2010 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 256B. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY PERSONS

256B.001 MS 2006 [Renumbered 15.001]

256B.01 POLICY.

Medical assistance for needy persons whose resources are not adequate to meet the cost of such care is hereby declared to be a matter of state concern. To provide such care, a statewide program of medical assistance, with free choice of vendor, is hereby established.

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 1

256B.011 POLICY FOR CHILDBIRTH AND ABORTION FUNDING.

Between normal childbirth and abortion it is the policy of the state of Minnesota that normal childbirth is to be given preference, encouragement and support by law and by state action, it being in the best interests of the well being and common good of Minnesota citizens.

History:

1978 c 508 s 1

256B.0185 REQUIRED REPORT.

Subdivision 1.Pending application.

By December 15 of both 2005 and 2006, the commissioner must deliver to the legislature a report that identifies:

(1) each county in which an application for medical assistance from a person identified as residing in a long-term care facility is or was pending, at any time between January 1 and December 1 of the calendar year to which the report relates, for more than 60 days in the case of a person who is disabled, or for more than 45 days in the case of a person who is age 65 or older; and

(2) for each of the identified counties: the number of applications described in clause (1), the average number of days the applications were pending, the distribution of days for applications that were pending, and what percentage of the applications, respectively, the county approved and denied.

Subd. 2.Time to process application.

The report must include specific recommendations for how counties, as a group, could shorten the time it takes to act on the applications described in subdivision 1, clause (1).

History:

1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 3

256B.02 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1987 c 363 s 14]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1987 c 363 s 14]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1987 c 363 s 14]

Subd. 4.Medical institution.

"Medical institution" means any licensed medical facility that receives a license from the Minnesota Health Department or Department of Human Services or appropriate licensing authority of this state, any other state, or a Canadian province.

Subd. 5.State agency.

"State agency" means the commissioner of human services.

Subd. 6.County agency.

"County agency" means a local social service agency operating under and pursuant to the provisions of chapter 393.

Subd. 7.Vendor of medical care.

(a) "Vendor of medical care" means any person or persons furnishing, within the scope of the vendor's respective license, any or all of the following goods or services: medical, surgical, hospital, ambulatory surgical center services, optical, visual, dental and nursing services; drugs and medical supplies; appliances; laboratory, diagnostic, and therapeutic services; nursing home and convalescent care; screening and health assessment services provided by public health nurses as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 18; health care services provided at the residence of the patient if the services are performed by a public health nurse and the nurse indicates in a statement submitted under oath that the services were actually provided; and such other medical services or supplies provided or prescribed by persons authorized by state law to give such services and supplies. The term includes, but is not limited to, directors and officers of corporations or members of partnerships who, either individually or jointly with another or others, have the legal control, supervision, or responsibility of submitting claims for reimbursement to the medical assistance program. The term only includes directors and officers of corporations who personally receive a portion of the distributed assets upon liquidation or dissolution, and their liability is limited to the portion of the claim that bears the same proportion to the total claim as their share of the distributed assets bears to the total distributed assets.

(b) "Vendor of medical care" also includes any person who is credentialed as a health professional under standards set by the governing body of a federally recognized Indian tribe authorized under an agreement with the federal government according to United States Code, title 25, section 450f, to provide health services to its members, and who through a tribal facility provides covered services to American Indian people within a contract health service delivery area of a Minnesota reservation, as defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 36.22.

(c) A federally recognized Indian tribe that intends to implement standards for credentialing health professionals must submit the standards to the commissioner of human services, along with evidence of meeting, exceeding, or being exempt from corresponding state standards. The commissioner shall maintain a copy of the standards and supporting evidence, and shall use those standards to enroll tribal-approved health professionals as medical assistance providers. For purposes of this section, "Indian" and "Indian tribe" mean persons or entities that meet the definition in United States Code, title 25, section 450b.

Subd. 8.Medical assistance; medical care.

"Medical assistance" or "medical care" means payment of part or all of the cost of the care and services identified in section 256B.0625, for eligible individuals whose income and resources are insufficient to meet all of this cost.

