SF 1160

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/26/2021 01:48pm

A bill for an act
relating to health care; modifying coverage for health care services and consultation
provided through telehealth Next ; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 147.033;
151.37, subdivision 2; 245G.01, subdivisions 13, 26; 245G.05, subdivision 1;
245G.06, subdivision 1; 254A.19, subdivision 5; 254B.05, subdivision 5;
256B.0625, subdivisions 3b, 46; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 62A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 62A.67;
62A.671; 62A.672.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [62A.673] COVERAGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH
Previous TELEHEALTH Next .
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Citation. new text end

new text begin This section may be cited as the "Minnesota Previous Telehealth Next Act."
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision
have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Distant site" means a site at which a health care provider is located while providing
health care services or consultations by means of Previous telehealth Next .
new text end

new text begin (c) "Health care provider" means a health care professional who is licensed, credentialed,
or registered by the state to perform health care services within the provider's scope of
practice and in accordance with state law. A health care provider includes a mental health
professional as defined under section 245.462, subdivision 18, or 245.4871, subdivision
27; and a mental health practitioner as defined under section 245.462, subdivision 17, or
245.4871, subdivision 26, who is working under the supervision of a mental health
professional.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Health carrier" has the meaning given in section 62A.011, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Health plan" has the meaning given in section 62A.011, subdivision 3. Health plan
includes dental plans as defined in section 62Q.76, subdivision 3, but does not include dental
plans that provide indemnity-based benefits, regardless of expenses incurred, and are designed
to pay benefits directly to the policy holder.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Originating site" means a site at which a patient is located at the time health care
services are provided to the patient by means of Previous telehealth Next . For purposes of store-and-forward
transfer, the originating site also means the location at which a health care provider transfers
or transmits information to the distant site.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Store-and-forward transfer" means the asynchronous electronic transfer of a patient's
medical information or data from an originating site to a distant site for the purposes of
diagnostic and therapeutic assistance in the care of a patient.
new text end

new text begin (h) " Previous Telehealth Next " means the delivery of health care services or consultations through the
use of real time two-way interactive audio and visual or audio-only communications to
provide or support health care delivery and facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation,
treatment, education, and care management of a patient's health care. Previous Telehealth Next includes
the application of secure video conferencing, store-and-forward transfers, and synchronous
interactions between a patient located at an originating site and a health care provider located
at a distant site. Previous Telehealth Next includes audio-only communication between a health care
provider and a patient. Previous Telehealth Next does not include communication between health care
providers or between a health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an e-mail
or facsimile transmission. Previous Telehealth Next does not include communication between health care
providers that consists solely of a telephone conversation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Coverage of Previous telehealth Next . new text end

new text begin (a) A health plan sold, issued, or renewed by a health
carrier in Minnesota must (1) cover benefits delivered through Previous telehealth Next in the same manner
as any other benefits covered under the health plan, and (2) comply with this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) Coverage for services delivered through Previous telehealth Next must not be limited on the basis
of geography, location, or distance for travel.
new text end

new text begin (c) A health carrier must not create a separate provider network or provide incentives
to patients to use a separate provider network to deliver services through Previous telehealth Next that
does not include network providers who provide in-person care to patients for the same
service.
new text end

new text begin (d) A health carrier may require a deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance payment for
a health care service provided through Previous telehealth Next , provided that the deductible, co-payment,
or coinsurance payment is not in addition to, and does not exceed, the deductible, co-payment,
or coinsurance applicable for the same service provided through in-person contact.
new text end

new text begin (e) Nothing in this section:
new text end

new text begin (1) requires a health carrier to provide coverage for services that are not medically
necessary or are not covered under the enrollee's health plan; or
new text end

new text begin (2) prohibits a health carrier from:
new text end

new text begin (i) establishing criteria that a health care provider must meet to demonstrate the safety
or efficacy of delivering a particular service through Previous telehealth Next for which the health carrier
does not already reimburse other health care providers for delivering the service through
Previous telehealth Next ; or
new text end

new text begin (ii) establishing reasonable medical management techniques, provided the criteria or
techniques are not unduly burdensome or unreasonable for the particular service; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) requiring documentation or billing practices designed to protect the health carrier
or patient from fraudulent claims, provided the practices are not unduly burdensome or
unreasonable for the particular service.
new text end

new text begin (f) Nothing in this section requires the use of Previous telehealth Next when a health care provider
determines that the delivery of a health care service through Previous telehealth Next is not appropriate or
when an enrollee chooses not to receive a health care service through Previous telehealth Next .
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Parity between Previous telehealth Next and in-person services. new text end

new text begin (a) A health carrier must
not restrict or deny coverage of a health care service that is covered under a health plan
solely:
new text end

