SF 2724

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 02/27/2018 09:12am

A bill for an act
relating to veterans; authorizing the commissioner of veterans affairs to contract
with certain individuals and entities to provide alternative treatment options for
certain veterans; authorizing rulemaking authority; proposing coding for new law
in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 196.

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

Section 1.

[196.31] ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.

(b) "Accelerated resolution therapy" means a process that replaces negative images and
sensations with positive ones, uses specific eye movements in conjunction with controller
verbalization about details of a prior traumatic experience, and uses metaphors and other
interventions that assist a patient in recalling less distressing images while retaining the
facts of an original experience.

(c) "Acupuncture" has the same meaning as provided in section 147B.01, subdivision
3.

(d) "Alternative treatment" means a treatment that is not part of the standard of medical
care established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for treating traumatic
brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder but has been shown by at least one scientific
or medical peer-reviewed study to have some positive effect for the treatment of traumatic
brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

(e) "Equine therapy" means the use of interaction with horses under the supervision of
a trained equine instructor to improve a patient's sense of trust and self-efficiency, increase
communication, socialization, and emotional management skills, and decrease isolation.

(f) "Hyperbaric oxygen therapy" means the use of 100 percent oxygen at an increased
level of atmospheric pressure to promote the delivery of oxygen from the environment to
a patient's bloodstream, organs, and tissues.

(g) "Meditation therapy" means the use of physical positions or relaxation techniques
to encourage calm, reflective thinking, and self-inquiry.

(h) "Music therapy" means the clinical, evidence-based use of music interventions to
accomplish individualized goals for people of all ages and ability levels in a therapeutic
relationship by a board-certified music therapist. The interventions may include music
improvisation, receptive music listening, songwriting, lyric discussion, music and imagery,
singing, music performance, learning through music, music combined with other arts,
music-assisted relaxation, music-based patient education, electronic music technology,
adapted music intervention, and movement to music.

(i) "Outdoor and indoor sports therapy" means the use of sports involving physical
activity or action to improve a patient's functional, occupational, and physical fitness. The
term does not include any physical activity or action that may result in contact with a patient's
head.

(j) "Service animal training therapy" means a technique that allows a patient to work
directly with an animal trainer to train animals as therapy or service animals.

(k) "Yoga therapy" means the use of physical postures, breathing techniques, and
meditation or relaxation for the purpose of reducing a patient's physical, mental, or emotional
stress.

Subd. 2.

Authority to contract.

(a) The commissioner may contract with one or more
individuals, organizations, the University of Minnesota, or Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities to provide the following alternative treatment options for veterans who have
been certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the
United States armed forces as having a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress
disorder:

(1) accelerated resolution therapy;

(2) acupuncture;

(3) art therapy;

(4) equine therapy;

(5) hyperbaric oxygen therapy, if provided at a hyperbaric oxygen facility pursuant to
a written prescription from a physician licensed under chapter 147;

(6) meditation therapy;

(7) music therapy;

(8) outdoor and indoor sports therapy;

(9) service animal training therapy; and

(10) yoga therapy.

(b) The provision of alternative treatment must be part of the veteran's treatment plan
as prescribed by a health care professional licensed under chapter 147.

Subd. 3.

Rulemaking authority.

The commissioner may adopt rules to implement this
section.