Subd. 8a.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subdivision 1]

Subd. 8b.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 2]

Subd. 8c.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 3]

Subd. 8d.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 4]

Subd. 8e.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 5]

Subd. 8f.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 6]

Subd. 8g.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 7]

Subd. 8h.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 8]

Subd. 8i.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 9]

Subd. 8j.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 10]

Subd. 8k.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 11]

Subd. 8l.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 12]

Subd. 8m.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 13]

Subd. 8n.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 14]

Subd. 8o.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 15]

Subd. 8p.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 16]

Subd. 8q.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 17]

Subd. 8r.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 18]

Subd. 8s.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 19]

Subd. 8t.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 20]

Subd. 8u.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 21]

Subd. 8v.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 22]

Subd. 8w.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 23]

Subd. 8x.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 24]

Subd. 8y.

[Renumbered 256B.0625, subd 25]

Subd. 9.Private health care coverage.

"Private health care coverage" means any plan regulated by chapter 62A, 62C or 64B. Private health care coverage also includes any self-insured plan providing health care benefits, pharmacy benefit manager, service benefit plan, managed care organization, and other parties that are by contract legally responsible for payment of a claim for a health care item or service for an individual receiving medical benefits under chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L.

Subd. 10.Automobile accident coverage.

"Automobile accident coverage" means any plan, or that portion of a plan, regulated under chapter 65B, which provides benefits for medical expenses incurred in an automobile accident.

Subd. 11.Related condition.

"Related condition" means that condition defined in section 252.27, subdivision 1a.

Subd. 12.Third-party payer.

"Third-party payer" means a person, entity, or agency or government program that has a probable obligation to pay all or part of the costs of a medical assistance recipient's health services. Third-party payer includes an entity under contract with the recipient to cover all or part of the recipient's medical costs.

Subd. 13.Prepaid health plan.

"Prepaid health plan" means a vendor who receives a capitation payment and assumes financial risk for the provision of medical assistance services under a contract with the commissioner.

Subd. 14.Group health plan.

"Group health plan" means any plan of, or contributed to by, an employer, including a self-insured plan, to provide health care directly or otherwise to the employer's employees, former employees, or the families of the employees or former employees, and includes continuation coverage pursuant to title XXII of the Public Health Service Act, section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or title VI of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

Subd. 15.Cost-effective.

"Cost-effective" means that the amount paid by the state for premiums, coinsurance, deductibles, other cost-sharing obligations under a health insurance plan, and other administrative costs is likely to be less than the amount paid for an equivalent set of services paid by medical assistance.

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 2; 1969 c 395 s 1; 1973 c 717 s 17; 1975 c 247 s 9; 1975 c 384 s 1; 1975 c 437 art 2 s 3; 1976 c 173 s 56; 1976 c 236 s 1; 1976 c 312 s 1; 1978 c 508 s 2; 1978 c 560 s 10; 1981 c 360 art 2 s 26,54; 1Sp1981 c 2 s 12; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 4 s 22; 3Sp1981 c 2 art 1 s 31; 1982 c 562 s 2; 1983 c 151 s 1,2; 1983 c 312 art 1 s 27; art 5 s 10; art 9 s 4; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1985 c 21 s 52-54; 1985 c 49 s 41; 1985 c 252 s 19,20; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 19; 1986 c 394 s 17; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 370 art 1 s 3; art 2 s 4; 1987 c 374 s 1; 1987 c 309 s 24; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 73,74; art 5 s 16; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 141,268; 1992 c 464 art 1 s 55; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 31,32; 1994 c 631 s 31; 2002 c 275 s 2; 2004 c 198 s 17; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 17; 2006 c 282 art 17 s 24

256B.03 PAYMENTS TO VENDORS.

Subdivision 1.General limit.

