2007 Minnesota Statutes

256C.233 DUTIES OF STATE AGENCIES.
    Subdivision 1. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Division. The commissioners of
human services, education, employment and economic development, and health shall create a
distinct and separate organizational unit to be known as the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services
Division to address the developmental, social, educational, and occupational needs of deaf,
deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing persons through a statewide network of collaborative services
and by coordinating the promulgation of public policies, regulations, legislation, and programs
affecting deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing persons. An interdepartmental management team
shall advise the activities of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Division. The commissioner
of human services shall coordinate the work of the interagency management team and receive
legislative appropriations for the division.
    Subd. 2. Responsibilities. The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Division shall:
(1) establish and maintain a statewide network of regional service centers for deaf,
deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing Minnesotans;
(2) assist the Departments of Human Services, Education, and Economic Security to
coordinate the promulgation and implementation of public policies, regulations, legislation,
programs, and services affecting deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing persons; and
(3) provide a coordinated system of statewide interpreting or interpreter referral services.
    Subd. 3. Health. The commissioner of health shall establish standards for screening for
hearing loss with special emphasis on screening of persons from birth through school age and
persons over age 65.
    Subd. 4. State commissioners. The commissioners of all state agencies shall consult with
the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Division concerning the promulgation of public policies,
regulations, and programs necessary to address the needs of deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing
Minnesotans. Each state agency shall consult with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services
Division concerning the need to forward legislative initiatives to the governor to address the
concerns of deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing Minnesotans.
History: 1996 c 392 s 2; 1999 c 149 s 2,3; 2003 c 130 s 12; 2004 c 206 s 36