Minnesota Session Laws - 2015, Regular Session

CHAPTER 71--S.F.No. 1458

An act

relating to state government; establishing the health and human services budget; modifying provisions governing children and family services, chemical and mental health services, withdrawal management programs, direct care and treatment, health care, continuing care, Department of Health and public health programs, health care delivery, health licensing boards, and MNsure; making changes to medical assistance, MFIP, Northstar Care for Children, MinnesotaCare, child care assistance, and group residential housing programs; establishing uniform requirements for public assistance programs related to income calculation, reporting income, and correcting overpayments and underpayments; modifying requirements for reporting maltreatment of minors and juvenile safety and placement; establishing the Minnesota ABLE plan and accounts; modifying child support provisions; establishing standards for withdrawal management programs; modifying requirements for background studies; making changes to provisions governing the health information exchange; providing for protection of born alive infants; authorizing rulemaking; requiring reports and studies; making technical changes; modifying certain fees for Department of Health programs; modifying fees of certain health-related licensing boards; making human services forecast adjustments; appropriating money;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 13.46, subdivisions 2, 7; 13.461, by adding a subdivision; 16A.724, subdivision 2; 43A.241; 62A.02, subdivision 2; 62A.045; 62J.498; 62J.4981; 62J.4982, subdivisions 4, 5; 62J.692, subdivision 4; 62Q.37, subdivision 2; 62Q.55, subdivision 3; 62U.02, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 62U.04, subdivision 11; 62U.10, by adding subdivisions; 62V.03, subdivision 2; 62V.05, subdivisions 6, 7, 8, by adding a subdivision; 119B.011, subdivision 15; 119B.025, subdivision 1; 119B.035, subdivision 4; 119B.09, subdivision 4; 119B.125, by adding a subdivision; 119B.13, subdivision 6; 144.057, subdivision 1; 144.1501, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 144.291, subdivision 2; 144.293, subdivisions 5, 6, 8; 144.298, subdivisions 2, 3; 144.551, subdivision 1; 144.9501, subdivisions 6d, 22b, 26b, by adding subdivisions; 144.9505; 144.9508; 144A.071, subdivision 4a; 144A.70, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision; 144A.71; 144A.72; 144A.73; 144A.75, subdivision 13; 144D.01, by adding a subdivision; 144E.001, by adding a subdivision; 144E.275, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 145.4131, subdivision 1; 145.423; 145.56, subdivisions 2, 4; 145.928, subdivision 13, by adding a subdivision; 145.986, subdivisions 1a, 2, 4; 145A.131, subdivision 1; 148.52; 148.54; 148.57, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 148.574; 148.575, subdivision 2; 148.577; 148.59; 148.603; 148E.075; 148E.080, subdivisions 1, 2; 148E.180, subdivisions 2, 5; 149A.20, subdivisions 5, 6; 149A.40, subdivision 11; 149A.65; 149A.92, subdivision 1; 149A.97, subdivision 7; 150A.06, subdivision 1b; 150A.091, subdivisions 4, 5, 11, by adding subdivisions; 150A.31; 151.01, subdivisions 15a, 27; 151.02; 151.065, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 151.102; 151.58, subdivisions 2, 5; 157.15, subdivision 8; 174.29, subdivision 1; 174.30, subdivisions 3, 4, by adding subdivisions; 245.4661, subdivisions 5, 6, by adding subdivisions; 245.467, subdivision 6; 245.4876, subdivision 7; 245.4889, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 245A.06, by adding a subdivision; 245A.155, subdivisions 1, 2; 245A.65, subdivision 2; 245C.03, by adding subdivisions; 245C.04, by adding a subdivision; 245C.08, subdivision 1; 245C.10, by adding subdivisions; 245C.12; 245D.02, by adding a subdivision; 245D.05, subdivisions 1, 2; 245D.06, subdivisions 1, 2, 7; 245D.07, subdivision 2; 245D.071, subdivision 5; 245D.09, subdivisions 3, 5; 245D.22, subdivision 4; 245D.31, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 246.18, subdivision 8; 246.54, subdivision 1; 252.27, subdivision 2a; 253B.18, subdivisions 4c, 5; 254B.05, subdivision 5, as amended; 254B.12, subdivision 2; 256.01, by adding subdivisions; 256.015, subdivision 7; 256.017, subdivision 1; 256.478; 256.741, subdivisions 1, 2; 256.969, subdivisions 1, 2b, 2d, 3a, 3c, 9; 256.975, by adding a subdivision; 256B.056, subdivision 5c; 256B.057, subdivision 9; 256B.059, subdivision 5; 256B.06, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0615, subdivision 3; 256B.0622, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0624, subdivision 7; 256B.0625, subdivisions 3b, 13, 13e, 13h, 17, 17a, 18a, 18e, 28a, 31, 48, 57, 58, by adding subdivisions; 256B.0631; 256B.072; 256B.0757; 256B.0913, subdivision 4; 256B.0915, subdivisions 3a, 3e, 3h; 256B.0916, subdivisions 2, 11, by adding a subdivision; 256B.431, subdivisions 2b, 36; 256B.434, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 256B.441, subdivisions 1, 5, 6, 13, 14, 17, 30, 31, 33, 35, 40, 44, 46c, 48, 50, 51, 51a, 53, 54, 55a, 56, 63, by adding subdivisions; 256B.49, subdivision 26, by adding a subdivision; 256B.4913, subdivisions 4a, 5; 256B.4914, subdivisions 2, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15; 256B.492; 256B.50, subdivision 1; 256B.69, subdivisions 5a, 5i, 9c, 9d, by adding a subdivision; 256B.75; 256B.76, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, as amended; 256B.762; 256B.766; 256B.767; 256D.01, subdivision 1a; 256D.02, subdivision 8, by adding subdivisions; 256D.06, subdivision 1; 256D.405, subdivision 3; 256E.35, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 256I.03, subdivisions 3, 7, by adding subdivisions; 256I.04, subdivisions 1, 1a, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3, 4, by adding subdivisions; 256I.05, subdivisions 1c, 1g, 2; 256I.06, subdivisions 2, 6, 7, 8; 256J.08, subdivisions 26, 86; 256J.21, subdivision 2, as amended; 256J.24, subdivision 5a; 256J.30, subdivisions 1, 9; 256J.33, subdivision 4; 256J.35; 256J.40; 256J.95, subdivision 19; 256K.45, subdivisions 1a, 6; 256L.01, subdivisions 3a, 5; 256L.03, subdivision 5; 256L.04, subdivisions 1c, 7b; 256L.05, subdivisions 3, 3a, 4, by adding a subdivision; 256L.06, subdivision 3; 256L.121, subdivision 1; 256L.15, subdivisions 1, 2; 256N.22, subdivisions 9, 10; 256N.24, subdivision 4; 256N.25, subdivision 1; 256N.27, subdivision 2; 256P.001; 256P.01, subdivision 3, by adding subdivisions; 256P.02, by adding a subdivision; 256P.03, subdivision 1; 256P.04, subdivisions 1, 4; 256P.05, subdivision 1; 257.75, subdivisions 3, 5; 259A.75; 260C.007, subdivisions 27, 32; 260C.203; 260C.212, subdivision 1, by adding subdivisions; 260C.221; 260C.331, subdivision 1; 260C.451, subdivisions 2, 6; 260C.515, subdivision 5; 260C.521, subdivisions 1, 2; 260C.607, subdivision 4; 518A.26, subdivision 14; 518A.32, subdivision 2; 518A.39, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 518A.41, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 14, 15; 518A.43, by adding a subdivision; 518A.46, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 518A.51; 518A.53, subdivisions 1, 4, 10; 518A.60; 518C.802; 626.556, subdivisions 1, as amended, 2, 3, 6a, 7, as amended, 10, 10e, 10j, 10m, 11c, by adding subdivisions; 626.559, by adding a subdivision; Laws 2008, chapter 363, article 18, section 3, subdivision 5; Laws 2014, chapter 189, sections 5; 9; 10; 11; 16; 17; 18; 19; 23; 24; 27; 28; 29; 31; 43; 50; 51; 52; 73; Laws 2014, chapter 312, article 24, section 45, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 62A; 144; 144D; 148; 245; 245A; 256B; 256E; 256M; 256P; 518A; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapters 245F; 256Q; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 62V.11, subdivision 3; 148.57, subdivisions 3, 4; 148.571; 148.572; 148.573, subdivision 1; 148.575, subdivisions 1, 3, 5, 6; 148.576; 148E.060, subdivision 12; 148E.075, subdivisions 4, 5, 6, 7; 256.01, subdivision 35; 256.969, subdivisions 23, 30; 256B.434, subdivision 19b; 256B.441, subdivisions 14a, 19, 50a, 52, 55, 58, 62; 256B.69, subdivision 32; 256D.0513; 256D.06, subdivision 8; 256D.09, subdivision 6; 256D.49; 256J.38; 256L.02, subdivision 3; 256L.05, subdivisions 1b, 1c, 3c, 5; Laws 2012, chapter 247, article 4, section 47, as amended; Minnesota Rules, parts 3400.0170, subparts 5, 6, 12, 13; 8840.5900, subparts 12, 14.

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

ARTICLE 1

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.125, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Failure to comply with attendance record requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) In establishing an overpayment claim for failure to provide attendance records in compliance with section 119B.125, subdivision 6, the county or commissioner is limited to the six years prior to the date the county or the commissioner requested the attendance records. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may periodically audit child care providers to determine compliance with section 119B.125, subdivision 6. new text end

new text begin (c) When the commissioner or county establishes an overpayment claim against a current or former provider, the commissioner or county must provide notice of the claim to the provider. A notice of overpayment claim must specify the reason for the overpayment, the authority for making the overpayment claim, the time period in which the overpayment occurred, the amount of the overpayment, and the provider's right to appeal. new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner or county shall seek to recoup or recover overpayments paid to a current or former provider. new text end

new text begin (e) When a provider has been disqualified or convicted of fraud under section 256.98, theft under section 609.52, or a federal crime relating to theft of state funds or fraudulent billing for a program administered by the commissioner or a county, recoupment or recovery must be sought regardless of the amount of overpayment. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.13, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Provider payments.

(a) The provider shall bill for services provided within ten days of the end of the service period. If bills are submitted within ten days of the end of the service period, payments under the child care fund shall be made within 30 days of receiving a bill from the provider. Counties or the state may establish policies that make payments on a more frequent basis.

(b) If a provider has received an authorization of care and been issued a billing form for an eligible family, the bill must be submitted within 60 days of the last date of service on the bill. A bill submitted more than 60 days after the last date of service must be paid if the county determines that the provider has shown good cause why the bill was not submitted within 60 days. Good cause must be defined in the county's child care fund plan under section 119B.08, subdivision 3, and the definition of good cause must include county error. Any bill submitted more than a year after the last date of service on the bill must not be paid.

(c) If a provider provided care for a time period without receiving an authorization of care and a billing form for an eligible family, payment of child care assistance may only be made retroactively for a maximum of six months from the date the provider is issued an authorization of care and billing form.

(d) A county new text begin or the commissioner new text end may refuse to issue a child care authorization to a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider, revoke an existing child care authorization to a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider, stop payment issued to a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider, or refuse to pay a bill submitted by a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider if:

(1) the provider admits to intentionally giving the county materially false information on the provider's billing forms;

(2) a county new text begin or the commissioner new text end finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the provider intentionally gave the county materially false information on the provider's billing forms new text begin , or provided false attendance records to a county or the commissioner new text end ;

(3) the provider is in violation of child care assistance program rules, until the agency determines those violations have been corrected;

(4) the provider is operating after deleted text begin receipt of deleted text end new text begin : new text end

new text begin (i) new text end an order of suspension deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin of the provider's license issued by the commissioner; new text end

new text begin (ii) new text end an order of revocation of the provider's license deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end or

deleted text begin the provider has been issued an order citing violations of licensing standards that affect the health and safety of children in care due to the nature, chronicity, or severity of the licensing violations, until the licensing agency determines those violations have been corrected; deleted text end new text begin (iii) a final order of conditional license issued by the commissioner for as long as the conditional license is in effect; new text end

(5) the provider submits false attendance reports or refuses to provide documentation of the child's attendance upon request; or

(6) the provider gives false child care price information.

new text begin (e) For purposes of paragraph (d), clauses (3), (5), and (6), new text end the county new text begin or the commissioner new text end may withhold the provider's authorization or payment for a period of time not to exceed three months beyond the time the condition has been corrected.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end A county's payment policies must be included in the county's child care plan under section 119B.08, subdivision 3. If payments are made by the state, in addition to being in compliance with this subdivision, the payments must be made in compliance with section 16A.124.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Providers of group residential housing or supplementary services. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall conduct background studies on any individual required under section 256I.04 to have a background study completed under this chapter. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Child protection workers or social services staff having responsibility for child protective duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must complete background studies, according to paragraph (b) and 245C.04, subdivision 10, when initiated by a county social services agency or by a local welfare agency according to section 626.559, subdivision 1b. new text end

new text begin (b) For background studies completed by the commissioner under this subdivision, the commissioner shall not make a disqualification decision, but shall provide the background study information received to the county that initiated the study. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Child protection workers or social services staff having responsibility for child protective duties. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall conduct background studies of employees of county social services and local welfare agencies having responsibility for child protection duties when the background study is initiated according to section 626.559, subdivision 1b. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Providers of group residential housing or supplementary services. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall recover the cost of background studies initiated by providers of group residential housing or supplementary services under section 256I.04 through a fee of no more than $20 per study. The fees collected under this subdivision are appropriated to the commissioner for the purpose of conducting background studies. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245C.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Child protection workers or social services staff having responsibility for child protective duties. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall recover the cost of background studies initiated by county social services agencies and local welfare agencies for individuals who are required to have a background study under section 626.559, subdivision 1b, through a fee of no more than $20 per study. The fees collected under this subdivision are appropriated to the commissioner for the purpose of conducting background studies. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 12a. new text end

new text begin Department of Human Services child fatality and near fatality review team. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish a Department of Human Services child fatality and near fatality review team to review child fatalities and near fatalities due to child maltreatment and child fatalities and near fatalities that occur in licensed facilities and are not due to natural causes. The review team shall assess the entire child protection services process from the point of a mandated reporter reporting the alleged maltreatment through the ongoing case management process. Department staff shall lead and conduct on-site local reviews and utilize supervisors from local county and tribal child welfare agencies as peer reviewers. The review process must focus on critical elements of the case and on the involvement of the child and family with the county or tribal child welfare agency. The review team shall identify necessary program improvement planning to address any practice issues identified and training and technical assistance needs of the local agency. Summary reports of each review shall be provided to the state child mortality review panel when completed. new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.017, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authority and purpose.

The commissioner shall administer a compliance system for the Minnesota family investment program, the food stamp or food support program, emergency assistance, general assistance, medical assistance, emergency general assistance, Minnesota supplemental assistance new text begin , group residential housing new text end , preadmission screening, alternative care grants, the child care assistance program, and all other programs administered by the commissioner or on behalf of the commissioner under the powers and authorities named in section 256.01, subdivision 2. The purpose of the compliance system is to permit the commissioner to supervise the administration of public assistance programs and to enforce timely and accurate distribution of benefits, completeness of service and efficient and effective program management and operations, to increase uniformity and consistency in the administration and delivery of public assistance programs throughout the state, and to reduce the possibility of sanctions and fiscal disallowances for noncompliance with federal regulations and state statutes. The commissioner, or the commissioner's representative, may issue administrative subpoenas as needed in administering the compliance system.

The commissioner shall utilize training, technical assistance, and monitoring activities, as specified in section 256.01, subdivision 2, to encourage county agency compliance with written policies and procedures.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.741, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) The term "direct support" as used in this chapter and chapters 257, 518, 518A, and 518C refers to an assigned support payment from an obligor which is paid directly to a recipient of public assistance.

(b) The term "public assistance" as used in this chapter and chapters 257, 518, 518A, and 518C, includes any form of assistance provided under the AFDC program formerly codified in sections 256.72 to 256.87, MFIP and MFIP-R formerly codified under chapter 256, MFIP under chapter 256J, work first program formerly codified under chapter 256K; child care assistance provided through the child care fund under chapter 119B; any form of medical assistance under chapter 256B; deleted text begin MinnesotaCare under chapter 256L; deleted text end and foster care as provided under title IV-E of the Social Security Act. new text begin MinnesotaCare and health plans subsidized by federal premium tax credits or federal cost-sharing reductions are not considered public assistance for purposes of a child support referral. new text end

(c) The term "child support agency" as used in this section refers to the public authority responsible for child support enforcement.

(d) The term "public assistance agency" as used in this section refers to a public authority providing public assistance to an individual.

(e) The terms "child support" and "arrears" as used in this section have the meanings provided in section 518A.26.

(f) The term "maintenance" as used in this section has the meaning provided in section 518.003.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256.741, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Assignment of support and maintenance rights.

(a) An individual receiving public assistance in the form of assistance under any of the following programs: the AFDC program formerly codified in sections 256.72 to 256.87, MFIP under chapter 256J, MFIP-R and MFIP formerly codified under chapter 256, or work first program formerly codified under chapter 256K is considered to have assigned to the state at the time of application all rights to child support and maintenance from any other person the applicant or recipient may have in the individual's own behalf or in the behalf of any other family member for whom application for public assistance is made. An assistance unit is ineligible for the Minnesota family investment program unless the caregiver assigns all rights to child support and maintenance benefits according to this section.

(1) The assignment is effective as to any current child support and current maintenance.

(2) Any child support or maintenance arrears that accrue while an individual is receiving public assistance in the form of assistance under any of the programs listed in this paragraph are permanently assigned to the state.

(3) The assignment of current child support and current maintenance ends on the date the individual ceases to receive or is no longer eligible to receive public assistance under any of the programs listed in this paragraph.

(b) An individual receiving public assistance in the form of medical assistance deleted text begin , including MinnesotaCare, deleted text end is considered to have assigned to the state at the time of application all rights to medical support from any other person the individual may have in the individual's own behalf or in the behalf of any other family member for whom medical assistance is provided.

(1) An assignment made after September 30, 1997, is effective as to any medical support accruing after the date of medical assistance deleted text begin or MinnesotaCare deleted text end eligibility.

(2) Any medical support arrears that accrue while an individual is receiving public assistance in the form of medical assistance deleted text begin , including MinnesotaCare, deleted text end are permanently assigned to the state.

(3) The assignment of current medical support ends on the date the individual ceases to receive or is no longer eligible to receive public assistance in the form of medical assistance deleted text begin or MinnesotaCare deleted text end .

(c) An individual receiving public assistance in the form of child care assistance under the child care fund pursuant to chapter 119B is considered to have assigned to the state at the time of application all rights to child care support from any other person the individual may have in the individual's own behalf or in the behalf of any other family member for whom child care assistance is provided.

(1) The assignment is effective as to any current child care support.

(2) Any child care support arrears that accrue while an individual is receiving public assistance in the form of child care assistance under the child care fund in chapter 119B are permanently assigned to the state.

(3) The assignment of current child care support ends on the date the individual ceases to receive or is no longer eligible to receive public assistance in the form of child care assistance under the child care fund under chapter 119B.

Sec. 12.

new text begin [256E.28] CHILD PROTECTION GRANTS TO ADDRESS CHILD WELFARE DISPARITIES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Child welfare disparities grant program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may award grants to eligible entities for the development, implementation, and evaluation of activities to address racial disparities and disproportionality in the child welfare system by: new text end

new text begin (1) identifying and addressing structural factors that contribute to inequities in outcomes; new text end

new text begin (2) identifying and implementing strategies to reduce racial disparities in treatment and outcomes; new text end

new text begin (3) using cultural values, beliefs, and practices of families, communities, and tribes for case planning, service design, and decision-making processes; new text end

new text begin (4) using placement and reunification strategies to maintain and support relationships and connections between parents, siblings, children, kin, significant others, and tribes; and new text end

new text begin (5) supporting families in the context of their communities and tribes to safely divert them from the child welfare system, whenever possible. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin State-community partnerships; plan. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, in partnership with the legislative task force on child protection; culturally based community organizations; the Indian Affairs Council under section 3.922; the Council on Affairs of Chicano/Latino People under section 3.9223; the Council on Black Minnesotans under section 3.9225; the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans under section 3.9226; the American Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council under section 260.835; counties; and tribal governments, shall develop and implement a comprehensive, coordinated plan to award funds under this section for the priority areas identified in subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Measurable outcomes. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, in consultation with the state-community partners listed in subdivision 2, shall establish measurable outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the grants and other activities funded under this section in reducing disparities identified in subdivision 1. The development of measurable outcomes must be completed before any funds are distributed under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Process. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner, in consultation with the state-community partners listed in subdivision 2, shall develop the criteria and procedures to allocate competitive grants under this section. In developing the criteria, the commissioner shall establish an administrative cost limit for grant recipients. A county awarded a grant shall not spend more than three percent of the grant on administrative costs. When a grant is awarded, the commissioner must provide a grant recipient with information on the outcomes established according to subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin (b) A grant recipient must coordinate its activities with other entities receiving funds under this section that are in the grant recipient's service area. new text end

new text begin (c) Grant funds must not be used to supplant any state or federal funds received for child welfare services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Grant program criteria. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall award competitive grants to eligible applicants for local or regional projects and initiatives directed at reducing disparities in the child welfare system. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may award up to 20 percent of the funds available as planning grants. Planning grants must be used to address such areas as community assessment, coordination activities, and development of community-supported strategies. new text end

new text begin (c) Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to, faith-based organizations, social service organizations, community nonprofit organizations, counties, and tribal governments. Applicants must submit proposals to the commissioner. A proposal must specify the strategies to be implemented to address one or more of the priority areas in subdivision 1 and must be targeted to achieve the outcomes established according to subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall give priority to applicants who demonstrate that their proposed project or initiative: new text end

new text begin (1) is supported by the community the applicant will serve; new text end

new text begin (2) is evidence-based; new text end

new text begin (3) is designed to complement other related community activities; new text end

new text begin (4) utilizes strategies that positively impact priority areas; new text end

new text begin (5) reflects culturally appropriate approaches; or new text end

new text begin (6) will be implemented through or with community-based organizations that reflect the culture of the population to be reached. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Evaluation. new text end

new text begin (a) Using the outcomes established according to subdivision 3, the commissioner shall conduct a biennial evaluation of the grant program funded under this section. Grant recipients shall cooperate with the commissioner in the evaluation and shall provide the commissioner with the information needed to conduct the evaluation. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall consult with the legislative task force on child protection during the evaluation process and shall submit a biennial evaluation report to the task force and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over child protection funding. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin American Indian child welfare projects. new text end

new text begin Of the amount appropriated for purposes of this section, the commissioner shall award $75,000 to each tribe authorized to provide tribal delivery of child welfare services under section 256.01, subdivision 14b. To receive funds under this subdivision, a participating tribe is not required to apply to the commissioner for grant funds. Participating tribes are also eligible for competitive grant funds under this section. new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256E.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

new text begin (b) "Eligible educational institution" means the following: new text end

new text begin (1) an institution of higher education described in section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965; or new text end

new text begin (2) an area vocational education school, as defined in subparagraph (C) or (D) of United States Code, title 20, chapter 44, section 2302 (3) (the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act), which is located within any state, as defined in United States Code, title 20, chapter 44, section 2302 (30). This clause is applicable only to the extent section 2302 is in effect on August 1, 2008. new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end "Family asset account" means a savings account opened by a household participating in the Minnesota family assets for independence initiative.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end "Fiduciary organization" means:

(1) a community action agency that has obtained recognition under section 256E.31;

(2) a federal community development credit union serving the seven-county metropolitan area; or

(3) a women-oriented economic development agency serving the seven-county metropolitan area.

new text begin (e) new text end new text begin "Financial coach" means a person who: new text end

new text begin (1) has completed an intensive financial literacy training workshop that includes curriculum on budgeting to increase savings, debt reduction and asset building, building a good credit rating, and consumer protection; new text end

new text begin (2) participates in ongoing statewide family assets for independence in Minnesota (FAIM) network training meetings under FAIM program supervision; and new text end

new text begin (3) provides financial coaching to program participants under subdivision 4a. new text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end "Financial institution" means a bank, bank and trust, savings bank, savings association, or credit union, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration.

new text begin (g) "Household" means all individuals who share use of a dwelling unit as primary quarters for living and eating separate from other individuals. new text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end "Permissible use" means:

(1) postsecondary educational expenses at an eligible educational institution as defined in paragraph deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end , including books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction;

(2) acquisition costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a residence, including any usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other closing costs;

(3) business capitalization expenses for expenditures on capital, plant, equipment, working capital, and inventory expenses of a legitimate business pursuant to a business plan approved by the fiduciary organization; and

(4) acquisition costs of a principal residence within the meaning of section 1034 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which do not exceed 100 percent of the average area purchase price applicable to the residence determined according to section 143(e)(2) and (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

deleted text begin (f) "Household" means all individuals who share use of a dwelling unit as primary quarters for living and eating separate from other individuals. deleted text end

deleted text begin (g) "Eligible educational institution" means the following: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) an institution of higher education described in section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) an area vocational education school, as defined in subparagraph (C) or (D) of United States Code, title 20, chapter 44, section 2302 (3) (the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act), which is located within any state, as defined in United States Code, title 20, chapter 44, section 2302 (30). This clause is applicable only to the extent section 2302 is in effect on August 1, 2008. deleted text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256E.35, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 4a. new text end

new text begin Financial coaching. new text end

new text begin A financial coach shall provide the following to program participants: new text end

new text begin (1) financial education relating to budgeting, debt reduction, asset-specific training, and financial stability activities; new text end

new text begin (2) asset-specific training related to buying a home, acquiring postsecondary education, or starting or expanding a small business; and new text end

new text begin (3) financial stability education and training to improve and sustain financial security. new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Group residential housing.

"Group residential housing" means a group living situation that provides at a minimum room and board to unrelated persons who meet the eligibility requirements of section 256I.04. deleted text begin This definition includes foster care settings or community residential settings for a single adult. deleted text end To receive payment for a group residence rate, the residence must meet the requirements under section 256I.04, deleted text begin subdivision deleted text end new text begin subdivisions new text end 2a new text begin to 2f new text end .

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Countable income.

"Countable income" means all income received by an applicant or recipient less any applicable exclusions or disregards. For a recipient of any cash benefit from the SSI program, countable income means the SSI benefit limit in effect at the time the person is deleted text begin in a GRH deleted text end new text begin a recipient of group residential housing new text end , less the medical assistance personal needs allowance new text begin under section 256B.35 new text end . If the SSI limit deleted text begin has been deleted text end new text begin or benefit is new text end reduced for a person due to events deleted text begin occurring prior to the persons entering the GRH setting deleted text end new text begin other than receipt of additional income new text end , countable income means actual income less any applicable exclusions and disregards.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Direct contact. new text end

new text begin "Direct contact" means providing face-to-face care, training, supervision, counseling, consultation, or medication assistance to recipients of group residential housing. new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Habitability inspection. new text end

new text begin "Habitability inspection" means an inspection to determine whether the housing occupied by an individual meets the habitability standards specified by the commissioner. The standards must be provided to the applicant in writing and posted on the Department of Human Services Web site. new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Long-term homelessness. new text end

new text begin "Long-term homelessness" means lacking a permanent place to live: new text end

new text begin (1) continuously for one year or more; or new text end

new text begin (2) at least four times in the past three years. new text end

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Professional statement of need. new text end

new text begin "Professional statement of need" means a statement about an individual's illness, injury, or incapacity that is signed by a qualified professional. The statement must specify that the individual has an illness or incapacity which limits the individual's ability to work and provide self-support. The statement must also specify that the individual needs assistance to access or maintain housing, as evidenced by the need for two or more of the following services: new text end

new text begin (1) tenancy supports to assist an individual with finding the individual's own home, landlord negotiation, securing furniture and household supplies, understanding and maintaining tenant responsibilities, conflict negotiation, and budgeting and financial education; new text end

new text begin (2) supportive services to assist with basic living and social skills, household management, monitoring of overall well-being, and problem solving; new text end

new text begin (3) employment supports to assist with maintaining or increasing employment, increasing earnings, understanding and utilizing appropriate benefits and services, improving physical or mental health, moving toward self-sufficiency, and achieving personal goals; or new text end

new text begin (4) health supervision services to assist in the preparation and administration of medications other than injectables, the provision of therapeutic diets, taking vital signs, or providing assistance in dressing, grooming, bathing, or with walking devices. new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Prospective budgeting. new text end

new text begin "Prospective budgeting" means estimating the amount of monthly income a person will have in the payment month. new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Qualified professional. new text end

new text begin "Qualified professional" means an individual as defined in section 256J.08, subdivision 73a, or Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6450, subpart 3, 4, or 5; or an individual approved by the director of human services or a designee of the director. new text end

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Supportive housing. new text end

new text begin "Supportive housing" means housing with support services according to the continuum of care coordinated assessment system established under Code of Federal Regulations, title 24, section 578.3. new text end

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Individual eligibility requirements.

An individual is eligible for and entitled to a group residential housing payment to be made on the individual's behalf if the agency has approved the individual's residence in a group residential housing setting and the individual meets the requirements in paragraph (a) or (b).

(a) The individual is aged, blind, or is over 18 years of age and disabled as determined under the criteria used by the title II program of the Social Security Act, and meets the resource restrictions and standards of section 256P.02, and the individual's countable income after deducting the (1) exclusions and disregards of the SSI program, (2) the medical assistance personal needs allowance under section 256B.35, and (3) an amount equal to the income actually made available to a community spouse by an elderly waiver participant under the provisions of sections 256B.0575, paragraph (a), clause (4), and 256B.058, subdivision 2, is less than the monthly rate specified in the agency's agreement with the provider of group residential housing in which the individual resides.

(b) The individual meets a category of eligibility under section 256D.05, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), new text begin clauses (1), (3), (5) to (9), and (14), and paragraph (b), if applicable, new text end and the individual's resources are less than the standards specified by section 256P.02, and the individual's countable income as determined under sections 256D.01 to 256D.21, less the medical assistance personal needs allowance under section 256B.35 is less than the monthly rate specified in the agency's agreement with the provider of group residential housing in which the individual resides.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective September 1, 2015. new text end

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

County approval.

(a) A county agency may not approve a group residential housing payment for an individual in any setting with a rate in excess of the MSA equivalent rate for more than 30 days in a calendar year unless the deleted text begin county agency has developed or approved deleted text end new text begin individual has new text end a deleted text begin plan for the individual which specifies that: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) the individual has an illness or incapacity which prevents the person from living independently in the community; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) the individual's illness or incapacity requires the services which are available in the group residence. deleted text end

deleted text begin The plan must be signed or countersigned by any of the following employees of the county of financial responsibility: the director of human services or a designee of the director; a social worker; or a case aide deleted text end new text begin professional statement of need under section 256I.03, subdivision 12 new text end .

(b) If a county agency determines that an applicant is ineligible due to not meeting eligibility requirements under this section, a county agency may accept a signed personal statement from the applicant in lieu of documentation verifying ineligibility.

new text begin (c) Effective July 1, 2016, to be eligible for supplementary service payments, providers must enroll in the provider enrollment system identified by the commissioner. new text end

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

License required new text begin ; staffing qualifications new text end .

deleted text begin A county deleted text end new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), an new text end agency may not enter into an agreement with an establishment to provide group residential housing unless:

(1) the establishment is licensed by the Department of Health as a hotel and restaurant; a board and lodging establishment; deleted text begin a residential care home; deleted text end a boarding care home before March 1, 1985; or a supervised living facility, and the service provider for residents of the facility is licensed under chapter 245A. However, an establishment licensed by the Department of Health to provide lodging need not also be licensed to provide board if meals are being supplied to residents under a contract with a food vendor who is licensed by the Department of Health;

(2) the residence is: (i) licensed by the commissioner of human services under Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5050 to 9555.6265; (ii) certified by a county human services agency prior to July 1, 1992, using the standards under Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5050 to 9555.6265; (iii) deleted text begin a residence deleted text end licensed by the commissioner under Minnesota Rules, parts 2960.0010 to 2960.0120, with a variance under section 245A.04, subdivision 9; or (iv) licensed under section 245D.02, subdivision 4a, as a community residential setting by the commissioner of human services; new text begin or new text end

(3) the establishment is registered under chapter 144D and provides three meals a day deleted text begin , or is an establishment voluntarily registered under section 144D.025 as a supportive housing establishment; or deleted text end new text begin . new text end

deleted text begin (4) an establishment voluntarily registered under section 144D.025, other than a supportive housing establishment under clause (3), is not eligible to provide group residential housing. deleted text end

new text begin (b) new text end The requirements under deleted text begin clauses (1) to (4) deleted text end new text begin paragraph (a) new text end do not apply to establishments exempt from state licensure because they are new text begin : new text end

new text begin (1) new text end located on Indian reservations and subject to tribal health and safety requirements deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (2) a supportive housing establishment that has an approved habitability inspection and an individual lease agreement and that serves people who have experienced long-term homelessness and were referred through a coordinated assessment in section 256I.03, subdivision 15. new text end

new text begin (c) Supportive housing establishments and emergency shelters must participate in the homeless management information system. new text end

new text begin (d) Effective July 1, 2016, an agency shall not have an agreement with a provider of group residential housing or supplementary services unless all staff members who have direct contact with recipients: new text end

new text begin (1) have skills and knowledge acquired through one or more of the following: new text end

new text begin (i) a course of study in a health- or human services-related field leading to a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or associate's degree; new text end

new text begin (ii) one year of experience with the target population served; new text end

new text begin (iii) experience as a certified peer specialist according to section 256B.0615; or new text end

new text begin (iv) meeting the requirements for unlicensed personnel under sections 144A.43 to 144A.483; new text end

new text begin (2) hold a current Minnesota driver's license appropriate to the vehicle driven if transporting recipients; new text end

new text begin (3) complete training on vulnerable adults mandated reporting and child maltreatment mandated reporting, where applicable; and new text end

new text begin (4) complete group residential housing orientation training offered by the commissioner. new text end

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Group residential housing agreements.

new text begin (a) new text end Agreements between deleted text begin county deleted text end agencies and providers of group residential housing new text begin or supplementary services new text end must be in writing new text begin on a form developed and approved by the commissioner new text end and must specify the name and address under which the establishment subject to the agreement does business and under which the establishment, or service provider, if different from the group residential housing establishment, is licensed by the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services; the specific license or registration from the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services held by the provider and the number of beds subject to that license; the address of the location or locations at which group residential housing is provided under this agreement; the per diem and monthly rates that are to be paid from group residential housing new text begin or supplementary service new text end funds for each eligible resident at each location; the number of beds at each location which are subject to the deleted text begin group residential housing deleted text end agreement; whether the license holder is a not-for-profit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and a statement that the agreement is subject to the provisions of sections 256I.01 to 256I.06 and subject to any changes to those sections.

new text begin (b) Providers are required to verify the following minimum requirements in the agreement: new text end

new text begin (1) current license or registration, including authorization if managing or monitoring medications; new text end

new text begin (2) all staff who have direct contact with recipients meet the staff qualifications; new text end

new text begin (3) the provision of group residential housing; new text end

new text begin (4) the provision of supplementary services, if applicable; new text end

new text begin (5) reports of adverse events, including recipient death or serious injury; and new text end

new text begin (6) submission of residency requirements that could result in recipient eviction. new text end

deleted text begin Group residential housing deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end Agreements may be terminated with or without cause by deleted text begin either deleted text end the deleted text begin county deleted text end new text begin commissioner, the agency, new text end or the provider with two calendar months prior notice. new text begin The commissioner may immediately terminate an agreement under subdivision 2d. new text end

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:

Subd. 2c.

deleted text begin Crisis shelters deleted text end new text begin Background study requirements new text end .

deleted text begin Secure crisis shelters for battered women and their children designated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections are not group residences under this chapter. deleted text end new text begin (a) Effective July 1, 2016, a provider of group residential housing or supplementary services must initiate background studies in accordance with chapter 245C of the following individuals: new text end

new text begin (1) controlling individuals as defined in section 245A.02; new text end

new text begin (2) managerial officials as defined in section 245A.02; and new text end

new text begin (3) all employees and volunteers of the establishment who have direct contact with recipients, or who have unsupervised access to recipients, their personal property, or their private data. new text end

new text begin (b) The provider of group residential housing or supplementary services must maintain compliance with all requirements established for entities initiating background studies under chapter 245C. new text end

new text begin (c) Effective July 1, 2017, a provider of group residential housing or supplementary services must demonstrate that all individuals required to have a background study according to paragraph (a) have a notice stating either that: new text end

new text begin (1) the individual is not disqualified under section 245C.14; or new text end

new text begin (2) the individual is disqualified, but the individual has been issued a set-aside of the disqualification for that setting under section 245C.22. new text end

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2d. new text end

new text begin Conditions of payment; commissioner's right to suspend or terminate agreement. new text end

new text begin (a) Group residential housing or supplementary services must be provided to the satisfaction of the commissioner, as determined at the sole discretion of the commissioner's authorized representative, and in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, including business registration requirements of the Office of the Secretary of State. A provider shall not receive payment for services or housing found by the commissioner to be performed or provided in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance, rule, or regulation. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner has the right to suspend or terminate the agreement immediately when the commissioner determines the health or welfare of the housing or service recipients is endangered, or when the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the provider has breached a material term of the agreement under subdivision 2b. new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), if the commissioner learns of a curable material breach of the agreement by the provider, the commissioner shall provide the provider with a written notice of the breach and allow ten days to cure the breach. If the provider does not cure the breach within the time allowed, the provider shall be in default of the agreement and the commissioner may terminate the agreement immediately thereafter. If the provider has breached a material term of the agreement and cure is not possible, the commissioner may immediately terminate the agreement. new text end

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2e. new text end

new text begin Providers holding health or human services licenses. new text end

new text begin (a) Except for facilities with only a board and lodging license, when group residential housing or supplementary service staff are also operating under a license issued by the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services, the minimum staff qualification requirements for the setting shall be the qualifications listed under the related licensing standards. new text end

new text begin (b) A background study completed for the licensed service must also satisfy the background study requirements under this section, if the provider has established the background study contact person according to chapter 245C and as directed by the Department of Human Services. new text end

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2f. new text end

new text begin Required services. new text end

new text begin In licensed and registered settings under subdivision 2a, providers shall ensure that participants have at a minimum: new text end

new text begin (1) food preparation and service for three nutritional meals a day on site; new text end

new text begin (2) a bed, clothing storage, linen, bedding, laundering, and laundry supplies or service; new text end

new text begin (3) housekeeping, including cleaning and lavatory supplies or service; and new text end

new text begin (4) maintenance and operation of the building and grounds, including heat, water, garbage removal, electricity, telephone for the site, cooling, supplies, and parts and tools to repair and maintain equipment and facilities. new text end

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2g. new text end

new text begin Crisis shelters. new text end

new text begin Secure crisis shelters for battered women and their children designated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections are not group residences under this chapter. new text end

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Moratorium on development of group residential housing beds.

(a) deleted text begin County deleted text end Agencies shall not enter into agreements for new group residential housing beds with total rates in excess of the MSA equivalent rate except:

(1) for group residential housing establishments licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0215 to 9525.0355, provided the facility is needed to meet the census reduction targets for persons with developmental disabilities at regional treatment centers;

(2) up to 80 beds in a single, specialized facility located in Hennepin County that will provide housing for chronic inebriates who are repetitive users of detoxification centers and are refused placement in emergency shelters because of their state of intoxication, and planning for the specialized facility must have been initiated before July 1, 1991, in anticipation of receiving a grant from the Housing Finance Agency under section 462A.05, subdivision 20a, paragraph (b);

(3) notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 2a, for up to 190 supportive housing units in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, or Ramsey County for homeless adults with a mental illness, a history of substance abuse, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. For purposes of this section, "homeless adult" means a person who is living on the street or in a shelter or discharged from a regional treatment center, community hospital, or residential treatment program and has no appropriate housing available and lacks the resources and support necessary to access appropriate housing. At least 70 percent of the supportive housing units must serve homeless adults with mental illness, substance abuse problems, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who are about to be or, within the previous six months, has been discharged from a regional treatment center, or a state-contracted psychiatric bed in a community hospital, or a residential mental health or chemical dependency treatment program. If a person meets the requirements of subdivision 1, paragraph (a), and receives a federal or state housing subsidy, the group residential housing rate for that person is limited to the supplementary rate under section 256I.05, subdivision 1a, and is determined by subtracting the amount of the person's countable income that exceeds the MSA equivalent rate from the group residential housing supplementary rate. A resident in a demonstration project site who no longer participates in the demonstration program shall retain eligibility for a group residential housing payment in an amount determined under section 256I.06, subdivision 8, using the MSA equivalent rate. Service funding under section 256I.05, subdivision 1a, will end June 30, 1997, if federal matching funds are available and the services can be provided through a managed care entity. If federal matching funds are not available, then service funding will continue under section 256I.05, subdivision 1a;

(4) for an additional two beds, resulting in a total of 32 beds, for a facility located in Hennepin County providing services for recovering and chemically dependent men that has had a group residential housing contract with the county and has been licensed as a board and lodge facility with special services since 1980;

(5) for a group residential housing provider located in the city of St. Cloud, or a county contiguous to the city of St. Cloud, that operates a 40-bed facility, that received financing through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Ending Long-Term Homelessness Initiative and serves chemically dependent clientele, providing 24-hour-a-day supervision;

(6) for a new 65-bed facility in Crow Wing County that will serve chemically dependent persons, operated by a group residential housing provider that currently operates a 304-bed facility in Minneapolis, and a 44-bed facility in Duluth;

(7) for a group residential housing provider that operates two ten-bed facilities, one located in Hennepin County and one located in Ramsey County, that provide community support and 24-hour-a-day supervision to serve the mental health needs of individuals who have chronically lived unsheltered; and

(8) for a group residential facility in Hennepin County with a capacity of up to 48 beds that has been licensed since 1978 as a board and lodging facility and that until August 1, 2007, operated as a licensed chemical dependency treatment program.

(b) deleted text begin A county deleted text end new text begin An new text end agency may enter into a group residential housing agreement for beds with rates in excess of the MSA equivalent rate in addition to those currently covered under a group residential housing agreement if the additional beds are only a replacement of beds with rates in excess of the MSA equivalent rate which have been made available due to closure of a setting, a change of licensure or certification which removes the beds from group residential housing payment, or as a result of the downsizing of a group residential housing setting. The transfer of available beds from one deleted text begin county deleted text end new text begin agency new text end to another can only occur by the agreement of both deleted text begin counties deleted text end new text begin agencies new text end .

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Rental assistance.

For participants in the Minnesota supportive housing demonstration program under subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (5), notwithstanding the provisions of section 256I.06, subdivision 8, the amount of the group residential housing payment for room and board must be calculated by subtracting 30 percent of the recipient's adjusted income as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Section 8 program from the fair market rent established for the recipient's living unit by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. This payment shall be regarded as a state housing subsidy for the purposes of subdivision 3. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 256I.06, subdivision 6, the recipient's countable income will only be adjusted when a change of greater than $100 in a month occurs or upon annual redetermination of eligibility, whichever is sooner. deleted text begin The commissioner is directed to study the feasibility of developing a rental assistance program to serve persons traditionally served in group residential housing settings and report to the legislature by February 15, 1999. deleted text end

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.05, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:

Subd. 1c.