All payments for medical assistance hereunder must be made to the vendor. The maximum payment for new vendors enrolled in the medical assistance program after the base year shall be determined from the average usual and customary charge of the same vendor type enrolled in the base year.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2000 c 449 s 15]

Subd. 3.Tribal purchasing model.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 1 and sections 256B.0625 and 256D.03, subdivision 4, paragraph (l), the commissioner may make payments to federally recognized Indian tribes with a reservation in the state to provide medical assistance and general assistance medical care to Indians, as defined under federal law, who reside on or near the reservation. The payments may be made in the form of a block grant or other payment mechanism determined in consultation with the tribe. Any alternative payment mechanism agreed upon by the tribes and the commissioner under this subdivision is not dependent upon county or health plan agreement but is intended to create a direct payment mechanism between the state and the tribe for the administration of the medical assistance and general assistance medical care programs, and for covered services.

(b) A tribe that implements a purchasing model under this subdivision shall report to the commissioner at least annually on the operation of the model. The commissioner and the tribe shall cooperatively determine the data elements, format, and timetable for the report.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, "Indian tribe" means a tribe, band, or nation, or other organized group or community of Indians that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians and for which a reservation exists as is consistent with Public Law 100-485, as amended.

(d) Payments under this subdivision may not result in an increase in expenditures that would not otherwise occur in the medical assistance program under this chapter or the general assistance medical care program under chapter 256D.

[See Note.]

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 3; 1981 c 360 art 2 s 27,54; 1Sp1981 c 2 s 13; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 4 s 22; 3Sp1982 c 1 art 2 s 4; 1983 c 312 art 1 s 27; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 63; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 75; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 14; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 11

NOTE: Subdivision 3, as added by Laws 1996, chapter 451, article 5, section 14, is effective October 1, 1996, or upon receipt of any necessary federal approval, whichever date is later. Laws 1996, chapter 451, article 5, section 40.

256B.031 [Repealed, 2009 c 173 art 3 s 26]

256B.032 [Repealed, 2010 c 344 s 6]

NOTE: This section was also amended by Laws 2010, chapter 310, article 6, section 1, to read as follows:

"256B.032 ELIGIBLE VENDORS OF MEDICAL CARE.

(a) Effective January 1, 2011, the commissioner shall establish performance thresholds for health care providers included in the provider peer grouping system developed by the commissioner of health under section 62U.04. The thresholds shall be set at the 10th percentile of the combined cost and quality measure used for provider peer grouping, and separate thresholds shall be set for hospital and physician services.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2012, any health care provider with a combined cost and quality score below the threshold set in paragraph (a) shall be prohibited from enrolling as a vendor of medical care in the medical assistance, general assistance medical care, or MinnesotaCare programs, and shall not be eligible for direct payments under those programs or for payments made by managed care plans under their contracts with the commissioner under section 256B.69 or 256L.12. A health care provider that is prohibited from enrolling as a vendor or receiving payments under this paragraph may reenroll effective January 1 of any subsequent year if the provider's most recent combined cost and quality score exceeds the threshold established in paragraph (a).

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), a provider may continue to participate as a vendor or as part of a managed care plan provider network if the commissioner determines that a contract with the provider is necessary to ensure adequate access to health care services.

(d) By January 15, 2013, the commissioner shall report to the legislature on the impact of this section. The commissioner's report shall include information on:

(1) the providers falling below the thresholds as of January 1, 2012;

(2) the volume of services and cost of care provided to enrollees in the medical assistance, general assistance medical care, or MinnesotaCare programs in the 12 months prior to January 1, 2012, by providers falling below the thresholds;

(3) providers who fell below the thresholds but continued to be eligible vendors under paragraphs (c) and (e);

(4) the estimated cost savings achieved by not contracting with providers who do not meet the performance thresholds; and

(5) recommendations for increasing the threshold levels of performance over time.

(e) Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics are exempt from the requirements of paragraph (b)."

256B.035 MANAGED CARE.