new text begin (1) because the health care service provided by the health care provider through Previous telehealth Next
is not provided through in-person contact; or
new text end

new text begin (2) based on the communication technology or application used to deliver the health
care service through Previous telehealth Next , provided the technology or application complies with this
section and is appropriate for the particular service.
new text end

new text begin (b) Prior authorization may be required for health care services delivered through
Previous telehealth Next only if prior authorization is required before the delivery of the same service
through in-person contact.
new text end

new text begin (c) A health carrier may require a utilization review for services delivered through
Previous telehealth Next , provided the utilization review is conducted in the same manner and uses the
same clinical review criteria as a utilization review for the same services delivered through
in-person contact.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reimbursement for services delivered through Previous telehealth Next . new text end

new text begin (a) A health carrier
must reimburse the health care provider for services delivered through Previous telehealth Next on the
same basis and at the same rate as the health carrier would apply to those services if the
services had been delivered by the health care provider through in-person contact.
new text end

new text begin (b) A health carrier must not deny or limit reimbursement based solely on a health care
provider delivering the service or consultation through Previous telehealth Next instead of through in-person
contact.
new text end

new text begin (c) A health carrier must not deny or limit reimbursement based solely on the technology
and equipment used by the health care provider to deliver the health care service or
consultation through Previous telehealth Next , provided the technology and equipment used by the provider
meets the requirements of this section and is appropriate for the particular service.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Previous Telehealth Next equipment. new text end

new text begin (a) A health carrier must not require a health care
provider to use specific telecommunications technology and equipment as a condition of
coverage under this section, provided the health care provider uses telecommunications
technology and equipment that complies with current industry interoperable standards and
complies with standards required under the federal Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, and regulations promulgated under that
Act, unless authorized under this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) A health carrier must provide coverage for health care services delivered through
Previous telehealth Next by means of the use of audio-only telephone communication if the communication
is a result of a scheduled appointment and the standard of care for that particular service
can be met through the use of audio-only communication.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 147.033, is amended to read:

147.033 PRACTICE OF deleted text begin TELEMEDICINE deleted text end new text begin Previous TELEHEALTH Next new text end .

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

For the purposes of this section, deleted text begin "telemedicine" means the
delivery of health care services or consultations while the patient is at an originating site
and the licensed health care provider is at a distant site. A communication between licensed
health care providers that consists solely of a telephone conversation, e-mail, or facsimile
transmission does not constitute telemedicine consultations or services. A communication
between a licensed health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an e-mail or
facsimile transmission does not constitute telemedicine consultations or services.
Telemedicine may be provided by means of real-time two-way interactive audio, and visual
communications, including the application of secure video conferencing or store-and-forward
technology to provide or support health care delivery, that facilitate the assessment, diagnosis,
consultation, treatment, education, and care management of a patient's health care. deleted text end new text begin
" Previous telehealth Next " has the meaning given in section 62A.673, subdivision 2, paragraph (h).
new text end

Subd. 2.

Physician-patient relationship.

A physician-patient relationship may be
established through deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next new text end .

Subd. 3.

Standards of practice and conduct.

A physician providing health care services
by deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next new text end in this state shall be held to the same standards of practice and
conduct as provided in this chapter for in-person health care services.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 151.37, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Prescribing and filing.

(a) A licensed practitioner in the course of professional
practice only, may prescribe, administer, and dispense a legend drug, and may cause the
same to be administered by a nurse, a physician assistant, or medical student or resident
under the practitioner's direction and supervision, and may cause a person who is an
appropriately certified, registered, or licensed health care professional to prescribe, dispense,
and administer the same within the expressed legal scope of the person's practice as defined
in Minnesota Statutes. A licensed practitioner may prescribe a legend drug, without reference
to a specific patient, by directing a licensed dietitian or licensed nutritionist, pursuant to
section 148.634; a nurse, pursuant to section 148.235, subdivisions 8 and 9; physician
assistant; medical student or resident; or pharmacist according to section 151.01, subdivision
27, to adhere to a particular practice guideline or protocol when treating patients whose
condition falls within such guideline or protocol, and when such guideline or protocol
specifies the circumstances under which the legend drug is to be prescribed and administered.
An individual who verbally, electronically, or otherwise transmits a written, oral, or electronic
order, as an agent of a prescriber, shall not be deemed to have prescribed the legend drug.
This paragraph applies to a physician assistant only if the physician assistant meets the
requirements of deleted text begin section 147A.18 deleted text end new text begin sections 147A.02 and 147A.09 new text end .