Rate increases.

deleted text begin A county deleted text end new text begin An new text end agency may not increase the rates negotiated for group residential housing above those in effect on June 30, 1993, except as provided in paragraphs (a) to (f).

(a) deleted text begin A county deleted text end new text begin An agency new text end may increase the rates for group residential housing settings to the MSA equivalent rate for those settings whose current rate is below the MSA equivalent rate.

(b) deleted text begin A county deleted text end new text begin An new text end agency may increase the rates for residents in adult foster care whose difficulty of care has increased. The total group residential housing rate for these residents must not exceed the maximum rate specified in subdivisions 1 and 1a. deleted text begin County deleted text end Agencies must not include nor increase group residential housing difficulty of care rates for adults in foster care whose difficulty of care is eligible for funding by home and community-based waiver programs under title XIX of the Social Security Act.

(c) The room and board rates will be increased each year when the MSA equivalent rate is adjusted for SSI cost-of-living increases by the amount of the annual SSI increase, less the amount of the increase in the medical assistance personal needs allowance under section 256B.35.

(d) When a group residential housing rate is used to pay for an individual's room and board, or other costs necessary to provide room and board, the rate payable to the residence must continue for up to 18 calendar days per incident that the person is temporarily absent from the residence, not to exceed 60 days in a calendar year, if the absence or absences have received the prior approval of the county agency's social service staff. Prior approval is not required for emergency absences due to crisis, illness, or injury.

(e) For facilities meeting substantial change criteria within the prior year. Substantial change criteria exists if the group residential housing establishment experiences a 25 percent increase or decrease in the total number of its beds, if the net cost of capital additions or improvements is in excess of 15 percent of the current market value of the residence, or if the residence physically moves, or changes its licensure, and incurs a resulting increase in operation and property costs.

(f) Until June 30, 1994, deleted text begin a county deleted text end new text begin an new text end agency may increase by up to five percent the total rate paid for recipients of assistance under sections 256D.01 to 256D.21 or 256D.33 to 256D.54 who reside in residences that are licensed by the commissioner of health as a boarding care home, but are not certified for the purposes of the medical assistance program. However, an increase under this clause must not exceed an amount equivalent to 65 percent of the 1991 medical assistance reimbursement rate for nursing home resident class A, in the geographic grouping in which the facility is located, as established under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0058.

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.05, subdivision 1g, is amended to read:

Subd. 1g.

Supplementary service rate for certain facilities.

deleted text begin On or after July 1, 2005, a county deleted text end new text begin An new text end agency may negotiate a supplementary service rate for recipients of assistance under section 256I.04, subdivision 1, paragraph new text begin (a) or new text end (b), who deleted text begin relocate from a homeless shelter licensed and registered prior to December 31, 1996, by the Minnesota Department of Health under section 157.17, to deleted text end new text begin have experienced long-term homelessness and who live in new text end a supportive housing establishment deleted text begin developed and funded in whole or in part with funds provided specifically as part of the plan to end long-term homelessness required under Laws 2003, chapter 128, article 15, section 9, not to exceed $456.75 deleted text end new text begin under section 256I.04, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), clause (2) new text end .

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Time of payment.

A county agency may make payments to a group residence in advance for an individual whose stay in the group residence is expected to last beyond the calendar month for which the payment is made deleted text begin and who does not expect to receive countable earned income during the month for which the payment is made deleted text end . Group residential housing payments made by a county agency on behalf of an individual who is not expected to remain in the group residence beyond the month for which payment is made must be made subsequent to the individual's departure from the group residence. deleted text begin Group residential housing payments made by a county agency on behalf of an individual with countable earned income must be made subsequent to receipt of a monthly household report form. deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective April 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Reports.

Recipients must report changes in circumstances that affect eligibility or group residential housing payment amounts new text begin , other than changes in earned income, new text end within ten days of the change. Recipients with countable earned income must complete a deleted text begin monthly deleted text end household report form new text begin at least once every six months new text end . If the report form is not received before the end of the month in which it is due, the county agency must terminate eligibility for group residential housing payments. The termination shall be effective on the first day of the month following the month in which the report was due. If a complete report is received within the month eligibility was terminated, the individual is considered to have continued an application for group residential housing payment effective the first day of the month the eligibility was terminated.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective April 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.06, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Determination of rates.

The new text begin agency in the new text end county in which a deleted text begin group deleted text end residence is located deleted text begin will deleted text end new text begin shall new text end determine the amount of group residential housing rate to be paid on behalf of an individual in the deleted text begin group deleted text end residence regardless of the individual's deleted text begin county deleted text end new text begin agency new text end of financial responsibility.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.06, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Amount of group residential housing payment.

new text begin (a) new text end The amount of a group residential housing payment to be made on behalf of an eligible individual is determined by subtracting the individual's countable income under section 256I.04, subdivision 1, for a whole calendar month from the group residential housing charge for that same month. The group residential housing charge is determined by multiplying the group residential housing rate times the period of time the individual was a resident or temporarily absent under section 256I.05, subdivision 1c, paragraph (d).

new text begin (b) For an individual with earned income under paragraph (a), prospective budgeting must be used to determine the amount of the individual's payment for the following six-month period. An increase in income shall not affect an individual's eligibility or payment amount until the month following the reporting month. A decrease in income shall be effective the first day of the month after the month in which the decrease is reported. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Paragraph (b) is effective April 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.21, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2015, chapter 21, article 1, section 60, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Income exclusions.

The following must be excluded in determining a family's available income:

(1) payments for basic care, difficulty of care, and clothing allowances received for providing family foster care to children or adults under Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5050 to 9555.6265, 9560.0521, and 9560.0650 to 9560.0655, payments for family foster care for children under section 260C.4411 or chapter 256N, and payments received and used for care and maintenance of a third-party beneficiary who is not a household member;

(2) reimbursements for employment training received through the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, United States Code, title 20, chapter 73, section 9201;

(3) reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while performing volunteer services, jury duty, employment, or informal carpooling arrangements directly related to employment;

(4) all educational assistance, except the county agency must count graduate student teaching assistantships, fellowships, and other similar paid work as earned income and, after allowing deductions for any unmet and necessary educational expenses, shall count scholarships or grants awarded to graduate students that do not require teaching or research as unearned income;

(5) loans, regardless of purpose, from public or private lending institutions, governmental lending institutions, or governmental agencies;

(6) loans from private individuals, regardless of purpose, provided an applicant or participant documents that the lender expects repayment;

(7)(i) state income tax refunds; and

(ii) federal income tax refunds;

(8)(i) federal earned income credits;

(ii) Minnesota working family credits;

(iii) state homeowners and renters credits under chapter 290A; and

(iv) federal or state tax rebates;

(9) funds received for reimbursement, replacement, or rebate of personal or real property when these payments are made by public agencies, awarded by a court, solicited through public appeal, or made as a grant by a federal agency, state or local government, or disaster assistance organizations, subsequent to a presidential declaration of disaster;

(10) the portion of an insurance settlement that is used to pay medical, funeral, and burial expenses, or to repair or replace insured property;

(11) reimbursements for medical expenses that cannot be paid by medical assistance;

(12) payments by a vocational rehabilitation program administered by the state under chapter 268A, except those payments that are for current living expenses;

(13) in-kind income, including any payments directly made by a third party to a provider of goods and services;

(14) assistance payments to correct underpayments, but only for the month in which the payment is received;

(15) payments for short-term emergency needs under section 256J.626, subdivision 2;

(16) funeral and cemetery payments as provided by section 256.935;

(17) nonrecurring cash gifts of $30 or less, not exceeding $30 per participant in a calendar month;

(18) any form of energy assistance payment made through Public Law 97-35, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, payments made directly to energy providers by other public and private agencies, and any form of credit or rebate payment issued by energy providers;

(19) Supplemental Security Income (SSI), including retroactive SSI payments and other income of an SSI recipient, except as described in section 256J.37, subdivision 3b;

(20) Minnesota supplemental aid, including retroactive payments;

(21) proceeds from the sale of real or personal property;

(22) adoption or kinship assistance payments under chapter 256N or 259A and Minnesota permanency demonstration title IV-E waiver payments;

(23) state-funded family subsidy program payments made under section 252.32 to help families care for children with developmental disabilities, consumer support grant funds under section 256.476, and resources and services for a disabled household member under one of the home and community-based waiver services programs under chapter 256B;

(24) interest payments and dividends from property that is not excluded from and that does not exceed the asset limit;

(25) rent rebates;

(26) income earned by a minor caregiver, minor child through age 6, or a minor child who is at least a half-time student in an approved elementary or secondary education program;

(27) income earned by a caregiver under age 20 who is at least a half-time student in an approved elementary or secondary education program;

(28) MFIP child care payments under section 119B.05;

(29) all other payments made through MFIP to support a caregiver's pursuit of greater economic stability;

(30) income a participant receives related to shared living expenses;

(31) reverse mortgages;

(32) benefits provided by the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, United States Code, title 42, chapter 13A, sections 1771 to 1790;

(33) benefits provided by the women, infants, and children (WIC) nutrition program, United States Code, title 42, chapter 13A, section 1786;

(34) benefits from the National School Lunch Act, United States Code, title 42, chapter 13, sections 1751 to 1769e;

(35) relocation assistance for displaced persons under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, United States Code, title 42, chapter 61, subchapter II, section 4636, or the National Housing Act, United States Code, title 12, chapter 13, sections 1701 to 1750jj;

(36) benefits from the Trade Act of 1974, United States Code, title 19, chapter 12, part 2, sections 2271 to 2322;

(37) war reparations payments to Japanese Americans and Aleuts under United States Code, title 50, sections 1989 to 1989d;

(38) payments to veterans or their dependents as a result of legal settlements regarding Agent Orange or other chemical exposure under Public Law 101-239, section 10405, paragraph (a)(2)(E);

(39) income that is otherwise specifically excluded from MFIP consideration in federal law, state law, or federal regulation;

(40) security and utility deposit refunds;

(41) American Indian tribal land settlements excluded under Public Laws 98-123, 98-124, and 99-377 to the Mississippi Band Chippewa Indians of White Earth, Leech Lake, and Mille Lacs reservations and payments to members of the White Earth Band, under United States Code, title 25, chapter 9, section 331, and chapter 16, section 1407;

(42) all income of the minor parent's parents and stepparents when determining the grant for the minor parent in households that include a minor parent living with parents or stepparents on MFIP with other children;

(43) income of the minor parent's parents and stepparents equal to 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline for a family size not including the minor parent and the minor parent's child in households that include a minor parent living with parents or stepparents not on MFIP when determining the grant for the minor parent. The remainder of income is deemed as specified in section 256J.37, subdivision 1b;

(44) payments made to children eligible for relative custody assistance under section 257.85;

(45) vendor payments for goods and services made on behalf of a client unless the client has the option of receiving the payment in cash;

(46) the principal portion of a contract for deed payment;

(47) cash payments to individuals enrolled for full-time service as a volunteer under AmeriCorps programs including AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps National, and AmeriCorps NCCC; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(48) housing assistance grants under section 256J.35, paragraph (a) new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (49) child support payments of up to $100 for an assistance unit with one child and up to $200 for an assistance unit with two or more children new text end .

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.24, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a.

Food portion of MFIP transitional standard.

The commissioner shall adjust the food portion of the MFIP transitional standard as needed to reflect adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program new text begin and maintain compliance with federal waivers related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under the United States Department of Agriculture new text end . The commissioner shall publish the transitional standard including a breakdown of the cash and food portions for an assistance unit of sizes one to ten in the State Register whenever an adjustment is made.

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.33, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Monthly income test.

A county agency must apply the monthly income test retrospectively for each month of MFIP eligibility. An assistance unit is not eligible when the countable income equals or exceeds the MFIP standard of need or the family wage level for the assistance unit. The income applied against the monthly income test must include:

(1) gross earned income from employment, prior to mandatory payroll deductions, voluntary payroll deductions, wage authorizations, and after the disregards in section 256J.21, subdivision 4, and the allocations in section 256J.36, unless the employment income is specifically excluded under section 256J.21, subdivision 2;

(2) gross earned income from self-employment less deductions for self-employment expenses in section 256J.37, subdivision 5, but prior to any reductions for personal or business state and federal income taxes, personal FICA, personal health and life insurance, and after the disregards in section 256J.21, subdivision 4, and the allocations in section 256J.36;

(3) unearned income after deductions for allowable expenses in section 256J.37, subdivision 9, and allocations in section 256J.36, unless the income has been specifically excluded in section 256J.21, subdivision 2;

(4) gross earned income from employment as determined under clause (1) which is received by a member of an assistance unit who is a minor child or minor caregiver and less than a half-time student;

(5) child support deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin received by an assistance unit, excluded under section 256J.21, subdivision 2, clause (49), or section 256P.06, subdivision 3, clause (2), item (xvi); new text end

new text begin (6) new text end spousal support received by an assistance unit;

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end the income of a parent when that parent is not included in the assistance unit;

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end the income of an eligible relative and spouse who seek to be included in the assistance unit; and

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end the unearned income of a minor child included in the assistance unit.

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256K.45, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(c) "Homeless youth" means a person deleted text begin 21 deleted text end new text begin 24 new text end years of age or younger who is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and is without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available, whose parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling to provide shelter and care, or who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The following are not fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residences:

(1) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;

(2) an institution or a publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;

(3) transitional housing;

(4) a temporary placement with a peer, friend, or family member that has not offered permanent residence, a residential lease, or temporary lodging for more than 30 days; or

(5) a public or private place not designed for, nor ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

Homeless youth does not include persons incarcerated or otherwise detained under federal or state law.

(d) "Youth at risk of homelessness" means a person deleted text begin 21 deleted text end new text begin 24 new text end years of age or younger whose status or circumstances indicate a significant danger of experiencing homelessness in the near future. Status or circumstances that indicate a significant danger may include: (1) youth exiting out-of-home placements; (2) youth who previously were homeless; (3) youth whose parents or primary caregivers are or were previously homeless; (4) youth who are exposed to abuse and neglect in their homes; (5) youth who experience conflict with parents due to chemical or alcohol dependency, mental health disabilities, or other disabilities; and (6) runaways.

(e) "Runaway" means an unmarried child under the age of 18 years who is absent from the home of a parent or guardian or other lawful placement without the consent of the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian.

Sec. 45.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256K.45, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Funding.

Funds appropriated for this section may be expended on programs described under subdivisions 3 to 5, technical assistance, and capacity building to meet the greatest need on a statewide basis new text begin . The commissioner will provide outreach, technical assistance, and program development support to increase capacity to new and existing service providers to better meet needs statewide, particularly in areas where services for homeless youth have not been established, especially in greater Minnesota new text end .

Sec. 46.

new text begin [256M.41] CHILD PROTECTION GRANT ALLOCATION. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Formula for county staffing funds. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall allocate state funds appropriated under this section to each county board on a calendar year basis in an amount determined according to the following formula: new text end

new text begin (1) 50 percent must be distributed on the basis of the child population residing in the county as determined by the most recent data of the state demographer; new text end

new text begin (2) 25 percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of screened-in reports of child maltreatment under sections 626.556 and 626.5561, and in the county as determined by the most recent data of the commissioner; and new text end

new text begin (3) 25 percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of open child protection case management cases in the county as determined by the most recent data of the commissioner. new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding this subdivision, no county shall be awarded an allocation of less than $75,000. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibition on supplanting existing funds. new text end

new text begin Funds received under this section must be used to address staffing for child protection or expand child protection services. Funds must not be used to supplant current county expenditures for these purposes. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Payments based on performance. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall make payments under this section to each county board on a calendar year basis in an amount determined under paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Calendar year allocations under subdivision 1 shall be paid to counties in the following manner: new text end

new text begin (1) 80 percent of the allocation as determined in subdivision 1 must be paid to counties on or before July 10 of each year; new text end

new text begin (2) ten percent of the allocation shall be withheld until the commissioner determines if the county has met the performance outcome threshold of 90 percent based on face-to-face contact with alleged child victims. In order to receive the performance allocation, the county child protection workers must have a timely face-to-face contact with at least 90 percent of all alleged child victims of screened-in maltreatment reports. The standard requires that each initial face-to-face contact occur consistent with timelines defined in section 626.556, subdivision 10, paragraph (i). The commissioner shall make threshold determinations in January of each year and payments to counties meeting the performance outcome threshold shall occur in February of each year. Any withheld funds from this appropriation for counties that do not meet this requirement shall be reallocated by the commissioner to those counties meeting the requirement; and new text end

new text begin (3) ten percent of the allocation shall be withheld until the commissioner determines that the county has met the performance outcome threshold of 90 percent based on face-to-face visits by the case manager. In order to receive the performance allocation, the total number of visits made by caseworkers on a monthly basis to children in foster care and children receiving child protection services while residing in their home must be at least 90 percent of the total number of such visits that would occur if every child were visited once per month. The commissioner shall make such determinations in January of each year and payments to counties meeting the performance outcome threshold shall occur in February of each year. Any withheld funds from this appropriation for counties that do not meet this requirement shall be reallocated by the commissioner to those counties meeting the requirement. For 2015, the commissioner shall only apply the standard for monthly foster care visits. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall work with stakeholders and the Human Services Performance Council under section 402A.16 to develop recommendations for specific outcome measures that counties should meet in order to receive funds withheld under paragraph (b), and include in those recommendations a determination as to whether the performance measures under paragraph (b) should be modified or phased out. The commissioner shall report the recommendations to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over child protection issues by January 1, 2018. new text end

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256N.22, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Death new text begin or incapacity new text end of relative custodian or deleted text begin dissolution deleted text end new text begin modification new text end of custody.

The Northstar kinship assistance agreement ends upon death or deleted text begin dissolution deleted text end new text begin incapacity of the relative custodian or modification new text end of new text begin the order for new text end permanent legal and physical custody deleted text begin of both relative custodians in the case of assignment of custody to two individuals, or the sole relative custodian in the case of assignment of custody to one individual deleted text end new text begin in which legal or physical custody is removed from the relative custodian new text end . new text begin In the case of a relative custodian's death or incapacity, new text end Northstar kinship assistance eligibility may be continued according to subdivision 10.

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256N.22, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Assigning a new text begin successor relative custodian for a new text end child's Northstar kinship assistance deleted text begin to a court-appointed guardian or custodian deleted text end .

(a) deleted text begin Northstar kinship assistance may be continued with the written consent of the commissioner to deleted text end new text begin In the event of the death or incapacity of the relative custodian, eligibility for Northstar kinship assistance and title IV-E assistance, if applicable, is not affected if the relative custodian is replaced by a successor named in the Northstar kinship assistance benefit agreement. Northstar kinship assistance shall be paid to a named successor who is not the child's legal parent, biological parent or stepparent, or other adult living in the home of the legal parent, biological parent, or stepparent. new text end

new text begin (b) In order to receive Northstar kinship assistance, a named successor must: new text end

new text begin (1) meet the background study requirements in subdivision 4; new text end

new text begin (2) renegotiate the agreement consistent with section 256N.25, subdivision 2, including cooperating with an assessment under section 256N.24; new text end

new text begin (3) be ordered by the court to be the child's legal relative custodian in a modification proceeding under section 260C.521, subdivision 2; and new text end

new text begin (4) satisfy the requirements in this paragraph within one year of the relative custodian's death or incapacity unless the commissioner certifies that the named successor made reasonable attempts to satisfy the requirements within one year and failure to satisfy the requirements was not the responsibility of the named successor. new text end

new text begin (c) Payment of Northstar kinship assistance to the successor guardian may be temporarily approved through the policies, procedures, requirements, and deadlines under section 256N.28, subdivision 2. Ongoing payment shall begin in the month when all the requirements in paragraph (b) are satisfied. new text end

new text begin (d) Continued payment of Northstar kinship assistance may occur in the event of the death or incapacity of the relative custodian when no successor has been named in the benefit agreement when the commissioner gives written consent to new text end an individual who is a guardian or custodian appointed by a court for the child upon the death of both relative custodians in the case of assignment of custody to two individuals, or the sole relative custodian in the case of assignment of custody to one individual, unless the child is under the custody of a county, tribal, or child-placing agency.

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end Temporary assignment of Northstar kinship assistance may be approved for a maximum of six consecutive months from the death new text begin or incapacity new text end of the relative custodian or custodians as provided in paragraph (a) and must adhere to the policies deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end procedures new text begin , requirements, and deadlines under section 256N.28, subdivision 2, that are new text end prescribed by the commissioner. If a court has not appointed a permanent legal guardian or custodian within six months, the Northstar kinship assistance must terminate and must not be resumed.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Upon assignment of assistance payments under deleted text begin this subdivision deleted text end new text begin paragraphs (d) and (e) new text end , assistance must be provided from funds other than title IV-E.

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256N.24, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Extraordinary levels.

(a) The assessment tool established under subdivision 2 must provide a mechanism through which up to five levels can be added to the supplemental difficulty of care for a particular child under section 256N.26, subdivision 4. In establishing the assessment tool, the commissioner must design the tool so that the levels applicable to the portions of the assessment other than the extraordinary levels can accommodate the requirements of this subdivision.

(b) These extraordinary levels are available when all of the following circumstances apply:

(1) the child has extraordinary needs as determined by the assessment tool provided for under subdivision 2, and the child meets other requirements established by the commissioner, such as a minimum score on the assessment tool;

(2) the child's extraordinary needs require extraordinary care and intense supervision that is provided by the child's caregiver as part of the parental duties as described in the supplemental difficulty of care rate, section 256N.02, subdivision 21. This extraordinary care provided by the caregiver is required so that the child can be safely cared for in the home and community, and prevents residential placement;

(3) the child is physically living in a foster family setting, as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 2960.3010, subpart 23, new text begin in a foster residence setting, new text end or physically living in the home with the adoptive parent or relative custodian; and

(4) the child is receiving the services for which the child is eligible through medical assistance programs or other programs that provide necessary services for children with disabilities or other medical and behavioral conditions to live with the child's family, but the agency with caregiver's input has identified a specific support gap that cannot be met through home and community support waivers or other programs that are designed to provide support for children with special needs.

(c) The agency completing an assessment, under subdivision 2, that suggests an extraordinary level must document as part of the assessment, the following:

(1) the assessment tool that determined that the child's needs or disabilities require extraordinary care and intense supervision;

(2) a summary of the extraordinary care and intense supervision that is provided by the caregiver as part of the parental duties as described in the supplemental difficulty of care rate, section 256N.02, subdivision 21;

(3) confirmation that the child is currently physically residing in the foster family setting or in the home with the adoptive parent or relative custodian;

(4) the efforts of the agency, caregiver, parents, and others to request support services in the home and community that would ease the degree of parental duties provided by the caregiver for the care and supervision of the child. This would include documentation of the services provided for the child's needs or disabilities, and the services that were denied or not available from the local social service agency, community agency, the local school district, local public health department, the parent, or child's medical insurance provider;

(5) the specific support gap identified that places the child's safety and well-being at risk in the home or community and is necessary to prevent residential placement; and

(6) the extraordinary care and intense supervision provided by the foster, adoptive, or guardianship caregivers to maintain the child safely in the child's home and prevent residential placement that cannot be supported by medical assistance or other programs that provide services, necessary care for children with disabilities, or other medical or behavioral conditions in the home or community.

(d) An agency completing an assessment under subdivision 2 that suggests an extraordinary level is appropriate must forward the assessment and required documentation to the commissioner. If the commissioner approves, the extraordinary levels must be retroactive to the date the assessment was forwarded.

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256N.25, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Agreement; Northstar kinship assistance; adoption assistance.

(a) In order to receive Northstar kinship assistance or adoption assistance benefits on behalf of an eligible child, a written, binding agreement between the caregiver or caregivers, the financially responsible agency, or, if there is no financially responsible agency, the agency designated by the commissioner, and the commissioner must be established prior to finalization of the adoption or a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody. The agreement must be negotiated with the caregiver or caregivers under subdivision 2 new text begin and renegotiated under subdivision 3, if applicable new text end .

(b) The agreement must be on a form approved by the commissioner and must specify the following:

(1) duration of the agreement;

(2) the nature and amount of any payment, services, and assistance to be provided under such agreement;

(3) the child's eligibility for Medicaid services;

(4) the terms of the payment, including any child care portion as specified in section 256N.24, subdivision 3;

(5) eligibility for reimbursement of nonrecurring expenses associated with adopting or obtaining permanent legal and physical custody of the child, to the extent that the total cost does not exceed $2,000 per child;

(6) that the agreement must remain in effect regardless of the state of which the adoptive parents or relative custodians are residents at any given time;

(7) provisions for modification of the terms of the agreement, including renegotiation of the agreement; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(8) the effective date of the agreement new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (9) the successor relative custodian or custodians for Northstar kinship assistance, when applicable. The successor relative custodian or custodians may be added or changed by mutual agreement under subdivision 3 new text end .

(c) The caregivers, the commissioner, and the financially responsible agency, or, if there is no financially responsible agency, the agency designated by the commissioner, must sign the agreement. A copy of the signed agreement must be given to each party. Once signed by all parties, the commissioner shall maintain the official record of the agreement.

(d) The effective date of the Northstar kinship assistance agreement must be the date of the court order that transfers permanent legal and physical custody to the relative. The effective date of the adoption assistance agreement is the date of the finalized adoption decree.

(e) Termination or disruption of the preadoptive placement or the foster care placement prior to assignment of custody makes the agreement with that caregiver void.

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256N.27, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

State share.

The commissioner shall pay the state share of the maintenance payments as determined under subdivision 4, and an identical share of the pre-Northstar Care foster care program under section 260C.4411, subdivision 1, the relative custody assistance program under section 257.85, and the pre-Northstar Care for Children adoption assistance program under chapter 259A. deleted text begin The commissioner may transfer funds into the account if a deficit occurs. deleted text end

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 257.75, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Effect of recognition.

new text begin (a) new text end Subject to subdivision 2 and section 257.55, subdivision 1, paragraph (g) or (h), the recognition has the force and effect of a judgment or order determining the existence of the parent and child relationship under section 257.66. If the conditions in section 257.55, subdivision 1, paragraph (g) or (h), exist, the recognition creates only a presumption of paternity for purposes of sections 257.51 to 257.74. Once a recognition has been properly executed and filed with the state registrar of vital statistics, if there are no competing presumptions of paternity, a judicial or administrative court may not allow further action to determine parentage regarding the signator of the recognition. An action to determine custody and parenting time may be commenced pursuant to chapter 518 without an adjudication of parentage. Until deleted text begin an deleted text end new text begin a temporary or permanent new text end order is entered granting custody to another, the mother has sole custody.

new text begin (b) Following commencement of an action to determine custody or parenting time under chapter 518, the court may, pursuant to section 518.131, grant temporary parenting time rights and temporary custody to either parent. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end The recognition is:

(1) a basis for bringing an action new text begin for the following: new text end

new text begin (i) new text end to award new text begin temporary custody or parenting time pursuant to section 518.131; new text end

new text begin (ii) to award permanent new text end custody or parenting time to either parent deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end

new text begin (iii) new text end establishing a child support obligation which may include up to the two years immediately preceding the commencement of the action deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end

new text begin (iv) new text end ordering a contribution by a parent under section 256.87 deleted text begin , or deleted text end new text begin ; new text end

new text begin (v) new text end ordering a contribution to the reasonable expenses of the mother's pregnancy and confinement, as provided under section 257.66, subdivision 3 deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end or

new text begin (vi) new text end ordering reimbursement for the costs of blood or genetic testing, as provided under section 257.69, subdivision 2;

(2) determinative for all other purposes related to the existence of the parent and child relationship; and

(3) entitled to full faith and credit in other jurisdictions.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 53.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 257.75, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Recognition form.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner of human services shall prepare a form for the recognition of parentage under this section. In preparing the form, the commissioner shall consult with the individuals specified in subdivision 6. The recognition form must be drafted so that the force and effect of the recognition, the alternatives to executing a recognition, deleted text begin and deleted text end the benefits and responsibilities of establishing paternity new text begin , and the limitations of the recognition of parentage for purposes of exercising and enforcing custody or parenting time new text end are clear and understandable. deleted text begin The form must include a notice regarding the finality of a recognition and the revocation procedure under subdivision 2. The form must include a provision for each parent to verify that the parent has read or viewed the educational materials prepared by the commissioner of human services describing the recognition of paternity. The individual providing the form to the parents for execution shall provide oral notice of the rights, responsibilities, and alternatives to executing the recognition. Notice may be provided by audiotape, videotape, or similar means. Each parent must receive a copy of the recognition. deleted text end

new text begin (b) The form must include the following: new text end

new text begin (1) a notice regarding the finality of a recognition and the revocation procedure under subdivision 2; new text end

new text begin (2) a notice, in large print, that the recognition does not establish an enforceable right to legal custody, physical custody, or parenting time until such rights are awarded pursuant to a court action to establish custody and parenting time; new text end

new text begin (3) a notice stating that when a court awards custody and parenting time under chapter 518, there is no presumption for or against joint physical custody, except when domestic abuse, as defined in section 518B.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), has occurred between the parties; new text end

new text begin (4) a notice that the recognition of parentage is a basis for: new text end

new text begin (i) bringing a court action to award temporary or permanent custody or parenting time; new text end

new text begin (ii) establishing a child support obligation that may include the two years immediately preceding the commencement of the action; new text end

new text begin (iii) ordering a contribution by a parent under section 256.87; new text end

new text begin (iv) ordering a contribution to the reasonable expenses of the mother's pregnancy and confinement, as provided under section 257.66, subdivision 3; and new text end

new text begin (v) ordering reimbursement for the costs of blood or genetic testing, as provided under section 257.69, subdivision 2; and new text end

new text begin (5) a provision for each parent to verify that the parent has read or viewed the educational materials prepared by the commissioner of human services describing the recognition of paternity. new text end

new text begin (c) The individual providing the form to the parents for execution shall provide oral notice of the rights, responsibilities, and alternatives to executing the recognition. Notice may be provided in audio or video format, or by other similar means. Each parent must receive a copy of the recognition. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 54.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 259A.75, is amended to read:

259A.75 REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN AGENCY COSTS; PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTS new text begin AND TRIBAL CUSTOMARY ADOPTIONS new text end .

Subdivision 1.

General information.

(a) Subject to the procedures required by the commissioner and the provisions of this section, a Minnesota county deleted text begin or tribal social services agency deleted text end shall receive a reimbursement from the commissioner equal to 100 percent of the reasonable and appropriate cost for contracted adoption placement services identified for a specific child that are not reimbursed under other federal or state funding sources.

(b) The commissioner may spend up to $16,000 for each purchase of service contract. Only one contract per child per adoptive placement is permitted. Funds encumbered and obligated under the contract for the child remain available until the terms of the contract are fulfilled or the contract is terminated.

(c) The commissioner shall set aside an amount not to exceed five percent of the total amount of the fiscal year appropriation from the state for the adoption assistance program to reimburse new text begin a Minnesota county or tribal social services new text end placing deleted text begin agencies deleted text end new text begin agency new text end for child-specific adoption placement services. When adoption assistance payments for children's needs exceed 95 percent of the total amount of the fiscal year appropriation from the state for the adoption assistance program, the amount of reimbursement available to placing agencies for adoption services is reduced correspondingly.

Subd. 2.

new text begin Purchase of service contract new text end child eligibility criteria.

(a) A child who is the subject of a purchase of service contract must:

(1) have the goal of adoption, which may include an adoption in accordance with tribal law;

(2) be under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services or be a ward of tribal court pursuant to section 260.755, subdivision 20; and

(3) meet all of the special needs criteria according to section 259A.10, subdivision 2.

(b) A child under the guardianship of the commissioner must have an identified adoptive parent and a fully executed adoption placement agreement according to section 260C.613, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

Subd. 3.

Agency eligibility criteria.

(a) A Minnesota county deleted text begin or tribal deleted text end social services agency shall receive reimbursement for child-specific adoption placement services for an eligible child that it purchases from a private adoption agency licensed in Minnesota or any other state or tribal social services agency.

(b) Reimbursement for adoption services is available only for services provided prior to the date of the adoption decree.

Subd. 4.

Application and eligibility determination.

(a) A county deleted text begin or tribal deleted text end social services agency may request reimbursement of costs for adoption placement services by submitting a complete purchase of service application, according to the requirements and procedures and on forms prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner shall determine eligibility for reimbursement of adoption placement services. If determined eligible, the commissioner of human services shall sign the purchase of service agreement, making this a fully executed contract. No reimbursement under this section shall be made to an agency for services provided prior to the fully executed contract.

(c) Separate purchase of service agreements shall be made, and separate records maintained, on each child. Only one agreement per child per adoptive placement is permitted. For siblings who are placed together, services shall be planned and provided to best maximize efficiency of the contracted hours.

Subd. 5.

Reimbursement process.

(a) The agency providing adoption services is responsible to track and record all service activity, including billable hours, on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The agency shall submit this form to the state for reimbursement after services have been completed.

(b) The commissioner shall make the final determination whether or not the requested reimbursement costs are reasonable and appropriate and if the services have been completed according to the terms of the purchase of service agreement.

Subd. 6.

Retention of purchase of service records.

Agencies entering into purchase of service contracts shall keep a copy of the agreements, service records, and all applicable billing and invoicing according to the department's record retention schedule. Agency records shall be provided upon request by the commissioner.

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Tribal customary adoptions. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall enter into grant contracts with Minnesota tribal social services agencies to provide child-specific recruitment and adoption placement services for Indian children under the jurisdiction of tribal court. new text end

new text begin (b) Children served under these grant contracts must meet the child eligibility criteria in subdivision 2. new text end

Sec. 55.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.007, subdivision 27, is amended to read:

Subd. 27.

Relative.

"Relative" means a person related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; the legal parent, guardian, or custodian of the child's siblings; new text end or an individual who is an important friend with whom the child has resided or had significant contact. For an Indian child, relative includes members of the extended family as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe or, in the absence of law or custom, nieces, nephews, or first or second cousins, as provided in the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1903.

Sec. 56.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.007, subdivision 32, is amended to read:

Subd. 32.

Sibling.

"Sibling" means one of two or more individuals who have one or both parents in common through blood, marriage, or adoption deleted text begin , including deleted text end new text begin . This includes new text end siblings as defined by the child's tribal code or custom. new text begin Sibling also includes an individual who would have been considered a sibling but for a termination of parental rights of one or both parents, suspension of parental rights under tribal code, or other disruption of parental rights such as the death of a parent. new text end

Sec. 57.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.203, is amended to read:

260C.203 ADMINISTRATIVE OR COURT REVIEW OF PLACEMENTS.

(a) Unless the court is conducting the reviews required under section 260C.202, there shall be an administrative review of the out-of-home placement plan of each child placed in foster care no later than 180 days after the initial placement of the child in foster care and at least every six months thereafter if the child is not returned to the home of the parent or parents within that time. The out-of-home placement plan must be monitored and updated at each administrative review. The administrative review shall be conducted by the responsible social services agency using a panel of appropriate persons at least one of whom is not responsible for the case management of, or the delivery of services to, either the child or the parents who are the subject of the review. The administrative review shall be open to participation by the parent or guardian of the child and the child, as appropriate.

(b) As an alternative to the administrative review required in paragraph (a), the court may, as part of any hearing required under the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure, conduct a hearing to monitor and update the out-of-home placement plan pursuant to the procedure and standard in section 260C.201, subdivision 6, paragraph (d). The party requesting review of the out-of-home placement plan shall give parties to the proceeding notice of the request to review and update the out-of-home placement plan. A court review conducted pursuant to section 260C.141, subdivision 2; 260C.193; 260C.201, subdivision 1; 260C.202; 260C.204; 260C.317; or 260D.06 shall satisfy the requirement for the review so long as the other requirements of this section are met.

(c) As appropriate to the stage of the proceedings and relevant court orders, the responsible social services agency or the court shall review:

(1) the safety, permanency needs, and well-being of the child;

(2) the continuing necessity for and appropriateness of the placement;

(3) the extent of compliance with the out-of-home placement plan;

(4) the extent of progress that has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating placement in foster care;

(5) the projected date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the home or placed permanently away from the care of the parent or parents or guardian; and

(6) the appropriateness of the services provided to the child.

(d) When a child is age deleted text begin 16 deleted text end new text begin 14 new text end or older, in addition to any administrative review conducted by the agency, at the in-court review required under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, clause (3), or 260C.515, subdivision 5 or 6, the court shall review the independent living plan required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end , and the provision of services to the child related to the well-being of the child as the child prepares to leave foster care. The review shall include the actual plans related to each item in the plan necessary to the child's future safety and well-being when the child is no longer in foster care.

(e) At the court review required under paragraph (d) for a child age deleted text begin 16 deleted text end new text begin 14 new text end or older, the following procedures apply:

(1) six months before the child is expected to be discharged from foster care, the responsible social services agency shall give the written notice required under section 260C.451, subdivision 1, regarding the right to continued access to services for certain children in foster care past age 18 and of the right to appeal a denial of social services under section 256.045. The agency shall file a copy of the notice, including the right to appeal a denial of social services, with the court. If the agency does not file the notice by the time the child is age 17-1/2, the court shall require the agency to give it;

(2) consistent with the requirements of the independent living plan, the court shall review progress toward or accomplishment of the following goals:

(i) the child has obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(ii) the child has completed a driver's education course or has demonstrated the ability to use public transportation in the child's community;

(iii) the child is employed or enrolled in postsecondary education;

(iv) the child has applied for and obtained postsecondary education financial aid for which the child is eligible;

(v) the child has health care coverage and health care providers to meet the child's physical and mental health needs;

(vi) the child has applied for and obtained disability income assistance for which the child is eligible;

(vii) the child has obtained affordable housing with necessary supports, which does not include a homeless shelter;

(viii) the child has saved sufficient funds to pay for the first month's rent and a damage deposit;

(ix) the child has an alternative affordable housing plan, which does not include a homeless shelter, if the original housing plan is unworkable;

(x) the child, if male, has registered for the Selective Service; and

(xi) the child has a permanent connection to a caring adult; and

(3) the court shall ensure that the responsible agency in conjunction with the placement provider assists the child in obtaining the following documents prior to the child's leaving foster care: a Social Security card; the child's birth certificate; a state identification card or driver's license, new text begin tribal enrollment identification card, new text end green card, or school visa; the child's school, medical, and dental records; a contact list of the child's medical, dental, and mental health providers; and contact information for the child's siblings, if the siblings are in foster care.

(f) For a child who will be discharged from foster care at age 18 or older, the responsible social services agency is required to develop a personalized transition plan as directed by the youth. The transition plan must be developed during the 90-day period immediately prior to the expected date of discharge. The transition plan must be as detailed as the child may elect and include specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services. The agency shall ensure that the youth receives, at no cost to the youth, a copy of the youth's consumer credit report as defined in section 13C.001 and assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report. The plan must include information on the importance of designating another individual to make health care treatment decisions on behalf of the child if the child becomes unable to participate in these decisions and the child does not have, or does not want, a relative who would otherwise be authorized to make these decisions. The plan must provide the child with the option to execute a health care directive as provided under chapter 145C. The agency shall also provide the youth with appropriate contact information if the youth needs more information or needs help dealing with a crisis situation through age 21.

Sec. 58.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.212, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Out-of-home placement; plan.

(a) An out-of-home placement plan shall be prepared within 30 days after any child is placed in foster care by court order or a voluntary placement agreement between the responsible social services agency and the child's parent pursuant to section 260C.227 or chapter 260D.

(b) An out-of-home placement plan means a written document which is prepared by the responsible social services agency jointly with the parent or parents or guardian of the child and in consultation with the child's guardian ad litem, the child's tribe, if the child is an Indian child, the child's foster parent or representative of the foster care facility, and, where appropriate, the child. new text begin When a child is age 14 or older, the child may include two other individuals on the team preparing the child's out-of-home placement plan. new text end For a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, preparation of the out-of-home placement plan shall additionally include the child's mental health treatment provider. As appropriate, the plan shall be:

(1) submitted to the court for approval under section 260C.178, subdivision 7;

(2) ordered by the court, either as presented or modified after hearing, under section 260C.178, subdivision 7, or 260C.201, subdivision 6; and

(3) signed by the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the child's guardian ad litem, a representative of the child's tribe, the responsible social services agency, and, if possible, the child.