The commissioner of human services may contract with public or private entities or operate a preferred provider program to deliver health care services to medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare program recipients. The commissioner may enter into risk-based and non-risk-based contracts. Contracts may be for the full range of health services, or a portion thereof, for medical assistance and general assistance medical care populations to determine the effectiveness of various provider reimbursement and care delivery mechanisms. The commissioner may seek necessary federal waivers and implement projects when approval of the waivers is obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

History:

1990 c 568 art 3 s 20; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 33; 1995 c 234 art 8 s 56; 2002 c 277 s 32

256B.037 PROSPECTIVE PAYMENT OF DENTAL SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Contract for dental services.

The commissioner may conduct a demonstration project to contract, on a prospective per capita payment basis, with an organization or organizations licensed under chapter 62C, 62D, or 62N for the provision of all dental care services beginning July 1, 1994, under the medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare programs, or when necessary waivers are granted by the secretary of health and human services, whichever occurs later. The commissioner shall identify a geographic area or areas, including both urban and rural areas, where access to dental services has been inadequate, in which to conduct demonstration projects. The commissioner shall seek any federal waivers or approvals necessary to implement this section from the secretary of health and human services.

The commissioner may exclude from participation in the demonstration project any or all groups currently excluded from participation in the prepaid medical assistance program under section 256B.69. Except for persons excluded from participation in the demonstration project, all persons who have been determined eligible for medical assistance, general assistance medical care and, if applicable, MinnesotaCare and reside in the designated geographic areas are required to enroll in a dental plan to receive their dental care services. Except for emergency services or out-of-plan services authorized by the dental plan, recipients must receive their dental services from dental care providers who are part of the dental plan provider network.

The commissioner shall select either multiple dental plans or a single dental plan in a designated area. A dental plan under contract with the department must serve both medical assistance recipients and general assistance medical care recipients in a designated geographic area and may serve MinnesotaCare recipients. The commissioner may limit the number of dental plans with which the department contracts within a designated geographic area, taking into consideration the number of recipients within the designated geographic area; the number of potential dental plan contractors; the size of the provider network offered by dental plans; the dental care services offered by a dental plan; qualifications of dental plan personnel; accessibility of services to recipients; dental plan assurances of recipient confidentiality; dental plan marketing and enrollment activities; dental plan compliance with this section; dental plan performance under other contracts with the department to serve medical assistance, general assistance medical care, or MinnesotaCare recipients; or any other factors necessary to provide the most economical care consistent with high standards of dental care.

For purposes of this section, "dental plan" means an organization licensed under chapter 62C, 62D, or 62N that contracts with the department to provide covered dental care services to recipients on a prepaid capitation basis. "Emergency services" has the meaning given in section 256B.0625, subdivision 4. "Multiple dental plan area" means a designated area in which more than one dental plan is offered. "Participating provider" means a dentist or dental clinic who is employed by or under contract with a dental plan to provide dental care services to recipients. "Single dental plan area" means a designated area in which only one dental plan is available.

Subd. 1a.Multiple dental plan areas.

After the department has executed contracts with dental plans to provide covered dental care services in a multiple dental plan area, the department shall:

(1) inform applicants and recipients, in writing, of available dental plans, when written notice of dental plan selection must be submitted to the department, and when dental plan participation begins;

(2) assign to a dental plan recipients who fail to notify the department in writing of their dental plan choice; and

(3) notify recipients, in writing, of their assigned dental plan before the effective date of the recipient's dental plan participation.

Subd. 1b.Single dental plan areas.

After the department has executed a contract with a dental plan to provide covered dental care services as the sole dental plan in a geographic area, the provisions in paragraphs (a) to (c) apply.

(a) The department shall assure that applicants and recipients are informed, in writing, of participating providers in the dental plan and when dental plan participation begins.

(b) The dental plan may require the recipient to select a specific dentist or dental clinic and may assign to a specific dentist or dental clinic recipients who fail to notify the dental plan of their selection.

(c) The dental plan shall notify recipients in writing of their assigned providers before the effective date of dental plan participation.

Subd. 1c.Dental choice.

(a) In multiple dental plan areas, recipients may change dental plans once within the first year the recipient participates in a dental plan. After the first year of dental plan participation, recipients may change dental plans during the annual 30-day open enrollment period.