(b) The commissioner of health, if a licensed practitioner, or a person designated by the
commissioner who is a licensed practitioner, may prescribe a legend drug to an individual
or by protocol for mass dispensing purposes where the commissioner finds that the conditions
triggering section 144.4197 or 144.4198, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), exist. The
commissioner, if a licensed practitioner, or a designated licensed practitioner, may prescribe,
dispense, or administer a legend drug or other substance listed in subdivision 10 to control
tuberculosis and other communicable diseases. The commissioner may modify state drug
labeling requirements, and medical screening criteria and documentation, where time is
critical and limited labeling and screening are most likely to ensure legend drugs reach the
maximum number of persons in a timely fashion so as to reduce morbidity and mortality.

(c) A licensed practitioner that dispenses for profit a legend drug that is to be administered
orally, is ordinarily dispensed by a pharmacist, and is not a vaccine, must file with the
practitioner's licensing board a statement indicating that the practitioner dispenses legend
drugs for profit, the general circumstances under which the practitioner dispenses for profit,
and the types of legend drugs generally dispensed. It is unlawful to dispense legend drugs
for profit after July 31, 1990, unless the statement has been filed with the appropriate
licensing board. For purposes of this paragraph, "profit" means (1) any amount received by
the practitioner in excess of the acquisition cost of a legend drug for legend drugs that are
purchased in prepackaged form, or (2) any amount received by the practitioner in excess
of the acquisition cost of a legend drug plus the cost of making the drug available if the
legend drug requires compounding, packaging, or other treatment. The statement filed under
this paragraph is public data under section 13.03. This paragraph does not apply to a licensed
doctor of veterinary medicine or a registered pharmacist. Any person other than a licensed
practitioner with the authority to prescribe, dispense, and administer a legend drug under
paragraph (a) shall not dispense for profit. To dispense for profit does not include dispensing
by a community health clinic when the profit from dispensing is used to meet operating
expenses.

(d) A prescription drug order for the following drugs is not valid, unless it can be
established that the prescription drug order was based on a documented patient evaluation,
including an examination, adequate to establish a diagnosis and identify underlying conditions
and contraindications to treatment:

(1) controlled substance drugs listed in section 152.02, subdivisions 3 to 5;

(2) drugs defined by the Board of Pharmacy as controlled substances under section
152.02, subdivisions 7, 8, and 12;

(3) muscle relaxants;

(4) centrally acting analgesics with opioid activity;

(5) drugs containing butalbital; or

(6) phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors when used to treat erectile dysfunction.

deleted text begin For purposes of prescribing drugs listed in clause (6), the requirement for a documented
patient evaluation, including an examination, may be met through the use of telemedicine,
as defined in section 147.033, subdivision 1.
deleted text end

(e) For the purposes of paragraph (d), the requirement for an examination shall be met
if new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end an in-person examination has been completed in any of the following circumstances:

deleted text begin (1) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end the prescribing practitioner examines the patient at the time the prescription or
drug order is issued;

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (ii) new text end the prescribing practitioner has performed a prior examination of the patient;

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (iii) new text end another prescribing practitioner practicing within the same group or clinic as
the prescribing practitioner has examined the patient;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (iv) new text end a consulting practitioner to whom the prescribing practitioner has referred the
patient has examined the patient; or

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (v) new text end the referring practitioner has performed an examination in the case of a consultant
practitioner issuing a prescription or drug order when providing services by means of
telemedicine deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (2) the prescription order is for a drug listed in paragraph (d), clause (6), or for medication
assisted therapy for a substance use disorder, and the prescribing practitioner has completed
an examination of the patient via Previous telehealth Next as defined in section 62A.673, subdivision 2,
paragraph (h).
new text end

(f) Nothing in paragraph (d) or (e) prohibits a licensed practitioner from prescribing a
drug through the use of a guideline or protocol pursuant to paragraph (a).

(g) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a licensed practitioner from issuing a prescription
or dispensing a legend drug in accordance with the Expedited Partner Therapy in the
Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases guidance document issued by the United
States Centers for Disease Control.

(h) Nothing in paragraph (d) or (e) limits prescription, administration, or dispensing of
legend drugs through a public health clinic or other distribution mechanism approved by
the commissioner of health or a community health board in order to prevent, mitigate, or
treat a pandemic illness, infectious disease outbreak, or intentional or accidental release of
a biological, chemical, or radiological agent.

(i) No pharmacist employed by, under contract to, or working for a pharmacy located
within the state and licensed under section 151.19, subdivision 1, may dispense a legend
drug based on a prescription that the pharmacist knows, or would reasonably be expected
to know, is not valid under paragraph (d).

(j) No pharmacist employed by, under contract to, or working for a pharmacy located
outside the state and licensed under section 151.19, subdivision 1, may dispense a legend
drug to a resident of this state based on a prescription that the pharmacist knows, or would
reasonably be expected to know, is not valid under paragraph (d).