(c) The out-of-home placement plan shall be explained to all persons involved in its implementation, including the child who has signed the plan, and shall set forth:

(1) a description of the foster care home or facility selected, including how the out-of-home placement plan is designed to achieve a safe placement for the child in the least restrictive, most family-like, setting available which is in close proximity to the home of the parent or parents or guardian of the child when the case plan goal is reunification, and how the placement is consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child according to the factors under subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

(2) the specific reasons for the placement of the child in foster care, and when reunification is the plan, a description of the problems or conditions in the home of the parent or parents which necessitated removal of the child from home and the changes the parent or parents must make in order for the child to safely return home;

(3) a description of the services offered and provided to prevent removal of the child from the home and to reunify the family including:

(i) the specific actions to be taken by the parent or parents of the child to eliminate or correct the problems or conditions identified in clause (2), and the time period during which the actions are to be taken; and

(ii) the reasonable efforts, or in the case of an Indian child, active efforts to be made to achieve a safe and stable home for the child including social and other supportive services to be provided or offered to the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the child, and the residential facility during the period the child is in the residential facility;

(4) a description of any services or resources that were requested by the child or the child's parent, guardian, foster parent, or custodian since the date of the child's placement in the residential facility, and whether those services or resources were provided and if not, the basis for the denial of the services or resources;

(5) the visitation plan for the parent or parents or guardian, other relatives as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 27, and siblings of the child if the siblings are not placed together in foster care, and whether visitation is consistent with the best interest of the child, during the period the child is in foster care;

(6) when a child cannot return to or be in the care of either parent, documentation of steps to finalize new text begin adoption as new text end the permanency plan for the child deleted text begin , including: (i) deleted text end new text begin through new text end reasonable efforts to place the child for adoption. At a minimum, the documentation must include consideration of whether adoption is in the best interests of the child, child-specific recruitment efforts such as relative search and the use of state, regional, and national adoption exchanges to facilitate orderly and timely placements in and outside of the state. A copy of this documentation shall be provided to the court in the review required under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, paragraph (b); deleted text begin and deleted text end

deleted text begin (ii) documentation necessary to support the requirements of the kinship placement agreement under section 256N.22 when adoption is determined not to be in the child's best interests; deleted text end new text begin (7) when a child cannot return to or be in the care of either parent, documentation of steps to finalize the transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative as the permanency plan for the child. This documentation must support the requirements of the kinship placement agreement under section 256N.22 and must include the reasonable efforts used to determine that it is not appropriate for the child to return home or be adopted, and reasons why permanent placement with a relative through a Northstar kinship assistance arrangement is in the child's best interest; how the child meets the eligibility requirements for Northstar kinship assistance payments; agency efforts to discuss adoption with the child's relative foster parent and reasons why the relative foster parent chose not to pursue adoption, if applicable; and agency efforts to discuss with the child's parent or parents the permanent transfer of permanent legal and physical custody or the reasons why these efforts were not made; new text end

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end efforts to ensure the child's educational stability while in foster care, including:

(i) efforts to ensure that the child remains in the same school in which the child was enrolled prior to placement or upon the child's move from one placement to another, including efforts to work with the local education authorities to ensure the child's educational stability; or

(ii) if it is not in the child's best interest to remain in the same school that the child was enrolled in prior to placement or move from one placement to another, efforts to ensure immediate and appropriate enrollment for the child in a new school;

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end the educational records of the child including the most recent information available regarding:

(i) the names and addresses of the child's educational providers;

(ii) the child's grade level performance;

(iii) the child's school record;

(iv) a statement about how the child's placement in foster care takes into account proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement; and

(v) any other relevant educational information;

deleted text begin (9) deleted text end new text begin (10) new text end the efforts by the local agency to ensure the oversight and continuity of health care services for the foster child, including:

(i) the plan to schedule the child's initial health screens;

(ii) how the child's known medical problems and identified needs from the screens, including any known communicable diseases, as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2, will be monitored and treated while the child is in foster care;

(iii) how the child's medical information will be updated and shared, including the child's immunizations;

(iv) who is responsible to coordinate and respond to the child's health care needs, including the role of the parent, the agency, and the foster parent;

(v) who is responsible for oversight of the child's prescription medications;

(vi) how physicians or other appropriate medical and nonmedical professionals will be consulted and involved in assessing the health and well-being of the child and determine the appropriate medical treatment for the child; and

(vii) the responsibility to ensure that the child has access to medical care through either medical insurance or medical assistance;

deleted text begin (10) deleted text end new text begin (11) new text end the health records of the child including information available regarding:

(i) the names and addresses of the child's health care and dental care providers;

(ii) a record of the child's immunizations;

(iii) the child's known medical problems, including any known communicable diseases as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2;

(iv) the child's medications; and

(v) any other relevant health care information such as the child's eligibility for medical insurance or medical assistance;

deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end an independent living plan for a child age deleted text begin 16 deleted text end new text begin 14 new text end or older. The plan should include, but not be limited to, the following objectives:

(i) educational, vocational, or employment planning;

(ii) health care planning and medical coverage;

(iii) transportation including, where appropriate, assisting the child in obtaining a driver's license;

(iv) money management, including the responsibility of the agency to ensure that the youth annually receives, at no cost to the youth, a consumer report as defined under section 13C.001 and assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report;

(v) planning for housing;

(vi) social and recreational skills; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(vii) establishing and maintaining connections with the child's family and community; and

new text begin (viii) regular opportunities to engage in age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities typical for the child's age group, taking into consideration the capacities of the individual child; and new text end

deleted text begin (12) deleted text end new text begin (13) new text end for a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, diagnostic and assessment information, specific services relating to meeting the mental health care needs of the child, and treatment outcomes.

(d) The parent or parents or guardian and the child each shall have the right to legal counsel in the preparation of the case plan and shall be informed of the right at the time of placement of the child. The child shall also have the right to a guardian ad litem. If unable to employ counsel from their own resources, the court shall appoint counsel upon the request of the parent or parents or the child or the child's legal guardian. The parent or parents may also receive assistance from any person or social services agency in preparation of the case plan.

After the plan has been agreed upon by the parties involved or approved or ordered by the court, the foster parents shall be fully informed of the provisions of the case plan and shall be provided a copy of the plan.

Upon discharge from foster care, the parent, adoptive parent, or permanent legal and physical custodian, as appropriate, and the child, if appropriate, must be provided with a current copy of the child's health and education record.

Sec. 59.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.212, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Protecting missing and runaway children and youth at risk of sex trafficking. new text end

new text begin (a) The local social services agency shall expeditiously locate any child missing from foster care. new text end

new text begin (b) The local social services agency shall report immediately, but no later than 24 hours, after receiving information on a missing or abducted child to the local law enforcement agency for entry into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. new text end

new text begin (c) The local social services agency shall not discharge a child from foster care or close the social services case until diligent efforts have been exhausted to locate the child and the court terminates the agency's jurisdiction. new text end

new text begin (d) The local social services agency shall determine the primary factors that contributed to the child's running away or otherwise being absent from care and, to the extent possible and appropriate, respond to those factors in current and subsequent placements. new text end

new text begin (e) The local social services agency shall determine what the child experienced while absent from care, including screening the child to determine if the child is a possible sex trafficking victim as defined in section 609.321, subdivision 7b. new text end

new text begin (f) The local social services agency shall report immediately, but no later than 24 hours, to the local law enforcement agency any reasonable cause to believe a child is, or is at risk of being, a sex trafficking victim. new text end

new text begin (g) The local social services agency shall determine appropriate services as described in section 145.4717 with respect to any child for whom the local social services agency has responsibility for placement, care, or supervision when the local social services agency has reasonable cause to believe the child is, or is at risk of being, a sex trafficking victim. new text end

Sec. 60.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.212, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Support age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate activities for foster children. new text end

new text begin Responsible social services agencies and child-placing agencies shall support a foster child's emotional and developmental growth by permitting the child to participate in activities or events that are generally accepted as suitable for children of the same chronological age or are developmentally appropriate for the child. Foster parents and residential facility staff are permitted to allow foster children to participate in extracurricular, social, or cultural activities that are typical for the child's age by applying reasonable and prudent parenting standards. Reasonable and prudent parenting standards are characterized by careful and sensible parenting decisions that maintain the child's health and safety, and are made in the child's best interest. new text end

Sec. 61.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.221, is amended to read:

260C.221 RELATIVE SEARCH.

(a) The responsible social services agency shall exercise due diligence to identify and notify adult relatives prior to placement or within 30 days after the child's removal from the parent. The county agency shall consider placement with a relative under this section without delay and whenever the child must move from or be returned to foster care. The relative search required by this section shall be comprehensive in scope. After a finding that the agency has made reasonable efforts to conduct the relative search under this paragraph, the agency has the continuing responsibility to appropriately involve relatives, who have responded to the notice required under this paragraph, in planning for the child and to continue to consider relatives according to the requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision 2. At any time during the course of juvenile protection proceedings, the court may order the agency to reopen its search for relatives when it is in the child's best interest to do so.

new text begin (b) new text end The relative search required by this section shall include both maternal deleted text begin relatives deleted text end and paternal new text begin adult new text end relatives of the child new text begin ; all adult grandparents; all legal parents, guardians or custodians; the child's siblings; and any other adult relatives suggested by the child's parents, subject to the exceptions due to family violence in paragraph (c) new text end . The search shall also include getting information from the child in an age-appropriate manner about who the child considers to be family members and important friends with whom the child has resided or had significant contact. The relative search required under this section must fulfill the agency's duties under the Indian Child Welfare Act regarding active efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family under United States Code, title 25, section 1912(d), and to meet placement preferences under United States Code, title 25, section 1915. The relatives must be notified:

(1) of the need for a foster home for the child, the option to become a placement resource for the child, and the possibility of the need for a permanent placement for the child;

(2) of their responsibility to keep the responsible social services agency and the court informed of their current address in order to receive notice in the event that a permanent placement is sought for the child and to receive notice of the permanency progress review hearing under section 260C.204. A relative who fails to provide a current address to the responsible social services agency and the court forfeits the right to receive notice of the possibility of permanent placement and of the permanency progress review hearing under section 260C.204. A decision by a relative not to be identified as a potential permanent placement resource or participate in planning for the child at the beginning of the case shall not affect whether the relative is considered for placement of the child with that relative later;

(3) that the relative may participate in the care and planning for the child, including that the opportunity for such participation may be lost by failing to respond to the notice sent under this subdivision. "Participate in the care and planning" includes, but is not limited to, participation in case planning for the parent and child, identifying the strengths and needs of the parent and child, supervising visits, providing respite and vacation visits for the child, providing transportation to appointments, suggesting other relatives who might be able to help support the case plan, and to the extent possible, helping to maintain the child's familiar and regular activities and contact with friends and relatives;

(4) of the family foster care licensing requirements, including how to complete an application and how to request a variance from licensing standards that do not present a safety or health risk to the child in the home under section 245A.04 and supports that are available for relatives and children who reside in a family foster home; and

(5) of the relatives' right to ask to be notified of any court proceedings regarding the child, to attend the hearings, and of a relative's right or opportunity to be heard by the court as required under section 260C.152, subdivision 5.

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end A responsible social services agency may disclose private data, as defined in sections 13.02 and 626.556, to relatives of the child for the purpose of locating and assessing a suitable placement and may use any reasonable means of identifying and locating relatives including the Internet or other electronic means of conducting a search. The agency shall disclose data that is necessary to facilitate possible placement with relatives and to ensure that the relative is informed of the needs of the child so the relative can participate in planning for the child and be supportive of services to the child and family. If the child's parent refuses to give the responsible social services agency information sufficient to identify the maternal and paternal relatives of the child, the agency shall ask the juvenile court to order the parent to provide the necessary information. If a parent makes an explicit request that a specific relative not be contacted or considered for placement due to safety reasons including past family or domestic violence, the agency shall bring the parent's request to the attention of the court to determine whether the parent's request is consistent with the best interests of the child and the agency shall not contact the specific relative when the juvenile court finds that contacting the specific relative would endanger the parent, guardian, child, sibling, or any family member.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end At a regularly scheduled hearing not later than three months after the child's placement in foster care and as required in section 260C.202, the agency shall report to the court:

(1) its efforts to identify maternal and paternal relatives of the child and to engage the relatives in providing support for the child and family, and document that the relatives have been provided the notice required under paragraph (a); and

(2) its decision regarding placing the child with a relative as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, and to ask relatives to visit or maintain contact with the child in order to support family connections for the child, when placement with a relative is not possible or appropriate.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end Notwithstanding chapter 13, the agency shall disclose data about particular relatives identified, searched for, and contacted for the purposes of the court's review of the agency's due diligence.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end When the court is satisfied that the agency has exercised due diligence to identify relatives and provide the notice required in paragraph (a), the court may find that reasonable efforts have been made to conduct a relative search to identify and provide notice to adult relatives as required under section 260.012, paragraph (e), clause (3). If the court is not satisfied that the agency has exercised due diligence to identify relatives and provide the notice required in paragraph (a), the court may order the agency to continue its search and notice efforts and to report back to the court.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end When the placing agency determines that permanent placement proceedings are necessary because there is a likelihood that the child will not return to a parent's care, the agency must send the notice provided in paragraph deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end , may ask the court to modify the duty of the agency to send the notice required in paragraph deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end , or may ask the court to completely relieve the agency of the requirements of paragraph deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end . The relative notification requirements of paragraph deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end do not apply when the child is placed with an appropriate relative or a foster home that has committed to adopting the child or taking permanent legal and physical custody of the child and the agency approves of that foster home for permanent placement of the child. The actions ordered by the court under this section must be consistent with the best interests, safety, permanency, and welfare of the child.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end Unless required under the Indian Child Welfare Act or relieved of this duty by the court under paragraph deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end , when the agency determines that it is necessary to prepare for permanent placement determination proceedings, or in anticipation of filing a termination of parental rights petition, the agency shall send notice to the relatives, any adult with whom the child is currently residing, any adult with whom the child has resided for one year or longer in the past, and any adults who have maintained a relationship or exercised visitation with the child as identified in the agency case plan. The notice must state that a permanent home is sought for the child and that the individuals receiving the notice may indicate to the agency their interest in providing a permanent home. The notice must state that within 30 days of receipt of the notice an individual receiving the notice must indicate to the agency the individual's interest in providing a permanent home for the child or that the individual may lose the opportunity to be considered for a permanent placement.

Sec. 62.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.331, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Care, examination, or treatment.

(a) Except where parental rights are terminated,

(1) whenever legal custody of a child is transferred by the court to a responsible social services agency,

(2) whenever legal custody is transferred to a person other than the responsible social services agency, but under the supervision of the responsible social services agency, or

(3) whenever a child is given physical or mental examinations or treatment under order of the court, and no provision is otherwise made by law for payment for the care, examination, or treatment of the child, these costs are a charge upon the welfare funds of the county in which proceedings are held upon certification of the judge of juvenile court.

(b) The court shall order, and the responsible social services agency shall require, the parents or custodian of a child, while the child is under the age of 18, to use the total income and resources attributable to the child for the period of care, examination, or treatment, except for clothing and personal needs allowance as provided in section 256B.35, to reimburse the county for the cost of care, examination, or treatment. Income and resources attributable to the child include, but are not limited to, Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veterans benefits, railroad retirement benefits and child support. When the child is over the age of 18, and continues to receive care, examination, or treatment, the court shall order, and the responsible social services agency shall require, reimbursement from the child for the cost of care, examination, or treatment from the income and resources attributable to the child less the clothing and personal needs allowance. Income does not include earnings from a child over the age of 18 who is working as part of a plan under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end , to transition from foster care, or the income and resources from sources other than Supplemental Security Income and child support that are needed to complete the requirements listed in section 260C.203.

(c) If the income and resources attributable to the child are not enough to reimburse the county for the full cost of the care, examination, or treatment, the court shall inquire into the ability of the parents to support the child and, after giving the parents a reasonable opportunity to be heard, the court shall order, and the responsible social services agency shall require, the parents to contribute to the cost of care, examination, or treatment of the child. When determining the amount to be contributed by the parents, the court shall use a fee schedule based upon ability to pay that is established by the responsible social services agency and approved by the commissioner of human services. The income of a stepparent who has not adopted a child shall be excluded in calculating the parental contribution under this section.

(d) The court shall order the amount of reimbursement attributable to the parents or custodian, or attributable to the child, or attributable to both sources, withheld under chapter 518A from the income of the parents or the custodian of the child. A parent or custodian who fails to pay without good reason may be proceeded against for contempt, or the court may inform the county attorney, who shall proceed to collect the unpaid sums, or both procedures may be used.

(e) If the court orders a physical or mental examination for a child, the examination is a medically necessary service for purposes of determining whether the service is covered by a health insurance policy, health maintenance contract, or other health coverage plan. Court-ordered treatment shall be subject to policy, contract, or plan requirements for medical necessity. Nothing in this paragraph changes or eliminates benefit limits, conditions of coverage, co-payments or deductibles, provider restrictions, or other requirements in the policy, contract, or plan that relate to coverage of other medically necessary services.

(f) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), (c), or (d), a parent, custodian, or guardian of the child is not required to use income and resources attributable to the child to reimburse the county for costs of care and is not required to contribute to the cost of care of the child during any period of time when the child is returned to the home of that parent, custodian, or guardian pursuant to a trial home visit under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

Sec. 63.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.451, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Independent living plan.

Upon the request of any child in foster care immediately prior to the child's 18th birthday and who is in foster care at the time of the request, the responsible social services agency shall, in conjunction with the child and other appropriate parties, update the independent living plan required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end , related to the child's employment, vocational, educational, social, or maturational needs. The agency shall provide continued services and foster care for the child including those services that are necessary to implement the independent living plan.

Sec. 64.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.451, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Reentering foster care and accessing services after age 18.

(a) Upon request of an individual between the ages of 18 and 21 who had been under the guardianship of the commissioner and who has left foster care without being adopted, the responsible social services agency which had been the commissioner's agent for purposes of the guardianship shall develop with the individual a plan to increase the individual's ability to live safely and independently using the plan requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end , clause deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end , and to assist the individual to meet one or more of the eligibility criteria in subdivision 4 if the individual wants to reenter foster care. The agency shall provide foster care as required to implement the plan. The agency shall enter into a voluntary placement agreement under section 260C.229 with the individual if the plan includes foster care.

(b) Individuals who had not been under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services prior to age 18 and are between the ages of 18 and 21 may ask to reenter foster care after age 18 and, to the extent funds are available, the responsible social services agency that had responsibility for planning for the individual before discharge from foster care may provide foster care or other services to the individual for the purpose of increasing the individual's ability to live safely and independently and to meet the eligibility criteria in subdivision 3a, if the individual:

(1) was in foster care for the six consecutive months prior to the person's 18th birthday and was not discharged home, adopted, or received into a relative's home under a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody under section 260C.515, subdivision 4; or

(2) was discharged from foster care while on runaway status after age 15.

(c) In conjunction with a qualifying and eligible individual under paragraph (b) and other appropriate persons, the responsible social services agency shall develop a specific plan related to that individual's vocational, educational, social, or maturational needs and, to the extent funds are available, provide foster care as required to implement the plan. The agency shall enter into a voluntary placement agreement with the individual if the plan includes foster care.

(d) Youth who left foster care while under guardianship of the commissioner of human services retain eligibility for foster care for placement at any time between the ages of 18 and 21.

Sec. 65.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.515, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Permanent custody to agency.

The court may order permanent custody to the responsible social services agency for continued placement of the child in foster care but only if it approves the responsible social services agency's compelling reasons that no other permanency disposition order is in the child's best interests and:

(1) the child has reached age deleted text begin 12 deleted text end new text begin 16 and has been asked about the child's desired permanency outcome new text end ;

deleted text begin (2) the child is a sibling of a child described in clause (1) and the siblings have a deleted text end deleted text begin significant positive relationship and are ordered into the same foster home; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end the responsible social services agency has made reasonable efforts to locate and place the child with an adoptive family or a fit and willing relative who would either agree to adopt the child or to a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of the child, but these efforts have not proven successful; and

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end the parent will continue to have visitation or contact with the child and will remain involved in planning for the child.

Sec. 66.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.521, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Child in permanent custody of responsible social services agency.

(a) Court reviews of an order for permanent custody to the responsible social services agency for placement of the child in foster care must be conducted at least yearly at an in-court appearance hearing.

(b) The purpose of the review hearing is to ensure:

(1) the order for permanent custody to the responsible social services agency for placement of the child in foster care continues to be in the best interests of the child and that no other permanency disposition order is in the best interests of the child;

(2) that the agency is assisting the child to build connections to the child's family and community; and

(3) that the agency is appropriately planning with the child for development of independent living skills for the child and, as appropriate, for the orderly and successful transition to independent living that may occur if the child continues in foster care without another permanency disposition order.

(c) The court must review the child's out-of-home placement plan and the reasonable efforts of the agency to finalize an alternative permanent plan for the child including the agency's efforts to:

(1) ensure that permanent custody to the agency with placement of the child in foster care continues to be the most appropriate legal arrangement for meeting the child's need for permanency and stability or, if not, to identify and attempt to finalize another permanency disposition order under this chapter that would better serve the child's needs and best interests;

(2) identify a specific foster home for the child, if one has not already been identified;

(3) support continued placement of the child in the identified home, if one has been identified;

(4) ensure appropriate services are provided to address the physical health, mental health, and educational needs of the child during the period of foster care and also ensure appropriate services or assistance to maintain relationships with appropriate family members and the child's community; and

(5) plan for the child's independence upon the child's leaving foster care living as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1.

(d) The court may find that the agency has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanent plan for the child when:

(1) the agency has made reasonable efforts to identify a more legally permanent home for the child than is provided by an order for permanent custody to the agency for placement in foster care; deleted text begin and deleted text end

new text begin (2) the child has been asked about the child's desired permanency outcome; and new text end

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end the agency's engagement of the child in planning for independent living is reasonable and appropriate.

Sec. 67.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.521, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Modifying order for permanent legal and physical custody to a relative.

new text begin (a) new text end An order for a relative to have permanent legal and physical custody of a child may be modified using standards under sections 518.18 and 518.185.

new text begin (b) When a child is receiving Northstar kinship assistance under chapter 256N, if a relative named as permanent legal and physical custodian in an order made under this chapter becomes incapacitated or dies, a successor custodian named in the Northstar Care for Children kinship assistance benefit agreement under section 256N.25 may file a request to modify the order for permanent legal and physical custody to name the successor custodian as the permanent legal and physical custodian of the child. The court may modify the order to name the successor custodian as the permanent legal and physical custodian upon reviewing the background study required under section 245C.33 if the court finds the modification is in the child's best interests. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end The social services agency is a party to the proceeding and must receive notice.

Sec. 68.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 260C.607, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Content of review.

(a) The court shall review:

(1) the agency's reasonable efforts under section 260C.605 to finalize an adoption for the child as appropriate to the stage of the case; and

(2) the child's current out-of-home placement plan required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, to ensure the child is receiving all services and supports required to meet the child's needs as they relate to the child's:

(i) placement;

(ii) visitation and contact with siblings;

(iii) visitation and contact with relatives;

(iv) medical, mental, and dental health; and

(v) education.

(b) When the child is age deleted text begin 16 deleted text end new text begin 14 new text end and older, and as long as the child continues in foster care, the court shall also review the agency's planning for the child's independent living after leaving foster care including how the agency is meeting the requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end . The court shall use the review requirements of section 260C.203 in any review conducted under this paragraph.

Sec. 69.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.26, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14.

Obligor.

"Obligor" means a person obligated to pay maintenance or support. deleted text begin A person who has primary physical custody of a child is presumed not to be an obligor for purposes of a child support order under section 518A.34, unless section 518A.36, subdivision 3, applies or the court makes specific written findings to overcome this presumption. deleted text end For purposes of ordering medical support under section 518A.41, a parent who has primary physical custody of a child may be an obligor subject to a payment agreement under section 518A.69.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 70.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Methods.

Determination of potential income must be made according to one of three methods, as appropriate:

(1) the parent's probable earnings level based on employment potential, recent work history, and occupational qualifications in light of prevailing job opportunities and earnings levels in the community;

(2) if a parent is receiving unemployment compensation or workers' compensation, that parent's income may be calculated using the actual amount of the unemployment compensation or workers' compensation benefit received; or

(3) the amount of income a parent could earn working deleted text begin full time at 150 deleted text end new text begin 30 hours per week at 100 new text end percent of the current federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 71.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.39, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authority.

After an order under this chapter or chapter 518 for maintenance or support money, temporary or permanent, or for the appointment of trustees to receive property awarded as maintenance or support money, the court may from time to time, on motion of either of the parties, a copy of which is served on the public authority responsible for child support enforcement if payments are made through it, or on motion of the public authority responsible for support enforcement, modify the order respecting the amount of maintenance or support money new text begin or medical support new text end , and the payment of it, and also respecting the appropriation and payment of the principal and income of property held in trust, and may make an order respecting these matters which it might have made in the original proceeding, except as herein otherwise provided. A party or the public authority also may bring a motion for contempt of court if the obligor is in arrears in support or maintenance payments.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 72.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.39, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Medical support-only modification. new text end

new text begin (a) The medical support terms of a support order and determination of the child dependency tax credit may be modified without modification of the full order for support or maintenance, if the order has been established or modified in its entirety within three years from the date of the motion, and upon a showing of one or more of the following: new text end

new text begin (1) a change in the availability of appropriate health care coverage or a substantial increase or decrease in health care coverage costs; new text end

new text begin (2) a change in the eligibility for medical assistance under chapter 256B; new text end

new text begin (3) a party's failure to carry court-ordered coverage, or to provide other medical support as ordered; new text end

new text begin (4) the federal child dependency tax credit is not ordered for the same parent who is ordered to carry health care coverage; or new text end

new text begin (5) the federal child dependency tax credit is not addressed in the order and the noncustodial parent is ordered to carry health care coverage. new text end

new text begin (b) For a motion brought under this subdivision, a modification of the medical support terms of an order may be made retroactive only with respect to any period during which the petitioning party has pending a motion for modification, but only from the date of service of notice of the motion on the responding party and on the public authority if public assistance is being furnished or the county attorney is the attorney of record. new text end

new text begin (c) The court need not hold an evidentiary hearing on a motion brought under this subdivision for modification of medical support only. new text end

new text begin (d) Sections 518.14 and 518A.735 shall govern the award of attorney fees for motions brought under this subdivision. new text end

new text begin (e) The PICS originally stated in the order being modified shall be used to determine the modified medical support order under section 518A.41 for motions brought under this subdivision. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 73.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.41, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

The definitions in this subdivision apply to this chapter and chapter 518.

(a) "Health care coverage" means medical, dental, or other health care benefits that are provided by one or more health plans. Health care coverage does not include any form of public coverage.

(b) "Health carrier" means a carrier as defined in sections 62A.011, subdivision 2, and 62L.02, subdivision 16.

(c) "Health plan" means a plan, other than any form of public coverage, that provides medical, dental, or other health care benefits and is:

(1) provided on an individual or group basis;

(2) provided by an employer or union;

(3) purchased in the private market; or

(4) available to a person eligible to carry insurance for the joint child, including a party's spouse or parent.

Health plan includes, but is not limited to, a plan meeting the definition under section 62A.011, subdivision 3, except that the exclusion of coverage designed solely to provide dental or vision care under section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clause (6), does not apply to the definition of health plan under this section; a group health plan governed under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); a self-insured plan under sections 43A.23 to 43A.317 and 471.617; and a policy, contract, or certificate issued by a community-integrated service network licensed under chapter 62N.

(d) "Medical support" means providing health care coverage for a joint child by carrying health care coverage for the joint child or by contributing to the cost of health care coverage, public coverage, unreimbursed medical expenses, and uninsured medical expenses of the joint child.

(e) "National medical support notice" means an administrative notice issued by the public authority to enforce health insurance provisions of a support order in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 303.32, in cases where the public authority provides support enforcement services.

(f) "Public coverage" means health care benefits provided by any form of medical assistance under chapter 256B deleted text begin or MinnesotaCare under chapter 256L deleted text end . new text begin Public coverage does not include MinnesotaCare or health plans subsidized by federal premium tax credits or federal cost-sharing reductions. new text end

(g) "Uninsured medical expenses" means a joint child's reasonable and necessary health-related expenses if the joint child is not covered by a health plan or public coverage when the expenses are incurred.

(h) "Unreimbursed medical expenses" means a joint child's reasonable and necessary health-related expenses if a joint child is covered by a health plan or public coverage and the plan or coverage does not pay for the total cost of the expenses when the expenses are incurred. Unreimbursed medical expenses do not include the cost of premiums. Unreimbursed medical expenses include, but are not limited to, deductibles, co-payments, and expenses for orthodontia, and prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses, but not over-the-counter medications if coverage is under a health plan.

Sec. 74.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.41, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Determining appropriate health care coverage.

In determining whether a parent has appropriate health care coverage for the joint child, the court must consider the following factors:

(1) comprehensiveness of health care coverage providing medical benefits. Dependent health care coverage providing medical benefits is presumed comprehensive if it includes medical and hospital coverage and provides for preventive, emergency, acute, and chronic care new text begin ; or if it meets the minimum essential coverage definition in United States Code, title 26, section 5000A(f) new text end . If both parents have health care coverage providing medical benefits that is presumed comprehensive under this paragraph, the court must determine which parent's coverage is more comprehensive by considering what other benefits are included in the coverage;

(2) accessibility. Dependent health care coverage is accessible if the covered joint child can obtain services from a health plan provider with reasonable effort by the parent with whom the joint child resides. Health care coverage is presumed accessible if:

(i) primary care is available within 30 minutes or 30 miles of the joint child's residence and specialty care is available within 60 minutes or 60 miles of the joint child's residence;

(ii) the health care coverage is available through an employer and the employee can be expected to remain employed for a reasonable amount of time; and

(iii) no preexisting conditions exist to unduly delay enrollment in health care coverage;

(3) the joint child's special medical needs, if any; and

(4) affordability. Dependent health care coverage is affordable if it is reasonable in cost. If both parents have health care coverage available for a joint child that is comparable with regard to comprehensiveness of medical benefits, accessibility, and the joint child's special needs, the least costly health care coverage is presumed to be the most appropriate health care coverage for the joint child.

Sec. 75.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.41, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Ordering health care coverage.

(a) If a joint child is presently enrolled in health care coverage, the court must order that the parent who currently has the joint child enrolled continue that enrollment unless the parties agree otherwise or a party requests a change in coverage and the court determines that other health care coverage is more appropriate.

(b) If a joint child is not presently enrolled in health care coverage providing medical benefits, upon motion of a parent or the public authority, the court must determine whether one or both parents have appropriate health care coverage providing medical benefits for the joint child.

(c) If only one parent has appropriate health care coverage providing medical benefits available, the court must order that parent to carry the coverage for the joint child.

(d) If both parents have appropriate health care coverage providing medical benefits available, the court must order the parent with whom the joint child resides to carry the coverage for the joint child, unless:

(1) a party expresses a preference for health care coverage providing medical benefits available through the parent with whom the joint child does not reside;

(2) the parent with whom the joint child does not reside is already carrying dependent health care coverage providing medical benefits for other children and the cost of contributing to the premiums of the other parent's coverage would cause the parent with whom the joint child does not reside extreme hardship; or

(3) the parties agree as to which parent will carry health care coverage providing medical benefits and agree on the allocation of costs.

(e) If the exception in paragraph (d), clause (1) or (2), applies, the court must determine which parent has the most appropriate coverage providing medical benefits available and order that parent to carry coverage for the joint child.

(f) If neither parent has appropriate health care coverage available, the court must order the parents to:

(1) contribute toward the actual health care costs of the joint children based on a pro rata share; or

(2) if the joint child is receiving any form of public coverage, the parent with whom the joint child does not reside shall contribute a monthly amount toward the actual cost of public coverage. The amount of the noncustodial parent's contribution is determined by applying the noncustodial parent's PICS to the premium deleted text begin schedule for public coverage deleted text end new text begin scale for MinnesotaCare under section 256L.15, subdivision 2, paragraph (d) new text end . If the noncustodial parent's PICS meets the eligibility requirements for deleted text begin public coverage deleted text end new text begin MinnesotaCare new text end , the contribution is the amount the noncustodial parent would pay for the child's premium. If the noncustodial parent's PICS exceeds the eligibility requirements deleted text begin for public coverage deleted text end , the contribution is the amount of the premium for the highest eligible income on the deleted text begin appropriate deleted text end premium deleted text begin schedule for public coverage deleted text end new text begin scale for MinnesotaCare under section 256L.15, subdivision 2, paragraph (d) new text end . For purposes of determining the premium amount, the noncustodial parent's household size is equal to one parent plus the child or children who are the subject of the child support order. The custodial parent's obligation is determined under the requirements for public coverage as set forth in chapter 256B deleted text begin or 256L. deleted text end new text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (3) if the noncustodial parent's PICS meet the eligibility requirement for public coverage under chapter 256B or the noncustodial parent receives public assistance, the noncustodial parent must not be ordered to contribute toward the cost of public coverage. new text end

(g) If neither parent has appropriate health care coverage available, the court may order the parent with whom the child resides to apply for public coverage for the child.

(h) The commissioner of human services must publish a table with the premium schedule for public coverage and update the chart for changes to the schedule by July 1 of each year.

(i) If a joint child is not presently enrolled in health care coverage providing dental benefits, upon motion of a parent or the public authority, the court must determine whether one or both parents have appropriate dental health care coverage for the joint child, and the court may order a parent with appropriate dental health care coverage available to carry the coverage for the joint child.

(j) If a joint child is not presently enrolled in available health care coverage providing benefits other than medical benefits or dental benefits, upon motion of a parent or the public authority, the court may determine whether that other health care coverage for the joint child is appropriate, and the court may order a parent with that appropriate health care coverage available to carry the coverage for the joint child.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2015. new text end

Sec. 76.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.41, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14.

Child support enforcement services.

The public authority must take necessary steps to establish deleted text begin and enforce deleted text end new text begin , enforce, and modify new text end an order for medical support if the joint child receives public assistance or a party completes an application for services from the public authority under section 518A.51.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 77.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.41, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Enforcement.

(a) Remedies available for collecting and enforcing child support apply to medical support.

(b) For the purpose of enforcement, the following are additional support:

(1) the costs of individual or group health or hospitalization coverage;

(2) dental coverage;

(3) medical costs ordered by the court to be paid by either party, including health care coverage premiums paid by the obligee because of the obligor's failure to obtain coverage as ordered; and

(4) liabilities established under this subdivision.

(c) A party who fails to carry court-ordered dependent health care coverage is liable for the joint child's uninsured medical expenses unless a court order provides otherwise. A party's failure to carry court-ordered coverage, or to provide other medical support as ordered, is a basis for modification of deleted text begin a deleted text end new text begin medical new text end support deleted text begin order deleted text end under section 518A.39, subdivision deleted text begin 2 deleted text end new text begin 8, unless it meets the presumption in section 518A.39, subdivision 2 new text end .

(d) Payments by the health carrier or employer for services rendered to the dependents that are directed to a party not owed reimbursement must be endorsed over to and forwarded to the vendor or appropriate party or the public authority. A party retaining insurance reimbursement not owed to the party is liable for the amount of the reimbursement.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 78.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.43, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Income disparity between parties. new text end

new text begin The court may deviate from the presumptive child support obligation under section 518A.34 and elect not to order a party who has between ten and 45 percent parenting time to pay basic support where such a significant disparity of income exists between the parties that an order directing payment of basic support would be detrimental to the parties' joint child. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 79.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.46, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Contents of pleadings.

(a) In cases involving establishment or modification of a child support order, the initiating party shall include the following information, if known, in the pleadings:

(1) names, addresses, and dates of birth of the parties;

(2) Social Security numbers of the parties and the minor children of the parties, which information shall be considered private information and shall be available only to the parties, the court, and the public authority;

(3) other support obligations of the obligor;

(4) names and addresses of the parties' employers;

(5) gross income of the parties as calculated in section 518A.29;

(6) amounts and sources of any other earnings and income of the parties;

(7) health insurance coverage of parties;

(8) types and amounts of public assistance received by the parties, including Minnesota family investment plan, child care assistance, medical assistance, deleted text begin MinnesotaCare, deleted text end title IV-E foster care, or other form of assistance as defined in section 256.741, subdivision 1; and

(9) any other information relevant to the computation of the child support obligation under section 518A.34.

(b) For all matters scheduled in the expedited process, whether or not initiated by the public authority, the nonattorney employee of the public authority shall file with the court and serve on the parties the following information:

(1) information pertaining to the income of the parties available to the public authority from the Department of Employment and Economic Development;

(2) a statement of the monthly amount of child support, medical support, child care, and arrears currently being charged the obligor on Minnesota IV-D cases;

(3) a statement of the types and amount of any public assistance, as defined in section 256.741, subdivision 1, received by the parties; and

(4) any other information relevant to the determination of support that is known to the public authority and that has not been otherwise provided by the parties.

The information must be filed with the court or child support magistrate at least five days before any hearing involving child support, medical support, or child care reimbursement issues.

Sec. 80.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.46, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Contents of pleadings for medical support modifications. new text end

new text begin (a) In cases involving modification of only the medical support portion of a child support order under section 518A.39, subdivision 8, the initiating party shall include the following information, if known, in the pleadings: new text end

new text begin (1) names, addresses, and dates of birth of the parties; new text end

new text begin (2) Social Security numbers of the parties and the minor children of the parties, which shall be considered private information and shall be available only to the parties, the court, and the public authority; new text end

new text begin (3) names and addresses of the parties' employers; new text end

new text begin (4) gross income of the parties as stated in the order being modified; new text end

new text begin (5) health insurance coverage of the parties; and new text end

new text begin (6) any other information relevant to the determination of the medical support obligation under section 518A.41. new text end

new text begin (b) For all matters scheduled in the expedited process, whether or not initiated by the public authority, the nonattorney employee of the public authority shall file with the court and serve on the parties the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) a statement of the monthly amount of child support, medical support, child care, and arrears currently being charged the obligor on Minnesota IV-D cases; new text end

new text begin (2) a statement of the amount of medical assistance received by the parties; and new text end

new text begin (3) any other information relevant to the determination of medical support that is known to the public authority and that has not been otherwise provided by the parties. new text end

new text begin The information must be filed with the court or child support magistrate at least five days before the hearing on the motion to modify medical support. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 81.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.51, is amended to read:

518A.51 FEES FOR IV-D SERVICES.

(a) When a recipient of IV-D services is no longer receiving assistance under the state's title IV-A, IV-E foster care, new text begin or new text end medical assistance deleted text begin , or MinnesotaCare deleted text end programs, the public authority responsible for child support enforcement must notify the recipient, within five working days of the notification of ineligibility, that IV-D services will be continued unless the public authority is notified to the contrary by the recipient. The notice must include the implications of continuing to receive IV-D services, including the available services and fees, cost recovery fees, and distribution policies relating to fees.

deleted text begin (b) An application fee of $25 shall be paid by the person who applies for child support and maintenance collection services, except persons who are receiving public assistance as defined in section 256.741 and the diversionary work program under section 256J.95, persons who transfer from public assistance to nonpublic assistance status, and minor parents and parents enrolled in a public secondary school, area learning center, or alternative learning program approved by the commissioner of education. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end In the case of an individual who has never received assistance under a state program funded under title IV-A of the Social Security Act and for whom the public authority has collected at least $500 of support, the public authority must impose an annual federal collections fee of $25 for each case in which services are furnished. This fee must be retained by the public authority from support collected on behalf of the individual, but not from the first $500 collected.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end When the public authority provides full IV-D services to an obligee who has applied for those services, upon written notice to the obligee, the public authority must charge a cost recovery fee of two percent of the amount collected. This fee must be deducted from the amount of the child support and maintenance collected and not assigned under section 256.741 before disbursement to the obligee. This fee does not apply to an obligee who:

(1) is currently receiving assistance under the state's title IV-A, IV-E foster care, new text begin or new text end medical assistance deleted text begin , or MinnesotaCare deleted text end programs; or

(2) has received assistance under the state's title IV-A or IV-E foster care programs, until the person has not received this assistance for 24 consecutive months.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end When the public authority provides full IV-D services to an obligor who has applied for such services, upon written notice to the obligor, the public authority must charge a cost recovery fee of two percent of the monthly court-ordered child support and maintenance obligation. The fee may be collected through income withholding, as well as by any other enforcement remedy available to the public authority responsible for child support enforcement.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end Fees assessed by state and federal tax agencies for collection of overdue support owed to or on behalf of a person not receiving public assistance must be imposed on the person for whom these services are provided. The public authority upon written notice to the obligee shall assess a fee of $25 to the person not receiving public assistance for each successful federal tax interception. The fee must be withheld prior to the release of the funds received from each interception and deposited in the general fund.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Federal collections fees collected under paragraph deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end and cost recovery fees collected under paragraphs new text begin (c) and new text end (d) deleted text begin and (e) deleted text end retained by the commissioner of human services shall be considered child support program income according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 304.50, and shall be deposited in the special revenue fund account established under paragraph deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end . The commissioner of human services must elect to recover costs based on either actual or standardized costs.

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end The limitations of this section on the assessment of fees shall not apply to the extent inconsistent with the requirements of federal law for receiving funds for the programs under title IV-A and title IV-D of the Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, sections 601 to 613 and United States Code, title 42, sections 651 to 662.

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end The commissioner of human services is authorized to establish a special revenue fund account to receive the federal collections fees collected under paragraph deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end and cost recovery fees collected under paragraphs new text begin (c) and new text end (d) deleted text begin and (e) deleted text end .

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end The nonfederal share of the cost recovery fee revenue must be retained by the commissioner and distributed as follows:

(1) one-half of the revenue must be transferred to the child support system special revenue account to support the state's administration of the child support enforcement program and its federally mandated automated system;

(2) an additional portion of the revenue must be transferred to the child support system special revenue account for expenditures necessary to administer the fees; and

(3) the remaining portion of the revenue must be distributed to the counties to aid the counties in funding their child support enforcement programs.

deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end The nonfederal share of the federal collections fees must be distributed to the counties to aid them in funding their child support enforcement programs.

deleted text begin (l) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end The commissioner of human services shall distribute quarterly any of the funds dedicated to the counties under paragraphs new text begin (i) and new text end (j) deleted text begin and (k) deleted text end using the methodology specified in section 256.979, subdivision 11. The funds received by the counties must be reinvested in the child support enforcement program and the counties must not reduce the funding of their child support programs by the amount of the funding distributed.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016, except that the amendments striking MinnesotaCare are effective July 1, 2015. new text end

Sec. 82.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.53, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For the purpose of this section, the following terms have the meanings provided in this subdivision unless otherwise stated.

(b) "Payor of funds" means any person or entity that provides funds to an obligor, including an employer as defined under chapter 24 of the Internal Revenue Code, section 3401(d), an independent contractor, payor of worker's compensation benefits or unemployment benefits, or a financial institution as defined in section 13B.06.

(c) "Business day" means a day on which state offices are open for regular business.

(d) "Arrears" deleted text begin means amounts owed under a support order that are past due deleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in section 518A.26, subdivision 3 new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 83.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.53, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Collection services.

(a) The commissioner of human services shall prepare and make available to the courts a notice of services that explains child support and maintenance collection services available through the public authority, including income withholding, and the fees for such services. Upon receiving a petition for dissolution of marriage or legal separation, the court administrator shall promptly send the notice of services to the petitioner and respondent at the addresses stated in the petition.

(b) Either the obligee or obligor may at any time apply to the public authority for either full IV-D services or for income withholding only services.

(c) For those persons applying for income withholding only services, a monthly service fee of $15 must be charged to the obligor. This fee is in addition to the amount of the support order and shall be withheld through income withholding. The public authority shall explain the service options in this section to the affected parties and encourage the application for full child support collection services.

(d) If the obligee is not a current recipient of public assistance as defined in section 256.741, the person who applied for services may at any time choose to terminate either full IV-D services or income withholding only services regardless of whether income withholding is currently in place. The obligee or obligor may reapply for either full IV-D services or income withholding only services at any time. deleted text begin Unless the applicant is a recipient of public assistance as defined in section 256.741, a $25 application fee shall be charged at the time of each application. deleted text end

(e) When a person terminates IV-D services, if an arrearage for public assistance as defined in section 256.741 exists, the public authority may continue income withholding, as well as use any other enforcement remedy for the collection of child support, until all public assistance arrears are paid in full. Income withholding shall be in an amount equal to 20 percent of the support order in effect at the time the services terminated new text begin , unless the court has ordered a specific monthly payback amount to be applied toward the arrears. If a support order includes a specific monthly payback amount, income withholding shall be for the specific monthly payback amount ordered new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 84.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.53, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Arrearage order.

(a) This section does not prevent the court from ordering the payor of funds to withhold amounts to satisfy the obligor's previous arrearage in support order payments. This remedy shall not operate to exclude availability of other remedies to enforce judgments. The employer or payor of funds shall withhold from the obligor's income an additional amount equal to 20 percent of the monthly child support or maintenance obligation until the arrearage is paid new text begin , unless the court has ordered a specific monthly payback amount toward the arrears. If a support order includes a specific monthly payback amount, the employer or payor of funds shall withhold from the obligor's income an additional amount equal to the specific monthly payback amount ordered until all arrearages are paid new text end .

(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, funds from income sources included in section 518A.26, subdivision 8, whether periodic or lump sum, are not exempt from attachment or execution upon a judgment for child support arrearage.