(b) In single dental plan areas, recipients may change their specific dentist or clinic at least once during the first year of dental plan participation. After the first year of dental plan participation, recipients may change their specific dentist or clinic at least once annually. The dental plan shall notify recipients of this change option.

(c) If a dental plan's contract with the department is terminated for any reason, recipients in that dental plan shall select a new dental plan and may change dental plans or a specific dentist or clinic within the first 60 days of participation in the second dental plan.

(d) Recipients may change dental plans or a specific dentist or clinic at any time as follows:

(1) in multiple dental plan areas, if the travel time from the recipient's residence to a general practice dentist is over 30 minutes, the recipient may change dental plans;

(2) in single dental plan areas, if the travel time from the recipient's residence to the recipient's specific dentist or clinic is over 30 minutes, the recipient may change providers; or

(3) if the recipient's dental plan or specific dentist or clinic was incorrectly designated due to department or dental plan error.

(e) Requests for change under this subdivision must be submitted to the department or dental plan in writing. The department or dental plan shall notify recipients whether the request is approved or denied within 30 days after receipt of the written request.

Subd. 2.Establishment of prepayment rates.

The commissioner shall consult with an independent actuary to establish prepayment rates, but shall retain final authority over the methodology used to establish the rates. The prepayment rates shall not result in payments that exceed the per capita expenditures that would have been made for dental services by the programs under a fee-for-service reimbursement system. The package of dental benefits provided to individuals under this subdivision shall not be less than the package of benefits provided under the medical assistance fee-for-service reimbursement system for dental services.

Subd. 3.Appeals.

All recipients of services under this section have the right to appeal to the commissioner under section 256.045. A recipient participating in a dental plan may utilize the dental plan's internal complaint procedure but is not required to exhaust the internal complaint procedure before appealing to the commissioner. The appeal rights and procedures in Minnesota Rules, part 9500.1463, apply to recipients who enroll in dental plans.

Subd. 4.Information required by commissioner.

A contractor shall submit encounter-specific information as required by the commissioner, including, but not limited to, information required for assessing client satisfaction, quality of care, and cost and utilization of services. Dental plans and participating providers must provide the commissioner access to recipient dental records to monitor compliance with the requirements of this section.

Subd. 5.Other contracts permitted.

Nothing in this section prohibits the commissioner from contracting with an organization for comprehensive health services, including dental services, under section 256B.035, 256B.69, or 256D.03, subdivision 4, paragraph (c).

Subd. 6.Recipient costs.

A dental plan and its participating providers or nonparticipating providers who provide emergency services or services authorized by the dental plan shall not charge recipients for any costs for covered services.

Subd. 7.Financial accountability.

A dental plan is accountable to the commissioner for the fiscal management of covered dental care services. The state of Minnesota and recipients shall be held harmless for the payment of obligations incurred by a dental plan if the dental plan or a participating provider becomes insolvent and the department has made the payments due to the dental plan under the contract.

Subd. 8.Quality improvement.

A dental plan shall have an internal quality improvement system. A dental plan shall permit the commissioner or the commissioner's agents to evaluate the quality, appropriateness, and timeliness of covered dental care services through inspections, site visits, and review of dental records.

Subd. 9.Third-party liability.

To the extent required under section 62A.046 and Minnesota Rules, part 9506.0080, a dental plan shall coordinate benefits for or recover the cost of dental care services provided recipients who have other dental care coverage. Coordination of benefits includes the dental plan paying applicable co-payments or deductibles on behalf of a recipient.

Subd. 10.Financial capacity.

A dental plan shall demonstrate that its financial risk capacity is acceptable to its participating providers; except, an organization licensed as a health maintenance organization under chapter 62D, a nonprofit health service plan under chapter 62C, or a community integrated service network under chapter 62N, is not required to demonstrate financial risk capacity beyond the requirements in those chapters for licensure or a certificate of authority.

Subd. 11.Data privacy.