(k) Nothing in this chapter prohibits the commissioner of health, if a licensed practitioner,
or, if not a licensed practitioner, a designee of the commissioner who is a licensed
practitioner, from prescribing legend drugs for field-delivered therapy in the treatment of
a communicable disease according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Partner
Services Guidelines.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 245G.01, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Face-to-face.

"Face-to-face" means two-way, real-time, interactive new text begin audio new text end and
visual communication between a client and a treatment service provider and includes services
delivered in person or via deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next using electronic combined audio and
visual communication new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2022, or upon federal approval,
whichever is later. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes
when federal approval is obtained.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 245G.01, subdivision 26, is amended to read:

Subd. 26.

deleted text begin Telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous Telehealth Next new text end .

deleted text begin "Telemedicine" deleted text end new text begin " Previous Telehealth Next " new text end means the delivery
of a substance use disorder treatment service while the client is at an originating site and
the deleted text begin licensed deleted text end health care provider is at a distant site new text begin via Previous telehealth Next as defined in section
256B.0625, subdivision 3b, and new text end as specified in section 254B.05, subdivision 5, paragraph
(f). new text begin For purposes of this definition, the originating site means the site in which the client is
located at the time the service is provided; the distant site means the site in which the provider
is located while providing the service. For purposes of this definition, health care provider
includes an alcohol and drug counselor qualified under section 245G.11, subdivision 5; an
individual with a temporary permit from the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
providing services under section 245G.11, subdivision 11; a recovery peer qualified under
section 245G.11, subdivision 8, and working under the supervision of an alcohol and drug
counselor; or a substance use disorder treatment student intern providing services under
section 245G.11, subdivision 10.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 245G.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Comprehensive assessment.

(a) A comprehensive assessment of the
client's substance use disorder must be administered deleted text begin face-to-face deleted text end new text begin in-person or via Previous telehealth Next new text end
by an alcohol and drug counselor within three calendar days from the day of service initiation
for a residential program or within three calendar days on which a treatment session has
been provided of the day of service initiation for a client in a nonresidential program. If the
comprehensive assessment is not completed within the required time frame, the
person-centered reason for the delay and the planned completion date must be documented
in the client's file. The comprehensive assessment is complete upon a qualified staff member's
dated signature. If the client received a comprehensive assessment that authorized the
treatment service, an alcohol and drug counselor may use the comprehensive assessment
for requirements of this subdivision but must document a review of the comprehensive
assessment and update the comprehensive assessment as clinically necessary to ensure
compliance with this subdivision within applicable timelines. The comprehensive assessment
must include sufficient information to complete the assessment summary according to
subdivision 2 and the individual treatment plan according to section 245G.06. The
comprehensive assessment must include information about the client's needs that relate to
substance use and personal strengths that support recovery, including:

(1) age, sex, cultural background, sexual orientation, living situation, economic status,
and level of education;

(2) a description of the circumstances on the day of service initiation;

(3) a list of previous attempts at treatment for substance misuse or substance use disorder,
compulsive gambling, or mental illness;

(4) a list of substance use history including amounts and types of substances used,
frequency and duration of use, periods of abstinence, and circumstances of relapse, if any.
For each substance used within the previous 30 days, the information must include the date
of the most recent use and address the absence or presence of previous withdrawal symptoms;

(5) specific problem behaviors exhibited by the client when under the influence of
substances;

(6) the client's desire for family involvement in the treatment program, family history
of substance use and misuse, history or presence of physical or sexual abuse, and level of
family support;

(7) physical and medical concerns or diagnoses, current medical treatment needed or
being received related to the diagnoses, and whether the concerns need to be referred to an
appropriate health care professional;

(8) mental health history, including symptoms and the effect on the client's ability to
function; current mental health treatment; and psychotropic medication needed to maintain
stability. The assessment must utilize screening tools approved by the commissioner pursuant
to section 245.4863 to identify whether the client screens positive for co-occurring disorders;

(9) arrests and legal interventions related to substance use;

(10) a description of how the client's use affected the client's ability to function
appropriately in work and educational settings;

(11) ability to understand written treatment materials, including rules and the client's
rights;

(12) a description of any risk-taking behavior, including behavior that puts the client at
risk of exposure to blood-borne or sexually transmitted diseases;

(13) social network in relation to expected support for recovery;

(14) leisure time activities that are associated with substance use;

(15) whether the client is pregnant and, if so, the health of the unborn child and the
client's current involvement in prenatal care;

(16) whether the client recognizes needs related to substance use and is willing to follow
treatment recommendations; and

(17) information from a collateral contact may be included, but is not required.

(b) If the client is identified as having opioid use disorder or seeking treatment for opioid
use disorder, the program must provide educational information to the client concerning:

(1) risks for opioid use disorder and dependence;

(2) treatment options, including the use of a medication for opioid use disorder;

(3) the risk of and recognizing opioid overdose; and

(4) the use, availability, and administration of naloxone to respond to opioid overdose.