(c) Absent an order to the contrary, if an arrearage exists at the time a support order would otherwise terminate, income withholding shall continue in effect or may be implemented in an amount equal to the support order plus an additional 20 percent of the monthly child support obligation, until all arrears have been paid in full.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 85.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518A.60, is amended to read:

518A.60 COLLECTION; ARREARS ONLY.

(a) Remedies available for the collection and enforcement of support in this chapter and chapters 256, 257, 518, and 518C also apply to cases in which the child or children for whom support is owed are emancipated and the obligor owes past support or has an accumulated arrearage as of the date of the youngest child's emancipation. Child support arrearages under this section include arrearages for child support, medical support, child care, pregnancy and birth expenses, and unreimbursed medical expenses as defined in section 518A.41, subdivision 1, paragraph (h).

(b) This section applies retroactively to any support arrearage that accrued on or before June 3, 1997, and to all arrearages accruing after June 3, 1997.

(c) Past support or pregnancy and confinement expenses ordered for which the obligor has specific court ordered terms for repayment may not be enforced using drivers' and occupational or professional license suspension deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin and new text end credit bureau reporting, deleted text begin and additional income withholding under section 518A.53, subdivision 10, paragraph (a), deleted text end unless the obligor fails to comply with the terms of the court order for repayment.

(d) If an arrearage exists at the time a support order would otherwise terminate and section 518A.53, subdivision 10, paragraph (c), does not apply to this section, the arrearage shall be repaid in an amount equal to the current support order until all arrears have been paid in full, absent a court order to the contrary.

(e) If an arrearage exists according to a support order which fails to establish a monthly support obligation in a specific dollar amount, the public authority, if it provides child support services, or the obligee, may establish a payment agreement which shall equal what the obligor would pay for current support after application of section 518A.34, plus an additional 20 percent of the current support obligation, until all arrears have been paid in full. If the obligor fails to enter into or comply with a payment agreement, the public authority, if it provides child support services, or the obligee, may move the district court or child support magistrate, if section 484.702 applies, for an order establishing repayment terms.

(f) If there is no longer a current support order because all of the children of the order are emancipated, the public authority may discontinue child support services and close its case under title IV-D of the Social Security Act if:

(1) the arrearage is under $500; or

(2) the arrearage is considered unenforceable by the public authority because there have been no collections for three years, and all administrative and legal remedies have been attempted or are determined by the public authority to be ineffective because the obligor is unable to pay, the obligor has no known income or assets, and there is no reasonable prospect that the obligor will be able to pay in the foreseeable future.

(g) At least 60 calendar days before the discontinuation of services under paragraph (f), the public authority must mail a written notice to the obligee and obligor at the obligee's and obligor's last known addresses that the public authority intends to close the child support enforcement case and explaining each party's rights. Seven calendar days after the first notice is mailed, the public authority must mail a second notice under this paragraph to the obligee.

(h) The case must be kept open if the obligee responds before case closure and provides information that could reasonably lead to collection of arrears. If the case is closed, the obligee may later request that the case be reopened by completing a new application for services, if there is a change in circumstances that could reasonably lead to the collection of arrears.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 86.

new text begin [518A.685] CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY; REPORTING ARREARS. new text end

new text begin (a) If a public authority determines that an obligor has not paid the current monthly support obligation plus any required arrearage payment for three months, the public authority must report this information to a consumer reporting agency. new text end

new text begin (b) Before reporting that an obligor is in arrears for court-ordered child support, the public authority must: new text end

new text begin (1) provide written notice to the obligor that the public authority intends to report the arrears to a consumer reporting agency; and new text end

new text begin (2) mail the written notice to the obligor's last known mailing address at least 30 days before the public authority reports the arrears to a consumer reporting agency. new text end

new text begin (c) The obligor may, within 21 days of receipt of the notice, do the following to prevent the public authority from reporting the arrears to a consumer reporting agency: new text end

new text begin (1) pay the arrears in full; or new text end

new text begin (2) request an administrative review. An administrative review is limited to issues of mistaken identity, a pending legal action involving the arrears, or an incorrect arrears balance. new text end

new text begin (d) If the public authority has reported that an obligor is in arrears for court-ordered child support and subsequently determines that the obligor has paid the court-ordered child support arrears in full, or is paying the current monthly support obligation plus any required arrearage payment, the public authority must report to the consumer reporting agency that the obligor is currently paying child support as ordered by the court. new text end

new text begin (e) A public authority that reports arrearage information under this section must make monthly reports to a consumer reporting agency. The monthly report must be consistent with credit reporting industry standards for child support. new text end

new text begin (f) For purposes of this section, "consumer reporting agency" has the meaning given in section 13C.001, subdivision 4, and United States Code, title 15, section 1681a(f). new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 87.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 518C.802, is amended to read:

518C.802 CONDITIONS OF RENDITION.

(a) Before making demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee, the governor of this state may require a prosecutor of this state to demonstrate that at least 60 days previously the obligee had initiated proceedings for support pursuant to this chapter or that the proceeding would be of no avail.

(b) If, under this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter, deleted text begin the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, or the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, deleted text end the governor of another state makes a demand that the governor of this state surrender an individual charged criminally in that state with having failed to provide for the support of a child or other individual to whom a duty of support is owed, the governor may require a prosecutor to investigate the demand and report whether a proceeding for support has been initiated or would be effective. If it appears that a proceeding would be effective but has not been initiated, the governor may delay honoring the demand for a reasonable time to permit the initiation of a proceeding.

(c) If a proceeding for support has been initiated and the individual whose rendition is demanded prevails, the governor may decline to honor the demand. If the petitioner prevails and the individual whose rendition is demanded is subject to a support order, the governor may decline to honor the demand if the individual is complying with the support order.

Sec. 88.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 1, as amended by Laws 2015, chapter 4, section 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Public policy.

(a) The legislature hereby declares that the public policy of this state is to protect children whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse. While it is recognized that most parents want to keep their children safe, sometimes circumstances or conditions interfere with their ability to do so. When this occurs, the health and safety of the children deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end be of paramount concern. Intervention and prevention efforts deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end address immediate concerns for child safety and the ongoing risk of abuse or neglect and should engage the protective capacities of families. In furtherance of this public policy, it is the intent of the legislature under this section to:

(1) protect children and promote child safety;

(2) strengthen the family;

(3) make the home, school, and community safe for children by promoting responsible child care in all settings; and

(4) provide, when necessary, a safe temporary or permanent home environment for physically or sexually abused or neglected children.

(b) In addition, it is the policy of this state to:

(1) require the reporting of neglect or physical or sexual abuse of children in the home, school, and community settings;

(2) provide for the voluntary reporting of abuse or neglect of children; deleted text begin to require a family assessment, when appropriate, as the preferred response to reports not alleging substantial child endangerment; deleted text end

(3) require an investigation when the report alleges new text begin sexual abuse or new text end substantial child endangerment;

new text begin (4) provide a family assessment, if appropriate, when the report does not allege sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment; new text end and

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end provide protective, family support, and family preservation services when needed in appropriate cases.

Sec. 89.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them unless the specific content indicates otherwise:

(a) "Family assessment" means a comprehensive assessment of child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs that is applied to a child maltreatment report that does not allege new text begin sexual abuse or new text end substantial child endangerment. Family assessment does not include a determination as to whether child maltreatment occurred but does determine the need for services to address the safety of family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

(b) "Investigation" means fact gathering related to the current safety of a child and the risk of subsequent maltreatment that determines whether child maltreatment occurred and whether child protective services are needed. An investigation must be used when reports involve new text begin sexual abuse or new text end substantial child endangerment, and for reports of maltreatment in facilities required to be licensed under chapter 245A or 245D; under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 241.021; in a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and 124D.10; or in a nonlicensed personal care provider association as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

(c) "Substantial child endangerment" means a person responsible for a child's care, deleted text begin and in the case of sexual abuse includes a person who has a significant relationship to the child as defined in section 609.341, or a person in a position of authority as defined in section 609.341, who deleted text end by act or omission new text begin , new text end commits or attempts to commit an act against a child under their care that constitutes any of the following:

(1) egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

(2) deleted text begin sexual abuse as defined in paragraph (d); deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end abandonment under section 260C.301, subdivision 2;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end neglect as defined in paragraph (f), clause (2), that substantially endangers the child's physical or mental health, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end murder in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.185, 609.19, or 609.195;

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end manslaughter in the first or second degree under section 609.20 or 609.205;

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end assault in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223;

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution under section 609.322;

deleted text begin (9) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;

deleted text begin (10) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct under section 609.352;

deleted text begin (11) deleted text end new text begin (10) new text end malicious punishment or neglect or endangerment of a child under section 609.377 or 609.378;

deleted text begin (12) deleted text end new text begin (11) new text end use of a minor in sexual performance under section 617.246; or

deleted text begin (13) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end parental behavior, status, or condition which mandates that the county attorney file a termination of parental rights petition under section 260C.503, subdivision 2.

(d) "Sexual abuse" means the subjection of a child by a person responsible for the child's care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child, as defined in section 609.341, or by a person in a position of authority, as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 10, to any act which constitutes a violation of section 609.342 (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree), 609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree), 609.344 (criminal sexual conduct in the third degree), 609.345 (criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree), or 609.3451 (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree). Sexual abuse also includes any act which involves a minor which constitutes a violation of prostitution offenses under sections 609.321 to 609.324 or 617.246. Sexual abuse includes threatened sexual abuse which includes the status of a parent or household member who has committed a violation which requires registration as an offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b), or required registration under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b).

(e) "Person responsible for the child's care" means (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other person having similar care responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, other school employees or agents, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full-time or short-term care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day care, babysitting whether paid or unpaid, counseling, teaching, and coaching.

(f) "Neglect" means the commission or omission of any of the acts specified under clauses (1) to (9), other than by accidental means:

(1) failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, health, medical, or other care required for the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so;

(2) failure to protect a child from conditions or actions that seriously endanger the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as a failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

(3) failure to provide for necessary supervision or child care arrangements appropriate for a child after considering factors as the child's age, mental ability, physical condition, length of absence, or environment, when the child is unable to care for the child's own basic needs or safety, or the basic needs or safety of another child in their care;

(4) failure to ensure that the child is educated as defined in sections 120A.22 and 260C.163, subdivision 11, which does not include a parent's refusal to provide the parent's child with sympathomimetic medications, consistent with section 125A.091, subdivision 5;

(5) nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a child is neglected solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child in lieu of medical care; except that a parent, guardian, or caretaker, or a person mandated to report pursuant to subdivision 3, has a duty to report if a lack of medical care may cause serious danger to the child's health. This section does not impose upon persons, not otherwise legally responsible for providing a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care, a duty to provide that care;

(6) prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision 2, used by the mother for a nonmedical purpose, as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms in the child at birth, results of a toxicology test performed on the mother at delivery or the child at birth, medical effects or developmental delays during the child's first year of life that medically indicate prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, or the presence of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder;

(7) "medical neglect" as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5);

(8) chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance by a parent or person responsible for the care of the child that adversely affects the child's basic needs and safety; or

(9) emotional harm from a pattern of behavior which contributes to impaired emotional functioning of the child which may be demonstrated by a substantial and observable effect in the child's behavior, emotional response, or cognition that is not within the normal range for the child's age and stage of development, with due regard to the child's culture.

(g) "Physical abuse" means any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other than by accidental means, or any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries, or any aversive or deprivation procedures, or regulated interventions, that have not been authorized under section 125A.0942 or 245.825.

Abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child administered by a parent or legal guardian which does not result in an injury. Abuse does not include the use of reasonable force by a teacher, principal, or school employee as allowed by section 121A.582. Actions which are not reasonable and moderate include, but are not limited to, any of the following deleted text begin that are done in anger or without regard to the safety of the child deleted text end :

(1) throwing, kicking, burning, biting, or cutting a child;

(2) striking a child with a closed fist;

(3) shaking a child under age three;

(4) striking or other actions which result in any nonaccidental injury to a child under 18 months of age;

(5) unreasonable interference with a child's breathing;

(6) threatening a child with a weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6;

(7) striking a child under age one on the face or head;

new text begin (8) striking a child who is at least age one but under age four on the face or head, which results in an injury; new text end

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end purposely giving a child poison, alcohol, or dangerous, harmful, or controlled substances which were not prescribed for the child by a practitioner, in order to control or punish the child; or other substances that substantially affect the child's behavior, motor coordination, or judgment or that results in sickness or internal injury, or subjects the child to medical procedures that would be unnecessary if the child were not exposed to the substances;

deleted text begin (9) deleted text end new text begin (10) new text end unreasonable physical confinement or restraint not permitted under section 609.379, including but not limited to tying, caging, or chaining; or

deleted text begin (10) deleted text end new text begin (11) new text end in a school facility or school zone, an act by a person responsible for the child's care that is a violation under section 121A.58.

(h) "Report" means any deleted text begin report deleted text end new text begin communication new text end received by the local welfare agency, police department, county sheriff, or agency responsible for deleted text begin assessing or investigating maltreatment deleted text end new text begin child protection new text end pursuant to this section new text begin that describes neglect or physical or sexual abuse of a child and contains sufficient content to identify the child and any person believed to be responsible for the neglect or abuse, if known new text end .

(i) "Facility" means:

(1) a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, 241.021, or 245A.01 to 245A.16, or chapter 245D;

(2) a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and 124D.10; or

(3) a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

(j) "Operator" means an operator or agency as defined in section 245A.02.

(k) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(l) "Practice of social services," for the purposes of subdivision 3, includes but is not limited to employee assistance counseling and the provision of guardian ad litem and parenting time expeditor services.

(m) "Mental injury" means an injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with due regard to the child's culture.

(n) "Threatened injury" means a statement, overt act, condition, or status that represents a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental injury. Threatened injury includes, but is not limited to, exposing a child to a person responsible for the child's care, as defined in paragraph (e), clause (1), who has:

(1) subjected a child to, or failed to protect a child from, an overt act or condition that constitutes egregious harm, as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14, or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(2) been found to be palpably unfit under section 260C.301, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (4), or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(3) committed an act that has resulted in an involuntary termination of parental rights under section 260C.301, or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or

(4) committed an act that has resulted in the involuntary transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child to a relative under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clause (1), section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or a similar law of another jurisdiction.

A child is the subject of a report of threatened injury when the responsible social services agency receives birth match data under paragraph (o) from the Department of Human Services.

(o) Upon receiving data under section 144.225, subdivision 2b, contained in a birth record or recognition of parentage identifying a child who is subject to threatened injury under paragraph (n), the Department of Human Services shall send the data to the responsible social services agency. The data is known as "birth match" data. Unless the responsible social services agency has already begun an investigation or assessment of the report due to the birth of the child or execution of the recognition of parentage and the parent's previous history with child protection, the agency shall accept the birth match data as a report under this section. The agency may use either a family assessment or investigation to determine whether the child is safe. All of the provisions of this section apply. If the child is determined to be safe, the agency shall consult with the county attorney to determine the appropriateness of filing a petition alleging the child is in need of protection or services under section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (16), in order to deliver needed services. If the child is determined not to be safe, the agency and the county attorney shall take appropriate action as required under section 260C.503, subdivision 2.

(p) Persons who conduct assessments or investigations under this section shall take into account accepted child-rearing practices of the culture in which a child participates and accepted teacher discipline practices, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, and safety.

(q) "Accidental" means a sudden, not reasonably foreseeable, and unexpected occurrence or event which:

(1) is not likely to occur and could not have been prevented by exercise of due care; and

(2) if occurring while a child is receiving services from a facility, happens when the facility and the employee or person providing services in the facility are in compliance with the laws and rules relevant to the occurrence or event.

(r) "Nonmaltreatment mistake" means:

(1) at the time of the incident, the individual was performing duties identified in the center's child care program plan required under Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0045;

(2) the individual has not been determined responsible for a similar incident that resulted in a finding of maltreatment for at least seven years;

(3) the individual has not been determined to have committed a similar nonmaltreatment mistake under this paragraph for at least four years;

(4) any injury to a child resulting from the incident, if treated, is treated only with remedies that are available over the counter, whether ordered by a medical professional or not; and

(5) except for the period when the incident occurred, the facility and the individual providing services were both in compliance with all licensing requirements relevant to the incident.

This definition only applies to child care centers licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503. If clauses (1) to (5) apply, rather than making a determination of substantiated maltreatment by the individual, the commissioner of human services shall determine that a nonmaltreatment mistake was made by the individual.

Sec. 90.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Persons mandated to report new text begin ; persons voluntarily reporting new text end .

(a) A person who knows or has reason to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused, as defined in subdivision 2, or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years, shall immediately report the information to the local welfare agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, police department, deleted text begin or the deleted text end county sheriff new text begin , tribal social services agency, or tribal police department new text end if the person is:

(1) a professional or professional's delegate who is engaged in the practice of the healing arts, social services, hospital administration, psychological or psychiatric treatment, child care, education, correctional supervision, probation and correctional services, or law enforcement; or

(2) employed as a member of the clergy and received the information while engaged in ministerial duties, provided that a member of the clergy is not required by this subdivision to report information that is otherwise privileged under section 595.02, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).

deleted text begin The police department or the county sheriff, upon receiving a report, shall immediately notify the local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, orally and in writing. The local welfare agency, or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, upon receiving a report, shall immediately notify the local police department or the county sheriff orally and in writing. The county sheriff and the head of every local welfare agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating reports, and police department shall each designate a person within their agency, department, or office who is responsible for ensuring that the notification duties of this paragraph and paragraph (b) are carried out. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to require more than one report from any institution, facility, school, or agency. deleted text end

(b) Any person may voluntarily report to the local welfare agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, police department, deleted text begin or the deleted text end county sheriff new text begin , tribal social services agency, or tribal police department new text end if the person knows, has reason to believe, or suspects a child is being or has been neglected or subjected to physical or sexual abuse. deleted text begin The police department or the county sheriff, upon receiving a report, shall immediately notify the local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, orally and in writing. The local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, upon receiving a report, shall immediately notify the local police department or the county sheriff orally and in writing. deleted text end

(c) A person mandated to report physical or sexual child abuse or neglect occurring within a licensed facility shall report the information to the agency responsible for licensing the facility under sections 144.50 to 144.58; 241.021; 245A.01 to 245A.16; or chapter 245D; or a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19. A health or corrections agency receiving a report may request the local welfare agency to provide assistance pursuant to subdivisions 10, 10a, and 10b. A board or other entity whose licensees perform work within a school facility, upon receiving a complaint of alleged maltreatment, shall provide information about the circumstances of the alleged maltreatment to the commissioner of education. Section 13.03, subdivision 4, applies to data received by the commissioner of education from a licensing entity.

(d) deleted text begin Any person mandated to report shall receive a summary of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, including whether the case has been opened for child protection or other services, or if a referral has been made to a community organization, unless release would be detrimental to the best interests of the child. Any person who is not mandated to report shall, upon request to the local welfare agency, receive a concise summary of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, unless release would be detrimental to the best interests of the child. deleted text end new text begin Notification requirements under subdivision 10 apply to all reports received under this section. new text end

(e) For purposes of this section, "immediately" means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours.

Sec. 91.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:

Subd. 6a.

Failure to notify.

If a local welfare agency receives a report under subdivision 3, paragraph (a) or (b), and fails to notify the local police department or county sheriff as required by subdivision deleted text begin 3, paragraph (a) or (b) deleted text end new text begin 10 new text end , the person within the agency who is responsible for ensuring that notification is made shall be subject to disciplinary action in keeping with the agency's existing policy or collective bargaining agreement on discipline of employees. If a local police department or a county sheriff receives a report under subdivision 3, paragraph (a) or (b), and fails to notify the local welfare agency as required by subdivision deleted text begin 3, paragraph (a) or (b) deleted text end new text begin 10 new text end , the person within the police department or county sheriff's office who is responsible for ensuring that notification is made shall be subject to disciplinary action in keeping with the agency's existing policy or collective bargaining agreement on discipline of employees.

Sec. 92.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 7, as amended by Laws 2015, chapter 4, section 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Report; information provided to parent new text begin ; reporter new text end .

(a) An oral report shall be made immediately by telephone or otherwise. An oral report made by a person required under subdivision 3 to report shall be followed within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, by a report in writing to the appropriate police department, the county sheriff, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, or the local welfare agency.

new text begin (b) new text end The local welfare agency shall determine if the report is deleted text begin accepted for an assessment or investigation deleted text end new text begin to be screened in or out new text end as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours after the report is received. new text begin When determining whether a report will be screened in or out, the agency receiving the report must consider, when relevant, all previous history, including reports that were screened out. The agency may communicate with treating professionals and individuals specified under subdivision 10, paragraph (i), clause (3), item (iii). new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end Any report shall be of sufficient content to identify the child, any person believed to be responsible for the abuse or neglect of the child if the person is known, the nature and extent of the abuse or neglect and the name and address of the reporter. The local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall accept a report made under subdivision 3 notwithstanding refusal by a reporter to provide the reporter's name or address as long as the report is otherwise sufficient under this paragraph. Written reports received by a police department or the county sheriff shall be forwarded immediately to the local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report. The police department or the county sheriff may keep copies of reports received by them. Copies of written reports received by a local welfare department or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall be forwarded immediately to the local police department or the county sheriff.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end When requested, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report shall inform the reporter within ten days after the report was made, either orally or in writing, whether the report was accepted or not. If the responsible agency determines the report does not constitute a report under this section, the agency shall advise the reporter the report was screened out. new text begin Any person mandated to report shall receive a summary of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, including whether the case has been opened for child protection or other services, or if a referral has been made to a community organization, unless release would be detrimental to the best interests of the child. Any person who is not mandated to report shall, upon request to the local welfare agency, receive a concise summary of the disposition of any report made by that reporter, unless release would be detrimental to the best interests of the child. new text end

new text begin (e) Reports that are screened out must be maintained in accordance with subdivision 11c, paragraph (a). new text end

new text begin (f) A local welfare agency or agency responsible for investigating or assessing a report may use a screened-out report for making an offer of social services to the subjects of the screened-out report. A local welfare agency or agency responsible for evaluating a report alleging maltreatment of a child shall consider prior reports, including screened-out reports, to determine whether an investigation or family assessment must be conducted. new text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner of education must inform the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child who is the subject of a report of alleged maltreatment in a school facility within ten days of receiving the report, either orally or in writing, whether the commissioner is assessing or investigating the report of alleged maltreatment.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end Regardless of whether a report is made under this subdivision, as soon as practicable after a school receives information regarding an incident that may constitute maltreatment of a child in a school facility, the school shall inform the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of the child that an incident has occurred that may constitute maltreatment of the child, when the incident occurred, and the nature of the conduct that may constitute maltreatment.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end A written copy of a report maintained by personnel of agencies, other than welfare or law enforcement agencies, which are subject to chapter 13 shall be confidential. An individual subject of the report may obtain access to the original report as provided by subdivision 11.

Sec. 93.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7a. new text end

new text begin Guidance for screening reports. new text end

new text begin (a) Child protection staff, supervisors, and others involved in child protection screening shall follow the guidance provided in the child maltreatment screening guidelines issued by the commissioner of human services and, when notified by the commissioner, shall immediately implement updated procedures and protocols. new text end

new text begin (b) Any modifications to the screening guidelines must be preapproved by the commissioner of human services and must not be less protective of children than is mandated by statute. The county agency must consult with the county attorney before proposing modifications to the commissioner. The guidelines may provide additional protections for children but must not limit reports that are screened in or provide additional limits on consideration of reports that were screened out in making screening determinations. new text end

Sec. 94.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Duties of local welfare agency and local law enforcement agency upon receipt of report new text begin ; mandatory notification between police or sheriff and agency new text end .

(a) new text begin The police department or the county sheriff shall immediately notify the local welfare agency or agency responsible for child protection reports under this section orally and in writing when a report is received. The local welfare agency or agency responsible for child protection reports shall immediately notify the local police department or the county sheriff orally and in writing when a report is received. The county sheriff and the head of every local welfare agency, agency responsible for child protection reports, and police department shall each designate a person within their agency, department, or office who is responsible for ensuring that the notification duties of this paragraph are carried out. When the alleged maltreatment occurred on tribal land, the local welfare agency or agency responsible for child protection reports and the local police department or the county sheriff shall immediately notify the tribe's social services agency and tribal law enforcement orally and in writing when a report is received. new text end

new text begin (b) new text end Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for child maltreatment. The local welfare agency:

(1) shall conduct an investigation on reports involving new text begin sexual abuse or new text end substantial child endangerment;

(2) shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time when it is using a family assessment response, it determines that there is reason to believe that new text begin sexual abuse or new text end substantial child endangerment or a serious threat to the child's safety exists;

(3) may conduct a family assessment for reports that do not allege new text begin sexual abuse or new text end substantial child endangerment. In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the local welfare agency may consider issues of child safety, parental cooperation, and the need for an immediate response; and

(4) may conduct a family assessment on a report that was initially screened and assigned for an investigation. In determining that a complete investigation is not required, the local welfare agency must document the reason for terminating the investigation and notify the local law enforcement agency if the local law enforcement agency is conducting a joint investigation.

If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or individual functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the child's care, or sexual abuse by a person with a significant relationship to the child when that person resides in the child's household or by a sibling, the local welfare agency shall immediately conduct a family assessment or investigation as identified in clauses (1) to (4). In conducting a family assessment or investigation, the local welfare agency shall gather information on the existence of substance abuse and domestic violence and offer services for purposes of preventing future child maltreatment, safeguarding and enhancing the welfare of the abused or neglected minor, and supporting and preserving family life whenever possible. If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect or endangerment, under section 609.378, the local law enforcement agency and local welfare agency shall coordinate the planning and execution of their respective investigation and assessment efforts to avoid a duplication of fact-finding efforts and multiple interviews. Each agency shall prepare a separate report of the results of its investigation new text begin or assessment new text end . In cases of alleged child maltreatment resulting in death, the local agency may rely on the fact-finding efforts of a law enforcement investigation to make a determination of whether or not maltreatment occurred. When necessary the local welfare agency shall seek authority to remove the child from the custody of a parent, guardian, or adult with whom the child is living. In performing any of these duties, the local welfare agency shall maintain appropriate records.

If the family assessment or investigation indicates there is a potential for abuse of alcohol or other drugs by the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the child's care, the local welfare agency shall conduct a chemical use assessment pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6615.

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end When a local agency receives a report or otherwise has information indicating that a child who is a client, as defined in section 245.91, has been the subject of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect at an agency, facility, or program as defined in section 245.91, it shall, in addition to its other duties under this section, immediately inform the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97. The commissioner of education shall inform the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97 of reports regarding a child defined as a client in section 245.91 that maltreatment occurred at a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and 124D.10.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Authority of the local welfare agency responsible for assessing or investigating the child abuse or neglect report, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, and of the local law enforcement agency for investigating the alleged abuse or neglect includes, but is not limited to, authority to interview, without parental consent, the alleged victim and any other minors who currently reside with or who have resided with the alleged offender. The interview may take place at school or at any facility or other place where the alleged victim or other minors might be found or the child may be transported to, and the interview conducted at, a place appropriate for the interview of a child designated by the local welfare agency or law enforcement agency. The interview may take place outside the presence of the alleged offender or parent, legal custodian, guardian, or school official. For family assessments, it is the preferred practice to request a parent or guardian's permission to interview the child prior to conducting the child interview, unless doing so would compromise the safety assessment. Except as provided in this paragraph, the parent, legal custodian, or guardian shall be notified by the responsible local welfare or law enforcement agency no later than the conclusion of the investigation or assessment that this interview has occurred. Notwithstanding rule 32 of the Minnesota Rules of Procedure for Juvenile Courts, the juvenile court may, after hearing on an ex parte motion by the local welfare agency, order that, where reasonable cause exists, the agency withhold notification of this interview from the parent, legal custodian, or guardian. If the interview took place or is to take place on school property, the order shall specify that school officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification of intent to interview the child on school property, as provided under this paragraph, and any other related information regarding the interview that may be a part of the child's school record. A copy of the order shall be sent by the local welfare or law enforcement agency to the appropriate school official.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end When the local welfare, local law enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment determines that an interview should take place on school property, written notification of intent to interview the child on school property must be received by school officials prior to the interview. The notification shall include the name of the child to be interviewed, the purpose of the interview, and a reference to the statutory authority to conduct an interview on school property. For interviews conducted by the local welfare agency, the notification shall be signed by the chair of the local social services agency or the chair's designee. The notification shall be private data on individuals subject to the provisions of this paragraph. School officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification or any other related information regarding the interview until notified in writing by the local welfare or law enforcement agency that the investigation or assessment has been concluded, unless a school employee or agent is alleged to have maltreated the child. Until that time, the local welfare or law enforcement agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment shall be solely responsible for any disclosures regarding the nature of the assessment or investigation.

Except where the alleged offender is believed to be a school official or employee, the time and place, and manner of the interview on school premises shall be within the discretion of school officials, but the local welfare or law enforcement agency shall have the exclusive authority to determine who may attend the interview. The conditions as to time, place, and manner of the interview set by the school officials shall be reasonable and the interview shall be conducted not more than 24 hours after the receipt of the notification unless another time is considered necessary by agreement between the school officials and the local welfare or law enforcement agency. Where the school fails to comply with the provisions of this paragraph, the juvenile court may order the school to comply. Every effort must be made to reduce the disruption of the educational program of the child, other students, or school staff when an interview is conducted on school premises.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Where the alleged offender or a person responsible for the care of the alleged victim or other minor prevents access to the victim or other minor by the local welfare agency, the juvenile court may order the parents, legal custodian, or guardian to produce the alleged victim or other minor for questioning by the local welfare agency or the local law enforcement agency outside the presence of the alleged offender or any person responsible for the child's care at reasonable places and times as specified by court order.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end Before making an order under paragraph deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end , the court shall issue an order to show cause, either upon its own motion or upon a verified petition, specifying the basis for the requested interviews and fixing the time and place of the hearing. The order to show cause shall be served personally and shall be heard in the same manner as provided in other cases in the juvenile court. The court shall consider the need for appointment of a guardian ad litem to protect the best interests of the child. If appointed, the guardian ad litem shall be present at the hearing on the order to show cause.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end The commissioner of human services, the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities, the local welfare agencies responsible for investigating reports, the commissioner of education, and the local law enforcement agencies have the right to enter facilities as defined in subdivision 2 and to inspect and copy the facility's records, including medical records, as part of the investigation. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 13, they also have the right to inform the facility under investigation that they are conducting an investigation, to disclose to the facility the names of the individuals under investigation for abusing or neglecting a child, and to provide the facility with a copy of the report and the investigative findings.

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end The local welfare agency responsible for conducting a family assessment or investigation shall collect available and relevant information to determine child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs and share not public information with an Indian's tribal social services agency without violating any law of the state that may otherwise impose duties of confidentiality on the local welfare agency in order to implement the tribal state agreement. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report shall collect available and relevant information to ascertain whether maltreatment occurred and whether protective services are needed. Information collected includes, when relevant, information with regard to the person reporting the alleged maltreatment, including the nature of the reporter's relationship to the child and to the alleged offender, and the basis of the reporter's knowledge for the report; the child allegedly being maltreated; the alleged offender; the child's caretaker; and other collateral sources having relevant information related to the alleged maltreatment. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report may make a determination of no maltreatment early in an investigation, and close the case and retain immunity, if the collected information shows no basis for a full investigation.

Information relevant to the assessment or investigation must be asked for, and may include:

(1) the child's sex and age deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end prior reports of maltreatment, new text begin including any maltreatment reports that were screened out and not accepted for assessment or investigation; new text end information relating to developmental functioning deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end credibility of the child's statement deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end and whether the information provided under this clause is consistent with other information collected during the course of the assessment or investigation;

(2) the alleged offender's age, a record check for prior reports of maltreatment, and criminal charges and convictions. The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report must provide the alleged offender with an opportunity to make a statement. The alleged offender may submit supporting documentation relevant to the assessment or investigation;

(3) collateral source information regarding the alleged maltreatment and care of the child. Collateral information includes, when relevant: (i) a medical examination of the child; (ii) prior medical records relating to the alleged maltreatment or the care of the child maintained by any facility, clinic, or health care professional and an interview with the treating professionals; and (iii) interviews with the child's caretakers, including the child's parent, guardian, foster parent, child care provider, teachers, counselors, family members, relatives, and other persons who may have knowledge regarding the alleged maltreatment and the care of the child; and

(4) information on the existence of domestic abuse and violence in the home of the child, and substance abuse.

Nothing in this paragraph precludes the local welfare agency, the local law enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report from collecting other relevant information necessary to conduct the assessment or investigation. Notwithstanding sections 13.384 or 144.291 to 144.298, the local welfare agency has access to medical data and records for purposes of clause (3). Notwithstanding the data's classification in the possession of any other agency, data acquired by the local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report during the course of the assessment or investigation are private data on individuals and must be maintained in accordance with subdivision 11. Data of the commissioner of education collected or maintained during and for the purpose of an investigation of alleged maltreatment in a school are governed by this section, notwithstanding the data's classification as educational, licensing, or personnel data under chapter 13.

In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i), the commissioner of education shall collect investigative reports and data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are from local law enforcement and the school facility.

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall conduct a face-to-face contact with the child reported to be maltreated and with the child's primary caregiver sufficient to complete a safety assessment and ensure the immediate safety of the child. The face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver shall occur immediately if new text begin sexual abuse or new text end substantial child endangerment is alleged and within five calendar days for all other reports. If the alleged offender was not already interviewed as the primary caregiver, the local welfare agency shall also conduct a face-to-face interview with the alleged offender in the early stages of the assessment or investigation. At the initial contact, the local child welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report must inform the alleged offender of the complaints or allegations made against the individual in a manner consistent with laws protecting the rights of the person who made the report. The interview with the alleged offender may be postponed if it would jeopardize an active law enforcement investigation.

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end When conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall use a question and answer interviewing format with questioning as nondirective as possible to elicit spontaneous responses. For investigations only, the following interviewing methods and procedures must be used whenever possible when collecting information:

(1) audio recordings of all interviews with witnesses and collateral sources; and

(2) in cases of alleged sexual abuse, audio-video recordings of each interview with the alleged victim and child witnesses.

deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i), the commissioner of education shall collect available and relevant information and use the procedures in paragraphs deleted text begin (i), deleted text end new text begin (j) and new text end (k), and subdivision 3d, except that the requirement for face-to-face observation of the child and face-to-face interview of the alleged offender is to occur in the initial stages of the assessment or investigation provided that the commissioner may also base the assessment or investigation on investigative reports and data received from the school facility and local law enforcement, to the extent those investigations satisfy the requirements of paragraphs deleted text begin (i) and deleted text end new text begin (j) and new text end (k), and subdivision 3d.

Sec. 95.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 10e, is amended to read:

Subd. 10e.

Determinations.

(a) The local welfare agency shall conclude the family assessment or the investigation within 45 days of the receipt of a report. The conclusion of the assessment or investigation may be extended to permit the completion of a criminal investigation or the receipt of expert information requested within 45 days of the receipt of the report.

(b) After conducting a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall determine whether services are needed to address the safety of the child and other family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

(c) After conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall make two determinations: first, whether maltreatment has occurred; and second, whether child protective services are needed. No determination of maltreatment shall be made when the alleged perpetrator is a child under the age of ten.

(d) If the commissioner of education conducts an assessment or investigation, the commissioner shall determine whether maltreatment occurred and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility. If a determination is made that maltreatment has occurred, the commissioner shall report to the employer, the school board, and any appropriate licensing entity the determination that maltreatment occurred and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility. In all other cases, the commissioner shall inform the school board or employer that a report was received, the subject of the report, the date of the initial report, the category of maltreatment alleged as defined in paragraph (f), the fact that maltreatment was not determined, and a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.

(e) When maltreatment is determined in an investigation involving a facility, the investigating agency shall also determine whether the facility or individual was responsible, or whether both the facility and the individual were responsible for the maltreatment using the mitigating factors in paragraph (i). Determinations under this subdivision must be made based on a preponderance of the evidence and are private data on individuals or nonpublic data as maintained by the commissioner of education.

(f) For the purposes of this subdivision, "maltreatment" means any of the following acts or omissions:

(1) physical abuse as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (g);

(2) neglect as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (f);

(3) sexual abuse as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (d);

(4) mental injury as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (m); or

(5) maltreatment of a child in a facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i).

(g) For the purposes of this subdivision, a determination that child protective services are needed means that the local welfare agency has documented conditions during the assessment or investigation sufficient to cause a child protection worker, as defined in section 626.559, subdivision 1, to conclude that a child is at significant risk of maltreatment if protective intervention is not provided and that the individuals responsible for the child's care have not taken or are not likely to take actions to protect the child from maltreatment or risk of maltreatment.

(h) This subdivision does not mean that maltreatment has occurred solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child, in lieu of medical care. However, if lack of medical care may result in serious danger to the child's health, the local welfare agency may ensure that necessary medical services are provided to the child.

(i) When determining whether the facility or individual is the responsible party, or whether both the facility and the individual are responsible for determined maltreatment in a facility, the investigating agency shall consider at least the following mitigating factors:

(1) whether the actions of the facility or the individual caregivers were according to, and followed the terms of, an erroneous physician order, prescription, individual care plan, or directive; however, this is not a mitigating factor when the facility or caregiver was responsible for the issuance of the erroneous order, prescription, individual care plan, or directive or knew or should have known of the errors and took no reasonable measures to correct the defect before administering care;

(2) comparative responsibility between the facility, other caregivers, and requirements placed upon an employee, including the facility's compliance with related regulatory standards and the adequacy of facility policies and procedures, facility training, an individual's participation in the training, the caregiver's supervision, and facility staffing levels and the scope of the individual employee's authority and discretion; and

(3) whether the facility or individual followed professional standards in exercising professional judgment.

The evaluation of the facility's responsibility under clause (2) must not be based on the completeness of the risk assessment or risk reduction plan required under section 245A.66, but must be based on the facility's compliance with the regulatory standards for policies and procedures, training, and supervision as cited in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.

(j) Notwithstanding paragraph (i), when maltreatment is determined to have been committed by an individual who is also the facility license holder, both the individual and the facility must be determined responsible for the maltreatment, and both the background study disqualification standards under section 245C.15, subdivision 4, and the licensing actions under sections 245A.06 or 245A.07 apply.

deleted text begin (k) Individual counties may implement more detailed definitions or criteria that indicate which allegations to investigate, as long as a county's policies are consistent with the definitions in the statutes and rules and are approved by the county board. Each local welfare agency shall periodically inform mandated reporters under subdivision 3 who work in the county of the definitions of maltreatment in the statutes and rules and any additional definitions or criteria that have been approved by the county board. deleted text end

Sec. 96.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 10j, is amended to read:

Subd. 10j.

Release of data to mandated reporters.

new text begin (a) new text end A local social services or child protection agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report of maltreatment, deleted text begin may deleted text end new text begin shall new text end provide relevant private data on individuals obtained under this section to new text begin a new text end mandated deleted text begin reporters deleted text end new text begin reporter who made the report and new text end who deleted text begin have deleted text end new text begin has new text end an ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data, new text begin unless the agency determines that providing the data would not be new text end in the best interests of the child. new text begin The agency may provide the data to other mandated reporters with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of the child. new text end Mandated reporters with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data include the child's teachers or other appropriate school personnel, foster parents, health care providers, respite care workers, therapists, social workers, child care providers, residential care staff, crisis nursery staff, probation officers, and court services personnel. Under this section, a mandated reporter need not have made the report to be considered a person with ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data. Data provided under this section must be limited to data pertinent to the individual's responsibility for caring for the child.

new text begin (b) A reporter who receives private data on individuals under this subdivision must treat the data according to that classification, regardless of whether the reporter is an employee of a government entity. The remedies and penalties under sections 13.08 and 13.09 apply if a reporter releases data in violation of this section or other law. new text end

Sec. 97.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 10m, is amended to read:

Subd. 10m.

Provision of child protective services new text begin ; consultation with county attorney new text end .

new text begin (a) new text end The local welfare agency shall create a written plan, in collaboration with the family whenever possible, within 30 days of the determination that child protective services are needed or upon joint agreement of the local welfare agency and the family that family support and preservation services are needed. Child protective services for a family are voluntary unless ordered by the court.

new text begin (b) The local welfare agency shall consult with the county attorney to determine the appropriateness of filing a petition alleging the child is in need of protection or services under section 260C.007, subdivision 6, if: new text end

new text begin (1) the family does not accept or comply with a plan for child protective services; new text end

new text begin (2) voluntary child protective services may not provide sufficient protection for the child; or new text end

new text begin (3) the family is not cooperating with an investigation or assessment. new text end

Sec. 98.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, subdivision 11c, is amended to read:

Subd. 11c.

Welfare, court services agency, and school records maintained.

Notwithstanding sections 138.163 and 138.17, records maintained or records derived from reports of abuse by local welfare agencies, agencies responsible for assessing or investigating the report, court services agencies, or schools under this section shall be destroyed as provided in paragraphs (a) to (d) by the responsible authority.

(a) For new text begin reports alleging child maltreatment that were not accepted for assessment or investigation, new text end family assessment cases new text begin , new text end and cases where an investigation results in no determination of maltreatment or the need for child protective services, the deleted text begin assessment or investigation deleted text end records must be maintained for a period of deleted text begin four deleted text end new text begin five new text end years after the date new text begin the report was not accepted for assessment or investigation or new text end of the final entry in the case record. new text begin Records of reports that were not accepted must contain sufficient information to identify the subjects of the report, the nature of the alleged maltreatment, and the reasons as to why the report was not accepted. new text end Records under this paragraph may not be used for employment, background checks, or purposes other than to assist in future new text begin screening decisions and new text end risk and safety assessments.

(b) All records relating to reports which, upon investigation, indicate either maltreatment or a need for child protective services shall be maintained for ten years after the date of the final entry in the case record.

(c) All records regarding a report of maltreatment, including any notification of intent to interview which was received by a school under subdivision 10, paragraph (d), shall be destroyed by the school when ordered to do so by the agency conducting the assessment or investigation. The agency shall order the destruction of the notification when other records relating to the report under investigation or assessment are destroyed under this subdivision.