The contract between the commissioner and the dental plan must specify that the dental plan is an agent of the welfare system and shall have access to welfare data on recipients to the extent necessary to carry out the dental plan's responsibilities under the contract. The dental plan shall comply with chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 27; 1995 c 234 art 6 s 22-33; 1997 c 203 art 9 s 9; 1997 c 225 art 2 s 62; 2009 c 173 art 3 s 5

256B.038 PROVIDER RATE INCREASES AFTER JUNE 30, 1999.

(a) For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 1999, the commissioner of management and budget shall include an annual inflationary adjustment in payment rates for the services listed in paragraph (b) as a budget change request in each biennial detailed expenditure budget submitted to the legislature under section 16A.11. The adjustment shall be accomplished by indexing the rates in effect for inflation based on the change in the Consumer Price Index-All Items (United States city average)(CPI-U) as forecasted by Data Resources, Inc., in the fourth quarter of the prior year for the calendar year during which the rate increase occurs.

(b) Within the limits of appropriations specifically for this purpose, the commissioner shall apply the rate increases in paragraph (a) to home and community-based waiver services for persons with developmental disabilities under section 256B.501; home and community-based waiver services for the elderly under section 256B.0915; waivered services under community alternatives for disabled individuals under section 256B.49; community alternative care waivered services under section 256B.49; traumatic brain injury waivered services under section 256B.49; nursing services and home health services under section 256B.0625, subdivision 6a; personal care services and nursing supervision of personal care services under section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a; private duty nursing services under section 256B.0625, subdivision 7; day training and habilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities under sections 252.40 to 252.46; physical therapy services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 8, and 256D.03, subdivision 4; occupational therapy services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 8a, and 256D.03, subdivision 4; speech-language therapy services under section 256D.03, subdivision 4, and Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390; respiratory therapy services under section 256D.03, subdivision 4, and Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0295; physician services under section 256B.0625, subdivision 3; dental services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 9, and 256D.03, subdivision 4; alternative care services under section 256B.0913; adult residential program grants under Minnesota Rules, parts 9535.2000 to 9535.3000; adult and family community support grants under Minnesota Rules, parts 9535.1700 to 9535.1760; and semi-independent living services under section 252.275, including SILS funding under county social services grants formerly funded under chapter 256I.

(c) The commissioner shall increase prepaid medical assistance program capitation rates as appropriate to reflect the rate increases in this section.

(d) In implementing this section, the commissioner shall consider proposing a schedule to equalize rates paid by different programs for the same service.

History:

1998 c 407 art 4 s 12; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109

256B.039 [Repealed, 2008 c 286 art 2 s 3]

256B.04 DUTIES OF STATE AGENCY.

Subdivision 1.General.

The state agency shall supervise the administration of medical assistance for eligible recipients by the county agencies hereunder.

Subd. 1a.Comprehensive health services system.

The commissioner shall carry out the duties in this section with the participation of the boards of county commissioners, and with full consideration for the interests of counties, to plan and implement a unified, accountable, comprehensive health services system that:

(1) promotes accessible and quality health care for all Minnesotans;

(2) assures provision of adequate health care within limited state and county resources;

(3) avoids shifting funding burdens to county tax resources;

(4) provides statewide eligibility, benefit, and service expectations;

(5) manages care, develops risk management strategies, and contains cost in all health and human services; and

(6) supports effective implementation of publicly funded health and human services for all areas of the state.

Subd. 1b.Contract for administrative services for American Indian children.

Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the commissioner may contract with federally recognized Indian tribes with a reservation in Minnesota for the provision of early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment administrative services for American Indian children, according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 441, subpart B, and Minnesota Rules, part 9505.1693 et seq., when the tribe chooses to provide such services. For purposes of this subdivision, "American Indian" has the meaning given to persons to whom services will be provided for in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 36.12. Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9505.1748, subpart 1, the commissioner, the local agency, and the tribe may contract with any entity for the provision of early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment administrative services.

Subd. 2.Rulemaking authority.

