health Plan must:
new text end

new text begin (1) ensure all Minnesotans receive quality health care, regardless of their income;
new text end

new text begin (2) not restrict, delay, or deny care or reduce the quality of care to hold down costs,
but instead reduce costs through prevention, efficiency, and reduction of bureaucracy;
new text end

new text begin (3) cover all necessary care, including all coverage currently required by law,
complete mental health services, chemical dependency treatment, prescription drugs,
medical equipment and supplies, dental care, long-term care, and home care services;
new text end

new text begin (4) allow patients to choose their own providers;
new text end

new text begin (5) be funded through premiums based on ability to pay and other revenue sources;
new text end

new text begin (6) focus on preventive care and early intervention to improve the health of all
Minnesota residents and reduce costs from untreated illnesses and diseases;
new text end

new text begin (7) ensure an adequate number of qualified health care professionals and facilities to
guarantee availability of, and timely access to quality care throughout the state;
new text end

new text begin (8) continue Minnesota's leadership in medical education, training, research, and
technology; and
new text end

new text begin (9) provide adequate and timely payments to providers.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [62V.02] MINNESOTA HEALTH PLAN GENERAL PROVISIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Short title. new text end

new text begin This chapter may be cited as the "Minnesota Health Act."
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Plan shall provide all medically necessary
health care services for all Minnesota residents in a manner that meets the requirements
in section 62V.01.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings
provided:
new text end

new text begin (a) "Board" means the Minnesota Health Board.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Plan" means the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Fund" means the Minnesota Health Fund.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Medically necessary" means a health service that is consistent with the
recipient's diagnosis or condition, is recognized as the prevailing standard or current
practice by the provider's peer group, and is rendered to:
new text end

new text begin (1) treat an injury, illness, infection, or pain;
new text end

new text begin (2) treat a condition that could result in physical or mental disability;
new text end

new text begin (3) care for a mother and child through a maternity period;
new text end

new text begin (4) achieve a level of physical or mental function consistent with prevailing
community standards for the diagnosis or condition; or
new text end

new text begin (5) provide a preventive health service.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Institutional provider" means an inpatient hospital, nursing facility, rehabilitation
facility, and other health care facilities that provide overnight care.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Noninstitutional provider" means group practices, clinics, outpatient surgical
centers, imaging centers, other health facilities that do not provide overnight care, and
individual providers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Ethics and conflict of interest. new text end

new text begin (a) All provisions of section 43A.38 apply
to employees and the executive officer of the Minnesota Health Plan, the members and
directors of the Minnesota Health Board, the regional health boards, the director of the
Office of Health Quality and Planning, the director of the Minnesota Health Fund, and
the ombudsman. Failure to comply with section 43A.38 shall be grounds for disciplinary
action including termination of employment or removal from the board.
new text end

new text begin (b) In order to avoid the appearance of political bias or impropriety, the Minnesota
Health Plan executive officer shall not:
new text end

new text begin (1) engage in leadership of, or employment by, a political party or a political
organization;
new text end

new text begin (2) publicly endorse a political candidate;
new text end

new text begin (3) contribute to any political candidates or political parties and political
organizations; or
new text end

new text begin (4) attempt to avoid compliance with this subdivision by making contributions
through a spouse or other family member.
new text end

new text begin (c) In order to avoid a conflict of interest, individuals specified in paragraph (a) shall
not be currently employed by a medical provider or a pharmaceutical, medical insurance,
or medical supply company. This paragraph does not apply to the five provider members
of the board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Data practice. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding chapter 13, other state agencies shall
cooperate with data sharing and provide all requested information to the board or board
designee, the Ombudsman for Patient Advocacy, the director of the Office of Health
Quality and Planning, and the Inspector General.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 14.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Rulemaking procedures.

(a) The definition of a rule in section 14.02,
subdivision 4
, does not include:

(1) rules concerning only the internal management of the agency or other agencies
that do not directly affect the rights of or procedures available to the public;

(2) an application deadline on a form; and the remainder of a form and instructions
for use of the form to the extent that they do not impose substantive requirements other
than requirements contained in statute or rule;

(3) the curriculum adopted by an agency to implement a statute or rule permitting
or mandating minimum educational requirements for persons regulated by an agency,
provided the topic areas to be covered by the minimum educational requirements are
specified in statute or rule;

(4) procedures for sharing data among government agencies, provided these
procedures are consistent with chapter 13 and other law governing data practices.

(b) The definition of a rule in section 14.02, subdivision 4, does not include:

(1) rules of the commissioner of corrections relating to the release, placement, term,
and supervision of inmates serving a supervised release or conditional release term, the
internal management of institutions under the commissioner's control, and rules adopted
under section 609.105 governing the inmates of those institutions;

(2) rules relating to weight limitations on the use of highways when the substance
of the rules is indicated to the public by means of signs;

(3) opinions of the attorney general;

(4) the data element dictionary and the annual data acquisition calendar of the
Department of Education to the extent provided by section 125B.07;

(5) the occupational safety and health standards provided in section 182.655;

(6) revenue notices and tax information bulletins of the commissioner of revenue;

(7) uniform conveyancing forms adopted by the commissioner of commerce under
section 507.09;

(8) standards adopted by the Electronic Real Estate Recording Commission
established under section 507.0945; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(9) the interpretive guidelines developed by the commissioner of human services to
the extent provided in chapter 245Adeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (10) any schedules or provisions for payment under section 62V.05.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