(d) Private or confidential data released to a court services agency under subdivision 10h must be destroyed by the court services agency when ordered to do so by the local welfare agency that released the data. The local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall order destruction of the data when other records relating to the assessment or investigation are destroyed under this subdivision.

deleted text begin (e) For reports alleging child maltreatment that were not accepted for assessment or investigation, counties shall maintain sufficient information to identify repeat reports alleging maltreatment of the same child or children for 365 days from the date the report was screened out. The commissioner of human services shall specify to the counties the minimum information needed to accomplish this purpose. Counties shall enter this data into the state social services information system. deleted text end

Sec. 99.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.556, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Commissioner's duty to provide oversight; quality assurance reviews; annual summary of reviews. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall develop a plan to perform quality assurance reviews of local welfare agency screening practices and decisions. The commissioner shall provide oversight and guidance to counties to ensure consistent application of screening guidelines, thorough and appropriate screening decisions, and correct documentation and maintenance of reports. Quality assurance reviews must begin no later than September 30, 2015. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall produce an annual report of the summary results of the reviews. The report must only contain aggregate data and may not include any data that could be used to personally identify any subject whose data is included in the report. The report is public information and must be provided to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over child protection issues. new text end

Sec. 100.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 626.559, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1b. new text end

new text begin Background studies. new text end

new text begin (a) County employees hired on or after July 1, 2015, who have responsibility for child protection duties or current county employees who are assigned new child protection duties on or after July 1, 2015, are required to undergo a background study. A county may complete these background studies by either: new text end

new text begin (1) use of the Department of Human Services NETStudy 2.0 system according to sections 245C.03 and 245C.10; or new text end

new text begin (2) an alternative process defined by the county. new text end

new text begin (b) County social services agencies and local welfare agencies must initiate background studies before an individual begins a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the agency. new text end

Sec. 101.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 5, is amended to read:

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.201, is amended to read:

518C.201 BASES FOR JURISDICTION OVER NONRESIDENT.

(a) In a proceeding to establish deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin or new text end enforce deleted text begin , or modify deleted text end a support order or to determine parentage of a child, a tribunal of this state may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual or the individual's guardian or conservator if:

(1) the individual is personally served with a summons or comparable document within this state;

(2) the individual submits to the jurisdiction of this state by consent, by entering a general appearance, or by filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any contest to personal jurisdiction;

(3) the individual resided with the child in this state;

(4) the individual resided in this state and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child;

(5) the child resides in this state as a result of the acts or directives of the individual;

(6) the individual engaged in sexual intercourse in this state and the child may have been conceived by that act of intercourse;

(7) the individual asserted parentage of a child under sections 257.51 to 257.75; or

(8) there is any other basis consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States for the exercise of personal jurisdiction.

(b) The bases of personal jurisdiction in paragraph (a) or in any other law of this state may not be used to acquire personal jurisdiction for a tribunal of this state to modify a child support order of another state unless the requirements of section 518C.611 are met, or, in the case of a foreign support order, unless the requirements of section 518C.615 are met.

Sec. 102.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 9, is amended to read:

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.205, is amended to read:

518C.205 CONTINUING, EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION TO MODIFY CHILD SUPPORT ORDER.

(a) A tribunal of this state that has issued a support order consistent with the law of this state has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child support order if the order is the controlling order and:

(1) at the time of the filing of a request for modification this state is the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or

(2) even if this state is not the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued, the parties consent in a record or in open court that the tribunal of this state may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify its order.

(b) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state may not exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if:

(1) all of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the tribunal of this state that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or

(2) its order is not the controlling order.

(c) If a tribunal of another state has issued a child support order pursuant to deleted text begin this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter deleted text end new text begin the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act new text end which modifies a child support order of a tribunal of this state, tribunals of this state shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state.

(d) A tribunal of this state that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state.

(e) A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.

Sec. 103.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 10, is amended to read:

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.206, is amended to read:

518C.206 deleted text begin ENFORCEMENT AND MODIFICATION OF SUPPORT ORDER BY TRIBUNAL HAVING deleted text end CONTINUING JURISDICTION new text begin TO ENFORCE CHILD SUPPORT ORDER new text end .

(a) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce:

(1) the order if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction pursuant to deleted text begin this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter deleted text end new text begin the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act new text end ; or

(2) a money judgment for arrears of support and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.

(b) A tribunal of this state having continuing deleted text begin , exclusive deleted text end jurisdiction over a support order may act as a responding tribunal to enforce the order.

Sec. 104.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 11, is amended to read:

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.207, is amended to read:

518C.207 deleted text begin RECOGNITION deleted text end new text begin DETERMINATION new text end OF CONTROLLING CHILD SUPPORT ORDER.

(a) If a proceeding is brought under this chapter and only one tribunal has issued a child support order, the order of that tribunal deleted text begin is controlling deleted text end new text begin controls new text end and must be recognized.

(b) If a proceeding is brought under this chapter, and two or more child support orders have been issued by tribunals of this state, another state, or a foreign country with regard to the same obligor and child, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and the individual obligee shall apply the following rules and by order shall determine which order controls and must be recognized:

(1) If only one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the order of that tribunal deleted text begin is controlling deleted text end new text begin controls new text end .

(2) If more than one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter:

(i) an order issued by a tribunal in the current home state of the child controls; or

(ii) if an order has not been issued in the current home state of the child, the order most recently issued controls.

(3) If none of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the tribunal of this state shall issue a child support order, which controls.

(c) If two or more child support orders have been issued for the same obligor and child, upon request of a party who is an individual or that is a support enforcement agency, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and the obligee who is an individual shall determine which order controls under paragraph (b). The request may be filed with a registration for enforcement or registration for modification pursuant to sections 518C.601 to 518C.616, or may be filed as a separate proceeding.

(d) A request to determine which is the controlling order must be accompanied by a copy of every child support order in effect and the applicable record of payments. The requesting party shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.

(e) The tribunal that issued the controlling order under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) has continuing jurisdiction to the extent provided in section 518C.205, or 518C.206.

(f) A tribunal of this state which determines by order which is the controlling order under paragraph (b), clause (1) or (2), or paragraph (c), or which issues a new controlling child support order under paragraph (b), clause (3), shall state in that order:

(1) the basis upon which the tribunal made its determination;

(2) the amount of prospective support, if any; and

(3) the total amount of consolidated arrears and accrued interest, if any, under all of the orders after all payments made are credited as provided by section 518C.209.

(g) Within 30 days after issuance of the order determining which is the controlling order, the party obtaining that order shall file a certified copy of it with each tribunal that issued or registered an earlier order of child support. A party or support enforcement agency obtaining the order that fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the controlling order.

(h) An order that has been determined to be the controlling order, or a judgment for consolidated arrears of support and interest, if any, made pursuant to this section must be recognized in proceedings under this chapter.

Sec. 105.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 16, is amended to read:

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.301, is amended to read:

518C.301 PROCEEDINGS UNDER THIS CHAPTER.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, sections 518C.301 to 518C.319 apply to all proceedings under this chapter.

deleted text begin (b) This chapter provides for the following proceedings: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) establishment of an order for spousal support or child support pursuant to section 518C.401; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) enforcement of a support order and income-withholding order of another state or a foreign country without registration pursuant to sections 518C.501 and 518C.502; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) registration of an order for spousal support or child support of another state or a foreign country for enforcement pursuant to sections 518C.601 to 518C.612; deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) modification of an order for child support or spousal support issued by a tribunal of this state pursuant to sections 518C.203 to 518C.206; deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) registration of an order for child support of another state or a foreign country for modification pursuant to sections 518C.601 to 518C.612; deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) determination of parentage of a child pursuant to section 518C.701; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (7) assertion of jurisdiction over nonresidents pursuant to sections 518C.201 and 518C.202. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may commence a proceeding authorized under this chapter by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent.

Sec. 106.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 17, is amended to read:

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.303, is amended to read:

518C.303 APPLICATION OF LAW OF THIS STATE.

Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, a responding tribunal of this state shall:

(1) apply the procedural and substantive law deleted text begin , including the rules on choice of law, deleted text end generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in this state and may exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in those proceedings; and

(2) determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with the law and support guidelines of this state.

Sec. 107.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 18, is amended to read:

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.304, is amended to read:

518C.304 DUTIES OF INITIATING TRIBUNAL.

(a) Upon the filing of a petition authorized by this chapter, an initiating tribunal of this state shall forward the petition and its accompanying documents:

(1) to the responding tribunal or appropriate support enforcement agency in the responding state; or

(2) if the identity of the responding tribunal is unknown, to the state information agency of the responding state with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate tribunal and that receipt be acknowledged.

(b) If requested by the responding tribunal, a tribunal of this state shall issue a certificate or other documents and make findings required by the law of the responding state. If the responding tribunal is in a foreign country, new text begin upon request new text end the tribunal of this state shall specify the amount of support sought, convert that amount into the equivalent amount in the foreign currency under applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported, and provide other documents necessary to satisfy the requirements of the responding foreign tribunal.

Sec. 108.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 19, is amended to read:

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.305, is amended to read:

518C.305 DUTIES AND POWERS OF RESPONDING TRIBUNAL.

(a) When a responding tribunal of this state receives a petition or comparable pleading from an initiating tribunal or directly pursuant to section 518C.301, paragraph deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end , it shall cause the petition or pleading to be filed and notify the petitioner where and when it was filed.

(b) A responding tribunal of this state, to the extent deleted text begin otherwise authorized by deleted text end new text begin not prohibited by other new text end law, may do one or more of the following:

(1) establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling child support order, or to determine parentage of a child;

(2) order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance;

(3) order income withholding;

(4) determine the amount of any arrearages, and specify a method of payment;

(5) enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both;

(6) set aside property for satisfaction of the support order;

(7) place liens and order execution on the obligor's property;

(8) order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, electronic mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment, and telephone number at the place of employment;

(9) issue a bench warrant for an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the bench warrant in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants;

(10) order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods;

(11) award reasonable attorney's fees and other fees and costs; and

(12) grant any other available remedy.

(c) A responding tribunal of this state shall include in a support order issued under this chapter, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based.

(d) A responding tribunal of this state may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this chapter upon compliance by a party with provisions for visitation.

(e) If a responding tribunal of this state issues an order under this chapter, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order to the petitioner and the respondent and to the initiating tribunal, if any.

(f) If requested to enforce a support order, arrears, or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of this state shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.

Sec. 109.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 23, is amended to read:

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.310, is amended to read:

518C.310 DUTIES OF STATE INFORMATION AGENCY.

(a) The unit within the Department of Human Services that receives and disseminates incoming interstate actions under title IV-D of the Social Security Act is the State Information Agency under this chapter.

(b) The State Information Agency shall:

(1) compile and maintain a current list, including addresses, of the tribunals in this state which have jurisdiction under this chapter and any support enforcement agencies in this state and transmit a copy to the state information agency of every other state;

(2) maintain a register of new text begin names and addresses of new text end tribunals and support enforcement agencies received from other states;

(3) forward to the appropriate tribunal in the place in this state in which the individual obligee or the obligor resides, or in which the obligor's property is believed to be located, all documents concerning a proceeding under this chapter received from another state or a foreign country; and

(4) obtain information concerning the location of the obligor and the obligor's property within this state not exempt from execution, by such means as postal verification and federal or state locator services, examination of telephone directories, requests for the obligor's address from employers, and examination of governmental records, including, to the extent not prohibited by other law, those relating to real property, vital statistics, law enforcement, taxation, motor vehicles, driver's licenses, and Social Security.

Sec. 110.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 24, is amended to read:

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.311, is amended to read:

518C.311 PLEADINGS AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS.

(a) A petitioner seeking to establish or modify a support order, determine parentage of a child, or register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country, in a proceeding under this chapter must file a petition. Unless otherwise ordered under section 518C.312, the petition or accompanying documents must provide, so far as known, the name, residential address, and Social Security numbers of the obligor and the obligee new text begin or parent and alleged parent new text end , and the name, sex, residential address, Social Security number, and date of birth of each child for whom support is sought or whose deleted text begin parenthood deleted text end new text begin parentage new text end is to be determined. new text begin Unless filed at the time of registration, new text end the petition must be accompanied by a deleted text begin certified deleted text end copy of any support order deleted text begin in effect deleted text end new text begin known to have been issued by another tribunal new text end . The petition may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the respondent.

(b) The petition must specify the relief sought. The petition and accompanying documents must conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a support enforcement agency.

Sec. 111.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 27, is amended to read:

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.314, is amended to read:

518C.314 LIMITED IMMUNITY OF PETITIONER.

(a) Participation by a petitioner in a proceeding under this chapter before a responding tribunal, whether in person, by private attorney, or through services provided by the support enforcement agency, does not confer personal jurisdiction over the petitioner in another proceeding.

(b) A petitioner is not amenable to service of civil process while physically present in this state to participate in a proceeding under this chapter.

(c) The immunity granted by this section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to a proceeding under this chapter committed by a party while new text begin physically new text end present in this state to participate in the proceeding.

Sec. 112.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 28, is amended to read:

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.316, is amended to read:

518C.316 SPECIAL RULES OF EVIDENCE AND PROCEDURE.

(a) The physical presence of deleted text begin the petitioner deleted text end new text begin a nonresident party who is an individual new text end in a deleted text begin responding deleted text end tribunal of this state is not required for the establishment, enforcement, or modification of a support order or the rendition of a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(b) deleted text begin A verified petition, deleted text end new text begin An new text end affidavit, new text begin a new text end document substantially complying with federally mandated forms, deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin or new text end a document incorporated by reference in any of them, not excluded under the hearsay rule if given in person, is admissible in evidence if given under deleted text begin oath deleted text end new text begin penalty of perjury new text end by a party or witness residing outside this state.

(c) A copy of the record of child support payments certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the record may be forwarded to a responding tribunal. The copy is evidence of facts asserted in it, and is admissible to show whether payments were made.

(d) Copies of bills for testing for parentage of a child, and for prenatal and postnatal health care of the mother and child, furnished to the adverse party at least ten days before trial, are admissible in evidence to prove the amount of the charges billed and that the charges were reasonable, necessary, and customary.

(e) Documentary evidence transmitted from outside this state to a tribunal of this state by telephone, telecopier, or other electronic means that do not provide an original record may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.

(f) In a proceeding under this chapter, a tribunal of this state shall permit a party or witness residing outside this state to be deposed or to testify under penalty of perjury by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means at a designated tribunal or other location. A tribunal of this state shall cooperate with other tribunals in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.

(g) If a party called to testify at a civil hearing refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the trier of fact may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.

(h) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter.

(i) The defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter.

(j) A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, certified as a true copy, is admissible to establish parentage of a child.

Sec. 113.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 29, is amended to read:

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.317, is amended to read:

518C.317 COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN TRIBUNALS.

A tribunal of this state may communicate with a tribunal outside this state in deleted text begin writing, by e-mail, or deleted text end new text begin a record, or new text end by telephone new text begin , electronic mail, new text end or other means, to obtain information concerning the laws of that state, the legal effect of a judgment, decree, or order of that tribunal, and the status of a proceeding. A tribunal of this state may furnish similar information by similar means to a tribunal outside this state.

Sec. 114.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 31, is amended to read:

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.319, is amended to read:

518C.319 RECEIPT AND DISBURSEMENT OF PAYMENTS.

(a) A support enforcement agency or tribunal of this state shall disburse promptly any amounts received pursuant to a support order, as directed by the order. The agency or tribunal shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of another state or a foreign country a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amounts and dates of all payments received.

(b) If neither the obligor, deleted text begin not deleted text end new text begin nor new text end the obligee who is an individual, nor the child resides in this state, upon request from the support enforcement agency of this state or another state, the support enforcement agency of this state or a tribunal of this state shall:

(1) direct that the support payment be made to the support enforcement agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services; and

(2) issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income-withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments.

(c) The support enforcement agency of this state receiving redirected payments from another state pursuant to a law similar to paragraph (b) shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of the other state a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amount and dates of all payments received.

Sec. 115.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 43, is amended to read:

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.604, is amended to read:

518C.604 CHOICE OF LAW.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d), the law of the issuing state or foreign country governs:

(1) the nature, extent, amount, and duration of current payments under a registered support order;

(2) the computation and payment of arrearages and accrual of interest on the arrearages under the support order; and

(3) the existence and satisfaction of other obligations under the support order.

(b) In a proceeding for arrearages new text begin under a registered support order new text end , the statute of limitation under the laws of this state or of the issuing state or foreign country, whichever is longer, applies.

(c) A responding tribunal of this state shall apply the procedures and remedies of this state to enforce current support and collect arrears and interest due on a support order of another state or a foreign country registered in this state.

(d) After a tribunal of this state or another state determines which is the controlling order and issues an order consolidating arrears, if any, a tribunal of this state shall prospectively apply the law of the state or foreign country issuing the controlling order, including its law on interest on arrears, on current and future support, and on consolidated arrears.

Sec. 116.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 50, is amended to read:

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.611, is amended to read:

518C.611 MODIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT ORDER OF ANOTHER STATE.

(a) If section 518C.613 does not apply, upon petition a tribunal of this state may modify a child support order issued in another state that is registered in this state if, after notice and hearing, it finds that:

(1) the following requirements are met:

(i) neither the child, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the obligor resides in the issuing state;

(ii) a petitioner who is a nonresident of this state seeks modification; and

(iii) the respondent is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this state; or

(2) this state is the residence of the child, or a party who is an individual is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this state and all of the parties who are individuals have filed deleted text begin written deleted text end consents in a record in the issuing tribunal for a tribunal of this state to modify the support order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction deleted text begin over the order deleted text end .

(b) Modification of a registered child support order is subject to the same requirements, procedures, and defenses that apply to the modification of an order issued by a tribunal of this state and the order may be enforced and satisfied in the same manner.

(c) A tribunal of this state may not modify any aspect of a child support order that may not be modified under the law of the issuing state, including the duration of the obligation of support. If two or more tribunals have issued child support orders for the same obligor and child, the order that controls and must be recognized under section 518C.207 establishes the aspects of the support order which are nonmodifiable.

(d) In a proceeding to modify a child support order, the law of the state that is determined to have issued the initial controlling order governs the duration of the obligation of support. The obligor's fulfillment of the duty of support established by that order precludes imposition of a further obligation of support by a tribunal of this state.

(e) On issuance of an order new text begin by a tribunal of this state new text end modifying a child support order issued in another state, a tribunal of this state becomes the tribunal having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.

(f) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end and section 518C.201, paragraph (b), a tribunal of this state retains jurisdiction to modify an order issued by a tribunal of this state if:

(1) one party resides in another state; and

(2) the other party resides outside the United States.

Sec. 117.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 51, is amended to read:

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.612, is amended to read:

518C.612 RECOGNITION OF ORDER MODIFIED IN ANOTHER STATE.

If a child support order issued by a tribunal of this state is modified by a tribunal of another state which assumed jurisdiction deleted text begin according to this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter deleted text end new text begin pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, new text end a tribunal of this state:

(1) may enforce its order that was modified only as to arrears and interest accruing before the modification;

(2) may provide appropriate relief for violations of its order which occurred before the effective date of the modification; and

(3) shall recognize the modifying order of the other state, upon registration, for the purpose of enforcement.

Sec. 118.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 52, is amended to read:

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 518C.613, is amended to read:

518C.613 JURISDICTION TO MODIFY SUPPORT ORDER OF ANOTHER STATE WHEN INDIVIDUAL PARTIES RESIDE IN THIS STATE.

(a) If all of the parties who are individuals reside in this state and the child does not reside in the issuing state, a tribunal of this state has jurisdiction to enforce and to modify the issuing state's child support order in a proceeding to register that order.

(b) A tribunal of this state exercising jurisdiction as provided in this section shall apply sections 518C.101 to deleted text begin 518C.209 deleted text end new text begin 518C.211 new text end and 518C.601 to 518C.616 to the enforcement or modification proceeding. Sections 518C.301 to 518C.508 and 518C.701 to 518C.802 do not apply and the tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law of this state.

Sec. 119.

Laws 2014, chapter 189, section 73, is amended to read:

Sec. 73.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This act deleted text begin becomes deleted text end new text begin is new text end effective deleted text begin on the date that the United States deposits the instrument of ratification for the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance with the Hague Conference on Private International Law deleted text end new text begin July 1, 2015 new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2015. new text end

Sec. 120.

new text begin GROUP RESIDENTIAL HOUSING REPORT ON PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall, in coordination with stakeholders and advocates, build on the group residential housing (GRH) reforms made in the 2015 legislative session related to program integrity and uniformity, by restructuring the payment rates, exploring assessment tools, and proposing any other necessary modifications that will result in a more cost-effective program, and report to the members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over GRH issues by December 15, 2016. new text end

new text begin (b) The working group, consisting of the commissioner, stakeholders, and advocates, shall examine the feasibility and fiscal implications of restructuring service rates by eliminating the supplemental service rates, and developing a plan to fund only those services, based on individual need, that are not covered by medical assistance, other insurance, or other programs. In addition, the working group shall analyze the payment structure, and explore different options, including tiered rates for services, and provide the plan and analysis under this paragraph in the report under paragraph (a). new text end

new text begin (c) To determine individual need, the working group shall explore assessment tools, and determine the appropriate assessment tool for the different populations served by the GRH program, which include homeless individuals, individuals with mental illness, and individuals who are chemically dependent. The working group shall coordinate efforts with agency staff who have expertise related to these populations, and use relevant information and data that is available, to determine the most appropriate and effective assessment tool or tools, and provide the analysis and an assessment recommendation in the report under paragraph (a). new text end

Sec. 121.

new text begin CHILD SUPPORT WORK GROUP. new text end

new text begin (a) A child support work group is established to review the parenting expense adjustment in Minnesota Statutes, section 518A.36, and to identify and recommend changes to the parenting expense adjustment. new text end

new text begin (b) Members of the work group shall include: new text end

new text begin (1) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of the house and one appointed by the minority leader; new text end

new text begin (2) two members of the senate, one appointed by the majority leader and one appointed by the minority leader; new text end

new text begin (3) the commissioner of human services or a designee; new text end

new text begin (4) one staff member from the Child Support Division of the Department of Human Services, appointed by the commissioner; new text end

new text begin (5) one representative of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law section, appointed by the section; new text end

new text begin (6) one representative of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association, appointed by the association; new text end

new text begin (7) one representative of the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition, appointed by the coalition; new text end

new text begin (8) one representative of the Minnesota Family Support and Recovery Council, appointed by the council; and new text end

new text begin (9) two representatives from parent advocacy groups, one representing custodial parents and one representing noncustodial parents, appointed by the commissioner of human services. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall appoint the work group chair. new text end

new text begin (c) The work group shall be authorized to retain the services of an economist to help create an equitable parenting expense adjustment formula. The work group may hire an economist by use of a sole-source contract. new text end

new text begin (d) The work group shall issue a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over civil law, judiciary, and health and human services by January 15, 2016. The report must include recommendations for changes to the computation of child support and recommendations on the composition of a permanent child support task force. new text end

new text begin (e) Terms, compensation, and removal of members and the filling of vacancies are governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059. new text end

new text begin (f) The work group expires January 16, 2016. new text end

Sec. 122.

new text begin INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER; CHILD MALTREATMENT SCREENING GUIDELINES. new text end

new text begin (a) No later than October 1, 2015, the commissioner of human services shall update the child maltreatment screening guidelines to require agencies to consider prior reports that were not screened in when determining whether a new report will or will not be screened in. The updated guidelines must emphasize that intervention and prevention efforts are to focus on child safety and the ongoing risk of child abuse or neglect, and that the health and safety of children are of paramount concern. The commissioner shall work with a diverse group of community representatives who are experts on limiting cultural and ethnic bias when developing the updated guidelines. The guidelines must be developed with special sensitivity to reducing system bias with regard to screening and assessment tools. new text end

new text begin (b) No later than November 1, 2015, the commissioner shall publish and distribute the updated guidelines and ensure that all agency staff have received training on the updated guidelines. new text end

new text begin (c) Agency staff must implement the guidelines by January 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 123.

new text begin COMMISSIONER'S DUTY TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO CHILD PROTECTION SUPERVISORS. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish requirements for competency-based initial training, support, and continuing education for child protection supervisors. This includes developing a set of competencies specific to child protection supervisor knowledge, skills, and attitudes based on the Minnesota Child Welfare Practice Model. Competency-based training of supervisors must advance continuous emphasis and improvement in skills that promote the use of the client's culture as a resource and the ability to integrate the client's traditions, customs, values, and faith into service delivery. new text end

Sec. 124.

new text begin CHILD PROTECTION UPDATED FORMULA. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall evaluate the formulas in Minnesota Statutes, section 256M.41, and recommend an updated equitable distribution formula beginning in fiscal year 2018, for funding child protection staffing and expanded services to counties and tribes, taking into consideration any relief to counties and tribes for child welfare and foster care costs, additional tribes delivering social services, and any other relevant information that should be considered in developing a new distribution formula. The commissioner shall report to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over child protection issues by December 15, 2016. new text end

Sec. 125.

new text begin LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE; CHILD PROTECTION. new text end

new text begin (a) A legislative task force is created to: new text end

new text begin (1) review the efforts being made to implement the recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on the Protection of Children, including a review of the roles and functions of the Office of Ombudsperson for Families; new text end

new text begin (2) expand the efforts into related areas of the child welfare system; new text end

new text begin (3) work with the commissioner of human services and community partners to establish and evaluate child protection grants to address disparities in child welfare pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 256E.28; and new text end

new text begin (4) identify additional areas within the child welfare system that need to be addressed by the legislature. new text end

new text begin (b) Members of the legislative task force shall include: new text end

new text begin (1) the four legislators who served as members of the Governor's Task Force on the Protection of Children; new text end

new text begin (2) two members from the house of representatives appointed by the speaker, one from the majority party and one from the minority party; and new text end

new text begin (3) two members from the senate appointed by the majority leader, one from the majority party and one from the minority party. new text end

new text begin The speaker and the majority leader shall each appoint a chair and vice-chair from the membership of the task force. The gavel shall rotate after each meeting, and the house of representatives shall assume the leadership of the task force first. new text end

new text begin (c) The task force may provide oversight and monitoring of: new text end

new text begin (1) the efforts by the Department of Human Services, counties, and tribes to implement laws related to child protection; new text end

new text begin (2) efforts by the Department of Human Services, counties, and tribes to implement the recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on the Protection of Children; new text end

new text begin (3) efforts by agencies, including but not limited to the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, to work with the Department of Human Services to assure safety and well-being for children at risk of harm or children in the child welfare system; and new text end

new text begin (4) efforts by the Department of Human Services, other agencies, counties, and tribes to implement best practices to ensure every child is protected from maltreatment and neglect and to ensure every child has the opportunity for healthy development. new text end

new text begin (d) The task force, in cooperation with the commissioner of human services, shall issue a report to the legislature and governor February 1, 2016. The report must contain information on the progress toward implementation of changes to the child protection system, recommendations for additional legislative changes and procedures affecting child protection and child welfare, and funding needs to implement recommended changes. new text end

new text begin (e) The task force shall convene upon the effective date of this section and shall continue until the last day of the 2016 legislative session. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 126.

new text begin REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION. new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes shall alphabetize the definitions in Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556, subdivision 2, and correct related cross-references. new text end

ARTICLE 2

CHEMICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 13.46, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

General.

(a) Data on individuals collected, maintained, used, or disseminated by the welfare system are private data on individuals, and shall not be disclosed except:

(1) according to section 13.05;

(2) according to court order;

(3) according to a statute specifically authorizing access to the private data;

(4) to an agent of the welfare system and an investigator acting on behalf of a county, the state, or the federal government, including a law enforcement person or attorney in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding relating to the administration of a program;

(5) to personnel of the welfare system who require the data to verify an individual's identity; determine eligibility, amount of assistance, and the need to provide services to an individual or family across programs; new text begin coordinate services for an individual or family; new text end evaluate the effectiveness of programs; assess parental contribution amounts; and investigate suspected fraud;

(6) to administer federal funds or programs;

(7) between personnel of the welfare system working in the same program;

(8) to the Department of Revenue to assess parental contribution amounts for purposes of section 252.27, subdivision 2a, administer and evaluate tax refund or tax credit programs and to identify individuals who may benefit from these programs. The following information may be disclosed under this paragraph: an individual's and their dependent's names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, income, addresses, and other data as required, upon request by the Department of Revenue. Disclosures by the commissioner of revenue to the commissioner of human services for the purposes described in this clause are governed by section 270B.14, subdivision 1. Tax refund or tax credit programs include, but are not limited to, the dependent care credit under section 290.067, the Minnesota working family credit under section 290.0671, the property tax refund and rental credit under section 290A.04, and the Minnesota education credit under section 290.0674;

(9) between the Department of Human Services, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, and when applicable, the Department of Education, for the following purposes:

(i) to monitor the eligibility of the data subject for unemployment benefits, for any employment or training program administered, supervised, or certified by that agency;

(ii) to administer any rehabilitation program or child care assistance program, whether alone or in conjunction with the welfare system;

(iii) to monitor and evaluate the Minnesota family investment program or the child care assistance program by exchanging data on recipients and former recipients of food support, cash assistance under chapter 256, 256D, 256J, or 256K, child care assistance under chapter 119B, or medical programs under chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L; and

(iv) to analyze public assistance employment services and program utilization, cost, effectiveness, and outcomes as implemented under the authority established in Title II, Sections 201-204 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. Health records governed by sections 144.291 to 144.298 and "protected health information" as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 160.103, and governed by Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, parts 160-164, including health care claims utilization information, must not be exchanged under this clause;

(10) to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the individual or other individuals or persons;

(11) data maintained by residential programs as defined in section 245A.02 may be disclosed to the protection and advocacy system established in this state according to Part C of Public Law 98-527 to protect the legal and human rights of persons with developmental disabilities or other related conditions who live in residential facilities for these persons if the protection and advocacy system receives a complaint by or on behalf of that person and the person does not have a legal guardian or the state or a designee of the state is the legal guardian of the person;

(12) to the county medical examiner or the county coroner for identifying or locating relatives or friends of a deceased person;

(13) data on a child support obligor who makes payments to the public agency may be disclosed to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to the extent necessary to determine eligibility under section 136A.121, subdivision 2, clause (5);

(14) participant Social Security numbers and names collected by the telephone assistance program may be disclosed to the Department of Revenue to conduct an electronic data match with the property tax refund database to determine eligibility under section 237.70, subdivision 4a;

(15) the current address of a Minnesota family investment program participant may be disclosed to law enforcement officers who provide the name of the participant and notify the agency that:

(i) the participant:

(A) is a fugitive felon fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, for a crime or attempt to commit a crime that is a felony under the laws of the jurisdiction from which the individual is fleeing; or

(B) is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under state or federal law;

(ii) the location or apprehension of the felon is within the law enforcement officer's official duties; and

(iii) the request is made in writing and in the proper exercise of those duties;

(16) the current address of a recipient of general assistance or general assistance medical care may be disclosed to probation officers and corrections agents who are supervising the recipient and to law enforcement officers who are investigating the recipient in connection with a felony level offense;

(17) information obtained from food support applicant or recipient households may be disclosed to local, state, or federal law enforcement officials, upon their written request, for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of the Food Stamp Act, according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 272.1(c);

(18) the address, Social Security number, and, if available, photograph of any member of a household receiving food support shall be made available, on request, to a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer if the officer furnishes the agency with the name of the member and notifies the agency that:

(i) the member:

(A) is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, for a crime or attempt to commit a crime that is a felony in the jurisdiction the member is fleeing;

(B) is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under state or federal law; or

(C) has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct an official duty related to conduct described in subitem (A) or (B);

(ii) locating or apprehending the member is within the officer's official duties; and

(iii) the request is made in writing and in the proper exercise of the officer's official duty;

(19) the current address of a recipient of Minnesota family investment program, general assistance, general assistance medical care, or food support may be disclosed to law enforcement officers who, in writing, provide the name of the recipient and notify the agency that the recipient is a person required to register under section 243.166, but is not residing at the address at which the recipient is registered under section 243.166;

(20) certain information regarding child support obligors who are in arrears may be made public according to section 518A.74;

(21) data on child support payments made by a child support obligor and data on the distribution of those payments excluding identifying information on obligees may be disclosed to all obligees to whom the obligor owes support, and data on the enforcement actions undertaken by the public authority, the status of those actions, and data on the income of the obligor or obligee may be disclosed to the other party;

(22) data in the work reporting system may be disclosed under section 256.998, subdivision 7;

(23) to the Department of Education for the purpose of matching Department of Education student data with public assistance data to determine students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, meal supplements, and free milk according to United States Code, title 42, sections 1758, 1761, 1766, 1766a, 1772, and 1773; to allocate federal and state funds that are distributed based on income of the student's family; and to verify receipt of energy assistance for the telephone assistance plan;

(24) the current address and telephone number of program recipients and emergency contacts may be released to the commissioner of health or a community health board as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5, when the commissioner or community health board has reason to believe that a program recipient is a disease case, carrier, suspect case, or at risk of illness, and the data are necessary to locate the person;

(25) to other state agencies, statewide systems, and political subdivisions of this state, including the attorney general, and agencies of other states, interstate information networks, federal agencies, and other entities as required by federal regulation or law for the administration of the child support enforcement program;

(26) to personnel of public assistance programs as defined in section 256.741, for access to the child support system database for the purpose of administration, including monitoring and evaluation of those public assistance programs;

(27) to monitor and evaluate the Minnesota family investment program by exchanging data between the Departments of Human Services and Education, on recipients and former recipients of food support, cash assistance under chapter 256, 256D, 256J, or 256K, child care assistance under chapter 119B, or medical programs under chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L;

(28) to evaluate child support program performance and to identify and prevent fraud in the child support program by exchanging data between the Department of Human Services, Department of Revenue under section 270B.14, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), without regard to the limitation of use in paragraph (c), Department of Health, Department of Employment and Economic Development, and other state agencies as is reasonably necessary to perform these functions;

(29) counties operating child care assistance programs under chapter 119B may disseminate data on program participants, applicants, and providers to the commissioner of education; deleted text begin or deleted text end

(30) child support data on the child, the parents, and relatives of the child may be disclosed to agencies administering programs under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, as authorized by federal law deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (31) to a health care provider governed by sections 144.291 to 144.298, to the extent necessary to coordinate services. new text end

(b) Information on persons who have been treated for drug or alcohol abuse may only be disclosed according to the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 2.1 to 2.67.

(c) Data provided to law enforcement agencies under paragraph (a), clause (15), (16), (17), or (18), or paragraph (b), are investigative data and are confidential or protected nonpublic while the investigation is active. The data are private after the investigation becomes inactive under section 13.82, subdivision 5, paragraph (a) or (b).

(d) Mental health data shall be treated as provided in subdivisions 7, 8, and 9, but are not subject to the access provisions of subdivision 10, paragraph (b).

For the purposes of this subdivision, a request will be deemed to be made in writing if made through a computer interface system.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 13.46, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Mental health data.

(a) Mental health data are private data on individuals and shall not be disclosed, except:

(1) pursuant to section 13.05, as determined by the responsible authority for the community mental health center, mental health division, or provider;

(2) pursuant to court order;

(3) pursuant to a statute specifically authorizing access to or disclosure of mental health data or as otherwise provided by this subdivision; deleted text begin or deleted text end

(4) new text begin to personnel of the welfare system working in the same program or providing services to the same individual or family to the extent necessary to coordinate services, provided that a health record may be disclosed only as provided under section 144.293; new text end

new text begin (5) to a health care provider governed by sections 144.291 to 144.298, to the extent necessary to coordinate services; or new text end

new text begin (6) new text end with the consent of the client or patient.

(b) An agency of the welfare system may not require an individual to consent to the release of mental health data as a condition for receiving services or for reimbursing a community mental health center, mental health division of a county, or provider under contract to deliver mental health services.

(c) Notwithstanding section 245.69, subdivision 2, paragraph (f), or any other law to the contrary, the responsible authority for a community mental health center, mental health division of a county, or a mental health provider must disclose mental health data to a law enforcement agency if the law enforcement agency provides the name of a client or patient and communicates that the:

(1) client or patient is currently involved in an emergency interaction with the law enforcement agency; and

(2) data is necessary to protect the health or safety of the client or patient or of another person.

The scope of disclosure under this paragraph is limited to the minimum necessary for law enforcement to respond to the emergency. Disclosure under this paragraph may include, but is not limited to, the name and telephone number of the psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, mental health professional, practitioner, or case manager of the client or patient. A law enforcement agency that obtains mental health data under this paragraph shall maintain a record of the requestor, the provider of the information, and the client or patient name. Mental health data obtained by a law enforcement agency under this paragraph are private data on individuals and must not be used by the law enforcement agency for any other purpose. A law enforcement agency that obtains mental health data under this paragraph shall inform the subject of the data that mental health data was obtained.

(d) In the event of a request under paragraph (a), clause (4), a community mental health center, county mental health division, or provider must release mental health data to Criminal Mental Health Court personnel in advance of receiving a copy of a consent if the Criminal Mental Health Court personnel communicate that the:

(1) client or patient is a defendant in a criminal case pending in the district court;

(2) data being requested is limited to information that is necessary to assess whether the defendant is eligible for participation in the Criminal Mental Health Court; and

(3) client or patient has consented to the release of the mental health data and a copy of the consent will be provided to the community mental health center, county mental health division, or provider within 72 hours of the release of the data.

For purposes of this paragraph, "Criminal Mental Health Court" refers to a specialty criminal calendar of the Hennepin County District Court for defendants with mental illness and brain injury where a primary goal of the calendar is to assess the treatment needs of the defendants and to incorporate those treatment needs into voluntary case disposition plans. The data released pursuant to this paragraph may be used for the sole purpose of determining whether the person is eligible for participation in mental health court. This paragraph does not in any way limit or otherwise extend the rights of the court to obtain the release of mental health data pursuant to court order or any other means allowed by law.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 62Q.55, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Emergency services.

As used in this section, "emergency services" means, with respect to an emergency medical condition:

(1) a medical screening examination, as required under section 1867 of the Social Security Act, that is within the capability of the emergency department of a hospital, including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department to evaluate such emergency medical condition; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(2) within the capabilities of the staff and facilities available at the hospital, such further medical examination and treatment as are required under section 1867 of the Social Security Act to stabilize the patient new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (3) emergency services as defined in sections 245.462, subdivision 11, and 245.4871, subdivision 14 new text end .

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 144.293, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Consent does not expire.

Notwithstanding subdivision 4, if a patient explicitly gives informed consent to the release of health records for the purposes and restrictions in deleted text begin clauses deleted text end new text begin clause new text end (1) deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end (2), new text begin or (3), new text end the consent does not expire after one year for:

(1) the release of health records to a provider who is being advised or consulted with in connection with the releasing provider's current treatment of the patient;

(2) the release of health records to an accident and health insurer, health service plan corporation, health maintenance organization, or third-party administrator for purposes of payment of claims, fraud investigation, or quality of care review and studies, provided that:

(i) the use or release of the records complies with sections 72A.49 to 72A.505;

(ii) further use or release of the records in individually identifiable form to a person other than the patient without the patient's consent is prohibited; and

(iii) the recipient establishes adequate safeguards to protect the records from unauthorized disclosure, including a procedure for removal or destruction of information that identifies the patient new text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (3) the release of health records to a program in the welfare system, as defined in section 13.46, to the extent necessary to coordinate services for the patient new text end .

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 144.551, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Restricted construction or modification.

(a) The following construction or modification may not be commenced:

(1) any erection, building, alteration, reconstruction, modernization, improvement, extension, lease, or other acquisition by or on behalf of a hospital that increases the bed capacity of a hospital, relocates hospital beds from one physical facility, complex, or site to another, or otherwise results in an increase or redistribution of hospital beds within the state; and

(2) the establishment of a new hospital.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) construction or relocation within a county by a hospital, clinic, or other health care facility that is a national referral center engaged in substantial programs of patient care, medical research, and medical education meeting state and national needs that receives more than 40 percent of its patients from outside the state of Minnesota;

(2) a project for construction or modification for which a health care facility held an approved certificate of need on May 1, 1984, regardless of the date of expiration of the certificate;

(3) a project for which a certificate of need was denied before July 1, 1990, if a timely appeal results in an order reversing the denial;

(4) a project exempted from certificate of need requirements by Laws 1981, chapter 200, section 2;

(5) a project involving consolidation of pediatric specialty hospital services within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area that would not result in a net increase in the number of pediatric specialty hospital beds among the hospitals being consolidated;

(6) a project involving the temporary relocation of pediatric-orthopedic hospital beds to an existing licensed hospital that will allow for the reconstruction of a new philanthropic, pediatric-orthopedic hospital on an existing site and that will not result in a net increase in the number of hospital beds. Upon completion of the reconstruction, the licenses of both hospitals must be reinstated at the capacity that existed on each site before the relocation;

(7) the relocation or redistribution of hospital beds within a hospital building or identifiable complex of buildings provided the relocation or redistribution does not result in: (i) an increase in the overall bed capacity at that site; (ii) relocation of hospital beds from one physical site or complex to another; or (iii) redistribution of hospital beds within the state or a region of the state;

(8) relocation or redistribution of hospital beds within a hospital corporate system that involves the transfer of beds from a closed facility site or complex to an existing site or complex provided that: (i) no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the closed facility is transferred; (ii) the capacity of the site or complex to which the beds are transferred does not increase by more than 50 percent; (iii) the beds are not transferred outside of a federal health systems agency boundary in place on July 1, 1983; and (iv) the relocation or redistribution does not involve the construction of a new hospital building;

(9) a construction project involving up to 35 new beds in a psychiatric hospital in Rice County that primarily serves adolescents and that receives more than 70 percent of its patients from outside the state of Minnesota;

(10) a project to replace a hospital or hospitals with a combined licensed capacity of 130 beds or less if: (i) the new hospital site is located within five miles of the current site; and (ii) the total licensed capacity of the replacement hospital, either at the time of construction of the initial building or as the result of future expansion, will not exceed 70 licensed hospital beds, or the combined licensed capacity of the hospitals, whichever is less;

(11) the relocation of licensed hospital beds from an existing state facility operated by the commissioner of human services to a new or existing facility, building, or complex operated by the commissioner of human services; from one regional treatment center site to another; or from one building or site to a new or existing building or site on the same campus;

(12) the construction or relocation of hospital beds operated by a hospital having a statutory obligation to provide hospital and medical services for the indigent that does not result in a net increase in the number of hospital beds, notwithstanding section 144.552, 27 beds, of which 12 serve mental health needs, may be transferred from Hennepin County Medical Center to Regions Hospital under this clause;

(13) a construction project involving the addition of up to 31 new beds in an existing nonfederal hospital in Beltrami County;

(14) a construction project involving the addition of up to eight new beds in an existing nonfederal hospital in Otter Tail County with 100 licensed acute care beds;

(15) a construction project involving the addition of 20 new hospital beds used for rehabilitation services in an existing hospital in Carver County serving the southwest suburban metropolitan area. Beds constructed under this clause shall not be eligible for reimbursement under medical assistance, general assistance medical care, or MinnesotaCare;

(16) a project for the construction or relocation of up to 20 hospital beds for the operation of up to two psychiatric facilities or units for children provided that the operation of the facilities or units have received the approval of the commissioner of human services;

(17) a project involving the addition of 14 new hospital beds to be used for rehabilitation services in an existing hospital in Itasca County;

(18) a project to add 20 licensed beds in existing space at a hospital in Hennepin County that closed 20 rehabilitation beds in 2002, provided that the beds are used only for rehabilitation in the hospital's current rehabilitation building. If the beds are used for another purpose or moved to another location, the hospital's licensed capacity is reduced by 20 beds;

(19) a critical access hospital established under section 144.1483, clause (9), and section 1820 of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395i-4, that delicensed beds since enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105-33, to the extent that the critical access hospital does not seek to exceed the maximum number of beds permitted such hospital under federal law;

(20) notwithstanding section 144.552, a project for the construction of a new hospital in the city of Maple Grove with a licensed capacity of up to 300 beds provided that:

(i) the project, including each hospital or health system that will own or control the entity that will hold the new hospital license, is approved by a resolution of the Maple Grove City Council as of March 1, 2006;

(ii) the entity that will hold the new hospital license will be owned or controlled by one or more not-for-profit hospitals or health systems that have previously submitted a plan or plans for a project in Maple Grove as required under section 144.552, and the plan or plans have been found to be in the public interest by the commissioner of health as of April 1, 2005;

(iii) the new hospital's initial inpatient services must include, but are not limited to, medical and surgical services, obstetrical and gynecological services, intensive care services, orthopedic services, pediatric services, noninvasive cardiac diagnostics, behavioral health services, and emergency room services;

(iv) the new hospital:

(A) will have the ability to provide and staff sufficient new beds to meet the growing needs of the Maple Grove service area and the surrounding communities currently being served by the hospital or health system that will own or control the entity that will hold the new hospital license;

(B) will provide uncompensated care;

(C) will provide mental health services, including inpatient beds;

(D) will be a site for workforce development for a broad spectrum of health-care-related occupations and have a commitment to providing clinical training programs for physicians and other health care providers;

(E) will demonstrate a commitment to quality care and patient safety;

(F) will have an electronic medical records system, including physician order entry;

(G) will provide a broad range of senior services;

(H) will provide emergency medical services that will coordinate care with regional providers of trauma services and licensed emergency ambulance services in order to enhance the continuity of care for emergency medical patients; and

(I) will be completed by December 31, 2009, unless delayed by circumstances beyond the control of the entity holding the new hospital license; and

(v) as of 30 days following submission of a written plan, the commissioner of health has not determined that the hospitals or health systems that will own or control the entity that will hold the new hospital license are unable to meet the criteria of this clause;

(21) a project approved under section 144.553;

(22) a project for the construction of a hospital with up to 25 beds in Cass County within a 20-mile radius of the state Ah-Gwah-Ching facility, provided the hospital's license holder is approved by the Cass County Board;

(23) a project for an acute care hospital in Fergus Falls that will increase the bed capacity from 108 to 110 beds by increasing the rehabilitation bed capacity from 14 to 16 and closing a separately licensed 13-bed skilled nursing facility;

(24) notwithstanding section 144.552, a project for the construction and expansion of a specialty psychiatric hospital in Hennepin County for up to 50 beds, exclusively for patients who are under 21 years of age on the date of admission. The commissioner conducted a public interest review of the mental health needs of Minnesota and the Twin Cities metropolitan area in 2008. No further public interest review shall be conducted for the construction or expansion project under this clause; deleted text begin or deleted text end

(25) a project for a 16-bed psychiatric hospital in the city of Thief River Falls, if the commissioner finds the project is in the public interest after the public interest review conducted under section 144.552 is complete new text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (26)(i) a project for a 20-bed psychiatric hospital, within an existing facility in the city of Maple Grove, exclusively for patients who are under 21 years of age on the date of admission, if the commissioner finds the project is in the public interest after the public interest review conducted under section 144.552 is complete; new text end

new text begin (ii) this project shall serve patients in the continuing care benefit program under section 256.9693. The project may also serve patients not in the continuing care benefit program; and new text end

new text begin (iii) if the project ceases to participate in the continuing care benefit program, the commissioner must complete a subsequent public interest review under section 144.552. If the project is found not to be in the public interest, the license must be terminated six months from the date of that finding. If the commissioner of human services terminates the contract without cause or reduces per diem payment rates for patients under the continuing care benefit program below the rates in effect for services provided on December 31, 2015, the project may cease to participate in the continuing care benefit program and continue to operate without a subsequent public interest review new text end .