Make uniform rules, not inconsistent with law, for carrying out and enforcing the provisions hereof in an efficient, economical, and impartial manner, and to the end that the medical assistance system may be administered uniformly throughout the state, having regard for varying costs of medical care in different parts of the state and the conditions in each case, and in all things to carry out the spirit and purpose of this program, which rules shall be furnished immediately to all county agencies, and shall be binding on such county agencies.

Subd. 3.Required forms.

Prescribe the form of, print, and supply to the county agencies, blanks for applications, reports, affidavits, and such other forms as it may deem necessary or advisable.

Subd. 4.Cooperation with federal agency.

Cooperate with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in any reasonable manner as may be necessary to qualify for federal aid in connection with the medical assistance program, including the making of such reports in such form and containing such information as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare may, from time to time, require, and comply with such provisions as such department may, from time to time, find necessary to assure the correctness and verifications of such reports.

Subd. 4a.Medicare prescription drug subsidy.

The commissioner shall perform all duties necessary to administer eligibility determinations for the Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy and facilitate the enrollment of eligible medical assistance recipients into Medicare prescription drug plans as required by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), Public Law 108-173, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 423.30 to 423.56 and 423.771 to 423.800.

Subd. 5.Annual report required.

The state agency within 60 days after the close of each fiscal year, shall prepare and print for the fiscal year a report that includes a full account of the operations and expenditure of funds under this chapter, a full account of the activities undertaken in accordance with subdivision 10, adequate and complete statistics divided by counties about all medical assistance provided in accordance with this chapter, and any other information it may deem advisable.

Subd. 6.Monthly statement.

Prepare and release a summary statement monthly showing by counties the amount paid hereunder and the total number of persons assisted.

Subd. 7.Program safeguards.

Establish and enforce safeguards to prevent unauthorized disclosure or improper use of the information contained in applications, reports of investigations and medical examinations, and correspondence in the individual case records of recipients of medical assistance.

Subd. 8.Information.

Furnish information to acquaint needy persons and the public generally with the plan for medical assistance of this state.

Subd. 9.Reciprocal agreements.

Cooperate with agencies in other states in establishing reciprocal agreements to provide for payment of medical assistance to recipients who have moved to another state, consistent with the provisions hereof and of Title XIX of the Social Security Act of the United States of America.

Subd. 10.Investigation of certain claims.

Establish by rule general criteria and procedures for the identification and prompt investigation of suspected medical assistance fraud, theft, abuse, presentment of false or duplicate claims, presentment of claims for services not medically necessary, or false statement or representation of material facts by a vendor of medical care, and for the imposition of sanctions against a vendor of medical care. If it appears to the state agency that a vendor of medical care may have acted in a manner warranting civil or criminal proceedings, it shall so inform the attorney general in writing.

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67]

Subd. 12.Limitation on services.

(a) Place limits on the types of services covered by medical assistance, the frequency with which the same or similar services may be covered by medical assistance for an individual recipient, and the amount paid for each covered service. The state agency shall promulgate rules establishing maximum reimbursement rates for emergency and nonemergency transportation.

The rules shall provide:

(1) an opportunity for all recognized transportation providers to be reimbursed for nonemergency transportation consistent with the maximum rates established by the agency;

(2) reimbursement of public and private nonprofit providers serving the disabled population generally at reasonable maximum rates that reflect the cost of providing the service regardless of the fare that might be charged by the provider for similar services to individuals other than those receiving medical assistance or medical care under this chapter; and

(3) reimbursement for each additional passenger carried on a single trip at a substantially lower rate than the first passenger carried on that trip.

(b) The commissioner shall encourage providers reimbursed under this chapter to coordinate their operation with similar services that are operating in the same community. To the extent practicable, the commissioner shall encourage eligible individuals to utilize less expensive providers capable of serving their needs.

(c) For the purpose of this subdivision and section 256B.02, subdivision 8, and effective on January 1, 1981, "recognized provider of transportation services" means an operator of special transportation service as defined in section 174.29 that has been issued a current certificate of compliance with operating standards of the commissioner of transportation or, if those standards do not apply to the operator, that the agency finds is able to provide the required transportation in a safe and reliable manner. Until January 1, 1981, "recognized transportation provider" includes an operator of special transportation service that the agency finds is able to provide the required transportation in a safe and reliable manner.

