HF 1683

1st Engrossment - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/22/2012 03:54pm

A bill for an act
relating to human services; establishing specialized foster care for people with
autism.

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

Section 1. new text begin FOSTER CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall identify and coordinate with one or more
counties that agree to issue a foster care license and authorize funding for people with
autism who are currently receiving home and community-based services under Minnesota
Statutes, section 256B.092 or 256B.49. Children eligible under this section must be in an
out-of-home placement approved by the lead agency that has legal responsibility for the
placement. Nothing in this section must be construed as restricting an individual's choice
of provider. The commissioner will assist the interested county or counties with obtaining
necessary capacity within the moratorium under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.03,
subdivision 7. The commissioner shall coordinate with the interested counties and issue a
request for information to identify providers who have the training and skills to meet the
needs of the individuals identified in this section.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall develop an optional certification for
providers of home and community-based services waivers under Minnesota Statutes,
section 256B.092 or 256B.49, that demonstrates competency in working with individuals
with autism. Recommended language and an implementation plan must be provided to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
health and human services policy and finance by February 15, 2013, as part of the Quality
Outcome Standards required under Laws 2010, chapter 352, article 1, section 24.
new text end