ELIGIBILITY

Section 1.

new text begin [62V.03] ELIGIBILITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Residency. new text end

new text begin All Minnesota residents are eligible for the Minnesota
Health Plan. The board shall establish standards to prevent people from moving to the
state for the purpose of obtaining medical care.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Enrollment; identification. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Board shall establish
a procedure to enroll residents and provide each with identification that may be used by
health care providers to confirm eligibility for services. The application for enrollment
shall be no more than two pages.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Residents temporarily out of state. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Health Plan shall
provide health care coverage to Minnesota residents who are temporarily out of the state
who intend to return and reside in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (b) Coverage for emergency care obtained out of state shall be at prevailing local
rates. Coverage for nonemergency care obtained out of state shall be according to rates
and conditions established by the board. The board may require that a resident be
transported back to Minnesota when prolonged treatment of an emergency condition is
necessary and when that transport will not adversely affect a patient's care or condition.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Visitors. new text end

new text begin Nonresidents visiting Minnesota shall be billed for all services
received under the Minnesota Health Plan. The board may enter into intergovernmental
arrangements or contracts with other states and countries to provide reciprocal coverage
for temporary visitors.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Nonresident employed in Minnesota. new text end

new text begin The board may extend eligibility to
nonresidents employed in Minnesota using a sliding premium scale.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Retiree benefits. new text end

new text begin (a) All persons who are eligible for retiree medical
benefits under an employer-employee contract shall remain eligible for those benefits
provided the contractually mandated payments for those benefits are made to the
Minnesota Health Fund, which shall assume financial responsibility for care provided
under the terms of the contract along with additional health benefits covered by the
Minnesota Health Plan. Retirees who elect to reside outside of Minnesota shall be eligible
for benefits under the terms and conditions of the retiree's employer-employee contract.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board may establish financial arrangements with states and foreign countries
in order to facilitate meeting the terms of the contracts described in paragraph (a).
Payments for care provided by non-Minnesota providers to Minnesota retirees shall be
reimbursed at rates established by the Minnesota Health Board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Presumptive eligibility. new text end

new text begin (a) An individual is presumed eligible for
coverage under the Minnesota Health Plan if the individual arrives at a health facility
unconscious, comatose, or otherwise unable, because of the individual's physical or
mental condition, to document eligibility or to act on the individual's own behalf. If the
patient is a minor, the patient is presumed eligible, and the health facility shall provide
care as if the patient were eligible.
new text end

new text begin (b) Any individual is presumed eligible when brought to a health facility according
to any provision of section 253B.05.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any individual involuntarily committed to an acute psychiatric facility or to a
hospital with psychiatric beds according to any provision of section 253B.05, providing
for involuntary commitment, is presumed eligible.
new text end

new text begin (d) All health facilities subject to state and federal provisions governing emergency
medical treatment must comply with those provisions.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

BENEFITS

Section 1.

new text begin [62V.04] BENEFITS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin General provisions. new text end

new text begin Any eligible individual may choose to receive
services under the Minnesota Health Plan from any licensed participating provider. A
provider may not refuse to care for a patient on the basis that is specified in the definition
of unfair employment practice in section 363A.08.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Covered benefits. new text end

new text begin Covered benefits in this chapter include all medically
necessary care subject to the limitations specified in subdivision 4. Covered benefits
include:
new text end

new text begin (1) inpatient and outpatient health facility services;
new text end

new text begin (2) inpatient and outpatient professional health care provider services by licensed
health care professionals;
new text end

new text begin (3) diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and other diagnostic and evaluative
services;
new text end

new text begin (4) medical equipment, appliances, and assistive technology, including prosthetics,
eyeglasses, and hearing aids and their repair;
new text end

new text begin (5) inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care;
new text end

new text begin (6) emergency transportation;
new text end

new text begin (7) necessary transportation for health care services for disabled and indigent
persons;
new text end

new text begin (8) language interpretation and translation for health care services, including sign
language and Braille or other services needed for individuals with communication
disabilities;
new text end

new text begin (9) child and adult immunizations and preventive care;
new text end

new text begin (10) health education;
new text end

new text begin (11) hospice care;
new text end

new text begin (12) home health care;
new text end

new text begin (13) all prescription drugs on the Minnesota Health Plan formulary and additional
drugs as specified by the board;
new text end

new text begin (14) all prescription drugs as determined by the board if the Minnesota Health Plan
does not have a prescription drug formulary;
new text end

new text begin (15) mental health services;
new text end

new text begin (16) dental care;
new text end

new text begin (17) podiatric care;
new text end

new text begin (18) chiropractic care;
new text end

new text begin (19) acupuncture;
new text end

new text begin (20) blood and blood products;
new text end

new text begin (21) emergency care services;
new text end

new text begin (22) vision care;
new text end

new text begin (23) adult day care;
new text end

new text begin (24) case management and coordination to ensure services necessary to enable a
person to remain safely in the least restrictive setting;
new text end

new text begin (25) substance abuse treatment;
new text end

new text begin (26) care in a skilled nursing facility; and
new text end

new text begin (27) dialysis.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Benefit expansion. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Board may expand benefits
beyond the minimum benefits described in this section when expansion meets the intent of
this chapter and when there are sufficient funds to cover the expansion.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Exclusions. new text end