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 145.56, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Community-based programs.

To the extent funds are appropriated for the purposes of this subdivision, the commissioner shall establish a grant program to fund:

(1) community-based programs to provide education, outreach, and advocacy services to populations who may be at risk for suicide;

(2) community-based programs that educate community helpers and gatekeepers, such as family members, spiritual leaders, coaches, and business owners, employers, and coworkers on how to prevent suicide by encouraging help-seeking behaviors;

(3) community-based programs that educate populations at risk for suicide and community helpers and gatekeepers that must include information on the symptoms of depression and other psychiatric illnesses, the warning signs of suicide, skills for preventing suicides, and making or seeking effective referrals to intervention and community resources; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(4) community-based programs to provide evidence-based suicide prevention and intervention education to school staff, parents, and students in grades kindergarten through 12, and for students attending Minnesota colleges and universities new text begin ; new text end

new text begin (5) community-based programs to provide evidence-based suicide prevention and intervention to public school nurses, teachers, administrators, coaches, school social workers, peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, paramedics, primary care providers, and others; and new text end

new text begin (6) community-based, evidence-based postvention training to mental health professionals and practitioners in order to provide technical assistance to communities after a suicide and to prevent suicide clusters and contagion new text end .

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 145.56, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Collection and reporting suicide data.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner shall coordinate with federal, regional, local, and other state agencies to collect, analyze, and annually issue a public report on Minnesota-specific data on suicide and suicidal behaviors.

new text begin (b) The commissioner, in consultation with stakeholders, shall submit a detailed plan identifying proposed methods to improve the timeliness, usefulness, and quality of suicide-related data so that the data can help identify the scope of the suicide problem, identify high-risk groups, set priority prevention activities, and monitor the effects of suicide prevention programs. The report shall include how to improve external cause of injury coding, progress on implementing the Minnesota Violent Death Reporting System, how to obtain and release data in a timely manner, and how to support the use of psychological autopsies. new text end

new text begin (c) The written report must be provided to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate finance and policy divisions and committees with jurisdiction over health and human services by February 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.4661, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Planning for pilot projects.

(a) Each local plan for a pilot project, with the exception of the placement of a Minnesota specialty treatment facility as defined in paragraph (c), must be developed under the direction of the county board, or multiple county boards acting jointly, as the local mental health authority. The planning process for each pilot shall include, but not be limited to, mental health consumers, families, advocates, local mental health advisory councils, local and state providers, representatives of state and local public employee bargaining units, and the department of human services. As part of the planning process, the county board or boards shall designate a managing entity responsible for receipt of funds and management of the pilot project.

(b) For Minnesota specialty treatment facilities, the commissioner shall issue a request for proposal for regions in which a need has been identified for services.

(c) For purposes of this section, "Minnesota specialty treatment facility" is defined as an intensive deleted text begin rehabilitative mental health deleted text end new text begin residential treatment new text end service under section 256B.0622, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.4661, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Duties of commissioner.

(a) For purposes of the pilot projects, the commissioner shall facilitate integration of funds or other resources as needed and requested by each project. These resources may include:

(1) community support services funds administered under Minnesota Rules, parts 9535.1700 to 9535.1760;

(2) other mental health special project funds;

(3) medical assistance, general assistance medical care, MinnesotaCare and group residential housing if requested by the project's managing entity, and if the commissioner determines this would be consistent with the state's overall health care reform efforts; new text begin and new text end

(4) regional treatment center resources consistent with section 246.0136, subdivision 1 deleted text begin ; and deleted text end new text begin . new text end

deleted text begin (5) funds transferred from section 246.18, subdivision 8, for grants to providers to participate in mental health specialty treatment services, awarded to providers through a request for proposal process. deleted text end

(b) The commissioner shall consider the following criteria in awarding start-up and implementation grants for the pilot projects:

(1) the ability of the proposed projects to accomplish the objectives described in subdivision 2;

(2) the size of the target population to be served; and

(3) geographical distribution.

(c) The commissioner shall review overall status of the projects initiatives at least every two years and recommend any legislative changes needed by January 15 of each odd-numbered year.

(d) The commissioner may waive administrative rule requirements which are incompatible with the implementation of the pilot project.

(e) The commissioner may exempt the participating counties from fiscal sanctions for noncompliance with requirements in laws and rules which are incompatible with the implementation of the pilot project.

(f) The commissioner may award grants to an entity designated by a county board or group of county boards to pay for start-up and implementation costs of the pilot project.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.4661, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Services and programs. new text end

new text begin (a) The following three distinct grant programs are funded under this section: new text end

new text begin (1) mental health crisis services; new text end

new text begin (2) housing with supports for adults with serious mental illness; and new text end

new text begin (3) projects for assistance in transitioning from homelessness (PATH program). new text end

new text begin (b) In addition, the following are eligible for grant funds: new text end

new text begin (1) community education and prevention; new text end

new text begin (2) client outreach; new text end

new text begin (3) early identification and intervention; new text end

new text begin (4) adult outpatient diagnostic assessment and psychological testing; new text end

new text begin (5) peer support services; new text end

new text begin (6) community support program services (CSP); new text end

new text begin (7) adult residential crisis stabilization; new text end

new text begin (8) supported employment; new text end

new text begin (9) assertive community treatment (ACT); new text end

new text begin (10) housing subsidies; new text end

new text begin (11) basic living, social skills, and community intervention; new text end

new text begin (12) emergency response services; new text end

new text begin (13) adult outpatient psychotherapy; new text end

new text begin (14) adult outpatient medication management; new text end

new text begin (15) adult mobile crisis services; new text end

new text begin (16) adult day treatment; new text end

new text begin (17) partial hospitalization; new text end

new text begin (18) adult residential treatment; new text end

new text begin (19) adult mental health targeted case management; new text end

new text begin (20) intensive community residential services (IRCS); and new text end

new text begin (21) transportation. new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.4661, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Commissioner duty to report on use of grant funds biennially. new text end

new text begin By November 1, 2016, and biennially thereafter, the commissioner of human services shall provide sufficient information to the members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over mental health funding and policy issues to evaluate the use of funds appropriated under this section of law. The commissioner shall provide, at a minimum, the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the amount of funding to mental health initiatives, what programs and services were funded in the previous two years, gaps in services that each initiative brought to the attention of the commissioner, and outcome data for the programs and services that were funded; and new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of funding for other targeted services and the location of services. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.467, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Restricted access to data.

The county board shall establish procedures to ensure that the names and addresses of persons receiving mental health services are disclosed only to:

(1) county employees who are specifically responsible for determining county of financial responsibility or making payments to providers; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(2) staff who provide treatment services or case management and their clinical supervisors deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (3) personnel of the welfare system or health care providers who have access to the data under section 13.46, subdivision 7. new text end

Release of mental health data on individuals submitted under subdivisions 4 and 5, to persons other than those specified in this subdivision, or use of this data for purposes other than those stated in subdivisions 4 and 5, results in civil or criminal liability under the standards in section 13.08 or 13.09.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.4876, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Restricted access to data.

The county board shall establish procedures to ensure that the names and addresses of children receiving mental health services and their families are disclosed only to:

(1) county employees who are specifically responsible for determining county of financial responsibility or making payments to providers; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(2) staff who provide treatment services or case management and their clinical supervisors deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (3) personnel of the welfare system or health care providers who have access to the data under section 13.46, subdivision 7. new text end

Release of mental health data on individuals submitted under subdivisions 5 and 6, to persons other than those specified in this subdivision, or use of this data for purposes other than those stated in subdivisions 5 and 6, results in civil or criminal liability under section 13.08 or 13.09.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.4889, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment and authority.

(a) The commissioner is authorized to make grants from available appropriations to assist:

(1) counties;

(2) Indian tribes;

(3) children's collaboratives under section 124D.23 or 245.493; or

(4) mental health service providers

deleted text begin for providing services to children with emotional disturbances as defined in section 245.4871, subdivision 15, and their families. The commissioner may also authorize grants to young adults meeting the criteria for transition services in section 245.4875, subdivision 8, and their families deleted text end .

(b) new text begin The following services are eligible for grants under this section: new text end

new text begin (1) services to children with emotional disturbances as defined in section 245.4871, subdivision 15, and their families; new text end

new text begin (2) transition services under section 245.4875, subdivision 8, for young adults under age 21 and their families; new text end

new text begin (3) respite care services for children with severe emotional disturbances who are at risk of out-of-home placement; new text end

new text begin (4) children's mental health crisis services; new text end

new text begin (5) mental health services for people from cultural and ethnic minorities; new text end

new text begin (6) children's mental health screening and follow-up diagnostic assessment and treatment; new text end

new text begin (7) services to promote and develop the capacity of providers to use evidence-based practices in providing children's mental health services; new text end

new text begin (8) school-linked mental health services; new text end

new text begin (9) building evidence-based mental health intervention capacity for children birth to age five; new text end

new text begin (10) suicide prevention and counseling services that use text messaging statewide; new text end

new text begin (11) mental health first aid training; new text end

new text begin (12) training for parents, collaborative partners, and mental health providers on the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma and development of an interactive Web site to share information and strategies to promote resilience and prevent trauma; new text end

new text begin (13) transition age services to develop or expand mental health treatment and supports for adolescents and young adults 26 years of age or younger; new text end

new text begin (14) early childhood mental health consultation; new text end

new text begin (15) evidence-based interventions for youth at risk of developing or experiencing a first episode of psychosis, and a public awareness campaign on the signs and symptoms of psychosis; and new text end

new text begin (16) psychiatric consultation for primary care practitioners. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end Services under paragraph deleted text begin (a) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end must be designed to help each child to function and remain with the child's family in the community and delivered consistent with the child's treatment plan. Transition services to eligible young adults under paragraph deleted text begin (a) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end must be designed to foster independent living in the community.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 245.4889, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Commissioner duty to report on use of grant funds biennially. new text end

new text begin By November 1, 2016, and biennially thereafter, the commissioner of human services shall provide sufficient information to the members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over mental health funding and policy issues to evaluate the use of funds appropriated under this section. The commissioner shall provide, at a minimum, the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the amount of funding for children's mental health grants, what programs and services were funded in the previous two years, and outcome data for the programs and services that were funded; and new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of funding for other targeted services and the location of services. new text end

Sec. 16.

new text begin [245.735] EXCELLENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Excellence in Mental Health demonstration project. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop and execute projects to reform the mental health system by participating in the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration project. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Federal proposal. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop and submit to the United States Department of Health and Human Services a proposal for the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration project. The proposal shall include any necessary state plan amendments, waivers, requests for new funding, realignment of existing funding, and other authority necessary to implement the projects specified in subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Reform projects. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish standards for state certification of clinics as certified community behavioral health clinics, in accordance with the criteria published on or before September 1, 2015, by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Certification standards established by the commissioner shall require that: new text end

new text begin (1) clinic staff have backgrounds in diverse disciplines, include licensed mental health professionals, and are culturally and linguistically trained to serve the needs of the clinic's patient population; new text end

new text begin (2) clinic services are available and accessible and that crisis management services are available 24 hours per day; new text end

new text begin (3) fees for clinic services are established using a sliding fee scale and services to patients are not denied or limited due to a patient's inability to pay for services; new text end

new text begin (4) clinics provide coordination of care across settings and providers to ensure seamless transitions for patients across the full spectrum of health services, including acute, chronic, and behavioral needs. Care coordination may be accomplished through partnerships or formal contracts with federally qualified health centers, inpatient psychiatric facilities, substance use and detoxification facilities, community-based mental health providers, and other community services, supports, and providers including schools, child welfare agencies, juvenile and criminal justice agencies, Indian Health Services clinics, tribally licensed health care and mental health facilities, urban Indian health clinics, Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics, drop-in centers, acute care hospitals, and hospital outpatient clinics; new text end

new text begin (5) services provided by clinics include crisis mental health services, emergency crisis intervention services, and stabilization services; screening, assessment, and diagnosis services, including risk assessments and level of care determinations; patient-centered treatment planning; outpatient mental health and substance use services; targeted case management; psychiatric rehabilitation services; peer support and counselor services and family support services; and intensive community-based mental health services, including mental health services for members of the armed forces and veterans; and new text end

new text begin (6) clinics comply with quality assurance reporting requirements and other reporting requirements, including any required reporting of encounter data, clinical outcomes data, and quality data. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall establish standards and methodologies for a prospective payment system for medical assistance payments for mental health services delivered by certified community behavioral health clinics, in accordance with guidance issued on or before September 1, 2015, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. During the operation of the demonstration project, payments shall comply with federal requirements for a 90 percent enhanced federal medical assistance percentage. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Public participation. new text end

new text begin In developing the projects under subdivision 3, the commissioner shall consult with mental health providers, advocacy organizations, licensed mental health professionals, and Minnesota public health care program enrollees who receive mental health services and their families. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Information systems support. new text end

new text begin The commissioner and the state chief information officer shall provide information systems support to the projects as necessary to comply with federal requirements. new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 246.18, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

State-operated services account.

(a) The state-operated services account is established in the special revenue fund. Revenue generated by new state-operated services listed under this section established after July 1, 2010, that are not enterprise activities must be deposited into the state-operated services account, unless otherwise specified in law:

(1) intensive residential treatment services;

(2) foster care services; and

(3) psychiatric extensive recovery treatment services.

(b) Funds deposited in the state-operated services account are deleted text begin available deleted text end new text begin appropriated new text end to the commissioner of human services for the purposes of:

(1) providing services needed to transition individuals from institutional settings within state-operated services to the community when those services have no other adequate funding source; new text begin and new text end

(2) deleted text begin grants to providers participating in mental health specialty treatment services under section 245.4661; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end to fund the operation of the intensive residential treatment service program in Willmar.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 253B.18, subdivision 4c, is amended to read:

Subd. 4c.

Special review board.

(a) The commissioner shall establish one or more panels of a special review board. The board shall consist of three members experienced in the field of mental illness. One member of each special review board panel shall be a psychiatrist or a doctoral level psychologist with forensic experience and one member shall be an attorney. No member shall be affiliated with the Department of Human Services. The special review board shall meet at least every six months and at the call of the commissioner. It shall hear and consider all petitions for a reduction in custody or to appeal a revocation of provisional discharge. A "reduction in custody" means transfer from a secure treatment facility, discharge, and provisional discharge. Patients may be transferred by the commissioner between secure treatment facilities without a special review board hearing.

Members of the special review board shall receive compensation and reimbursement for expenses as established by the commissioner.

(b) new text begin The special review board must review each denied petition under subdivision 5 for barriers and obstacles preventing the patient from progressing in treatment. Based on the cases before the board in the previous year, the special review board shall provide to the commissioner an annual summation of the barriers to treatment progress, and recommendations to achieve the common goal of making progress in treatment. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end A petition filed by a person committed as mentally ill and dangerous to the public under this section must be heard as provided in subdivision 5 and, as applicable, subdivision 13. A petition filed by a person committed as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person under chapter 253D, or committed as both mentally ill and dangerous to the public under this section and as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person must be heard as provided in section 253D.27.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 253B.18, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Petition; notice of hearing; attendance; order.

(a) A petition for a reduction in custody or revocation of provisional discharge shall be filed with the commissioner and may be filed by the patient or by the head of the treatment facility. A patient may not petition the special review board for six months following commitment under subdivision 3 or following the final disposition of any previous petition and subsequent appeal by the patient. new text begin The head of the treatment facility must schedule a hearing before the special review board for any patient who has not appeared before the special review board in the previous three years, and schedule a hearing at least every three years thereafter. new text end The medical director may petition at any time.

(b) Fourteen days prior to the hearing, the committing court, the county attorney of the county of commitment, the designated agency, interested person, the petitioner, and the petitioner's counsel shall be given written notice by the commissioner of the time and place of the hearing before the special review board. Only those entitled to statutory notice of the hearing or those administratively required to attend may be present at the hearing. The patient may designate interested persons to receive notice by providing the names and addresses to the commissioner at least 21 days before the hearing. The board shall provide the commissioner with written findings of fact and recommendations within 21 days of the hearing. The commissioner shall issue an order no later than 14 days after receiving the recommendation of the special review board. A copy of the order shall be mailed to every person entitled to statutory notice of the hearing within five days after it is signed. No order by the commissioner shall be effective sooner than 30 days after the order is signed, unless the county attorney, the patient, and the commissioner agree that it may become effective sooner.

(c) The special review board shall hold a hearing on each petition prior to making its recommendation to the commissioner. The special review board proceedings are not contested cases as defined in chapter 14. Any person or agency receiving notice that submits documentary evidence to the special review board prior to the hearing shall also provide copies to the patient, the patient's counsel, the county attorney of the county of commitment, the case manager, and the commissioner.

(d) Prior to the final decision by the commissioner, the special review board may be reconvened to consider events or circumstances that occurred subsequent to the hearing.

(e) In making their recommendations and order, the special review board and commissioner must consider any statements received from victims under subdivision 5a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2016, with hearings starting no later than February 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 254B.05, subdivision 5, as amended by Laws 2015, chapter 21, article 1, section 52, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Rate requirements.

(a) The commissioner shall establish rates for chemical dependency services and service enhancements funded under this chapter.

(b) Eligible chemical dependency treatment services include:

(1) outpatient treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480, or applicable tribal license;

(2) medication-assisted therapy services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480 and 9530.6500, or applicable tribal license;

(3) medication-assisted therapy plus enhanced treatment services that meet the requirements of clause (2) and provide nine hours of clinical services each week;

(4) high, medium, and low intensity residential treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480 and 9530.6505, or applicable tribal license which provide, respectively, 30, 15, and five hours of clinical services each week;

(5) hospital-based treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480, or applicable tribal license and licensed as a hospital under sections 144.50 to 144.56;

(6) adolescent treatment programs that are licensed as outpatient treatment programs according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6485, 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; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(7) new text begin high-intensity residential treatment services that are licensed according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6480 and 9530.6505, 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 new text end

new text begin (8) new text end 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 the following additional requirements:

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

(i) provides on-site child care during hours of treatment activity that meets the requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6490, or section 245A.03, subdivision 2; 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, if the program meets the requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6605, subpart 13;

(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 Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6495;

(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 will 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 Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6490.

(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).

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 254B.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Payment methodology for highly specialized vendors.

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the commissioner shall seek federal authority to develop separate payment methodologies for chemical dependency treatment services provided under the consolidated chemical dependency treatment fund: (1) by a state-operated vendor; or (2) for persons who have been civilly committed to the commissioner, present the most complex and difficult care needs, and are a potential threat to the community. A payment methodology under this subdivision is effective for services provided on or after October 1, 2015, or on or after the receipt of federal approval, whichever is later.

deleted text begin (b) Before implementing an approved payment methodology under paragraph (a), the commissioner must also receive any necessary legislative approval of required changes to state law or funding. deleted text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0615, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Eligibility.

Peer support services may be made available to consumers of (1) intensive deleted text begin rehabilitative mental health deleted text end new text begin residential treatment new text end services under section 256B.0622; (2) adult rehabilitative mental health services under section 256B.0623; and (3) crisis stabilization and mental health mobile crisis intervention services under section 256B.0624.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Scope.

Subject to federal approval, medical assistance covers medically necessary, deleted text begin intensive nonresidential deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end and new text begin intensive new text end residential deleted text begin rehabilitative mental health deleted text end new text begin treatment new text end services as defined in subdivision 2, for recipients as defined in subdivision 3, when the services are provided by an entity meeting the standards in this section.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) deleted text begin "Intensive nonresidential rehabilitative mental health services" means adult rehabilitative mental health services as defined in section 256B.0623, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), except that these services are provided by a multidisciplinary staff using a total team approach consistent with assertive community treatment, the Fairweather Lodge treatment model, as defined by the standards established by the National Coalition for Community Living, and other evidence-based practices, and directed to recipients with a serious mental illness who require intensive services. deleted text end new text begin "Assertive community treatment" means intensive nonresidential rehabilitative mental health services provided according to the evidence-based practice of assertive community treatment. Core elements of this service include, but are not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) a multidisciplinary staff who utilize a total team approach and who serve as a fixed point of responsibility for all service delivery; new text end

new text begin (2) providing services 24 hours per day and 7 days per week; new text end

new text begin (3) providing the majority of services in a community setting; new text end

new text begin (4) offering a low ratio of recipients to staff; and new text end

new text begin (5) providing service that is not time-limited. new text end

(b) "Intensive residential deleted text begin rehabilitative mental health deleted text end new text begin treatment new text end services" means short-term, time-limited services provided in a residential setting to recipients who are in need of more restrictive settings and are at risk of significant functional deterioration if they do not receive these services. Services are designed to develop and enhance psychiatric stability, personal and emotional adjustment, self-sufficiency, and skills to live in a more independent setting. Services must be directed toward a targeted discharge date with specified client outcomes deleted text begin and must be consistent with the Fairweather Lodge treatment model as defined in paragraph (a), and other evidence-based practices deleted text end .

(c) "Evidence-based practices" are nationally recognized mental health services that are proven by substantial research to be effective in helping individuals with serious mental illness obtain specific treatment goals.

(d) "Overnight staff" means a member of the intensive residential rehabilitative mental health treatment team who is responsible during hours when recipients are typically asleep.

(e) "Treatment team" means all staff who provide services under this section to recipients. At a minimum, this includes the clinical supervisor, mental health professionals as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6); mental health practitioners as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 17; mental health rehabilitation workers under section 256B.0623, subdivision 5, clause (3); and certified peer specialists under section 256B.0615.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Eligibility.

An eligible recipient is an individual who:

(1) is age 18 or older;

(2) is eligible for medical assistance;

(3) is diagnosed with a mental illness;

(4) because of a mental illness, has substantial disability and functional impairment in three or more of the areas listed in section 245.462, subdivision 11a, so that self-sufficiency is markedly reduced;

(5) has one or more of the following: a history of deleted text begin two or more deleted text end new text begin recurring or prolonged new text end inpatient hospitalizations in the past year, significant independent living instability, homelessness, or very frequent use of mental health and related services yielding poor outcomes; and

(6) in the written opinion of a licensed mental health professional, has the need for mental health services that cannot be met with other available community-based services, or is likely to experience a mental health crisis or require a more restrictive setting if intensive rehabilitative mental health services are not provided.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Provider certification and contract requirements.

(a) The deleted text begin intensive nonresidential rehabilitative mental health services deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end provider must:

(1) have a contract with the host county to provide intensive adult rehabilitative mental health services; and

(2) be certified by the commissioner as being in compliance with this section and section 256B.0623.

(b) The intensive residential deleted text begin rehabilitative mental health deleted text end new text begin treatment new text end services provider must:

(1) be licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0500 to 9520.0670;

(2) not exceed 16 beds per site;

(3) comply with the additional standards in this section; and

(4) have a contract with the host county to provide these services.

(c) The commissioner shall develop procedures for counties and providers to submit contracts and other documentation as needed to allow the commissioner to determine whether the standards in this section are met.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Standards applicable to both deleted text begin nonresidential deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end and residential providers.

(a) Services must be provided by qualified staff as defined in section 256B.0623, subdivision 5, who are trained and supervised according to section 256B.0623, subdivision 6, except that mental health rehabilitation workers acting as overnight staff are not required to comply with section 256B.0623, subdivision 5, clause deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (4), item new text end (iv).

(b) The clinical supervisor must be an active member of the treatment team. The treatment team must meet with the clinical supervisor at least weekly to discuss recipients' progress and make rapid adjustments to meet recipients' needs. The team meeting shall include recipient-specific case reviews and general treatment discussions among team members. Recipient-specific case reviews and planning must be documented in the individual recipient's treatment record.

(c) Treatment staff must have prompt access in person or by telephone to a mental health practitioner or mental health professional. The provider must have the capacity to promptly and appropriately respond to emergent needs and make any necessary staffing adjustments to assure the health and safety of recipients.

(d) The initial functional assessment must be completed within ten days of intake and updated at least every deleted text begin three months deleted text end new text begin 30 days for intensive residential treatment services and every six months for assertive community treatment, new text end or prior to discharge from the service, whichever comes first.

(e) The initial individual treatment plan must be completed within ten days of intake deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin for assertive community treatment and within 24 hours of admission for intensive residential treatment services. Within ten days of admission, the initial treatment plan must be refined and further developed for intensive residential treatment services, except for providers certified according to Minnesota Rules, parts 9533.0010 to 9533.0180. The individual treatment plan must be new text end reviewed new text begin with the recipient new text end and updated at least monthly deleted text begin with the recipient deleted text end new text begin for intensive residential treatment services and at least every six months for assertive community treatment new text end .

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Additional standards for deleted text begin nonresidential services deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end .

The standards in this subdivision apply to deleted text begin intensive nonresidential rehabilitative mental health deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end services.

(1) The treatment team must use team treatment, not an individual treatment model.

(2) The clinical supervisor must function as a practicing clinician at least on a part-time basis.

(3) The staffing ratio must not exceed ten recipients to one full-time equivalent treatment team position.

(4) Services must be available at times that meet client needs.

(5) The treatment team must actively and assertively engage and reach out to the recipient's family members and significant others, after obtaining the recipient's permission.

(6) The treatment team must establish ongoing communication and collaboration between the team, family, and significant others and educate the family and significant others about mental illness, symptom management, and the family's role in treatment.

(7) The treatment team must provide interventions to promote positive interpersonal relationships.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Medical assistance payment for intensive rehabilitative mental health services.

(a) Payment for new text begin intensive new text end residential deleted text begin and nonresidential deleted text end new text begin treatment new text end services new text begin and assertive community treatment new text end in this section shall be based on one daily rate per provider inclusive of the following services received by an eligible recipient in a given calendar day: all rehabilitative services under this section, staff travel time to provide rehabilitative services under this section, and nonresidential crisis stabilization services under section 256B.0624.

(b) Except as indicated in paragraph (c), payment will not be made to more than one entity for each recipient for services provided under this section on a given day. If services under this section are provided by a team that includes staff from more than one entity, the team must determine how to distribute the payment among the members.

(c) The commissioner shall determine one rate for each provider that will bill medical assistance for residential services under this section and one rate for each deleted text begin nonresidential deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end provider. If a single entity provides both services, one rate is established for the entity's residential services and another rate for the entity's nonresidential services under this section. A provider is not eligible for payment under this section without authorization from the commissioner. The commissioner shall develop rates using the following criteria:

deleted text begin (1) the cost for similar services in the local trade area; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end the provider's cost for services shall include direct services costs, other program costs, and other costs determined as follows:

(i) the direct services costs must be determined using actual costs of salaries, benefits, payroll taxes, and training of direct service staff and service-related transportation;

(ii) other program costs not included in item (i) must be determined as a specified percentage of the direct services costs as determined by item (i). The percentage used shall be determined by the commissioner based upon the average of percentages that represent the relationship of other program costs to direct services costs among the entities that provide similar services;

(iii) deleted text begin in situations where a provider of intensive residential services can demonstrate actual program-related physical plant costs in excess of the group residential housing reimbursement, the commissioner may include these costs in the program rate, so long as the additional reimbursement does not subsidize the room and board expenses of the program deleted text end new text begin physical plant costs calculated based on the percentage of space within the program that is entirely devoted to treatment and programming. This does not include administrative or residential space new text end ;

(iv) deleted text begin intensive nonresidential services deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end physical plant costs must be reimbursed as part of the costs described in item (ii); and

(v) new text begin subject to federal approval, new text end up to an additional five percent of the total rate deleted text begin must deleted text end new text begin may new text end be added to the program rate as a quality incentive based upon the entity meeting performance criteria specified by the commissioner;

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end actual cost is defined as costs which are allowable, allocable, and reasonable, and consistent with federal reimbursement requirements under Code of Federal Regulations, title 48, chapter 1, part 31, relating to for-profit entities, and Office of Management and Budget Circular Number A-122, relating to nonprofit entities;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end the number of service units;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end the degree to which recipients will receive services other than services under this section; new text begin and new text end

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end the costs of other services that will be separately reimbursed deleted text begin ; and deleted text end new text begin . new text end

deleted text begin (7) input from the local planning process authorized by the adult mental health initiative under section 245.4661, regarding recipients' service needs. deleted text end

(d) The rate for intensive deleted text begin rehabilitative mental health deleted text end new text begin residential treatment new text end services new text begin and assertive community treatment new text end must exclude room and board, as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 6, and services not covered under this section, such as partial hospitalization, home care, and inpatient services.

new text begin (e) new text end Physician services that are not separately billed may be included in the rate to the extent that a psychiatrist new text begin , or other health care professional providing physician services within their scope of practice, new text end is a member of the treatment team. new text begin Physician services, whether billed separately or included in the rate, may be delivered by telemedicine. For purposes of this paragraph, "telemedicine" has the meaning given to "mental health telemedicine" in section 256B.0625, subdivision 46, when telemedicine is used to provide intensive residential treatment services. new text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end When services under this section are provided by an deleted text begin intensive nonresidential service deleted text end new text begin assertive community treatment new text end provider, case management functions must be an integral part of the team.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end The rate for a provider must not exceed the rate charged by that provider for the same service to other payors.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end The rates for existing programs must be established prospectively based upon the expenditures and utilization over a prior 12-month period using the criteria established in paragraph (c). new text begin The rates for new programs must be established based upon estimated expenditures and estimated utilization using the criteria established in paragraph (c). new text end

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end Entities who discontinue providing services must be subject to a settle-up process whereby actual costs and reimbursement for the previous 12 months are compared. In the event that the entity was paid more than the entity's actual costs plus any applicable performance-related funding due the provider, the excess payment must be reimbursed to the department. If a provider's revenue is less than actual allowed costs due to lower utilization than projected, the commissioner may reimburse the provider to recover its actual allowable costs. The resulting adjustments by the commissioner must be proportional to the percent of total units of service reimbursed by the commissioner new text begin and must reflect a difference of greater than five percent new text end .

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end A provider may request of the commissioner a review of any rate-setting decision made under this subdivision.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Provider enrollment; rate setting for county-operated entities.

Counties that employ their own staff to provide services under this section shall apply directly to the commissioner for enrollment and rate setting. In this case, a county contract is not required deleted text begin and the commissioner shall perform the program review and rate setting duties which would otherwise be required of counties under this section deleted text end .

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Provider enrollment; rate setting for specialized program.

A new text begin county contract is not required for a new text end provider proposing to serve a subpopulation of eligible recipients deleted text begin may bypass the county approval procedures in this section and receive approval for provider enrollment and rate setting directly from the commissioner deleted text end under the following circumstances:

(1) the provider demonstrates that the subpopulation to be served requires a specialized program which is not available from county-approved entities; and

(2) the subpopulation to be served is of such a low incidence that it is not feasible to develop a program serving a single county or regional group of counties.

deleted text begin For providers meeting the criteria in clauses (1) and (2), the commissioner shall perform the program review and rate setting duties which would otherwise be required of counties under this section. deleted text end

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0622, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Sustainability grants. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may disburse grant funds directly to intensive residential treatment services providers and assertive community treatment providers to maintain access to these services. new text end

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0624, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Crisis stabilization services.

(a) Crisis stabilization services must be provided by qualified staff of a crisis stabilization services provider entity and must meet the following standards:

(1) a crisis stabilization treatment plan must be developed which meets the criteria in subdivision 11;

(2) staff must be qualified as defined in subdivision 8; and

(3) services must be delivered according to the treatment plan and include face-to-face contact with the recipient by qualified staff for further assessment, help with referrals, updating of the crisis stabilization treatment plan, supportive counseling, skills training, and collaboration with other service providers in the community.

(b) If crisis stabilization services are provided in a supervised, licensed residential setting, the recipient must be contacted face-to-face daily by a qualified mental health practitioner or mental health professional. The program must have 24-hour-a-day residential staffing which may include staff who do not meet the qualifications in subdivision 8. The residential staff must have 24-hour-a-day immediate direct or telephone access to a qualified mental health professional or practitioner.

(c) If crisis stabilization services are provided in a supervised, licensed residential setting that serves no more than four adult residents, and deleted text begin no more than two are recipients of crisis stabilization services deleted text end new text begin one or more individuals are present at the setting to receive residential crisis stabilization services new text end , the residential staff must include, for at least eight hours per day, at least one individual who meets the qualifications in subdivision 8 new text begin , paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2) new text end .

(d) If crisis stabilization services are provided in a supervised, licensed residential setting that serves more than four adult residents, and one or more are recipients of crisis stabilization services, the residential staff must include, for 24 hours a day, at least one individual who meets the qualifications in subdivision 8. During the first 48 hours that a recipient is in the residential program, the residential program must have at least two staff working 24 hours a day. Staffing levels may be adjusted thereafter according to the needs of the recipient as specified in the crisis stabilization treatment plan.

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 45a. new text end

new text begin Psychiatric residential treatment facility services for persons under 21 years of age. new text end

new text begin (a) Medical assistance covers psychiatric residential treatment facility services for persons under 21 years of age. Individuals who reach age 21 at the time they are receiving services are eligible to continue receiving services until they no longer require services or until they reach age 22, whichever occurs first. new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "psychiatric residential treatment facility" means a facility other than a hospital that provides psychiatric services, as described in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 441.151 to 441.182, to individuals under age 21 in an inpatient setting. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall develop admissions and discharge procedures and establish rates consistent with guidelines from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall enroll up to 150 certified psychiatric residential treatment facility services beds at up to six sites. The commissioner shall select psychiatric residential treatment facility services providers through a request for proposals process. Providers of state-operated services may respond to the request for proposals. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2017, 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. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0625, subdivision 48, is amended to read:

Subd. 48.

Psychiatric consultation to primary care practitioners.

Medical assistance covers consultation provided by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, deleted text begin or deleted text end an advanced practice registered nurse certified in psychiatric mental health new text begin , a licensed independent clinical social worker, as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clause (2), or a licensed marriage and family therapist, as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clause (5), new text end via telephone, e-mail, facsimile, or other means of communication to primary care practitioners, including pediatricians. The need for consultation and the receipt of the consultation must be documented in the patient record maintained by the primary care practitioner. If the patient consents, and subject to federal limitations and data privacy provisions, the consultation may be provided without the patient present.

