SF 1489

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/10/2023 08:34am

A bill for an act
relating to human services; establishing human services provider workplace safety
grants; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS; HUMAN SERVICES PROVIDER WORKPLACE
SAFETY GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of human services for human services provider
workplace safety grants to increase safety measures in human services workplaces providing
behavioral health care; services for children, families, and vulnerable adults; services for
older adults and people with disabilities; and other social services or related care.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible applicants include county human services agencies, Tribal human services
agencies, or other human services provider organizations or agencies.
new text end

new text begin (c) Applicants shall submit applications in a form and manner prescribed by the
commissioner. Applications must include:
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new text begin (1) a description of the type of provider organization that will receive funding through
the grant;
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new text begin (2) a description of the specific safety measures or activities for which the applicant will
use the grant funding;
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new text begin (3) a proposed budget for each of the specific activities for which the applicant will use
the grant funding;
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new text begin (4) an outline of efforts to enhance or improve existing safety measures or proposed
new measures to improve the safety of human services providers employed with the agency
or organization;
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new text begin (5) an assurance that the applicant will evaluate the effectiveness of the safety measures
provided through the grant funding;
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new text begin (6) an assurance that any use of grant funds will align with the positive supports rule
pursuant to Minnesota Rules, chapter 9544, and person-centered practices pursuant to Code
of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 441.725; and
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new text begin (7) an assurance that, if applicable, security cameras will be used according to consent
and notification requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 144.6502, including a
description of consent forms and consent processes across client populations.
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new text begin (d) Grant funds may be used to provide or facilitate:
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new text begin (1) the procurement and installation of safety equipment, including but not limited to
communications or recording systems such as cellular telephones, personal radios, wearable
tracking devices with location capabilities, security systems, camera systems, or panic
buttons. The use of electronic monitoring technology may only be used pursuant to consent
and notification requirements as outlined in Minnesota Statutes, section 144.6502;
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new text begin (2) training for providers, which may include:
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new text begin (i) sessions and exercises for crisis management, strategies for de-escalating conflict
situations, and self-defense in line with the positive supports rule and person-centered
practices;
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new text begin (ii) training in cultural competency, including linguistic training; and
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new text begin (iii) other training topics, sessions, and exercises the commissioner determines to be
appropriate;
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new text begin (3) facility safety improvements, including but not limited to a threat and vulnerability
review, barrier protection, and security cameras, to be used according to consent and
notification requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 144.6502;
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new text begin (4) support services, counseling, and additional resources for human services providers
who have experienced safety concerns or trauma-related incidents in the workplace;
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new text begin (5) installation and implementation of an internal data incident tracking system to track
and prevent workplace safety incidents; and
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new text begin (6) other prevention and mitigation measures and safety training, resources, and provider
support services the commissioner determines to be appropriate.
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new text begin (e) Grants must be awarded to eligible applicants who meet application requirements
on a first-come, first-served basis, and 40 percent of grant funds in each fiscal year must be
awarded to eligible agencies or organizations located outside of the seven-county
metropolitan area. Each grant award must be for at least $5,000, but no more than $50,000.
new text end

new text begin (f) Each grantee must submit a report to the commissioner within two years of receiving
grant funding under this section on the effectiveness of the safety measures funded by these
grants. Reports to the commissioner must include an attestation from each grantee providing:
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new text begin (1) the number of workplace safety incidents that occurred over the course of the grant
period;
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new text begin (2) the number and type of safety measures funded by the grants; and
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new text begin (3) the number of employees benefiting from safety measures implemented through
grant funding.
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new text begin (g) The commissioner must provide technical assistance to grant applicants throughout
the application process and to applicants and grantees regarding grant distribution and
required grantee reporting.
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new text begin (h) The unencumbered balance in the first year does not cancel but is available for the
second year.
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new text begin (i) These are onetime appropriations.
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