new text begin The following health care services shall be excluded from
coverage by the Minnesota Health Plan:
new text end

new text begin (1) health care services determined to have no medical benefit by the board;
new text end

new text begin (2) surgery, dermatology, orthodontia, prescription drugs, and other procedures
primarily for cosmetic purposes, unless required to correct a congenital defect, restore or
correct a part of the body that has been altered as a result of injury, disease, or surgery, or
determined to be medically necessary by a qualified, licensed health care provider in the
Minnesota Health Plan;
new text end

new text begin (3) private rooms in inpatient health facilities where appropriate nonprivate rooms
are available, unless determined to be medically necessary by a qualified, licensed
provider in the Minnesota Health Plan; and
new text end

new text begin (4) services of a health care provider or facility that is not licensed or accredited
by the state, except for approved services provided to a Minnesota resident who is
temporarily out of the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Plan shall not pay for prescription
drugs from pharmaceutical companies that directly market the drugs to consumers.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [62V.041] CARE COORDINATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) All patients shall have a primary care provider that may include registered nurses,
physician assistants, or other providers who shall coordinate the care a patient receives. A
specialist may serve as the care coordinator if the patient and the specialist agree to this
arrangement, and if the specialist agrees to coordinate the patient's care.
new text end

new text begin (b) Referrals are not required for a patient to see a health care specialist. If a patient
sees a specialist and does not have a care coordinator, the patient must choose a care
coordinator. The Minnesota Health Plan may assist with choosing a primary care provider
to coordinate care.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board may establish or ensure the establishment of a computerized referral
registry to facilitate referrals.
new text end

ARTICLE 4

FUNDING

Section 1.

new text begin [62V.19] MINNESOTA HEALTH FUND.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin General provisions. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall establish a Minnesota
Health Fund to implement the Minnesota Health Plan and to receive premiums and
other sources of revenue. The fund shall be administered by a director appointed by the
Minnesota Health Board.
new text end

new text begin (b) All money collected, received, and transferred according to this chapter shall
be deposited in the Minnesota Health Fund for the purpose of financing the Minnesota
Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Money deposited in the Minnesota Health Fund shall be used exclusively to
implement the purpose of this chapter.
new text end

new text begin (d) All claims for health care services rendered shall be made to the Minnesota
Health Fund.
new text end

new text begin (e) All payments made for health care services shall be disbursed from the Minnesota
Health Fund.
new text end

new text begin (f) Premiums and other revenues collected each year must be sufficient to cover
that year's projected costs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Accounts. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Fund shall have operating, capital, and
reserve accounts to provide for all state expenditures for health care.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Budgets within the operating account. new text end

new text begin The operating account in
the Minnesota Health Fund shall be comprised of the accounts and budgets specified
in paragraphs (a) to (e).
new text end

new text begin (a) Medical services budget and account. The medical services budget and
account must be used to provide for all medical services and benefits covered under the
Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Prevention budget and account. The prevention budget and account must be
used solely to establish and maintain primary community prevention programs, including
preventive screening tests.
new text end

new text begin (c) Program administration, evaluation, planning, and assessment budget and
account.
The program administration, evaluation, planning, and assessment budget and
account must be used to monitor and improve the plan's effectiveness and operations. The
board may establish grant programs including demonstration projects for this purpose.
new text end

new text begin (d) Training, development, and continuing education budget and account. The
training, development, and continuing education budget and account must be used to
support the training, development, and continuing education of health care providers and
the health care workforce needed to meet the health care needs of the population.
new text end

new text begin (e) Medical research budget and account. The medical research budget and
account must be used to support research and innovation as determined by the Minnesota
Health Board, and recommended by the Office of Health Quality and Planning and the
Ombudsman for Patient Advocacy.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Capital account. new text end

new text begin The capital account must be used solely to pay for capital
expenditures for institutional providers and all capital expenditures requiring approval
from the Minnesota Health Board as specified in section 62V.05, subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reserve account. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Health Plan must at all times hold in
reserve an amount estimated in the aggregate to provide for the payment of all losses and
claims for which the Minnesota Health Plan may be liable and to provide for the expense
of adjustment or settlement of losses and claims.
new text end

new text begin (b) Money currently held in reserve by state, city, and county health programs must
be transferred to the Minnesota Health Fund when the Minnesota Health Plan replaces
those programs.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board shall have provisions in place to insure the Minnesota Health Plan
against unforeseen expenditures or revenue shortfalls not covered by the reserve account
and the board may borrow money to cover temporary shortfalls.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [62V.20] REVENUE SOURCES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Health Plan premium. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Health Board
shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) determine the aggregate costs of providing health care according to this chapter;
new text end

new text begin (2) develop an equitable and affordable premium structure, including unearned
income as part of the premium determination for Minnesota residents, that is progressive
and based on the ability to pay and a business health tax for businesses that together will
generate adequate revenue for the Minnesota Health Fund;
new text end

new text begin (3) develop a premium structure for individuals that has an appropriate range
based on an individual's ability to pay and includes a cap on the maximum premium
any individual pays;
new text end

new text begin (4) in consultation with the Department of Revenue, develop an efficient means of
collecting premiums and the business health tax; and
new text end

new text begin (5) coordinate with existing, ongoing funding sources from federal and state
programs.
new text end

new text begin (b) On or before January 15, 2011, the board shall submit to the governor and the
legislature a report on the premium and business health tax structure established to finance
the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Funds from outside sources. new text end

new text begin Institutional providers operating under
Minnesota Health Plan operating budgets may raise and expend funds from sources other
than the Minnesota Health Plan including private or foundation donors. Contributions to
providers in excess of $500,000 must be reported to the board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Governmental payments. new text end

new text begin The executive officer and, if required under
federal law, the commissioners of health and human services shall seek all necessary
waivers, exemptions, agreements, or legislation so that all current federal payments to the
state for health care are paid directly to the Minnesota Health Plan, which shall then assume
responsibility for all benefits and services previously paid for by the federal government
with those funds. In obtaining the waivers, exemptions, agreements, or legislation, the
executive officer and, if required, commissioners shall seek from the federal government a
contribution for health care services in Minnesota that reflects: medical inflation, the state
gross domestic product, the size and age of the population, the number of residents living
below the poverty level, and the number of Medicare and VA eligible individuals, and does
not decrease in relation to the federal contribution to other states as a result of the waivers,
exemptions, agreements, or savings from implementation of the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Federal preemption. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall pursue all reasonable means to
secure a repeal or a waiver of any provision of federal law that preempts any provision of
this chapter. The commissioners of health and human services shall provide all necessary
assistance.
new text end

new text begin (b) In the event that a repeal or a waiver of law or regulations cannot be secured,
the board shall adopt rules, or seek conforming state legislation, consistent with federal
law, in an effort to best fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Minnesota Health Plan's responsibility for providing care shall be secondary
to existing federal government programs for health care services to the extent that funding
for these programs is not transferred to the Minnesota Health Fund or that the transfer
is delayed beyond the date on which initial benefits are provided under the Minnesota
Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin No-cost sharing. new text end

new text begin No deductible, co-payment, coinsurance, or other
cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [62V.21] SUBROGATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Collateral source. new text end

new text begin (a) When other payers for health care have been
terminated, health care costs shall be collected from collateral sources whenever medical
services provided to an individual are, or may be, covered services under a policy of
insurance, or other collateral source available to that individual, or when the individual
has a right of action for compensation permitted under law.
new text end

new text begin (b) As used in this section, collateral source includes:
new text end

new text begin (1) health insurance policies and the medical components of automobile,
homeowners, and other forms of insurance;
new text end

new text begin (2) medical components of worker's compensation;
new text end

new text begin (3) pension plans;
new text end

new text begin (4) employer plans;
new text end

new text begin (5) employee benefit contracts;
new text end

new text begin (6) government benefit programs;
new text end

new text begin (7) a judgment for damages for personal injury; and
new text end

new text begin (8) any third party who is or may be liable to an individual for health care services
or costs.
new text end

new text begin (c) Collateral source does not include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a contract or plan that is subject to federal preemption; or
new text end

new text begin (2) any governmental unit, agency, or service, to the extent that subrogation
is prohibited by law. An entity described in paragraph (b) is not excluded from the
obligations imposed by this section by virtue of a contract or relationship with a
government unit, agency, or service.
new text end

new text begin (d) The board shall negotiate waivers, seek federal legislation, or make other
arrangements to incorporate collateral sources into the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Collateral source; negotiation. new text end

new text begin When an individual who receives health
care services under the Minnesota Health Plan is entitled to coverage, reimbursement,
indemnity, or other compensation from a collateral source, the individual shall notify the
health care provider and provide information identifying the collateral source, the nature
and extent of coverage or entitlement, and other relevant information. The health care
provider shall forward this information to the board. The individual entitled to coverage,
reimbursement, indemnity, or other compensation from a collateral source shall provide
additional information as requested by the board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Reimbursement. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Health Plan shall seek reimbursement
from the collateral source for services provided to the individual and may institute
appropriate action, including legal proceedings, to recover the reimbursement. Upon
demand, the collateral source shall pay to the Minnesota Health Fund the sums it would
have paid or expended on behalf of the individual for the health care services provided by
the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) In addition to any other right to recovery provided in this section, the board shall
have the same right to recover the reasonable value of benefits from a collateral source as
provided to the commissioner of human services under section 256B.37.
new text end

new text begin (c) If a collateral source is exempt from subrogation or the obligation to reimburse
the Minnesota Health Plan, the board may require that an individual who is entitled to
medical services from the source first seek those services from that source before seeking
those services from the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) To the extent permitted by federal law, the board shall have the same right of
subrogation over contractual retiree health benefits provided by employers as other
contracts, allowing the Minnesota Health Plan to recover the cost of services provided to
individuals covered by the retiree benefits, unless arrangements are made to transfer the
revenues of the benefits directly to the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Defaults, underpayments, and late payments. new text end

new text begin (a) Default, underpayment,
or late payment of any tax or other obligation imposed by this chapter shall result in the
remedies and penalties provided by law, except as provided in this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eligibility for benefits under section 62V.04 shall not be impaired by any
default, underpayment, or late payment of any premium or other obligation imposed
by this chapter.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

PAYMENTS

Section 1.