Sec. 36.

new text begin [256B.7631] CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY PROVIDER RATE INCREASE. new text end

new text begin For the chemical dependency services listed in section 254B.05, subdivision 5, and provided on or after July 1, 2015, payment rates shall be increased by two percent over the rates in effect on January 1, 2014, for vendors who meet the requirements of section 254B.05. new text end

Sec. 37.

new text begin CLUBHOUSE PROGRAM SERVICES. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services, in consultation with stakeholders, shall develop service standards and a payment methodology for Clubhouse program services to be covered under medical assistance when provided by a Clubhouse International accredited provider or a provider meeting equivalent standards. The commissioner shall seek federal approval for the service standards and payment methodology. Upon federal approval, the commissioner must seek and obtain legislative approval of the services standards and funding methodology allowing medical assistance coverage of the service. new text end

Sec. 38.

new text begin EXCELLENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2016, the commissioner of human services shall report to the legislative committees in the house of representatives and senate with jurisdiction over human services issues on the progress of the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration project under Minnesota Statutes, section 245.735. The commissioner shall include in the report any recommendations for legislative changes needed to implement the reform projects specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 245.735, subdivision 3. new text end

Sec. 39.

new text begin RATE-SETTING METHODOLOGY FOR COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current rate-setting methodology for all community-based mental health services for children and adults. The report shall include an assessment of alternative payment structures, consistent with the intent and direction of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, that could provide adequate reimbursement to sustain community-based mental health services regardless of geographic location. The report shall also include recommendations for establishing pay-for-performance measures for providers delivering services consistent with evidence-based practices. In developing the report, the commissioner shall consult with stakeholders and with outside experts in Medicaid financing. The commissioner shall provide a report on the analysis to the chairs of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services finance by January 1, 2017. new text end

Sec. 40.

new text begin REPORT ON HUMAN SERVICES DATA SHARING TO COORDINATE SERVICES AND CARE OF A PATIENT. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services, in coordination with Hennepin County, shall report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health care financing on the fiscal impact, including the estimated savings, resulting from the modifications to the Data Practices Act in the 2015 legislative session, permitting the sharing of public welfare data and allowing the exchange of health records between providers to the extent necessary to coordinate services and care for clients enrolled in public health care programs. Counties shall provide information on the fiscal impact, including the estimated savings, resulting from the modifications to the Data Practices Act in the 2015 legislative session, the number of clients receiving care coordination, and improved outcomes achieved due to data sharing, to the commissioner of human services to include in the report. The commissioner may establish the form in which the information must be provided. The report is due January 1, 2017. new text end

Sec. 41.

new text begin COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM IN BELTRAMI COUNTY. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services shall award a grant to Beltrami County to fund the planning and development of a comprehensive mental health program contingent upon Beltrami County providing to the commissioner of human services a formal commitment and plan to fund, operate, and sustain the program and services after the onetime state grant is expended. The county must provide evidence of the funding stream or mechanism, and a sufficient local funding commitment, that will ensure that the onetime state investment in the program will result in a sustainable program without future state grants. The funding stream may include state funding for programs and services for which the individuals served under this section may be eligible. The grant under this section cannot be used for any purpose that could be funded with state bond proceeds. This is a onetime appropriation. new text end

new text begin (b) The planning and development of the program by the county must include an integrated care model for the provision of mental health and substance use disorder treatment for the individuals served under paragraph (c), in collaboration with existing services. The model may include mobile crisis services, crisis residential services, outpatient services, and community-based services. The model must be patient-centered, culturally competent, and based on evidence-based practices. new text end

new text begin (c) The comprehensive mental health program will serve individuals who are: new text end

new text begin (1) under arrest or subject to arrest who are experiencing a mental health crisis; new text end

new text begin (2) under a transport hold under Minnesota Statutes, section 253B.05, subdivision 2; or new text end

new text begin (3) in immediate need of mental health crisis services. new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner of human services may encourage the commissioners of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, corrections, and health to provide technical assistance and support in the planning and development of the mental health program under paragraph (a). The commissioners of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and human services may explore a plan to develop short-term and long-term housing for individuals served by the program, and the possibility of using existing appropriations available in the housing finance budget for low-income housing or homelessness. new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner of human services, in consultation with Beltrami County, shall report to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over mental health issues the status of the planning and development of the mental health program, and the plan to financially support the program and services after the state grant is expended, by November 1, 2017. new text end

Sec. 42.

new text begin MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall increase access to mental health crisis services for children and adults. In order to increase access, the commissioner must: new text end

new text begin (1) develop a central phone number where calls can be routed to the appropriate crisis services; new text end

new text begin (2) provide telephone consultation 24 hours a day to mobile crisis teams who are serving people with traumatic brain injury or intellectual disabilities who are experiencing a mental health crisis; new text end

new text begin (3) expand crisis services across the state, including rural areas of the state and examining access per population; new text end

new text begin (4) establish and implement state standards for crisis services; and new text end

new text begin (5) provide grants to adult mental health initiatives, counties, tribes, or community mental health providers to establish new mental health crisis residential service capacity. new text end

new text begin Priority will be given to regions that do not have a mental health crisis residential services program, do not have an inpatient psychiatric unit within the region, do not have an inpatient psychiatric unit within 90 miles, or have a demonstrated need based on the number of crisis residential or intensive residential treatment beds available to meet the needs of the residents in the region. At least 50 percent of the funds must be distributed to programs in rural Minnesota. Grant funds may be used for start-up costs, including but not limited to renovations, furnishings, and staff training. Grant applications shall provide details on how the intended service will address identified needs and shall demonstrate collaboration with crisis teams, other mental health providers, hospitals, and police. new text end

Sec. 43.

new text begin INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall, in consultation with stakeholders, develop recommendations on funding for children's mental health crisis residential services that will allow for timely access without requiring county authorization or child welfare placement. new text end

ARTICLE 3

WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Section 1.

new text begin [245F.01] PURPOSE. new text end

new text begin It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state that the public interest is best served by providing efficient and effective withdrawal management services to persons in need of appropriate detoxification, assessment, intervention, and referral services. The services shall vary to address the unique medical needs of each patient and shall be responsive to the language and cultural needs of each patient. Services shall not be denied on the basis of a patient's inability to pay. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [245F.02] DEFINITIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin The terms used in this chapter have the meanings given them in this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Administration of medications. new text end

new text begin "Administration of medications" means performing a task to provide medications to a patient, and includes the following tasks performed in the following order: new text end

new text begin (1) checking the patient's medication record; new text end

new text begin (2) preparing the medication for administration; new text end

new text begin (3) administering the medication to the patient; new text end

new text begin (4) documenting administration of the medication or the reason for not administering the medication as prescribed; and new text end

new text begin (5) reporting information to a licensed practitioner or a registered nurse regarding problems with the administration of the medication or the patient's refusal to take the medication. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Alcohol and drug counselor. new text end

new text begin "Alcohol and drug counselor" means an individual qualified under Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6450, subpart 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Applicant. new text end

new text begin "Applicant" means an individual, partnership, voluntary association, corporation, or other public or private organization that submits an application for licensure under this chapter. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Care coordination. new text end

new text begin "Care coordination" means activities intended to bring together health services, patient needs, and streams of information to facilitate the aims of care. Care coordination includes an ongoing needs assessment, life skills advocacy, treatment follow-up, disease management, education, and other services as needed. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Chemical. new text end

new text begin "Chemical" means alcohol, solvents, controlled substances as defined in section 152.01, subdivision 4, and other mood-altering substances. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Clinically managed program. new text end

new text begin "Clinically managed program" means a residential setting with staff comprised of a medical director and a licensed practical nurse. A licensed practical nurse must be on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A qualified medical professional must be available by telephone or in person for consultation 24 hours a day. Patients admitted to this level of service receive medical observation, evaluation, and stabilization services during the detoxification process; access to medications administered by trained, licensed staff to manage withdrawal; and a comprehensive assessment pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6422. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services or the commissioner's designated representative. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Department. new text end

new text begin "Department" means the Department of Human Services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Direct patient contact. new text end

new text begin "Direct patient contact" has the meaning given for "direct contact" in section 245C.02, subdivision 11. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Discharge plan. new text end

new text begin "Discharge plan" means a written plan that states with specificity the services the program has arranged for the patient to transition back into the community. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Licensed practitioner. new text end

new text begin "Licensed practitioner" means a practitioner as defined in section 151.01, subdivision 23, who is authorized to prescribe. new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Medical director. new text end

new text begin "Medical director" means an individual licensed in Minnesota as a doctor of osteopathy or physician, or an individual licensed in Minnesota as an advanced practice registered nurse by the Board of Nursing and certified to practice as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner by a national nurse organization acceptable to the board. The medical director must be employed by or under contract with the license holder to direct and supervise health care for patients of a program licensed under this chapter. new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Medically monitored program. new text end

new text begin "Medically monitored program" means a residential setting with staff that includes a registered nurse and a medical director. A registered nurse must be on site 24 hours a day. A medical director must be on site seven days a week, and patients must have the ability to be seen by a medical director within 24 hours. Patients admitted to this level of service receive medical observation, evaluation, and stabilization services during the detoxification process; medications administered by trained, licensed staff to manage withdrawal; and a comprehensive assessment pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6422. new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Nurse. new text end

new text begin "Nurse" means a person licensed and currently registered to practice practical or professional nursing as defined in section 148.171, subdivisions 14 and 15. new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Patient. new text end

new text begin "Patient" means an individual who presents or is presented for admission to a withdrawal management program that meets the criteria in section 245F.05. new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Peer recovery support services. new text end

new text begin "Peer recovery support services" means mentoring and education, advocacy, and nonclinical recovery support provided by a recovery peer. new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Program director. new text end

new text begin "Program director" means the individual who is designated by the license holder to be responsible for all operations of a withdrawal management program and who meets the qualifications specified in section 245F.15, subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end

new text begin Protective procedure. new text end

new text begin "Protective procedure" means an action taken by a staff member of a withdrawal management program to protect a patient from imminent danger of harming self or others. Protective procedures include the following actions: new text end

new text begin (1) seclusion, which means the temporary placement of a patient, without the patient's consent, in an environment to prevent social contact; and new text end

new text begin (2) physical restraint, which means the restraint of a patient by use of physical holds intended to limit movement of the body. new text end

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end

new text begin Qualified medical professional. new text end

new text begin "Qualified medical professional" means an individual licensed in Minnesota as a doctor of osteopathy or physician, or an individual licensed in Minnesota as an advanced practice registered nurse by the Board of Nursing and certified to practice as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner by a national nurse organization acceptable to the board. new text end

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end

new text begin Recovery peer. new text end

new text begin "Recovery peer" means a person who has progressed in the person's own recovery from substance use disorder and is willing to serve as a peer to assist others in their recovery. new text end

new text begin Subd. 22. new text end

new text begin Responsible staff person. new text end

new text begin "Responsible staff person" means the program director, the medical director, or a staff person with current licensure as a nurse in Minnesota. The responsible staff person must be on the premises and is authorized to make immediate decisions concerning patient care and safety. new text end

new text begin Subd. 23. new text end

new text begin Substance. new text end

new text begin "Substance" means "chemical" as defined in subdivision 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 24. new text end

new text begin Substance use disorder. new text end

new text begin "Substance use disorder" means a pattern of substance use as defined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. new text end

new text begin Subd. 25. new text end

new text begin Technician. new text end

new text begin "Technician" means a person who meets the qualifications in section 245F.15, subdivision 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 26. new text end

new text begin Withdrawal management program. new text end

new text begin "Withdrawal management program" means a licensed program that provides short-term medical services on a 24-hour basis for the purpose of stabilizing intoxicated patients, managing their withdrawal, and facilitating access to substance use disorder treatment as indicated by a comprehensive assessment. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [245F.03] APPLICATION. new text end

new text begin (a) This chapter establishes minimum standards for withdrawal management programs licensed by the commissioner that serve one or more unrelated persons. new text end

new text begin (b) This chapter does not apply to a withdrawal management program licensed as a hospital under sections 144.50 to 144.581. A withdrawal management program located in a hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.581 that chooses to be licensed under this chapter is deemed to be in compliance with section 245F.13. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [245F.04] PROGRAM LICENSURE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin General application and license requirements. new text end

new text begin An applicant for licensure as a clinically managed withdrawal management program or medically monitored withdrawal management program must meet the following requirements, except where otherwise noted. All programs must comply with federal requirements and the general requirements in chapters 245A and 245C and sections 626.556, 626.557, and 626.5572. A withdrawal management program must be located in a hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.581, or must be a supervised living facility with a class B license from the Department of Health under Minnesota Rules, parts 4665.0100 to 4665.9900. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Contents of application. new text end

new text begin Prior to the issuance of a license, an applicant must submit, on forms provided by the commissioner, documentation demonstrating the following: new text end

new text begin (1) compliance with this section; new text end

new text begin (2) compliance with applicable building, fire, and safety codes; health rules; zoning ordinances; and other applicable rules and regulations or documentation that a waiver has been granted. The granting of a waiver does not constitute modification of any requirement of this section; new text end

new text begin (3) completion of an assessment of need for a new or expanded program as required by Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6800; and new text end

new text begin (4) insurance coverage, including bonding, sufficient to cover all patient funds, property, and interests. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Changes in license terms. new text end

new text begin (a) A license holder must notify the commissioner before one of the following occurs and the commissioner must determine the need for a new license: new text end

new text begin (1) a change in the Department of Health's licensure of the program; new text end

new text begin (2) a change in the medical services provided by the program that affects the program's capacity to provide services required by the program's license designation as a clinically managed program or medically monitored program; new text end

new text begin (3) a change in program capacity; or new text end

new text begin (4) a change in location. new text end

new text begin (b) A license holder must notify the commissioner and apply for a new license when a change in program ownership occurs. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Variances. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may grant variances to the requirements of this chapter under section 245A.04, subdivision 9. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [245F.05] ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE POLICIES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Admission policy. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have a written admission policy containing specific admission criteria. The policy must describe the admission process and the point at which an individual who is eligible under subdivision 2 is admitted to the program. A license holder must not admit individuals who do not meet the admission criteria. The admission policy must be approved and signed by the medical director of the facility and must designate which staff members are authorized to admit and discharge patients. The admission policy must be posted in the area of the facility where patients are admitted and given to all interested individuals upon request. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Admission criteria. new text end

new text begin For an individual to be admitted to a withdrawal management program, the program must make a determination that the program services are appropriate to the needs of the individual. A program may only admit individuals who meet the admission criteria and who, at the time of admission: new text end

new text begin (1) are impaired as the result of intoxication; new text end

new text begin (2) are experiencing physical, mental, or emotional problems due to intoxication or withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs; new text end

new text begin (3) are being held under apprehend and hold orders under section 253B.07, subdivision 2b; new text end

new text begin (4) have been committed under chapter 253B, and need temporary placement; new text end

new text begin (5) are held under emergency holds or peace and health officer holds under section 253B.05, subdivision 1 or 2; or new text end

new text begin (6) need to stay temporarily in a protective environment because of a crisis related to substance use disorder. Individuals satisfying this clause may be admitted only at the request of the county of fiscal responsibility, as determined according to section 256G.02, subdivision 4. Individuals admitted according to this clause must not be restricted to the facility. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Individuals denied admission by program. new text end

new text begin (a) A license holder must have a written policy and procedure for addressing the needs of individuals who are denied admission to the program. These individuals include: new text end

new text begin (1) individuals whose pregnancy, in combination with their presenting problem, requires services not provided by the program; and new text end

new text begin (2) individuals who are in imminent danger of harming self or others if their behavior is beyond the behavior management capabilities of the program and staff. new text end

new text begin (b) Programs must document denied admissions, including the date and time of the admission request, reason for the denial of admission, and where the individual was referred. If the individual did not receive a referral, the program must document why a referral was not made. This information must be documented on a form approved by the commissioner and made available to the commissioner upon request. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin License holder responsibilities; denying admission or terminating services. new text end

new text begin (a) If a license holder denies an individual admission to the program or terminates services to a patient and the denial or termination poses an immediate threat to the patient's or individual's health or requires immediate medical intervention, the license holder must refer the patient or individual to a medical facility capable of admitting the patient or individual. new text end

new text begin (b) A license holder must report to a law enforcement agency with proper jurisdiction all denials of admission and terminations of services that involve the commission of a crime against a staff member of the license holder or on the license holder's property, as provided in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 2.12(c)(5), and title 45, parts 160 to 164. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Discharge and transfer policies. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have a written policy and procedure, approved and signed by the medical director, that specifies conditions under which patients may be discharged or transferred. The policy must include the following: new text end

new text begin (1) guidelines for determining when a patient is medically stable and whether a patient is able to be discharged or transferred to a lower level of care; new text end

new text begin (2) guidelines for determining when a patient needs a transfer to a higher level of care. Clinically managed program guidelines must include guidelines for transfer to a medically monitored program, hospital, or other acute care facility. Medically monitored program guidelines must include guidelines for transfer to a hospital or other acute care facility; new text end

new text begin (3) procedures staff must follow when discharging a patient under each of the following circumstances: new text end

new text begin (i) the patient is involved in the commission of a crime against program staff or against a license holder's property. The procedures for a patient discharged under this item must specify how reports must be made to law enforcement agencies with proper jurisdiction as allowed under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 2.12(c)(5), and title 45, parts 160 to 164; new text end

new text begin (ii) the patient is in imminent danger of harming self or others and is beyond the license holder's capacity to ensure safety; new text end

new text begin (iii) the patient was admitted under chapter 253B; or new text end

new text begin (iv) the patient is leaving against staff or medical advice; and new text end

new text begin (4) a requirement that staff must document where the patient was referred after discharge or transfer, and if a referral was not made, the reason the patient was not provided a referral. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [245F.06] SCREENING AND COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Screening for substance use disorder. new text end

new text begin A nurse or an alcohol and drug counselor must screen each patient upon admission to determine whether a comprehensive assessment is indicated. The license holder must screen patients at each admission, except that if the patient has already been determined to suffer from a substance use disorder, subdivision 2 applies. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Comprehensive assessment. new text end

new text begin (a) Prior to a medically stable discharge, but not later than 72 hours following admission, a license holder must provide a comprehensive assessment according to section 245.4863, paragraph (a), and Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6422, for each patient who has a positive screening for a substance use disorder. If a patient's medical condition prevents a comprehensive assessment from being completed within 72 hours, the license holder must document why the assessment was not completed. The comprehensive assessment must include documentation of the appropriateness of an involuntary referral through the civil commitment process. new text end

new text begin (b) If available to the program, a patient's previous comprehensive assessment may be used in the patient record. If a previously completed comprehensive assessment is used, its contents must be reviewed to ensure the assessment is accurate and current and complies with the requirements of this chapter. The review must be completed by a staff person qualified according to Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6450, subpart 5. The license holder must document that the review was completed and that the previously completed assessment is accurate and current, or the license holder must complete an updated or new assessment. new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [245F.07] STABILIZATION PLANNING. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Stabilization plan. new text end

new text begin Within 12 hours of admission, a license holder must develop an individualized stabilization plan for each patient accepted for stabilization services. The plan must be based on the patient's initial health assessment and continually updated based on new information gathered about the patient's condition from the comprehensive assessment, medical evaluation and consultation, and ongoing monitoring and observations of the patient. The patient must have an opportunity to have direct involvement in the development of the plan. The stabilization plan must: new text end

new text begin (1) identify medical needs and goals to be achieved while the patient is receiving services; new text end

new text begin (2) specify stabilization services to address the identified medical needs and goals, including amount and frequency of services; new text end

new text begin (3) specify the participation of others in the stabilization planning process and specific services where appropriate; and new text end

new text begin (4) document the patient's participation in developing the content of the stabilization plan and any updates. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Progress notes. new text end

new text begin Progress notes must be entered in the patient's file at least daily and immediately following any significant event, including any change that impacts the medical, behavioral, or legal status of the patient. Progress notes must: new text end

new text begin (1) include documentation of the patient's involvement in the stabilization services, including the type and amount of each stabilization service; new text end

new text begin (2) include the monitoring and observations of the patient's medical needs; new text end

new text begin (3) include documentation of referrals made to other services or agencies; new text end

new text begin (4) specify the participation of others; and new text end

new text begin (5) be legible, signed, and dated by the staff person completing the documentation. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Discharge plan. new text end

new text begin Before a patient leaves the facility, the license holder must conduct discharge planning for the patient, document discharge planning in the patient's record, and provide the patient with a copy of the discharge plan. The discharge plan must include: new text end

new text begin (1) referrals made to other services or agencies at the time of transition; new text end

new text begin (2) the patient's plan for follow-up, aftercare, or other poststabilization services; new text end

new text begin (3) documentation of the patient's participation in the development of the transition plan; new text end

new text begin (4) any service that will continue after discharge under the direction of the license holder; and new text end

new text begin (5) a stabilization summary and final evaluation of the patient's progress toward treatment objectives. new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [245F.08] STABILIZATION SERVICES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin General. new text end

new text begin The license holder must encourage patients to remain in care for an appropriate duration as determined by the patient's stabilization plan, and must encourage all patients to enter programs for ongoing recovery as clinically indicated. In addition, the license holder must offer services that are patient-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate. Culturally appropriate services must include translation services and dietary services that meet a patient's dietary needs. All services provided to the patient must be documented in the patient's medical record. The following services must be offered unless clinically inappropriate and the justifying clinical rationale is documented: new text end

new text begin (1) individual or group motivational counseling sessions; new text end

new text begin (2) individual advocacy and case management services; new text end

new text begin (3) medical services as required in section 245F.12; new text end

new text begin (4) care coordination provided according to subdivision 2; new text end

new text begin (5) peer recovery support services provided according to subdivision 3; new text end

new text begin (6) patient education provided according to subdivision 4; and new text end

new text begin (7) referrals to mutual aid, self-help, and support groups. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Care coordination. new text end

new text begin Care coordination services must be initiated for each patient upon admission. The license holder must identify the staff person responsible for the provision of each service. Care coordination services must include: new text end

new text begin (1) coordination with significant others to assist in the stabilization planning process whenever possible; new text end

new text begin (2) coordination with and follow-up to appropriate medical services as identified by the nurse or licensed practitioner; new text end

new text begin (3) referral to substance use disorder services as indicated by the comprehensive assessment; new text end

new text begin (4) referral to mental health services as identified in the comprehensive assessment; new text end

new text begin (5) referrals to economic assistance, social services, and prenatal care in accordance with the patient's needs; new text end

new text begin (6) review and approval of the transition plan prior to discharge, except in an emergency, by a staff member able to provide direct patient contact; new text end

new text begin (7) documentation of the provision of care coordination services in the patient's file; and new text end

new text begin (8) addressing cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting the patient's access to services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Peer recovery support services. new text end

new text begin (a) Peers in recovery serve as mentors or recovery-support partners for individuals in recovery, and may provide encouragement, self-disclosure of recovery experiences, transportation to appointments, assistance with finding resources that will help locate housing, job search resources, and assistance finding and participating in support groups. new text end

new text begin (b) Peer recovery support services are provided by a recovery peer and must be supervised by the responsible staff person. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Patient education. new text end

new text begin A license holder must provide education to each patient on the following: new text end

new text begin (1) substance use disorder, including the effects of alcohol and other drugs, specific information about the effects of substance use on unborn children, and the signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders; new text end

new text begin (2) tuberculosis and reporting known cases of tuberculosis disease to health care authorities according to section 144.4804; new text end

new text begin (3) Hepatitis C treatment and prevention; new text end

new text begin (4) HIV as required in section 245A.19, paragraphs (b) and (c); new text end

new text begin (5) nicotine cessation options, if applicable; new text end

new text begin (6) opioid tolerance and overdose risks, if applicable; and new text end

new text begin (7) long-term withdrawal issues related to use of barbiturates and benzodiazepines, if applicable. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Mutual aid, self-help, and support groups. new text end

new text begin The license holder must refer patients to mutual aid, self-help, and support groups when clinically indicated and to the extent available in the community. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [245F.09] PROTECTIVE PROCEDURES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Use of protective procedures. new text end

new text begin (a) Programs must incorporate person-centered planning and trauma-informed care into its protective procedure policies. Protective procedures may be used only in cases where a less restrictive alternative will not protect the patient or others from harm and when the patient is in imminent danger of harming self or others. When a program uses a protective procedure, the program must continuously observe the patient until the patient may safely be left for 15-minute intervals. Use of the procedure must end when the patient is no longer in imminent danger of harming self or others. new text end

new text begin (b) Protective procedures may not be used: new text end

new text begin (1) for disciplinary purposes; new text end

new text begin (2) to enforce program rules; new text end

new text begin (3) for the convenience of staff; new text end

new text begin (4) as a part of any patient's health monitoring plan; or new text end

new text begin (5) for any reason except in response to specific, current behaviors which create an imminent danger of harm to the patient or others. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Protective procedures plan. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have a written policy and procedure that establishes the protective procedures that program staff must follow when a patient is in imminent danger of harming self or others. The policy must be appropriate to the type of facility and the level of staff training. The protective procedures policy must include: new text end

new text begin (1) an approval signed and dated by the program director and medical director prior to implementation. Any changes to the policy must also be approved, signed, and dated by the current program director and the medical director prior to implementation; new text end

new text begin (2) which protective procedures the license holder will use to prevent patients from imminent danger of harming self or others; new text end

new text begin (3) the emergency conditions under which the protective procedures are permitted to be used, if any; new text end

new text begin (4) the patient's health conditions that limit the specific procedures that may be used and alternative means of ensuring safety; new text end

new text begin (5) emergency resources the program staff must contact when a patient's behavior cannot be controlled by the procedures established in the policy; new text end

new text begin (6) the training that staff must have before using any protective procedure; new text end

new text begin (7) documentation of approved therapeutic holds; new text end

new text begin (8) the use of law enforcement personnel as described in subdivision 4; new text end

new text begin (9) standards governing emergency use of seclusion. Seclusion must be used only when less restrictive measures are ineffective or not feasible. The standards in items (i) to (vii) must be met when seclusion is used with a patient: new text end

new text begin (i) seclusion must be employed solely for the purpose of preventing a patient from imminent danger of harming self or others; new text end

new text begin (ii) seclusion rooms must be equipped in a manner that prevents patients from self-harm using projections, windows, electrical fixtures, or hard objects, and must allow the patient to be readily observed without being interrupted; new text end

new text begin (iii) seclusion must be authorized by the program director, a licensed physician, or a registered nurse. If one of these individuals is not present in the facility, the program director or a licensed physician or registered nurse must be contacted and authorization must be obtained within 30 minutes of initiating seclusion, according to written policies; new text end

new text begin (iv) patients must not be placed in seclusion for more than 12 hours at any one time; new text end

new text begin (v) once the condition of a patient in seclusion has been determined to be safe enough to end continuous observation, a patient in seclusion must be observed at a minimum of every 15 minutes for the duration of seclusion and must always be within hearing range of program staff; new text end

new text begin (vi) a process for program staff to use to remove a patient to other resources available to the facility if seclusion does not sufficiently assure patient safety; and new text end

new text begin (vii) a seclusion area may be used for other purposes, such as intensive observation, if the room meets normal standards of care for the purpose and if the room is not locked; and new text end

new text begin (10) physical holds may only be used when less restrictive measures are not feasible. The standards in items (i) to (iv) must be met when physical holds are used with a patient: new text end

new text begin (i) physical holds must be employed solely for preventing a patient from imminent danger of harming self or others; new text end

new text begin (ii) physical holds must be authorized by the program director, a licensed physician, or a registered nurse. If one of these individuals is not present in the facility, the program director or a licensed physician or a registered nurse must be contacted and authorization must be obtained within 30 minutes of initiating a physical hold, according to written policies; new text end

new text begin (iii) the patient's health concerns must be considered in deciding whether to use physical holds and which holds are appropriate for the patient; and new text end

new text begin (iv) only approved holds may be utilized. Prone holds are not allowed and must not be authorized. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Records. new text end

new text begin Each use of a protective procedure must be documented in the patient record. The patient record must include: new text end

new text begin (1) a description of specific patient behavior precipitating a decision to use a protective procedure, including date, time, and program staff present; new text end

new text begin (2) the specific means used to limit the patient's behavior; new text end

new text begin (3) the time the protective procedure began, the time the protective procedure ended, and the time of each staff observation of the patient during the procedure; new text end

new text begin (4) the names of the program staff authorizing the use of the protective procedure, the time of the authorization, and the program staff directly involved in the protective procedure and the observation process; new text end

new text begin (5) a brief description of the purpose for using the protective procedure, including less restrictive interventions used prior to the decision to use the protective procedure and a description of the behavioral results obtained through the use of the procedure. If a less restrictive intervention was not used, the reasons for not using a less restrictive intervention must be documented; new text end

new text begin (6) documentation by the responsible staff person on duty of reassessment of the patient at least every 15 minutes to determine if seclusion or the physical hold can be terminated; new text end

new text begin (7) a description of the physical holds used in escorting a patient; and new text end

new text begin (8) any injury to the patient that occurred during the use of a protective procedure. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Use of law enforcement. new text end

new text begin The program must maintain a central log documenting each incident involving use of law enforcement, including: new text end

new text begin (1) the date and time law enforcement arrived at and left the program; new text end

new text begin (2) the reason for the use of law enforcement; new text end

new text begin (3) if law enforcement used force or a protective procedure and which protective procedure was used; and new text end

new text begin (4) whether any injuries occurred. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Administrative review. new text end

new text begin (a) The license holder must keep a record of all patient incidents and protective procedures used. An administrative review of each use of protective procedures must be completed within 72 hours by someone other than the person who used the protective procedure. The record of the administrative review of the use of protective procedures must state whether: new text end

new text begin (1) the required documentation was recorded for each use of a protective procedure; new text end

new text begin (2) the protective procedure was used according to the policy and procedures; new text end

new text begin (3) the staff who implemented the protective procedure was properly trained; and new text end

new text begin (4) the behavior met the standards for imminent danger of harming self or others. new text end

new text begin (b) The license holder must conduct and document a quarterly review of the use of protective procedures with the goal of reducing the use of protective procedures. The review must include: new text end

new text begin (1) any patterns or problems indicated by similarities in the time of day, day of the week, duration of the use of a protective procedure, individuals involved, or other factors associated with the use of protective procedures; new text end

new text begin (2) any injuries resulting from the use of protective procedures; new text end

new text begin (3) whether law enforcement was involved in the use of a protective procedure; new text end

new text begin (4) actions needed to correct deficiencies in the program's implementation of protective procedures; new text end

new text begin (5) an assessment of opportunities missed to avoid the use of protective procedures; and new text end

new text begin (6) proposed actions to be taken to minimize the use of protective procedures. new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [245F.10] PATIENT RIGHTS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Patient rights. new text end

new text begin Patients have the rights in sections 144.651, 148F.165, and 253B.03, as applicable. The license holder must give each patient, upon admission, a written statement of patient rights. Program staff must review the statement with the patient. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Grievance procedure. new text end

new text begin Upon admission, the license holder must explain the grievance procedure to the patient or patient's representative and give the patient a written copy of the procedure. The grievance procedure must be posted in a place visible to the patient and must be made available to current and former patients upon request. A license holder's written grievance procedure must include: new text end

new text begin (1) staff assistance in developing and processing the grievance; new text end

new text begin (2) an initial response to the patient who filed the grievance within 24 hours of the program's receipt of the grievance, and timelines for additional steps to be taken to resolve the grievance, including access to the person with the highest level of authority in the program if the grievance cannot be resolved by other staff members; and new text end

new text begin (3) the current addresses and telephone numbers of the Department of Human Services Licensing Division, Department of Health Office of Health Facilities Complaints, Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, Board of Medical Practice, Board of Nursing, and Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [245F.11] PATIENT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. new text end

new text begin A license holder must meet the requirements for handling patient funds and property in section 245A.04, subdivision 13, except: new text end

new text begin (1) a license holder must establish policies regarding the use of personal property to assure that program activities and the rights of other patients are not infringed, and may take temporary custody of personal property if these policies are violated; new text end

new text begin (2) a license holder must retain the patient's property for a minimum of seven days after discharge if the patient does not reclaim the property after discharge; and new text end

new text begin (3) the license holder must return to the patient all of the patient's property held in trust at discharge, regardless of discharge status, except that: new text end

new text begin (i) drugs, drug paraphernalia, and drug containers that are subject to forfeiture under section 609.5316 must be given over to the custody of a local law enforcement agency or, if giving the property over to the custody of a local law enforcement agency would violate Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 2.1 to 2.67, and title 45, parts 160 to 164, destroyed by a staff person designated by the program director; and new text end

new text begin (ii) weapons, explosives, and other property that may cause serious harm to self or others must be transferred to a local law enforcement agency. The patient must be notified of the transfer and the right to reclaim the property if the patient has a legal right to possess the item. new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin [245F.12] MEDICAL SERVICES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Services provided at all programs. new text end

new text begin Withdrawal management programs must have: new text end

new text begin (1) a standardized data collection tool for collecting health-related information about each patient. The data collection tool must be developed in collaboration with a registered nurse and approved and signed by the medical director; and new text end

new text begin (2) written procedures for a nurse to assess and monitor patient health within the nurse's scope of practice. The procedures must: new text end

new text begin (i) be approved by the medical director; new text end

new text begin (ii) include a follow-up screening conducted between four and 12 hours after service initiation to collect information relating to acute intoxication, other health complaints, and behavioral risk factors that the patient may not have communicated at service initiation; new text end

new text begin (iii) specify the physical signs and symptoms that, when present, require consultation with a registered nurse or a physician and that require transfer to an acute care facility or a higher level of care than that provided by the program; new text end

new text begin (iv) specify those staff members responsible for monitoring patient health and provide for hourly observation and for more frequent observation if the initial health assessment or follow-up screening indicates a need for intensive physical or behavioral health monitoring; and new text end

new text begin (v) specify the actions to be taken to address specific complicating conditions, including pregnancy or the presence of physical signs or symptoms of any other medical condition. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Services provided at clinically managed programs. new text end

new text begin In addition to the services listed in subdivision 1, clinically managed programs must: new text end

new text begin (1) have a licensed practical nurse on site 24 hours a day and a medical director; new text end

new text begin (2) provide an initial health assessment conducted by a nurse upon admission; new text end

new text begin (3) provide daily on-site medical evaluation by a nurse; new text end

new text begin (4) have a registered nurse available by telephone or in person for consultation 24 hours a day; new text end

new text begin (5) have a qualified medical professional available by telephone or in person for consultation 24 hours a day; and new text end

new text begin (6) have appropriately licensed staff available to administer medications according to prescriber-approved orders. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Services provided at medically monitored programs. new text end

new text begin In addition to the services listed in subdivision 1, medically monitored programs must have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day and a medical director. Medically monitored programs must provide intensive inpatient withdrawal management services which must include: new text end

new text begin (1) an initial health assessment conducted by a registered nurse upon admission; new text end

new text begin (2) the availability of a medical evaluation and consultation with a registered nurse 24 hours a day; new text end

new text begin (3) the availability of a qualified medical professional by telephone or in person for consultation 24 hours a day; new text end

new text begin (4) the ability to be seen within 24 hours or sooner by a qualified medical professional if the initial health assessment indicates the need to be seen; new text end

new text begin (5) the availability of on-site monitoring of patient care seven days a week by a qualified medical professional; and new text end

new text begin (6) appropriately licensed staff available to administer medications according to prescriber-approved orders. new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin [245F.13] MEDICATIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Administration of medications. new text end

new text begin A license holder must employ or contract with a registered nurse to develop the policies and procedures for medication administration. A registered nurse must provide supervision as defined in section 148.171, subdivision 23, for the administration of medications. For clinically managed programs, the registered nurse supervision must include on-site supervision at least monthly or more often as warranted by the health needs of the patient. The medication administration policies and procedures must include: new text end

new text begin (1) a provision that patients may carry emergency medication such as nitroglycerin as instructed by their prescriber; new text end

new text begin (2) requirements for recording the patient's use of medication, including staff signatures with date and time; new text end

new text begin (3) guidelines regarding when to inform a licensed practitioner or a registered nurse of problems with medication administration, including failure to administer, patient refusal of a medication, adverse reactions, or errors; and new text end

new text begin (4) procedures for acceptance, documentation, and implementation of prescriptions, whether written, oral, telephonic, or electronic. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Control of drugs. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have in place and implement written policies and procedures relating to control of drugs. The policies and procedures must be developed by a registered nurse and must contain the following provisions: new text end

new text begin (1) a requirement that all drugs must be stored in a locked compartment. Schedule II drugs, as defined in section 152.02, subdivision 3, must be stored in a separately locked compartment that is permanently affixed to the physical plant or a medication cart; new text end

new text begin (2) a system for accounting for all scheduled drugs each shift; new text end

new text begin (3) a procedure for recording a patient's use of medication, including staff signatures with time and date; new text end

new text begin (4) a procedure for destruction of discontinued, outdated, or deteriorated medications; new text end

new text begin (5) a statement that only authorized personnel are permitted to have access to the keys to the locked drug compartments; and new text end

new text begin (6) a statement that no legend drug supply for one patient may be given to another patient. new text end

Sec. 14.

new text begin [245F.14] STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Program director. new text end

new text begin A license holder must employ or contract with a person, on a full-time basis, to serve as program director. The program director must be responsible for all aspects of the facility and the services delivered to the license holder's patients. An individual may serve as program director for more than one program owned by the same license holder. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Responsible staff person. new text end

new text begin During all hours of operation, a license holder must designate a staff member as the responsible staff person to be present and awake in the facility and be responsible for the program. The responsible staff person must have decision-making authority over the day-to-day operation of the program as well as the authority to direct the activity of or terminate the shift of any staff member who has direct patient contact. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Technician required. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have one technician awake and on duty at all times for every ten patients in the program. A license holder may assign technicians according to the need for care of the patients, except that the same technician must not be responsible for more than 15 patients at one time. For purposes of establishing this ratio, all staff whose qualifications meet or exceed those for technicians under section 245F.15, subdivision 6, and who are performing the duties of a technician may be counted as technicians. The same individual may not be counted as both a technician and an alcohol and drug counselor. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Registered nurse required. new text end

new text begin A license holder must employ or contract with a registered nurse, who must be available 24 hours a day by telephone or in person for consultation. The registered nurse is responsible for: new text end

new text begin (1) establishing and implementing procedures for the provision of nursing care and delegated medical care, including: new text end

new text begin (i) a health monitoring plan; new text end

new text begin (ii) a medication control plan; new text end

new text begin (iii) training and competency evaluations for staff performing delegated medical and nursing functions; new text end

new text begin (iv) handling serious illness, accident, or injury to patients; new text end

new text begin (v) an infection control program; and new text end

new text begin (vi) a first aid kit; new text end

new text begin (2) delegating nursing functions to other staff consistent with their education, competence, and legal authorization; new text end

new text begin (3) assigning, supervising, and evaluating the performance of nursing tasks; and new text end

new text begin (4) implementing condition-specific protocols in compliance with section 151.37, subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Medical director required. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have a medical director available for medical supervision. The medical director is responsible for ensuring the accurate and safe provision of all health-related services and procedures. A license holder must obtain and document the medical director's annual approval of the following procedures before the procedures may be used: new text end

new text begin (1) admission, discharge, and transfer criteria and procedures; new text end

new text begin (2) a health services plan; new text end

new text begin (3) physical indicators for a referral to a physician, registered nurse, or hospital, and procedures for referral; new text end

new text begin (4) procedures to follow in case of accident, injury, or death of a patient; new text end

new text begin (5) formulation of condition-specific protocols regarding the medications that require a withdrawal regimen that will be administered to patients; new text end

new text begin (6) an infection control program; new text end

new text begin (7) protective procedures; and new text end

new text begin (8) a medication control plan. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Alcohol and drug counselor. new text end

new text begin A withdrawal management program must provide one full-time equivalent alcohol and drug counselor for every 16 patients served by the program. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Ensuring staff-to-patient ratio. new text end

new text begin The responsible staff person under subdivision 2 must ensure that the program does not exceed the staff-to-patient ratios in subdivisions 3 and 6 and must inform admitting staff of the current staffed capacity of the program for that shift. A license holder must have a written policy for documenting staff-to-patient ratios for each shift and actions to take when staffed capacity is reached. new text end

Sec. 15.

new text begin [245F.15] STAFF QUALIFICATIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Qualifications for all staff who have direct patient contact. new text end

new text begin (a) All staff who have direct patient contact must be at least 18 years of age and must, at the time of hiring, document that they meet the requirements in paragraph (b), (c), or (d). new text end

new text begin (b) Program directors, supervisors, nurses, and alcohol and drug counselors must be free of substance use problems for at least two years immediately preceding their hiring and must sign a statement attesting to that fact. new text end

new text begin (c) Recovery peers must be free of substance use problems for at least one year immediately preceding their hiring and must sign a statement attesting to that fact. new text end

new text begin (d) Technicians and other support staff must be free of substance use problems for at least six months immediately preceding their hiring and must sign a statement attesting to that fact. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Continuing employment; no substance use problems. new text end

new text begin License holders must require staff to be free from substance use problems as a condition of continuing employment. Staff are not required to sign statements attesting to their freedom from substance use problems after the initial statement required by subdivision 1. Staff with substance use problems must be immediately removed from any responsibilities that include direct patient contact. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Program director qualifications. new text end

new text begin A program director must: new text end

new text begin (1) have at least one year of work experience in direct service to individuals with substance use disorders or one year of work experience in the management or administration of direct service to individuals with substance use disorders; new text end

new text begin (2) have a baccalaureate degree or three years of work experience in administration or personnel supervision in human services; and new text end

new text begin (3) know and understand the requirements of this chapter and chapters 245A and 245C, and sections 253B.04, 253B.05, 626.556, 626.557, and 626.5572. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Alcohol and drug counselor qualifications. new text end

new text begin An alcohol and drug counselor must meet the requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6450, subpart 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Responsible staff person qualifications. new text end

new text begin Each responsible staff person must know and understand the requirements of this chapter and sections 245A.65, 253B.04, 253B.05, 626.556, 626.557, and 626.5572. In a clinically managed program, the responsible staff person must be a licensed practical nurse employed by or under contract with the license holder. In a medically monitored program, the responsible staff person must be a registered nurse, program director, or physician. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Technician qualifications. new text end

new text begin A technician employed by a program must demonstrate competency, prior to direct patient contact, in the following areas: new text end

new text begin (1) knowledge of the client bill of rights in section 148F.165, and staff responsibilities in sections 144.651 and 253B.03; new text end

new text begin (2) knowledge of and the ability to perform basic health screening procedures with intoxicated patients that consist of: new text end

new text begin (i) blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration readings; new text end

new text begin (ii) interviewing to obtain relevant medical history and current health complaints; and new text end

new text begin (iii) visual observation of a patient's health status, including monitoring a patient's behavior as it relates to health status; new text end

new text begin (3) a current first aid certificate from the American Red Cross or an equivalent organization; a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate from the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, a community organization, or an equivalent organization; and knowledge of first aid for seizures, trauma, and loss of consciousness; and new text end

new text begin (4) knowledge of and ability to perform basic activities of daily living and personal hygiene. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Recovery peer qualifications. new text end

new text begin Recovery peers must: new text end

new text begin (1) be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or its equivalent; new text end

new text begin (2) have a minimum of one year in recovery from substance use disorder; new text end

new text begin (3) have completed a curriculum designated by the commissioner that teaches specific skills and training in the domains of ethics and boundaries, advocacy, mentoring and education, and recovery and wellness support; and new text end

new text begin (4) receive supervision in areas specific to the domains of their role by qualified supervisory staff. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Personal relationships. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have a written policy addressing personal relationships between patients and staff who have direct patient contact. The policy must: new text end

new text begin (1) prohibit direct patient contact between a patient and a staff member if the staff member has had a personal relationship with the patient within two years prior to the patient's admission to the program; new text end

new text begin (2) prohibit access to a patient's clinical records by a staff member who has had a personal relationship with the patient within two years prior to the patient's admission, unless the patient consents in writing; and new text end

new text begin (3) prohibit a clinical relationship between a staff member and a patient if the staff member has had a personal relationship with the patient within two years prior to the patient's admission. If a personal relationship exists, the staff member must report the relationship to the staff member's supervisor and recuse the staff member from a clinical relationship with that patient. new text end

Sec. 16.

new text begin [245F.16] PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Policy requirements. new text end

new text begin A license holder must have written personnel policies and must make them available to staff members at all times. The personnel policies must: new text end

new text begin (1) ensure that a staff member's retention, promotion, job assignment, or pay are not affected by a good faith communication between the staff member and the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, law enforcement, or local agencies that investigate complaints regarding patient rights, health, or safety; new text end

new text begin (2) include a job description for each position that specifies job responsibilities, degree of authority to execute job responsibilities, standards of job performance related to specified job responsibilities, and qualifications; new text end

new text begin (3) provide for written job performance evaluations for staff members of the license holder at least annually; new text end

new text begin (4) describe behavior that constitutes grounds for disciplinary action, suspension, or dismissal, including policies that address substance use problems and meet the requirements of section 245F.15, subdivisions 1 and 2. The policies and procedures must list behaviors or incidents that are considered substance use problems. The list must include: new text end

new text begin (i) receiving treatment for substance use disorder within the period specified for the position in the staff qualification requirements; new text end

new text begin (ii) substance use that has a negative impact on the staff member's job performance; new text end

new text begin (iii) substance use that affects the credibility of treatment services with patients, referral sources, or other members of the community; and new text end

new text begin (iv) symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal on the job; new text end

new text begin (5) include policies prohibiting personal involvement with patients and policies prohibiting patient maltreatment as specified under chapter 604 and sections 245A.65, 626.556, 626.557, and 626.5572; new text end

new text begin (6) include a chart or description of organizational structure indicating the lines of authority and responsibilities; new text end

new text begin (7) include a written plan for new staff member orientation that, at a minimum, includes training related to the specific job functions for which the staff member was hired, program policies and procedures, patient needs, and the areas identified in subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (e); and new text end

new text begin (8) include a policy on the confidentiality of patient information. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Staff development. new text end

new text begin (a) A license holder must ensure that each staff member receives orientation training before providing direct patient care and at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years. A written record must be kept to demonstrate completion of training requirements. new text end

new text begin (b) Within 72 hours of beginning employment, all staff having direct patient contact must be provided orientation on the following: new text end

new text begin (1) specific license holder and staff responsibilities for patient confidentiality; new text end

new text begin (2) standards governing the use of protective procedures; new text end

new text begin (3) patient ethical boundaries and patient rights, including the rights of patients admitted under chapter 253B; new text end

new text begin (4) infection control procedures; new text end

new text begin (5) mandatory reporting under sections 245A.65, 626.556, and 626.557, including specific training covering the facility's policies concerning obtaining patient releases of information; new text end

new text begin (6) HIV minimum standards as required in section 245A.19; new text end

new text begin (7) motivational counseling techniques and identifying stages of change; and new text end

new text begin (8) eight hours of training on the program's protective procedures policy required in section 245F.09, including: new text end

new text begin (i) approved therapeutic holds; new text end

new text begin (ii) protective procedures used to prevent patients from imminent danger of harming self or others; new text end

new text begin (iii) the emergency conditions under which the protective procedures may be used, if any; new text end

new text begin (iv) documentation standards for using protective procedures; new text end

new text begin (v) how to monitor and respond to patient distress; and new text end

new text begin (vi) person-centered planning and trauma-informed care. new text end

new text begin (c) All staff having direct patient contact must be provided annual training on the following: new text end

new text begin (1) infection control procedures; new text end

new text begin (2) mandatory reporting under sections 245A.65, 626.556, and 626.557, including specific training covering the facility's policies concerning obtaining patient releases of information; new text end

new text begin (3) HIV minimum standards as required in section 245A.19; and new text end

new text begin (4) motivational counseling techniques and identifying stages of change. new text end

new text begin (d) All staff having direct patient contact must be provided training every two years on the following: new text end

new text begin (1) specific license holder and staff responsibilities for patient confidentiality; new text end

new text begin (2) standards governing use of protective procedures, including: new text end

new text begin (i) approved therapeutic holds; new text end

new text begin (ii) protective procedures used to prevent patients from imminent danger of harming self or others; new text end

new text begin (iii) the emergency conditions under which the protective procedures may be used, if any; new text end

new text begin (iv) documentation standards for using protective procedures; new text end

new text begin (v) how to monitor and respond to patient distress; and new text end

new text begin (vi) person-centered planning and trauma-informed care; and new text end

new text begin (3) patient ethical boundaries and patient rights, including the rights of patients admitted under chapter 253B. new text end

new text begin (e) Continuing education that is completed in areas outside of the required topics must provide information to the staff person that is useful to the performance of the individual staff person's duties. new text end

Sec. 17.

new text begin [245F.17] PERSONNEL FILES. new text end

new text begin A license holder must maintain a separate personnel file for each staff member. At a minimum, the file must contain: new text end

new text begin (1) a completed application for employment signed by the staff member that contains the staff member's qualifications for employment and documentation related to the applicant's background study data, as defined in chapter 245C; new text end

new text begin (2) documentation of the staff member's current professional license or registration, if relevant; new text end

new text begin (3) documentation of orientation and subsequent training; new text end

new text begin (4) documentation of a statement of freedom from substance use problems; and new text end

new text begin (5) an annual job performance evaluation. new text end

Sec. 18.

new text begin [245F.18] POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL. new text end

new text begin A license holder must develop a written policy and procedures manual that is alphabetically indexed and has a table of contents, so that staff have immediate access to all policies and procedures, and that consumers of the services, and other authorized parties have access to all policies and procedures. The manual must contain the following materials: new text end

new text begin (1) a description of patient education services as required in section 245F.06; new text end

new text begin (2) personnel policies that comply with section 245F.16; new text end

new text begin (3) admission information and referral and discharge policies that comply with section 245F.05; new text end

new text begin (4) a health monitoring plan that complies with section 245F.12; new text end

new text begin (5) a protective procedures policy that complies with section 245F.09, if the program elects to use protective procedures; new text end

new text begin (6) policies and procedures for assuring appropriate patient-to-staff ratios that comply with section 245F.14; new text end

new text begin (7) policies and procedures for assessing and documenting the susceptibility for risk of abuse to the patient as the basis for the individual abuse prevention plan required by section 245A.65; new text end

new text begin (8) procedures for mandatory reporting as required by sections 245A.65, 626.556, and 626.557; new text end

new text begin (9) a medication control plan that complies with section 245F.13; and new text end

new text begin (10) policies and procedures regarding HIV that meet the minimum standards under section 245A.19. new text end

Sec. 19.

new text begin [245F.19] PATIENT RECORDS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Patient records required. new text end

new text begin A license holder must maintain a file of current patient records on the program premises where the treatment is provided. Each entry in each patient record must be signed and dated by the staff member making the entry. Patient records must be protected against loss, tampering, or unauthorized disclosure in compliance with chapter 13 and section 254A.09; Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 2.1 to 2.67; and title 45, parts 160 to 164. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Records retention. new text end

new text begin A license holder must retain and store records as required by section 245A.041, subdivisions 3 and 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Contents of records. new text end

new text begin Patient records must include the following: new text end

new text begin (1) documentation of the patient's presenting problem, any substance use screening, the most recent assessment, and any updates; new text end

new text begin (2) a stabilization plan and progress notes as required by section 245F.07, subdivisions 1 and 2; new text end

new text begin (3) a discharge summary as required by section 245F.07, subdivision 3; new text end

new text begin (4) an individual abuse prevention plan that complies with section 245A.65, and related rules; new text end

new text begin (5) documentation of referrals made; and new text end

new text begin (6) documentation of the monitoring and observations of the patient's medical needs. new text end

Sec. 20.

new text begin [245F.20] DATA COLLECTION REQUIRED. new text end

new text begin The license holder must participate in the drug and alcohol abuse normative evaluation system (DAANES) by submitting, in a format provided by the commissioner, information concerning each patient admitted to the program. Staff submitting data must be trained by the license holder with the DAANES Web manual. new text end

Sec. 21.

new text begin [245F.21] PAYMENT METHODOLOGY. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop a payment methodology for services provided under this chapter or by an Indian Health Services facility or a facility owned and operated by a tribe or tribal organization operating under Public Law 93-638 as a 638 facility. The commissioner shall seek federal approval for the methodology. Upon federal approval, the commissioner must seek and obtain legislative approval of the funding methodology to support the service. new text end

ARTICLE 4

DIRECT CARE AND TREATMENT

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 43A.241, is amended to read:

43A.241 INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS; FORMER deleted text begin CORRECTIONS deleted text end EMPLOYEES.