(c) The commissioner shall develop educational materials that are supported by research
and updated periodically. The license holder must use the educational materials that are
approved by the commissioner to comply with this requirement.

(d) If the comprehensive assessment is completed to authorize treatment service for the
client, at the earliest opportunity during the assessment interview the assessor shall determine
if:

(1) the client is in severe withdrawal and likely to be a danger to self or others;

(2) the client has severe medical problems that require immediate attention; or

(3) the client has severe emotional or behavioral symptoms that place the client or others
at risk of harm.

If one or more of the conditions in clauses (1) to (3) are present, the assessor must end the
assessment interview and follow the procedures in the program's medical services plan
under section 245G.08, subdivision 2, to help the client obtain the appropriate services. The
assessment interview may resume when the condition is resolved.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2022, or upon federal approval,
whichever is later. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes
when federal approval is obtained.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 245G.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General.

Each client must have a person-centered individual treatment
plan developed by an alcohol and drug counselor within ten days from the day of service
initiation for a residential program and within five calendar days on which a treatment
session has been provided from the day of service initiation for a client in a nonresidential
program. Opioid treatment programs must complete the individual treatment plan within
21 days from the day of service initiation. The individual treatment plan must be signed by
the client and the alcohol and drug counselor and document the client's involvement in the
development of the plan. The individual treatment plan is developed upon the qualified staff
member's dated signature. Treatment planning must include ongoing assessment of client
needs. An individual treatment plan must be updated based on new information gathered
about the client's condition, the client's level of participation, and on whether methods
identified have the intended effect. A change to the plan must be signed by the client and
the alcohol and drug counselor. If the client chooses to have family or others involved in
treatment services, the client's individual treatment plan must include how the family or
others will be involved in the client's treatment. new text begin If a client is receiving treatment services
or an assessment via Previous telehealth Next , the alcohol and drug counselor may document the client's
verbal approval of the treatment plan or change to the treatment plan in lieu of the client's
signature.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 254A.19, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Assessment via deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next new text end .

Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules,
part 9530.6615, subpart 3, item A, a chemical use assessment may be conducted via
deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 3b new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2022, or upon federal approval,
whichever is later. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes
when federal approval is obtained.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 254B.05, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Rate requirements.

(a) The commissioner shall establish rates for substance
use disorder services and service enhancements funded under this chapter.

(b) Eligible substance use disorder treatment services include:

(1) outpatient treatment services that are licensed according to sections 245G.01 to
245G.17, or applicable tribal license;

(2) comprehensive assessments provided according to sections 245.4863, paragraph (a),
and 245G.05;

(3) care coordination services provided according to section 245G.07, subdivision 1,
paragraph (a), clause (5);

(4) peer recovery support services provided according to section 245G.07, subdivision
2, clause (8);

(5) on July 1, 2019, or upon federal approval, whichever is later, withdrawal management
services provided according to chapter 245F;

(6) medication-assisted therapy services that are licensed according to sections 245G.01
to 245G.17 and 245G.22, or applicable tribal license;

(7) medication-assisted therapy plus enhanced treatment services that meet the
requirements of clause (6) and provide nine hours of clinical services each week;

(8) high, medium, and low intensity residential treatment services that are licensed
according to sections 245G.01 to 245G.17 and 245G.21 or applicable tribal license which
provide, respectively, 30, 15, and five hours of clinical services each week;

(9) hospital-based treatment services that are licensed according to sections 245G.01 to
245G.17 or applicable tribal license and licensed as a hospital under sections 144.50 to
144.56;

(10) adolescent treatment programs that are licensed as outpatient treatment programs
according to sections 245G.01 to 245G.18 or as residential treatment programs according
to Minnesota Rules, parts 2960.0010 to 2960.0220, and 2960.0430 to 2960.0490, or
applicable tribal license;

(11) high-intensity residential treatment services that are licensed according to sections
245G.01 to 245G.17 and 245G.21 or applicable tribal license, which provide 30 hours of
clinical services each week provided by a state-operated vendor or to clients who have been
civilly committed to the commissioner, present the most complex and difficult care needs,
and are a potential threat to the community; and

(12) room and board facilities that meet the requirements of subdivision 1a.

(c) The commissioner shall establish higher rates for programs that meet the requirements
of paragraph (b) and one of the following additional requirements:

(1) programs that serve parents with their children if the program:

(i) provides on-site child care during the hours of treatment activity that:

(A) is licensed under chapter 245A as a child care center under Minnesota Rules, chapter
9503; or

(B) meets the licensure exclusion criteria of section 245A.03, subdivision 2, paragraph
(a), clause (6), and meets the requirements under section 245G.19, subdivision 4; or

(ii) arranges for off-site child care during hours of treatment activity at a facility that is
licensed under chapter 245A as:

(A) a child care center under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503; or

(B) a family child care home under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9502;

(2) culturally specific programs as defined in section 254B.01, subdivision 4a, or
programs or subprograms serving special populations, if the program or subprogram meets
the following requirements:

(i) is designed to address the unique needs of individuals who share a common language,
racial, ethnic, or social background;

(ii) is governed with significant input from individuals of that specific background; and

(iii) employs individuals to provide individual or group therapy, at least 50 percent of
whom are of that specific background, except when the common social background of the
individuals served is a traumatic brain injury or cognitive disability and the program employs
treatment staff who have the necessary professional training, as approved by the
commissioner, to serve clients with the specific disabilities that the program is designed to
serve;

(3) programs that offer medical services delivered by appropriately credentialed health
care staff in an amount equal to two hours per client per week if the medical needs of the
client and the nature and provision of any medical services provided are documented in the
client file; and

(4) programs that offer services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and
chemical dependency problems if:

(i) the program meets the co-occurring requirements in section 245G.20;

(ii) 25 percent of the counseling staff are licensed mental health professionals, as defined
in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6), or are students or licensing candidates
under the supervision of a licensed alcohol and drug counselor supervisor and licensed
mental health professional, except that no more than 50 percent of the mental health staff
may be students or licensing candidates with time documented to be directly related to
provisions of co-occurring services;

(iii) clients scoring positive on a standardized mental health screen receive a mental
health diagnostic assessment within ten days of admission;

(iv) the program has standards for multidisciplinary case review that include a monthly
review for each client that, at a minimum, includes a licensed mental health professional
and licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and their involvement in the review is documented;

(v) family education is offered that addresses mental health and substance abuse disorders
and the interaction between the two; and

(vi) co-occurring counseling staff shall receive eight hours of co-occurring disorder
training annually.

(d) In order to be eligible for a higher rate under paragraph (c), clause (1), a program
that provides arrangements for off-site child care must maintain current documentation at
the chemical dependency facility of the child care provider's current licensure to provide
child care services. Programs that provide child care according to paragraph (c), clause (1),
must be deemed in compliance with the licensing requirements in section 245G.19.

(e) Adolescent residential programs that meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules,
parts 2960.0430 to 2960.0490 and 2960.0580 to 2960.0690, are exempt from the requirements
in paragraph (c), clause (4), items (i) to (iv).

(f) Subject to federal approval, chemical dependency services that are otherwise covered
as direct deleted text begin face-to-face deleted text end new text begin in-person new text end services may be provided via deleted text begin two-way interactive video deleted text end new text begin
Previous telehealth Next as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 3b new text end . The use of deleted text begin two-way interactive
video deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next to deliver services new text end must be medically appropriate to the condition and needs
of the person being served. Reimbursement shall be at the same rates and under the same
conditions that would otherwise apply to direct face-to-face services. deleted text begin The interactive video
equipment and connection must comply with Medicare standards in effect at the time the
service is provided.
deleted text end

(g) For the purpose of reimbursement under this section, substance use disorder treatment
services provided in a group setting without a group participant maximum or maximum
client to staff ratio under chapter 245G shall not exceed a client to staff ratio of 48 to one.
At least one of the attending staff must meet the qualifications as established under this
chapter for the type of treatment service provided. A recovery peer may not be included as
part of the staff ratio.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2022, or upon federal approval,
whichever is later. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes
when federal approval is obtained.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 256B.0625, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:

Subd. 3b.

deleted text begin Telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous Telehealth Next new text end services.

(a) Medical assistance covers medically
necessary services and consultations delivered by a deleted text begin licensed deleted text end health care provider deleted text begin via
telemedicine deleted text end new text begin through Previous telehealth Next new text end in the same manner as if the service or consultation was
delivered deleted text begin in person deleted text end new text begin through in-person contact new text end . deleted text begin Coverage is limited to three telemedicine
services per enrollee per calendar week, except as provided in paragraph (f). Telemedicine deleted text end
Services new text begin or consultations delivered through Previous telehealth Next new text end shall be paid at the full allowable
rate.

(b) The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin may new text end establish criteria that a health care provider must attest
to in order to demonstrate the safety or efficacy of delivering a particular service deleted text begin via
telemedicine deleted text end new text begin through Previous telehealth Next new text end . The attestation may include that the health care provider:

(1) has identified the categories or types of services the health care provider will provide
deleted text begin via telemedicine deleted text end new text begin through Previous telehealth Next new text end ;

(2) has written policies and procedures specific to deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end services new text begin delivered through
Previous telehealth Next new text end that are regularly reviewed and updated;

(3) has policies and procedures that adequately address patient safety before, during,
and after the deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end service is deleted text begin rendered deleted text end new text begin delivered through Previous telehealth Next new text end ;

(4) has established protocols addressing how and when to discontinue telemedicine
services; and

(5) has an established quality assurance process related to deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin delivering new text end services new text begin
through Previous telehealth Next new text end .

(c) As a condition of payment, a licensed health care provider must document each
occurrence of a health service deleted text begin provided by telemedicine deleted text end new text begin delivered through Previous telehealth Next new text end to a
medical assistance enrollee. Health care service records for services deleted text begin provided by telemedicine deleted text end new text begin
delivered through Previous telehealth Next new text end must meet the requirements set forth in Minnesota Rules, part
9505.2175, subparts 1 and 2, and must document:

(1) the type of service deleted text begin provided by telemedicine deleted text end new text begin delivered through Previous telehealth Next new text end ;

(2) the time the service began and the time the service ended, including an a.m. and p.m.
designation;

(3) the deleted text begin licensed deleted text end health care provider's basis for determining that deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next new text end
is an appropriate and effective means for delivering the service to the enrollee;

(4) the mode of transmission deleted text begin of deleted text end new text begin used to deliver new text end the deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end service new text begin through Previous telehealth Next
new text end and records evidencing that a particular mode of transmission was utilized;

(5) the location of the originating site and the distant site;

(6) if the claim for payment is based on a physician's deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end consultation with
another physician new text begin through Previous telehealth Next new text end , the written opinion from the consulting physician
providing the deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next new text end consultation; and

(7) compliance with the criteria attested to by the health care provider in accordance
with paragraph (b).

(d) For purposes of this subdivision, unless otherwise covered under this chapter deleted text begin ,
"telemedicine" is defined as the delivery of health care services or consultations while the
patient is at an originating site and the licensed health care provider is at a distant site. A
communication between licensed health care providers, or a licensed health care provider
and a patient that consists solely of a telephone conversation, e-mail, or facsimile transmission
does not constitute telemedicine consultations or services. Telemedicine may be provided
by means of real-time two-way, interactive audio and visual communications, including the
application of secure video conferencing or store-and-forward technology to provide or
support health care delivery, which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation,
treatment, education, and care management of a patient's health care. deleted text end new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) " Previous telehealth Next " means the delivery of health care services or consultations through the
use of real time two-way interactive audio and visual or audio-only communications to
provide or support health care delivery and facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation,
treatment, education, and care management of a patient's health care. Previous Telehealth Next includes
the application of secure video conferencing, store-and-forward transfers, and synchronous
interactions between a patient located at an originating site and a health care provider located
at a distant site. Unless interactive visual and audio communication is specifically required,
Previous telehealth Next includes audio-only communication between a health care provider and a patient,
if the communication is a result of a scheduled appointment with the health care provider
and the standard of care for the service can be met through the use of audio-only
communication. Previous Telehealth Next does not include communication between health care providers
or between a health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an e-mail or facsimile
transmission. Previous Telehealth Next does not include communication between health care providers
that consists solely of a telephone conversation;
new text end

deleted text begin (e) For purposes of this section, "licensed deleted text end new text begin (2) " new text end health care provider" means a deleted text begin licensed deleted text end
health care provider deleted text begin under section 62A.671, subdivision 6 deleted text end new text begin as defined under section 62A.673 new text end ,
a community paramedic as defined under section 144E.001, subdivision 5f, deleted text begin or a mental
health practitioner defined under section 245.462, subdivision 17, or 245.4871, subdivision
26, working under the general supervision of a mental health professional, deleted text end and a community
health worker who meets the criteria under subdivision 49, paragraph (a); deleted text begin "health care
provider" is defined under section 62A.671, subdivision 3; deleted text end and

new text begin (3) new text end "originating site" deleted text begin is defined under section 62A.671, subdivision 7 deleted text end new text begin , "distant site," and
"store-and-forward transfer" have the meanings given in section 62A.673, subdivision 2 new text end .

deleted text begin (f) The limit on coverage of three telemedicine services per enrollee per calendar week
does not apply if:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) the telemedicine services provided by the licensed health care provider are for the
treatment and control of tuberculosis; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) the services are provided in a manner consistent with the recommendations and best
practices specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the commissioner
of health.
deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2022, or upon federal approval,
whichever is later. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes
when federal approval is obtained.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 256B.0625, subdivision 46, is amended to read:

Subd. 46.

Mental health deleted text begin telemedicine deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next new text end .

deleted text begin Effective January 1, 2006, and deleted text end Subject
to federal approval, mental health services that are otherwise covered by medical assistance
as direct deleted text begin face-to-face deleted text end new text begin in-person new text end services may be provided via deleted text begin two-way interactive video deleted text end new text begin
Previous telehealth Next as defined in subdivision 3b new text end . Use of deleted text begin two-way interactive video deleted text end new text begin Previous telehealth Next to deliver
services new text end must be medically appropriate to the condition and needs of the person being served.
Reimbursement is at the same rates and under the same conditions that would otherwise
apply to the service. deleted text begin The interactive video equipment and connection must comply with
Medicare standards in effect at the time the service is provided.
deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2022, or upon federal approval,
whichever is later. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes
when federal approval is obtained.
new text end

Sec. 12. new text begin REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin In Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules, the revisor of statutes shall substitute the
term "telemedicine" with " Previous telehealth" whenever the term appears and substitute Minnesota
Statutes, section 62A.673, whenever references to Minnesota Statutes, sections 62A.67,
62A.671, and 62A.672 appear.
new text end

Sec. 13. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 62A.67; 62A.671; and 62A.672, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 21-02295

62A.67 SHORT TITLE.

Sections 62A.67 to 62A.672 may be cited as the "Minnesota Telemedicine Act."

62A.671 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Applicability.

For purposes of sections 62A.67 to 62A.672, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given.

Subd. 2.

Distant site.

"Distant site" means a site at which a licensed health care provider is located while providing health care services or consultations by means of telemedicine.

Subd. 3.

Health care provider.

"Health care provider" has the meaning provided in section 62A.63, subdivision 2.

Subd. 4.

Health carrier.

"Health carrier" has the meaning provided in section 62A.011, subdivision 2.

Subd. 5.

Health plan.

"Health plan" means a health plan as defined in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, and includes dental plans as defined in section 62Q.76, subdivision 3, but does not include dental plans that provide indemnity-based benefits, regardless of expenses incurred and are designed to pay benefits directly to the policyholder.

Subd. 6.

Licensed health care provider.

"Licensed health care provider" means a health care provider who is:

(1) licensed under chapter 147, 147A, 148, 148B, 148E, 148F, 150A, or 153; a mental health professional as defined under section 245.462, subdivision 18, or 245.4871, subdivision 27; or vendor of medical care defined in section 256B.02, subdivision 7; and

(2) authorized within their respective scope of practice to provide the particular service with no supervision or under general supervision.

Subd. 7.

Originating site.

"Originating site" means a site including, but not limited to, a health care facility at which a patient is located at the time health care services are provided to the patient by means of telemedicine.

Subd. 8.

Store-and-forward technology.

"Store-and-forward technology" means the transmission of a patient's medical information from an originating site to a health care provider at a distant site without the patient being present, or the delivery of telemedicine that does not occur in real time via synchronous transmissions.

Subd. 9.

Telemedicine.

"Telemedicine" means the delivery of health care services or consultations while the patient is at an originating site and the licensed health care provider is at a distant site. A communication between licensed health care providers that consists solely of a telephone conversation, e-mail, or facsimile transmission does not constitute telemedicine consultations or services. A communication between a licensed health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an e-mail or facsimile transmission does not constitute telemedicine consultations or services. Telemedicine may be provided by means of real-time two-way, interactive audio and visual communications, including the application of secure video conferencing or store-and-forward technology to provide or support health care delivery, which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, and care management of a patient's health care.

62A.672 COVERAGE OF TELEMEDICINE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.

Coverage of telemedicine.

(a) A health plan sold, issued, or renewed by a health carrier for which coverage of benefits begins on or after January 1, 2017, shall include coverage for telemedicine benefits in the same manner as any other benefits covered under the policy, plan, or contract, and shall comply with the regulations of this section.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:

(1) require a health carrier to provide coverage for services that are not medically necessary;

(2) prohibit a health carrier from establishing criteria that a health care provider must meet to demonstrate the safety or efficacy of delivering a particular service via telemedicine for which the health carrier does not already reimburse other health care providers for delivering via telemedicine, so long as the criteria are not unduly burdensome or unreasonable for the particular service; or

(3) prevent a health carrier from requiring a health care provider to agree to certain documentation or billing practices designed to protect the health carrier or patients from fraudulent claims so long as the practices are not unduly burdensome or unreasonable for the particular service.

Subd. 2.

Parity between telemedicine and in-person services.

A health carrier shall not exclude a service for coverage solely because the service is provided via telemedicine and is not provided through in-person consultation or contact between a licensed health care provider and a patient.

Subd. 3.

Reimbursement for telemedicine services.

(a) A health carrier shall reimburse the distant site licensed health care provider for covered services delivered via telemedicine on the same basis and at the same rate as the health carrier would apply to those services if the services had been delivered in person by the distant site licensed health care provider.

(b) It is not a violation of this subdivision for a health carrier to include a deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance requirement for a health care service provided via telemedicine, provided that the deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance is not in addition to, and does not exceed, the deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance applicable if the same services were provided through in-person contact.