new text begin [62V.05] PROVIDER PAYMENTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin General provisions. new text end

new text begin (a) All health care providers licensed to practice
in Minnesota may participate in the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) A participating health care provider shall comply with all federal laws and
regulations governing referral fees and fee splitting including, but not limited to, United
States Code, title 42, sections 1320a-7b and 1395nn, whether reimbursed by federal funds
or not.
new text end

new text begin (c) A fee schedule or financial incentive may not adversely affect the care a patient
receives or the care a health provider recommends.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Payments to noninstitutional providers. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Health Board
shall establish and oversee a uniform fee schedule for noninstitutional providers.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board shall pay noninstitutional providers based on rates negotiated with
providers. Rates may factor in geographic differences to address provider shortages.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board shall examine the need for and methods of paying providers for care
coordination for all patients especially those with chronic illness and complex medical
needs.
new text end

new text begin (d) Providers may request reimbursement of ancillary health care or social services
that were previously funded by money now received and disbursed by the Minnesota
Health Fund.
new text end

new text begin (e) Providers who accept any payment from the Minnesota Health Plan for a covered
service shall not bill the patient for the covered service.
new text end

new text begin (f) Providers shall be paid within 30 business days for claims filed following
procedures established by the board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Payments to institutional providers. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall establish annual
budgets for institutional providers. These budgets shall consist of an operating and a
capital budget. An institution's annual budget shall be negotiated to cover its anticipated
services for the next year based on past performance and projected changes in prices
and service levels.
new text end

new text begin (b) Providers who accept any payment from the Minnesota Health Plan for a covered
service shall not bill the patient for the covered service.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Capital management plan. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall periodically develop a
capital investment plan that will serve as a guide in determining the annual budgets of
institutional providers and in deciding whether to approve applications for approval of
capital expenditures by noninstitutional providers.
new text end

new text begin (b) Providers who propose to make capital purchases in excess of $500,000 must
obtain board approval. The board may alter the threshold expenditure level that triggers
the requirement to submit information on capital expenditures. Institutional providers
shall propose these expenditures and submit the required information as part of the annual
budget they submit to the board. Noninstitutional providers shall submit applications for
approval of these expenditures to the board.
new text end

ARTICLE 6

GOVERNANCE

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 14.03, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Contested case procedures.

The contested case procedures of the
Administrative Procedure Act provided in sections 14.57 to 14.69 do not apply to (a)
proceedings under chapter 414, except as specified in that chapter, (b) the commissioner of
corrections, (c) the unemployment insurance program and the Social Security disability
determination program in the Department of Employment and Economic Development,
(d) the commissioner of mediation services, (e) the Workers' Compensation Division in
the Department of Labor and Industry, (f) the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals,
deleted text begin ordeleted text end (g) the Board of Pardonsnew text begin , or (h) the Minnesota Health Plannew text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 15A.0815, subdivision 2, is
amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Group I salary limits.

The salaries for positions in this subdivision may
not exceed 95 percent of the salary of the governor:

Commissioner of administration;

Commissioner of agriculture;

Commissioner of education;

Commissioner of commerce;

Commissioner of corrections;

Commissioner of health;

new text begin Executive officer of the Minnesota Health Plan;
new text end

Executive director, Minnesota Office of Higher Education;

Commissioner, Housing Finance Agency;

Commissioner of human rights;

Commissioner of human services;

Commissioner of labor and industry;

Commissioner of management and budget;

Commissioner of natural resources;

Director of Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning;

Commissioner, Pollution Control Agency;

Executive director, Public Employees Retirement Association;

Commissioner of public safety;

Commissioner of revenue;

Executive director, State Retirement System;

Executive director, Teachers Retirement Association;

Commissioner of employment and economic development;

Commissioner of transportation; and

Commissioner of veterans affairs.

Sec. 3.

new text begin [62V.06] MINNESOTA HEALTH BOARD.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Board is established to
promote the delivery of high quality, coordinated health care services that enhance health;
prevent illness, disease, and disability; slow the progression of chronic diseases; and
improve personal health management. The board shall administer the Minnesota Health
Plan. The board shall oversee:
new text end

new text begin (1) the Office of Health Quality and Planning under section 62V.09; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the Minnesota Health Fund under section 62V.19.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board composition. new text end

new text begin The board shall consist of 15 members, including
a representative selected by each of the five rural regional health planning boards under
section 62V.08 and three representatives selected by the metropolitan regional health
planning board under section 62V.08. These members shall select the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) one consumer member and one employer member appointed by the board
members; and
new text end

new text begin (2) five providers appointed by the board members that include one primary care
physician, one registered nurse, one mental health provider, one dentist, and one facility
director.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Term and compensation; selection of chair. new text end

new text begin Board members shall
serve four years. Board members shall set the board's compensation not to exceed the
compensation of Public Utilities Commission members. The board shall select the chair
from its membership.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin General duties. new text end

new text begin The board shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) ensure that all of the requirements of section 62V.01 are met;
new text end

new text begin (2) hire an executive officer for the Minnesota Health Plan to administer all aspects
of the plan as directed by the board;
new text end

new text begin (3) hire a director for the Office of Health Quality and Planning;
new text end

new text begin (4) hire a director of the Minnesota Health Fund;
new text end

new text begin (5) provide technical assistance to the regional boards established under section
62V.08;
new text end

new text begin (6) conduct necessary investigations and inquiries and require the submission of
information, documents, and records the board considers necessary to carry out the
purposes of this chapter;
new text end

new text begin (7) establish a process for the board to receive the concerns, opinions, ideas, and
recommendations of the public regarding all aspects of the Minnesota Health Plan and
the means of addressing those concerns;
new text end

new text begin (8) conduct other activities the board considers necessary to carry out the purposes
of this chapter;
new text end