(a) This section applies to a person who:

(1) was employed by the commissioner of the Department of Corrections deleted text begin at a state institution under control of the commissioner, and in that employment was a member of the general plan of the Minnesota State Retirement System; deleted text end new text begin or by the Department of Human Services; new text end

(2) new text begin was covered by the correctional employee retirement plan under section 352.91 or the general state employees retirement plan of the Minnesota State Retirement System as defined in section 352.021; new text end

new text begin (3) while employed under clause (1), new text end was assaulted by new text begin : new text end

deleted text begin an inmate at a state institution under control of the commissioner of the Department of Corrections deleted text end new text begin (i) a person under correctional supervision for a criminal offense; or new text end

new text begin (ii) a client or patient at the Minnesota sex offender program, or at a state-operated forensic services program as defined in section 352.91, subdivision 3j, under the control of the commissioner of the Department of Human Services new text end ; and

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (4) as a direct result of the assault under clause (3), new text end was determined to be totally and permanently new text begin physically new text end disabled under laws governing the Minnesota State Retirement System.

(b) For a person to whom this section applies, the commissioner of the Department of Corrections new text begin or the commissioner of the Department of Human Services new text end must continue to make the employer contribution for deleted text begin hospital, deleted text end medical deleted text begin , deleted text end and dental benefits under the State Employee Group Insurance Program after the person terminates state service. If the person had dependent coverage at the time of terminating state service, employer contributions for dependent coverage also must continue under this section. The employer contributions must be in the amount of the employer contribution for active state employees at the time each payment is made. The employer contributions must continue until the person reaches age 65, provided the person makes the required employee contributions, in the amount required of an active state employee, at the time and in the manner specified by the commissioner.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to a person assaulted by an inmate, client, or patient on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 246.54, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

County portion for cost of care.

(a) Except for chemical dependency services provided under sections 254B.01 to 254B.09, the client's county shall pay to the state of Minnesota a portion of the cost of care provided in a regional treatment center or a state nursing facility to a client legally settled in that county. A county's payment shall be made from the county's own sources of revenue and payments shall equal a percentage of the cost of care, as determined by the commissioner, for each day, or the portion thereof, that the client spends at a regional treatment center or a state nursing facility according to the following schedule:

(1) zero percent for the first 30 days;

(2) 20 percent for days 31 deleted text begin to 60 deleted text end new text begin and over if the stay is determined to be clinically appropriate for the client new text end ; and

(3) deleted text begin 75 percent for any days over 60 deleted text end new text begin 100 percent for each day during the stay, including the day of admission, when the facility determines that it is clinically appropriate for the client to be discharged new text end .

deleted text begin (b) The increase in the county portion for cost of care under paragraph (a), clause (3), shall be imposed when the treatment facility has determined that it is clinically appropriate for the client to be discharged. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end If payments received by the state under sections 246.50 to 246.53 exceed 80 percent of the cost of care for days new text begin over new text end 31 deleted text begin to 60, or 25 percent for days over 60 deleted text end new text begin for clients who meet the criteria in paragraph (a), clause (2) new text end , the county shall be responsible for paying the state only the remaining amount. The county shall not be entitled to reimbursement from the client, the client's estate, or from the client's relatives, except as provided in section 246.53.

ARTICLE 5

SIMPLIFICATION OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.011, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Income.

"Income" means earned deleted text begin or unearned deleted text end income deleted text begin received by all family members, including deleted text end new text begin as defined under section 256P.01, subdivision 3, unearned income as defined under section 256P.01, subdivision 8, and new text end public assistance cash benefits deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , including the Minnesota family investment program, diversionary work program, work benefit, Minnesota supplemental aid, general assistance, refugee cash assistance, new text end at-home infant child care subsidy payments, deleted text begin unless specifically excluded deleted text end and child support and maintenance distributed to the family under section 256.741, subdivision 15. The following are deleted text begin excluded deleted text end new text begin deducted new text end from income: funds used to pay for health insurance premiums for family members, deleted text begin Supplemental Security Income, scholarships, work-study income, and grants that cover costs or reimbursement for tuition, fees, books, and educational supplies; student loans for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses; state and federal earned income tax credits; assistance specifically excluded as income by law; in-kind income such as food support, energy assistance, foster care assistance, medical assistance, child care assistance, and housing subsidies; earned income of full-time or part-time students up to the age of 19, who have not earned a high school diploma or GED high school equivalency diploma including earnings from summer employment; grant awards under the family subsidy program; nonrecurring lump-sum income only to the extent that it is earmarked and used for the purpose for which it is paid; and any income assigned to the public authority according to section 256.741 deleted text end new text begin and child or spousal support paid to or on behalf of a person or persons who live outside of the household. Income sources not included in this subdivision and section 256P.06, subdivision 3, are not counted new text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.025, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Factors which must be verified.

(a) The county shall verify the following at all initial child care applications using the universal application:

(1) identity of adults;

(2) presence of the minor child in the home, if questionable;

(3) relationship of minor child to the parent, stepparent, legal guardian, eligible relative caretaker, or the spouses of any of the foregoing;

(4) age;

(5) immigration status, if related to eligibility;

(6) Social Security number, if given;

(7) income;

(8) spousal support and child support payments made to persons outside the household;

(9) residence; and

(10) inconsistent information, if related to eligibility.

(b) If a family did not use the universal application or child care addendum to apply for child care assistance, the family must complete the universal application or child care addendum at its next eligibility redetermination and the county must verify the factors listed in paragraph (a) as part of that redetermination. Once a family has completed a universal application or child care addendum, the county shall use the redetermination form described in paragraph (c) for that family's subsequent redeterminations. Eligibility must be redetermined at least every six months. A family is considered to have met the eligibility redetermination requirement if a complete redetermination form and all required verifications are received within 30 days after the date the form was due. Assistance shall be payable retroactively from the redetermination due date. For a family where at least one parent is under the age of 21, does not have a high school or general equivalency diploma, and is a student in a school district or another similar program that provides or arranges for child care, as well as parenting, social services, career and employment supports, and academic support to achieve high school graduation, the redetermination of eligibility shall be deferred beyond six months, but not to exceed 12 months, to the end of the student's school year. If a family reports a change in an eligibility factor before the family's next regularly scheduled redetermination, the county must recalculate eligibility without requiring verification of any eligibility factor that did not change. new text begin Changes must be reported as required by section 256P.07. A change in income occurs on the day the participant received the first payment reflecting the change in income. new text end

(c) The commissioner shall develop a redetermination form to redetermine eligibility and a change report form to report changes that minimize paperwork for the county and the participant.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.035, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Assistance.

(a) A family is limited to a lifetime total of 12 months of assistance under subdivision 2. The maximum rate of assistance is equal to 68 percent of the rate established under section 119B.13 for care of infants in licensed family child care in the applicant's county of residence.

(b) A participating family must report income and other family changes as specified in new text begin sections 256P.06 and 256P.07, and new text end the county's plan under section 119B.08, subdivision 3.

(c) Persons who are admitted to the at-home infant child care program retain their position in any basic sliding fee program. Persons leaving the at-home infant child care program reenter the basic sliding fee program at the position they would have occupied.

(d) Assistance under this section does not establish an employer-employee relationship between any member of the assisted family and the county or state.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 119B.09, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Eligibility; annual income; calculation.

Annual income of the applicant family is the current monthly income of the family multiplied by 12 or the income for the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of application, or income calculated by the method which provides the most accurate assessment of income available to the family. Self-employment income must be calculated based on gross receipts less operating expenses. Income must be recalculated when the family's income changes, but no less often than every six months. For a family where at least one parent is under the age of 21, does not have a high school or general equivalency diploma, and is a student in a school district or another similar program that provides or arranges for child care, as well as parenting, social services, career and employment supports, and academic support to achieve high school graduation, income must be recalculated when the family's income changes, but otherwise shall be deferred beyond six months, but not to exceed 12 months, to the end of the student's school year. new text begin Included lump sums counted as income under section 256P.06, subdivision 3, must be annualized over 12 months. new text end Income must be verified with documentary evidence. If the applicant does not have sufficient evidence of income, verification must be obtained from the source of the income.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256D.01, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Standards.

(a) A principal objective in providing general assistance is to provide for single adults, childless couples, or children as defined in section 256D.02, subdivision 6, ineligible for federal programs who are unable to provide for themselves. The minimum standard of assistance determines the total amount of the general assistance grant without separate standards for shelter, utilities, or other needs.

(b) The commissioner shall set the standard of assistance for an assistance unit consisting of an adult recipient who is childless and unmarried or living apart from children and spouse and who does not live with a parent or parents or a legal custodian. When the other standards specified in this subdivision increase, this standard must also be increased by the same percentage.

(c) For an assistance unit consisting of a single adult who lives with a parent or parents, the general assistance standard of assistance is the amount that the aid to families with dependent children standard of assistance, in effect on July 16, 1996, would increase if the recipient were added as an additional minor child to an assistance unit consisting of the recipient's parent and all of that parent's family members, except that the standard may not exceed the standard for a general assistance recipient living alone. Benefits received by a responsible relative of the assistance unit under the Supplemental Security Income program, a workers' compensation program, the Minnesota supplemental aid program, or any other program based on the responsible relative's disability, and any benefits received by a responsible relative of the assistance unit under the Social Security retirement program, may not be counted in the determination of eligibility or benefit level for the assistance unit. Except as provided below, the assistance unit is ineligible for general assistance if the available resources or the countable income of the assistance unit and the parent or parents with whom the assistance unit lives are such that a family consisting of the assistance unit's parent or parents, the parent or parents' other family members and the assistance unit as the only or additional minor child would be financially ineligible for general assistance. For the purposes of calculating the countable income of the assistance unit's parent or parents, the calculation methods deleted text begin , income deductions, exclusions, and disregards used when calculating the countable income for a single adult or childless couple deleted text end must deleted text begin be used deleted text end new text begin follow the provisions under section 256P.06 new text end .

(d) For an assistance unit consisting of a childless couple, the standards of assistance are the same as the first and second adult standards of the aid to families with dependent children program in effect on July 16, 1996. If one member of the couple is not included in the general assistance grant, the standard of assistance for the other is the second adult standard of the aid to families with dependent children program as of July 16, 1996.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256D.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Assistance unit. new text end

new text begin "Assistance unit" means an individual who is, or an eligible married couple who live together who are, applying for or receiving benefits under this chapter. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256D.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1b. new text end

new text begin Cash assistance benefit. new text end

new text begin "Cash assistance benefit" means any payment received as a disability benefit, including veterans or workers' compensation; old age, survivors, and disability insurance; railroad retirement benefits; unemployment benefits; and benefits under any federally aided categorical assistance program, Supplemental Security Income, or other assistance program. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256D.02, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Income.

"Income" means deleted text begin any form of income, including remuneration for services performed as an employee and earned income from rental income and self-employment earnings as described under section 256P.05 deleted text end new text begin earned income as defined under section 256P.01, subdivision 3, and unearned income as defined under section 256P.01, subdivision 8 new text end .

deleted text begin Income includes any payments received as an annuity, retirement, or disability benefit, including veteran's or workers' compensation; old age, survivors, and disability insurance; railroad retirement benefits; unemployment benefits; and benefits under any federally aided categorical assistance program, supplementary security income, or other assistance program; rents, dividends, interest and royalties; and support and maintenance payments. Such payments may not be considered as available to meet the needs of any person other than the person for whose benefit they are received, unless that person is a family member or a spouse and the income is not excluded under section 256D.01, subdivision 1a. Goods and services provided in lieu of cash payment shall be excluded from the definition of income, except that payments made for room, board, tuition or fees by a parent, on behalf of a child enrolled as a full-time student in a postsecondary institution, and payments made on behalf of an applicant or participant which the applicant or participant could legally demand to receive personally in cash, must be included as income. Benefits of an applicant or participant, such as those administered by the Social Security Administration, that are paid to a representative payee, and are spent on behalf of the applicant or participant, are considered available income of the applicant or participant. deleted text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256D.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Eligibility; amount of assistance.

General assistance shall be granted in an amount that when added to the deleted text begin nonexempt deleted text end new text begin countable new text end income new text begin as determined to be new text end actually available to the assistance unit new text begin under section 256P.06 new text end , the total amount equals the applicable standard of assistance for general assistance. In determining eligibility for and the amount of assistance for an individual or married couple, the agency shall apply the earned income disregard as determined in section 256P.03.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256D.405, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Reports.

Participants must report changes in circumstances new text begin according to section 256P.07 new text end that affect eligibility or assistance payment amounts within ten days of the change. Participants who do not receive SSI because of excess income must complete a monthly report form if they have earned income, if they have income deemed to them from a financially responsible relative with whom the participant resides, or if they have income deemed to them by a sponsor. If the report form is not received before the end of the month in which it is due, the county agency must terminate assistance. The termination shall be effective on the first day of the month following the month in which the report was due. If a complete report is received within the month the assistance was terminated, the assistance unit is considered to have continued its application for assistance, effective the first day of the month the assistance was terminated.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1b. new text end

new text begin Assistance unit. new text end

new text begin "Assistance unit" means an individual who is applying for or receiving benefits under this chapter. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.03, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Countable income.

"Countable income" means all income received by an applicant or recipient new text begin as described under section 256P.06, new text end less any applicable exclusions or disregards. For a recipient of any cash benefit from the SSI program, countable income means the SSI benefit limit in effect at the time the person is in a GRH, less the medical assistance personal needs allowance. If the SSI limit has been reduced for a person due to events occurring prior to the persons entering the GRH setting, countable income means actual income less any applicable exclusions and disregards.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Individual eligibility requirements.

An individual is eligible for and entitled to a group residential housing payment to be made on the individual's behalf if the agency has approved the individual's residence in a group residential housing setting and the individual meets the requirements in paragraph (a) or (b).

(a) The individual is aged, blind, or is over 18 years of age and disabled as determined under the criteria used by the title II program of the Social Security Act, and meets the resource restrictions and standards of section 256P.02, and the individual's countable income after deducting the (1) exclusions and disregards of the SSI program, (2) the medical assistance personal needs allowance under section 256B.35, and (3) an amount equal to the income actually made available to a community spouse by an elderly waiver participant under the provisions of sections 256B.0575, paragraph (a), clause (4), and 256B.058, subdivision 2, is less than the monthly rate specified in the agency's agreement with the provider of group residential housing in which the individual resides.

(b) The individual meets a category of eligibility under section 256D.05, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), and the individual's resources are less than the standards specified by section 256P.02, and the individual's countable income as determined under deleted text begin sections 256D.01 to 256D.21 deleted text end new text begin section 256P.06 new text end , less the medical assistance personal needs allowance under section 256B.35 is less than the monthly rate specified in the agency's agreement with the provider of group residential housing in which the individual resides.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256I.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Reports.

Recipients must report changes in circumstances new text begin according to section 256P.07 new text end that affect eligibility or group residential housing payment amounts within ten days of the change. Recipients with countable earned income must complete a monthly household report form. If the report form is not received before the end of the month in which it is due, the county agency must terminate eligibility for group residential housing payments. The termination shall be effective on the first day of the month following the month in which the report was due. If a complete report is received within the month eligibility was terminated, the individual is considered to have continued an application for group residential housing payment effective the first day of the month the eligibility was terminated.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.08, subdivision 26, is amended to read:

Subd. 26.

Earned income.

"Earned income" deleted text begin means cash or in-kind income earned through the receipt of wages, salary, commissions, profit from employment activities, net profit from self-employment activities, payments made by an employer for regularly accrued vacation or sick leave, and any other profit from activity earned through effort or labor. The income must be in return for, or as a result of, legal activity deleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in section 256P.01, subdivision 3 new text end .

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.08, subdivision 86, is amended to read:

Subd. 86.

Unearned income.

"Unearned income" deleted text begin means income received by a person that does not meet the definition of earned income. Unearned income includes income from a contract for deed, interest, dividends, unemployment benefits, disability insurance payments, veterans benefits, pension payments, return on capital investment, insurance payments or settlements, severance payments, child support and maintenance payments, and payments for illness or disability whether the premium payments are made in whole or in part by an employer or participant deleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in section 256P.01, subdivision 8 new text end .

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.30, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Applicant reporting requirements.

An applicant must provide information on an application form and supplemental forms about the applicant's circumstances deleted text begin which affect MFIP eligibility or the assistance payment. An applicant must report changes identified in subdivision 9 while the application is pending. When an applicant does not accurately report information on an application, both an overpayment and a referral for a fraud investigation may result. When an applicant does not provide information or documentation, the receipt of the assistance payment may be delayed or the application may be denied depending on the type of information required and its effect on eligibility deleted text end new text begin according to section 256P.07 new text end .

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.30, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Changes that must be reported.

A caregiver must report deleted text begin the changes or anticipated changes specified in clauses (1) to (15) within ten days of the date they occur, at the time of the periodic recertification of eligibility under section 256P.04, subdivisions 8 and 9, or within eight calendar days of a reporting period as in subdivision 5, whichever occurs first. A caregiver must report other changes at the time of the periodic recertification of eligibility under section 256P.04, subdivisions 8 and 9, or at the end of a reporting period under subdivision 5, as applicable. A caregiver must make these reports in writing to the agency. When an agency could have reduced or terminated assistance for one or more payment months if a delay in reporting a change specified under clauses (1) to (14) had not occurred, the agency must determine whether a timely notice under section 256J.31, subdivision 4, could have been issued on the day that the change occurred. When a timely notice could have been issued, each month's overpayment subsequent to that notice must be considered a client error overpayment under section 256J.38. Calculation of overpayments for late reporting under clause (15) is specified in section 256J.09, subdivision 9. Changes in circumstances which must be reported within ten days must also be reported on the MFIP household report form for the reporting period in which those changes occurred. Within ten days, a caregiver must report: deleted text end new text begin changes as specified under section 256P.07. new text end

deleted text begin (1) a change in initial employment; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) a change in initial receipt of unearned income; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) a recurring change in unearned income; deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) a nonrecurring change of unearned income that exceeds $30; deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) the receipt of a lump sum; deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) an increase in assets that may cause the assistance unit to exceed asset limits; deleted text end

deleted text begin (7) a change in the physical or mental status of an incapacitated member of the assistance unit if the physical or mental status is the basis for reducing the hourly participation requirements under section 256J.55, subdivision 1, or the type of activities included in an employment plan under section 256J.521, subdivision 2; deleted text end

deleted text begin (8) a change in employment status; deleted text end

deleted text begin (9) the marriage or divorce of an assistance unit member; deleted text end

deleted text begin (10) the death of a parent, minor child, or financially responsible person; deleted text end

deleted text begin (11) a change in address or living quarters of the assistance unit; deleted text end

deleted text begin (12) the sale, purchase, or other transfer of property; deleted text end

deleted text begin (13) a change in school attendance of a caregiver under age 20 or an employed child; deleted text end

deleted text begin (14) filing a lawsuit, a workers' compensation claim, or a monetary claim against a third party; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (15) a change in household composition, including births, returns to and departures from the home of assistance unit members and financially responsible persons, or a change in the custody of a minor child. deleted text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.35, is amended to read:

256J.35 AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE PAYMENT.

Except as provided in paragraphs (a) to (d), the amount of an assistance payment is equal to the difference between the MFIP standard of need or the Minnesota family wage level in section 256J.24 and countable income.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2015, MFIP assistance units are eligible for an MFIP housing assistance grant of $110 per month, unless:

(1) the housing assistance unit is currently receiving public and assisted rental subsidies provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is subject to section 256J.37, subdivision 3a; or

(2) the assistance unit is a child-only case under section 256J.88.

(b) When MFIP eligibility exists for the month of application, the amount of the assistance payment for the month of application must be prorated from the date of application or the date all other eligibility factors are met for that applicant, whichever is later. This provision applies when an applicant loses at least one day of MFIP eligibility.

(c) MFIP overpayments to an assistance unit must be recouped according to section deleted text begin 256J.38, subdivision 4 deleted text end new text begin 256P.08, subdivision 6 new text end .

(d) An initial assistance payment must not be made to an applicant who is not eligible on the date payment is made.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.40, is amended to read:

256J.40 FAIR HEARINGS.

Caregivers receiving a notice of intent to sanction or a notice of adverse action that includes a sanction, reduction in benefits, suspension of benefits, denial of benefits, or termination of benefits may request a fair hearing. A request for a fair hearing must be submitted in writing to the county agency or to the commissioner and must be mailed within 30 days after a participant or former participant receives written notice of the agency's action or within 90 days when a participant or former participant shows good cause for not submitting the request within 30 days. A former participant who receives a notice of adverse action due to an overpayment may appeal the adverse action according to the requirements in this section. Issues that may be appealed are:

(1) the amount of the assistance payment;

(2) a suspension, reduction, denial, or termination of assistance;

(3) the basis for an overpayment, the calculated amount of an overpayment, and the level of recoupment;

(4) the eligibility for an assistance payment; and

(5) the use of protective or vendor payments under section 256J.39, subdivision 2, clauses (1) to (3).

Except for benefits issued under section 256J.95, a county agency must not reduce, suspend, or terminate payment when an aggrieved participant requests a fair hearing prior to the effective date of the adverse action or within ten days of the mailing of the notice of adverse action, whichever is later, unless the participant requests in writing not to receive continued assistance pending a hearing decision. An appeal request cannot extend benefits for the diversionary work program under section 256J.95 beyond the four-month time limit. Assistance issued pending a fair hearing is subject to recovery under section deleted text begin 256J.38 deleted text end new text begin 256P.08 new text end when as a result of the fair hearing decision the participant is determined ineligible for assistance or the amount of the assistance received. A county agency may increase or reduce an assistance payment while an appeal is pending when the circumstances of the participant change and are not related to the issue on appeal. The commissioner's order is binding on a county agency. No additional notice is required to enforce the commissioner's order.

A county agency shall reimburse appellants for reasonable and necessary expenses of attendance at the hearing, such as child care and transportation costs and for the transportation expenses of the appellant's witnesses and representatives to and from the hearing. Reasonable and necessary expenses do not include legal fees. Fair hearings must be conducted at a reasonable time and date by an impartial human services judge employed by the department. The hearing may be conducted by telephone or at a site that is readily accessible to persons with disabilities.

The appellant may introduce new or additional evidence relevant to the issues on appeal. Recommendations of the human services judge and decisions of the commissioner must be based on evidence in the hearing record and are not limited to a review of the county agency action.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256J.95, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

Subd. 19.

DWP overpayments and underpayments.

DWP benefits are subject to overpayments and underpayments. Anytime an overpayment or an underpayment is determined for DWP, the correction shall be calculated using prospective budgeting. Corrections shall be determined based on the policy in section 256J.34, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a), (b), and (c). ATM errors must be recovered as specified in section deleted text begin 256J.38, subdivision 5 deleted text end new text begin 256P.08, subdivision 7 new text end . Cross program recoupment of overpayments cannot be assigned to or from DWP.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.001, is amended to read:

256P.001 APPLICABILITY.

General assistance and Minnesota supplemental aid under chapter 256D new text begin , child care assistance programs under chapter 119B, new text end and programs governed by chapter 256I or 256J are subject to the requirements of this chapter, unless otherwise specified or exempted.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

new text begin Assistance unit. new text end

new text begin "Assistance unit" is defined by program area under sections 119B.011, subdivision 13; 256D.02, subdivision 1a; 256D.35, subdivision 3a; 256I.03, subdivision 1b; and 256J.08, subdivision 7. new text end

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Earned income.

"Earned income" means cash or in-kind income earned through the receipt of wages, salary, commissions, new text begin bonuses, tips, gratuities, new text end profit from employment activities, net profit from self-employment activities, payments made by an employer for regularly accrued vacation or sick leave, deleted text begin and any deleted text end new text begin severance pay based on accrued leave time, payments from training programs at a rate at or greater than the state's minimum wage, royalties, honoraria, or new text end other profit from activity deleted text begin earned through effort deleted text end new text begin that results from the client's work, service, effort, new text end or labor. The income must be in return for, or as a result of, legal activity.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Unearned income. new text end

new text begin "Unearned income" has the meaning given in section 256P.06, subdivision 3, clause (2). new text end

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Exemption. new text end

new text begin Participants who qualify for child care assistance programs under chapter 119B are exempt from this section. new text end

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Exempted programs.

Participants who qualify for new text begin child care assistance programs under chapter 119B, new text end Minnesota supplemental aid under chapter 256D new text begin , new text end and deleted text begin for deleted text end group residential housing under chapter 256I on the basis of eligibility for Supplemental Security Income are exempt from this section.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Exemption.

Participants who receive Minnesota supplemental aid and who maintain Supplemental Security Income eligibility under chapters 256D and 256I are exempt from the reporting requirements of this section, except that the policies and procedures for transfers of assets are those used by the medical assistance program under section 256B.0595. new text begin Participants who receive child care assistance under chapter 119B are exempt from the requirements of this section. new text end

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Factors to be verified.

(a) The agency shall verify the following at application:

(1) identity of adults;

(2) age, if necessary to determine eligibility;

(3) immigration status;

(4) income;

(5) spousal support and child support payments made to persons outside the household;

(6) vehicles;

(7) checking and savings accounts;

(8) inconsistent information, if related to eligibility;

(9) residence; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(10) Social Security number deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (11) use of nonrecurring income under section 256P.06, subdivision 3, clause (2), item (ix), for the intended purpose for which it was given and received. new text end

(b) Applicants who are qualified noncitizens and victims of domestic violence as defined under section 256J.08, subdivision 73, clause (7), are not required to verify the information in paragraph (a), clause (10). When a Social Security number is not provided to the agency for verification, this requirement is satisfied when each member of the assistance unit cooperates with the procedures for verification of Social Security numbers, issuance of duplicate cards, and issuance of new numbers which have been established jointly between the Social Security Administration and the commissioner.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256P.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Exempted programs.

Participants who qualify for new text begin child care assistance programs under chapter 119B, new text end Minnesota supplemental aid under chapter 256D new text begin , new text end and deleted text begin for deleted text end group residential housing under chapter 256I on the basis of eligibility for Supplemental Security Income are exempt from this section.

Sec. 31.

new text begin [256P.06] INCOME CALCULATIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Reporting of income. new text end

new text begin To determine eligibility, the county agency must evaluate income received by members of the assistance unit, or by other persons whose income is considered available to the assistance unit, and only count income that is available to the assistance unit. Income is available if the individual has legal access to the income. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Exempted individuals. new text end

new text begin The following members of an assistance unit under chapters 119B and 256J are exempt from having their earned income count towards the income of an assistance unit: new text end

new text begin (1) children under six years old; new text end

new text begin (2) caregivers under 20 years of age enrolled at least half-time in school; and new text end

new text begin (3) minors enrolled in school full time. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Income inclusions. new text end

new text begin The following must be included in determining the income of an assistance unit: new text end

new text begin (1) earned income; and new text end

new text begin (2) unearned income, which includes: new text end

new text begin (i) interest and dividends from investments and savings; new text end

new text begin (ii) capital gains as defined by the Internal Revenue Service from any sale of real property; new text end

new text begin (iii) proceeds from rent and contract for deed payments in excess of the principal and interest portion owed on property; new text end

new text begin (iv) income from trusts, excluding special needs and supplemental needs trusts; new text end

new text begin (v) interest income from loans made by the participant or household; new text end

new text begin (vi) cash prizes and winnings; new text end

new text begin (vii) unemployment insurance income; new text end

new text begin (viii) retirement, survivors, and disability insurance payments; new text end

new text begin (ix) nonrecurring income over $60 per quarter unless earmarked and used for the purpose for which it is intended. Income and use of this income is subject to verification requirements under section 256P.04; new text end

new text begin (x) retirement benefits; new text end

new text begin (xi) cash assistance benefits, as defined by each program in chapters 119B, 256D, 256I, and 256J; new text end

new text begin (xii) tribal per capita payments unless excluded by federal and state law; new text end

new text begin (xiii) income and payments from service and rehabilitation programs that meet or exceed the state's minimum wage rate; new text end

new text begin (xiv) income from members of the United States armed forces unless excluded from income taxes according to federal or state law; new text end

new text begin (xv) all child support payments for programs under chapters 119B, 256D, and 256I; new text end

new text begin (xvi) the amount of current child support received that exceeds $100 for assistance units with one child and $200 for assistance units with two or more children for programs under chapter 256J; and new text end

new text begin (xvii) spousal support. new text end

Sec. 32.

new text begin [256P.07] REPORTING OF INCOME AND CHANGES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Exempted programs. new text end

new text begin Participants who qualify for Minnesota supplemental aid under chapter 256D and for group residential housing under chapter 256I on the basis of eligibility for Supplemental Security Income are exempt from this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Reporting requirements. new text end

new text begin An applicant or participant must provide information on an application and any subsequent reporting forms about the assistance unit's circumstances that affect eligibility or benefits. An applicant or assistance unit must report changes identified in subdivision 3. When information is not accurately reported, both an overpayment and a referral for a fraud investigation may result. When information or documentation is not provided, the receipt of any benefit may be delayed or denied, depending on the type of information required and its effect on eligibility. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Changes that must be reported. new text end

new text begin An assistance unit must report the changes or anticipated changes specified in clauses (1) to (12) within ten days of the date they occur, at the time of recertification of eligibility under section 256P.04, subdivisions 8 and 9, or within eight calendar days of a reporting period, whichever occurs first. An assistance unit must report other changes at the time of recertification of eligibility under section 256P.04, subdivisions 8 and 9, or at the end of a reporting period, as applicable. When an agency could have reduced or terminated assistance for one or more payment months if a delay in reporting a change specified under clauses (1) to (12) had not occurred, the agency must determine whether a timely notice could have been issued on the day that the change occurred. When a timely notice could have been issued, each month's overpayment subsequent to that notice must be considered a client error overpayment under section 119B.11, subdivision 2a, or 256P.08. Changes in circumstances that must be reported within ten days must also be reported for the reporting period in which those changes occurred. Within ten days, an assistance unit must report: new text end

new text begin (1) a change in earned income of $100 per month or greater; new text end

new text begin (2) a change in unearned income of $50 per month or greater; new text end

new text begin (3) a change in employment status and hours; new text end

new text begin (4) a change in address or residence; new text end

new text begin (5) a change in household composition with the exception of programs under chapter 256I; new text end

new text begin (6) a receipt of a lump-sum payment; new text end

new text begin (7) an increase in assets if over $9,000 with the exception of programs under chapter 119B; new text end

new text begin (8) a change in citizenship or immigration status; new text end

new text begin (9) a change in family status with the exception of programs under chapter 256I; new text end

new text begin (10) a change in disability status of a unit member, with the exception of programs under chapter 119B; new text end

new text begin (11) a new rent subsidy or a change in rent subsidy; and new text end

new text begin (12) a sale, purchase, or transfer of real property. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin MFIP-specific reporting. new text end

new text begin In addition to subdivision 3, an assistance unit under chapter 256J, within ten days of the change, must report: new text end

new text begin (1) a pregnancy not resulting in birth when there are no other minor children; and new text end

new text begin (2) a change in school attendance of a parent under 20 years of age or of an employed child. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin DWP-specific reporting. new text end

new text begin In addition to subdivisions 3 and 4, an assistance unit participating in the diversionary work program under section 256J.95 must report on an application: new text end

new text begin (1) shelter expenses; and new text end

new text begin (2) utility expenses. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Child care assistance programs-specific reporting. new text end

new text begin In addition to subdivision 3, an assistance unit under chapter 119B, within ten days of the change, must report: new text end

new text begin (1) a change in a parentally responsible individual's visitation schedule or custody arrangement for any child receiving child care assistance program benefits; and new text end

new text begin (2) a change in authorized activity status. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Minnesota supplemental aid-specific reporting. new text end

new text begin In addition to subdivision 3, an assistance unit participating in the Minnesota supplemental aid program under section 256D.44, subdivision 5, paragraph (f), within ten days of the change, must report shelter expenses. new text end

Sec. 33.

new text begin [256P.08] CORRECTION OF OVERPAYMENTS AND UNDERPAYMENTS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Exempted programs. new text end

new text begin Participants who qualify for child care assistance programs under chapter 119B or group residential housing under chapter 256I are exempt from this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Scope of overpayment. new text end

new text begin (a) When a participant or former participant receives an overpayment due to client or ATM error, or due to assistance received while an appeal is pending and the participant or former participant is determined ineligible for assistance or for less assistance than was received, except as provided for interim assistance in section 256D.06, subdivision 5, the county agency must recoup or recover the overpayment using the following methods: new text end

new text begin (1) reconstruct each affected budget month and corresponding payment month; new text end

new text begin (2) use the policies and procedures that were in effect for the payment month; and new text end

new text begin (3) do not allow employment disregards in the calculation of the overpayment when the unit has not reported within two calendar months following the end of the month in which the income was received. new text end

new text begin (b) Establishment of an overpayment is limited to six years prior to the month of discovery due to client error or an intentional program violation determined under section 256.046. new text end

new text begin (c) A participant or former participant is not responsible for overpayments due to agency error, unless the amount of the overpayment is large enough that a reasonable person would know it is an error. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Notice of overpayment. new text end

new text begin When a county agency discovers that a participant or former participant has received an overpayment for one or more months, the county agency must notify the participant or former participant of the overpayment in writing. A notice of overpayment must specify the reason for the overpayment, the authority for citing the overpayment, the time period in which the overpayment occurred, the amount of the overpayment, and the participant's or former participant's right to appeal. No limit applies to the period in which the county agency is required to recoup or recover an overpayment according to subdivisions 4, 5, and 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Recovering general assistance and Minnesota supplemental aid overpayments. new text end

new text begin (a) If an amount of assistance is paid to an assistance unit in excess of the payment due, it shall be recoverable by the agency. The agency shall give written notice to the participant of its intention to recover the overpayment. new text end

new text begin (b) If the individual is no longer receiving assistance, the agency may request voluntary repayment or pursue civil recovery. new text end

new text begin (c) If the individual is receiving assistance, except as provided for interim assistance in section 256D.06, subdivision 5, when an overpayment occurs the agency shall recover the overpayment by withholding an amount equal to: new text end

new text begin (1) three percent of the assistance unit's standard of need for all Minnesota supplemental aid assistance units, and nonfraud cases for general assistance; and new text end

new text begin (2) ten percent where fraud has occurred in general assistance cases; or new text end

new text begin (3) the amount of the monthly general assistance or Minnesota supplemental aid payment, whichever is less. new text end

new text begin (d) In cases when there is both an overpayment and underpayment, the county agency shall offset one against the other in correcting the payment. new text end

new text begin (e) Overpayments may also be voluntarily repaid, in part or in full, by the individual, in addition to the assistance reductions provided in this subdivision, to include further voluntary reductions in the grant level agreed to in writing by the individual, until the total amount of the overpayment is repaid. new text end

new text begin (f) The county agency shall make reasonable efforts to recover overpayments to individuals no longer on assistance. The agency need not attempt to recover overpayments of less than $35 paid to an individual no longer on assistance if the individual does not receive assistance again within three years, unless the individual has been convicted of violating section 256.98. new text end

new text begin (g) Establishment of an overpayment is limited to 12 months prior to the month of discovery due to agency error and six years prior to the month of discovery due to client error or an intentional program violation determined under section 256.046. new text end

new text begin (h) Residents of licensed residential facilities shall not have overpayments recovered from their personal needs allowance. new text end

new text begin (i) Overpayments by another maintenance benefit program shall not be recovered from the general assistance or Minnesota supplemental aid grant. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Recovering MFIP overpayments. new text end

new text begin A county agency must initiate efforts to recover overpayments paid to a former participant or caregiver. Caregivers, both parental and nonparental, and minor caregivers of an assistance unit at the time an overpayment occurs, whether receiving assistance or not, are jointly and individually liable for repayment of the overpayment. The county agency must request repayment from the former participants and caregivers. When an agreement for repayment is not completed within six months of the date of discovery or when there is a default on an agreement for repayment after six months, the county agency must initiate recovery consistent with chapter 270A or section 541.05. When a person has been disqualified or convicted of fraud under section 256.98, recovery must be sought regardless of the amount of overpayment. When an overpayment is less than $35, and is not the result of a fraud conviction under section 256.98, the county agency must not seek recovery under this subdivision. The county agency must retain information about all overpayments regardless of the amount. When an adult, adult caregiver, or minor caregiver reapplies for assistance, the overpayment must be recouped under subdivision 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Recouping overpayments from MFIP participants. new text end

new text begin A participant may voluntarily repay, in part or in full, an overpayment even if assistance is reduced under this subdivision, until the total amount of the overpayment is repaid. When an overpayment occurs due to fraud, the county agency must recover from the overpaid assistance unit, including child-only cases, ten percent of the applicable standard or the amount of the monthly assistance payment, whichever is less. When a nonfraud overpayment occurs, the county agency must recover from the overpaid assistance unit, including child-only cases, three percent of the MFIP standard of need or the amount of the monthly assistance payment, whichever is less. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Recovering automatic teller machine errors. new text end

new text begin For recipients receiving benefits by electronic benefit transfer, if the overpayment is a result of an ATM dispensing funds in error to the recipient, the agency may recover the ATM error by immediately withdrawing funds from the recipient's electronic benefit transfer account, up to the amount of the error. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Scope of underpayments. new text end

new text begin A county agency must issue a corrective payment for underpayments made to a participant or to a person who would be a participant if an agency or client error causing the underpayment had not occurred. Corrective payments are limited to 12 months prior to the month of discovery. The county agency must issue the corrective payment according to subdivision 10. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Identifying the underpayment. new text end

new text begin An underpayment may be identified by a county agency, participant, former participant, or person who would be a participant except for agency or client error. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Issuing corrective payments. new text end

new text begin A county agency must correct an underpayment within seven calendar days after the underpayment has been identified, by adding the corrective payment amount to the monthly assistance payment of the participant, issuing a separate payment to a participant or former participant, or reducing an existing overpayment balance. When an underpayment occurs in a payment month and is not identified until the next payment month or later, the county agency must first subtract the underpayment from any overpayment balance before issuing the corrective payment. The county agency must not apply an underpayment in a current payment month against an overpayment balance. When an underpayment in the current payment month is identified, the corrective payment must be issued within seven calendar days after the underpayment is identified. Corrective payments must be excluded when determining the applicant's or participant's income and resources for the month of payment. The county agency must correct underpayments using the following methods: new text end

new text begin (1) reconstruct each affected budget month and corresponding payment month; and new text end

new text begin (2) use the policies and procedures that were in effect for the payment month. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Appeals. new text end

new text begin A participant may appeal an underpayment, an overpayment, and a reduction in an assistance payment made to recoup the overpayment under subdivisions 4 and 6. The participant's appeal of each issue must be timely under section 256.045. When an appeal based on the notice issued under subdivision 3 is not timely, the fact or the amount of that overpayment must not be considered as a part of a later appeal, including an appeal of a reduction in an assistance payment to recoup that overpayment. new text end

Sec. 34.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin