SF 3281

2nd Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; creating the Veterans Health Care Advisory
Council; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 196.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [196.30] VETERANS HEALTH CARE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Creation. new text end

new text begin The Veterans Health Care Advisory Council is established
to provide the Department of Veterans Affairs with advice and recommendations on
providing veterans with quality long-term care and the anticipated future needs of
Minnesota veterans.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The council consists of nine public members appointed
by the governor. The council members are:
new text end

new text begin (1) seven members with extensive expertise in health care delivery, long-term care,
and veterans services;
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new text begin (2) one licensed clinician who may be either a physician, physician's assistant, or
a nurse practitioner; and
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new text begin (3) one additional member.
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new text begin (b) The governor shall designate a member to serve as the chair.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of veterans affairs, or the commissioner's designee, is an ex
officio, non-voting member of the council and shall provide necessary and appropriate
administrative and technical support to the council.
new text end

new text begin (d) Membership terms, removal of members, and the filling of vacancies are as
provided in section 15.059, subdivisions 2 and 4. Members shall not receive compensation
or per diem payments, but may receive reimbursement for expenses pursuant to section
15.059, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The council is an advisory group with the responsibility of
providing the commissioner of veterans affairs with information and professional expertise
on the delivery of quality long-term care to veterans. The council's duties include:
new text end

new text begin (1) developing a new vision and strategic plan for the veterans homes that
complements the Department of Veterans Affairs overall veterans service programs;
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new text begin (2) providing recommendations and advice on matters including clinical
performance, systemwide quality improvement efforts, culture and working environment
of the veterans homes, and other operational and organizational functions of the veterans
homes;
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new text begin (3) studying and reviewing current issues and trends in the long-term care industry
and the veterans community;
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new text begin (4) providing recommendations to the commissioner on alternative options for the
delivery of long-term care to veterans so that veterans and their families can determine
appropriate services under models similar to those available in the community;
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new text begin (5) establishing, as appropriate, subcommittees or ad hoc task forces of council
members, stakeholders, and other individuals with expertise or experience to address
specific issues; and
new text end

new text begin (6) reviewing and providing advice on any other matter at the request of the
commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding section 15.059, subdivision 4, the council
expires June 30, 2013.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPOINTMENTS.
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new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 196.30, subdivision 2, paragraph (d),
the governor may make the initial appointments to the Veterans Health Care Advisory
Council under Executive Order 07-20 without complying with the appointment process in
Minnesota Statutes, section 15.0597.
new text end