new text begin (9) collaborate with the agencies that license health facilities to ensure that facility
performance is monitored and that deficient practices are recognized and corrected in a
timely manner;
new text end

new text begin (10) adopt rules as necessary to carry out the duties assigned under this chapter;
new text end

new text begin (11) establish conflict of interest standards prohibiting providers from any financial
benefit from their medical decisions outside of board reimbursement;
new text end

new text begin (12) establish conflict of interest standards related to pharmaceutical marketing to
providers; and
new text end

new text begin (13) create a program to provide support and retraining for workers dislocated by
the creation of the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin The board shall ensure that workers who may be displaced because of the
administrative efficiencies of the Minnesota Health Plan receive financial help and
assistance in retraining and job placement. Because there is currently a serious shortage of
providers in many health care professions, from medical technologists to registered nurses,
and because many potentially displaced health administrative workers already have
training in some medical field, the dislocated worker support program should emphasize
retraining and placement into health care related positions. As Minnesota residents, all
displaced workers shall be covered under the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Conflict of interest committee. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall establish a conflict
of interest committee to develop standards of practice for individuals or entities doing
business with the Minnesota Health Plan, including but not limited to, board members,
providers, and medical suppliers. The committee shall establish guidelines on the duty to
disclose the existence of a financial interest and all material facts related to that financial
interest to the committee.
new text end

new text begin (b) In considering the transaction or arrangement, if the committee determines
a conflict of interest exists, the committee shall investigate alternatives to the proposed
transaction or arrangement. After exercising due diligence, the committee shall determine
whether the Minnesota Health Plan can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous
transaction or arrangement with a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of
interest. If this is not reasonably possible under the circumstances, the committee shall
make a recommendation to the board on whether the transaction or arrangement is in the
best interest to the operation of the Minnesota Health Plan for the benefit of the plan, and
whether the transaction is fair and reasonable. The committee shall provide the board with
all material information used to make the recommendation. After reviewing all relevant
information, the board shall decide whether to approve the transaction or arrangement.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Financial duties. new text end

new text begin The board shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) establish and collect premiums and the business health tax according to section
62V.20, subdivision 1;
new text end

new text begin (2) approve statewide and regional budgets that include budgets for the accounts
in section 62V.19;
new text end

new text begin (3) establish payment rates for providers which may reflect regional differences to
address provider shortages;
new text end

new text begin (4) monitor compliance with all budgets and payment rates and take action to
achieve compliance to the extent authorized by law;
new text end

new text begin (5) pay claims for medical products or services as negotiated, and may issue requests
for proposals for a contract to process claims submitted by individual nonprofit providers;
new text end

new text begin (6) negotiate fees, prices, and budgets;
new text end

new text begin (7) administer the Minnesota Health Fund created under section 62V.19;
new text end

new text begin (8) annually determine the appropriate level for the Minnesota Health Plan reserve
account and implement policies needed to establish the appropriate reserve;
new text end

new text begin (9) implement fraud prevention measures necessary to protect the operation of
the Minnesota Health Plan; and
new text end

new text begin (10) work to ensure appropriate cost control by:
new text end

new text begin (i) instituting aggressive public health measures, early intervention and preventive
care, and promotion of personal health improvement;
new text end

new text begin (ii) making changes in the delivery of health care services and administration that
improve efficiency and care quality;
new text end

new text begin (iii) minimizing administrative costs;
new text end

new text begin (iv) ensuring that the delivery system does not contain excess capacity; and
new text end

new text begin (v) negotiating the lowest possible prices for prescription drugs, medical equipment,
and medical services.
new text end

new text begin If the board determines that there will be a revenue shortfall despite the cost control
measures mentioned in clause (10), the board shall implement measures to correct the
shortfall, including an increase in premiums. The board shall report to the legislature on
the causes of the shortfall, reasons for the failure of cost controls, and measures taken to
correct the shortfall.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Health Board management duties. new text end

new text begin The board shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) develop and implement enrollment procedures for providers and persons eligible
for the program and disseminate, to providers of services and to the public, information
concerning the program and the persons eligible to receive benefits under the program;
new text end

new text begin (2) implement eligibility standards for the Minnesota Health Plan, including
standards to prevent people moving to the state for the purpose of obtaining medical care;
new text end

new text begin (3) make recommendations, when needed, to the legislature about changes in the
geographic boundaries of the health planning regions;
new text end

new text begin (4) establish an electronic claims and payments system for the Minnesota Health
Plan;
new text end

new text begin (5) monitor the operation of the Minnesota Health Plan through consumer surveys
and regular data collection and evaluation activities, including evaluations of the adequacy
and quality of services furnished under the program, the need for changes in the benefit
package, the cost of each type of service, and the effectiveness of cost control measures
under the program;
new text end

new text begin (6) establish a health care Web site that provides information to the public about the
Minnesota Health Plan including access information on providers and facilities, and that
informs the public about state and regional health planning board meetings and activities;
new text end

new text begin (7) collaborate with public health agencies, schools, and community clinics;
new text end

new text begin (8) ensure that Minnesota Health Plan policies and providers, including public
health providers, support all Minnesota residents in achieving and maintaining maximum
physical and mental health functionality; and
new text end

new text begin (9) annually report to the legislature on the performance of the Minnesota Health
Plan, fiscal condition and need for payment adjustments, any needed changes in
geographic boundaries of the health planning regions, recommendations for statutory
changes, receipt of revenue from all sources, whether current year goals and priorities are
met, future goals and priorities, major new technology or prescription drugs, and other
circumstances that may affect the cost of health care.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Policy duties. new text end

new text begin The board shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) develop and implement cost control and quality assurance procedures, including
a professional peer review system;
new text end

new text begin (2) ensure strong public health services including education and community
prevention and clinical services;
new text end

new text begin (3) ensure a continuum of coordinated high-quality primary to tertiary care to all
Minnesota residents; and
new text end

new text begin (4) implement policies to ensure that all Minnesotans receive culturally and
linguistically competent care.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [62V.07] HEALTH PLANNING REGIONS.
new text end

new text begin A metropolitan health planning region consisting of the seven-county metropolitan
area is established. By October 1, 2010, the commissioner of health shall designate five
rural health planning regions from the greater Minnesota area composed of geographically
contiguous counties grouped on the basis of the following considerations:
new text end

new text begin (1) patterns of utilization of health care services;
new text end

new text begin (2) health care resources, including workforce resources;
new text end

new text begin (3) health needs of the population, including public health needs;
new text end

new text begin (4) geography;
new text end

new text begin (5) population and demographic characteristics; and
new text end

new text begin (6) other considerations as appropriate.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of health shall designate the health planning regions.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [62V.08] REGIONAL HEALTH PLANNING BOARD.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Regional planning board composition. new text end

new text begin (a) Initially, each regional
board shall consist of one county commissioner per county selected by the county
board and two county commissioners per county selected by the county board in the
seven-county metropolitan area. A county commissioner may designate a representative
to act as a member of the board in the member's absence. Each board shall select the
chair from among its membership.
new text end

new text begin (b) Board members shall serve for four-year terms and may receive per diems for
meetings as provided in section 15.059, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Regional health board duties. new text end

new text begin Regional health planning boards shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) recommend health standards, goals, priorities, and guidelines for the region;
new text end

new text begin (2) prepare an operating and capital budget for the region to recommend to the
Minnesota Health Board;
new text end

new text begin (3) collaborate with local public health care agencies to educate consumers and
providers on public health programs, goals, and the means of reaching those goals;
new text end

new text begin (4) hire a regional health planning director;
new text end

new text begin (5) collaborate with public health care agencies to implement public health and
wellness initiatives; and
new text end

new text begin (6) ensure that all parts of the region have access to a 24-hour nurse hotline and
24-hour urgent care clinics.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [62V.09] OFFICE OF HEALTH QUALITY AND PLANNING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Board shall establish an
Office of Health Quality and Planning to assess the quality, access, and funding adequacy
of the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin General duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The Office of Health Quality and Planning shall make
annual recommendations to the board on the overall direction on subjects including:
new text end

new text begin (1) the overall effectiveness of the Minnesota Health Plan in addressing public
health and wellness;
new text end

new text begin (2) access to care;
new text end

new text begin (3) quality improvement;
new text end

new text begin (4) efficiency of administration;
new text end

new text begin (5) adequacy of budget and funding;
new text end

new text begin (6) appropriateness of payments for providers;
new text end

new text begin (7) capital expenditure needs;
new text end

new text begin (8) long-term care;
new text end

new text begin (9) mental health and substance abuse services;
new text end

new text begin (10) staffing levels and working conditions in health care facilities;
new text end

new text begin (11) identification of number and mix of health care facilities and providers required
to best meet the needs of the Minnesota Health Plan;
new text end

new text begin (12) care for chronically ill patients;
new text end

new text begin (13) research needs; and
new text end

new text begin (14) integration of disease management programs into care delivery.
new text end

new text begin (b) Analyze shortages in health care workforce required to meet the needs of the
population and develop plans to meet those needs in collaboration with regional planners
and educational institutions.
new text end

new text begin (c) Assist in coordination of the Minnesota Health Plan and public health programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Assessment and evaluation of benefits. new text end

new text begin The Office of Health Quality
and Planning shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) consider benefit additions to the Minnesota Health Plan and evaluate them based
on evidence of clinical efficacy;
new text end

new text begin (2) establish a process and criteria by which providers may request authorization
to provide services and treatments that are not included in the Minnesota Health Plan
benefit set, including experimental treatments;
new text end

new text begin (3) evaluate proposals to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care
delivery system, and make recommendations to the board based on the cost-effectiveness
of the proposals; and
new text end

new text begin (4) identify complementary and alternative modalities that have been shown to be
safe and effective.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [62V.10] OMBUDSMAN OFFICE FOR PATIENT ADVOCACY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Creation of office; generally. new text end

new text begin (a) The Ombudsman Office for
Patient Advocacy is created to represent the interests of the consumers of health care.
The ombudsman shall help residents of the state secure the health care services and
benefits they are entitled to under the laws administered by the Minnesota Health Board
and advocate on behalf of and represent the interests of enrollees in entities created by
this chapter and in other forums.
new text end

new text begin (b) The ombudsman shall be a patient advocate appointed by the governor, who
serves in the unclassified service and may be removed only for just cause. The ombudsman
must be selected without regard to political affiliation and must be knowledgable about
and have experience in health care services and administration.
new text end

new text begin (c) The ombudsman may gather information about decisions, acts, and other matters
of the Minnesota Health Board, health care organization, or a health care program. A
person may not serve as ombudsman while holding another public office.
new text end

new text begin (d) The budget for the ombudsman's office shall be determined by the legislature and
is independent from the Minnesota Health Board which has no oversight or authority over
the ombudsman for patient advocacy. The ombudsman shall establish offices to provide
convenient access to residents.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Ombudsman's duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The ombudsman for patient advocacy shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) ensure that patient advocacy services are available to all Minnesota residents;
new text end

new text begin (2) establish and maintain the grievance process according to section 62V.11;
new text end

new text begin (3) receive, evaluate, and respond to consumer complaints about the Minnesota
Health Plan;
new text end

new text begin (4) establish a process to receive recommendations from the public about ways to
improve the Minnesota Health Plan;
new text end

new text begin (5) develop educational and informational guides according to communication
services under section 15.441, describing consumer rights and responsibilities;
new text end

new text begin (6) ensure the guides in clause (5) are widely available to consumers and specifically
available in provider offices and health care facilities; and
new text end

new text begin (7) report annually to the public, the board, and the legislature about the consumer
perspective on the performance of the Minnesota Health Plan, including recommendations
for needed improvements.
new text end

new text begin (b) The patient advocate, in carrying out assigned duties, shall have unlimited access
to all nonconfidential and all nonprivileged documents in the custody and control of the
Minnesota Health Board.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [62V.11] GRIEVANCE SYSTEM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Grievance system established. new text end

new text begin The ombudsman for patient
advocacy shall establish a grievance system for all complaints. The system shall provide
reasonable procedures that shall ensure adequate consideration of Minnesota Health Plan
enrollee grievances and appropriate remedies.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Referral of grievances. new text end

new text begin The ombudsman for patient advocacy may
refer any grievance that does not pertain to compliance with this chapter to the federal
Center for Medicaid or any other appropriate local, state, and federal government entity
for investigation and resolution.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Submittal by designated agents and providers. new text end

new text begin A provider may join
with, or otherwise assist, a complainant to submit the grievance to the ombudsman
without fear of retribution.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Review of documents. new text end

new text begin The ombudsman may require additional
information from health care providers or the board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Written notice of disposition. new text end

new text begin The ombudsman shall send a written
notice of the final disposition of the grievance, and the reasons for the decision, to the
complainant, to any provider who is assisting the complainant, and to the board, within 30
calendar days of receipt of the request for review unless the ombudsman determines that
additional time is reasonably necessary to fully and fairly evaluate the relevant grievance.
The ombudsman's order of corrective action shall be binding on the Minnesota Health
Plan. Decisions of the ombudsman may be appealed in district court.
new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [62V.12] INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE MINNESOTA HEALTH
PLAN.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin There is within the Office of the Attorney General an
inspector general for the Minnesota Health Plan who is appointed by the attorney general.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The inspector general shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) investigate, audit, and review the financial and business records of individuals,
public and private agencies and institutions, and private corporations that provide services
or products to the Minnesota Health Plan, the costs of which are reimbursed by the
Minnesota Health Plan;
new text end

new text begin (2) investigate allegations of misconduct on the part of an employee or appointee
of the Minnesota Health Board and on the part of any provider of health care services
that is reimbursed by the Minnesota Health Plan, and report any findings of misconduct
to the attorney general;
new text end

new text begin (3) investigate patterns of medical practice that may indicate fraud and abuse
related to over or under utilization or other inappropriate utilization of medical products
and services;
new text end

new text begin (4) arrange for the collection and analysis of data needed to investigate the
inappropriate utilization of these products and services; and
new text end

new text begin (5) annually report recommendations for improvements to the Minnesota Health
Plan to the board.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [62V.13] EXAMINATION BY LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR.
new text end

new text begin The books and all operating policies and procedures of the Minnesota Health Board
shall be subject to examination by the legislative auditor.
new text end

ARTICLE 7

IMPLEMENTATION

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2011 from the general fund to the Minnesota
Health Fund under the Minnesota Health Plan to provide start-up funding for the
provisions of this act.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Provider tax .......
new text end

new text begin MNCARE .......
new text end

new text begin Parts of Medical Assistance .......
new text end

new text begin General Assistance medical care .......
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE AND TRANSITION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Notice and effective date. new text end

new text begin This act is effective the day following final
enactment. The commissioner of management and budget shall notify the chairs of the
house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over health care when the
Minnesota Health Fund has sufficient revenues to fund the costs of implementing this act.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Timing to implement. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Health Plan must be operational
within two years from the date of final enactment of this act.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin On and after the day the Minnesota Health Plan becomes
operational, a health plan, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 62Q.01, subdivision 3,
may not be sold in Minnesota for services provided by the Minnesota Health Plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Transition. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioners of health and human services shall
prepare an analysis of the state's capital expenditure needs for the purpose of assisting
the board in adopting the statewide capital budget for the year following implementation.
The commissioners shall submit this analysis to the board.
new text end

new text begin (b) The following timelines shall be implemented:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner of health shall designate the health planning regions utilizing
the criteria specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 62V.07, three months after the date
of enactment of this act;
new text end

new text begin (2) the regional boards shall be established six months after the date of enactment
of this act; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the Minnesota Health Board shall be established nine months after the date of
enactment of this act; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the commissioner of health, or the commissioner's designee, shall convene the
first meeting of each of the regional boards and the Minnesota Health Board within 30
days after each of the boards has been established.
new text end