Subd. 13.Medical necessity review.

Each person appointed by the commissioner to participate in decisions whether medical care to be provided to eligible recipients is medically necessary shall abstain from participation in those cases in which the appointee (1) has issued treatment orders in the care of the patient or participated in the formulation or execution of the patient's treatment plan or (2) has, or a member of the appointee's family has, an ownership interest of five percent or more in the institution that provided or proposed to provide the services being reviewed.

Subd. 14.Competitive bidding.

(a) When determined to be effective, economical, and feasible, the commissioner may utilize volume purchase through competitive bidding and negotiation under the provisions of chapter 16C, to provide items under the medical assistance program including but not limited to the following:

(1) eyeglasses;

(2) oxygen. The commissioner shall provide for oxygen needed in an emergency situation on a short-term basis, until the vendor can obtain the necessary supply from the contract dealer;

(3) hearing aids and supplies; and

(4) durable medical equipment, including but not limited to:

(i) hospital beds;

(ii) commodes;

(iii) glide-about chairs;

(iv) patient lift apparatus;

(v) wheelchairs and accessories;

(vi) oxygen administration equipment;

(vii) respiratory therapy equipment;

(viii) electronic diagnostic, therapeutic and life-support systems;

(5) nonemergency medical transportation level of need determinations, disbursement of public transportation passes and tokens, and volunteer and recipient mileage and parking reimbursements; and

(6) drugs.

(b) Rate changes under this chapter and chapters 256D and 256L do not affect contract payments under this subdivision unless specifically identified.

(c) The commissioner may not utilize volume purchase through competitive bidding and negotiation for special transportation services under the provisions of chapter 16C.

Subd. 14a.Level of need determination.

Nonemergency medical transportation level of need determinations must be performed by a physician, a registered nurse working under direct supervision of a physician, a physician's assistant, a nurse practitioner, a licensed practical nurse, or a discharge planner. Nonemergency medical transportation level of need determinations must not be performed more than annually on any individual, unless the individual's circumstances have sufficiently changed so as to require a new level of need determination. Individuals residing in licensed nursing facilities are exempt from a level of need determination and are eligible for special transportation services until the individual no longer resides in a licensed nursing facility. If a person authorized by this subdivision to perform a level of need determination determines that an individual requires stretcher transportation, the individual is presumed to maintain that level of need until otherwise determined by a person authorized to perform a level of need determination, or for six months, whichever is sooner.

Subd. 15.Utilization review.

(a) Establish on a statewide basis a new program to safeguard against unnecessary or inappropriate use of medical assistance services, against excess payments, against unnecessary or inappropriate hospital admissions or lengths of stay, and against underutilization of services in prepaid health plans, long-term care facilities or any health care delivery system subject to fixed rate reimbursement. In implementing the program, the state agency shall utilize both prepayment and postpayment review systems to determine if utilization is reasonable and necessary. The determination of whether services are reasonable and necessary shall be made by the commissioner in consultation with a professional services advisory group or health care consultant appointed by the commissioner.

(b) Contracts entered into for purposes of meeting the requirements of this subdivision shall not be subject to the set-aside provisions of chapter 16C.

(c) A recipient aggrieved by the commissioner's termination of services or denial of future services may appeal pursuant to section 256.045. A vendor aggrieved by the commissioner's determination that services provided were not reasonable or necessary may appeal pursuant to the contested case procedures of chapter 14. To appeal, the vendor shall notify the commissioner in writing within 30 days of receiving the commissioner's notice. The appeal request shall specify each disputed item, the reason for the dispute, an estimate of the dollar amount involved for each disputed item, the computation that the vendor believes is correct, the authority in statute or rule upon which the vendor relies for each disputed item, the name and address of the person or firm with whom contacts may be made regarding the appeal, and other information required by the commissioner.

(d) The commissioner may select providers to provide case management services to recipients who use health care services inappropriately or to recipients who are eligible for other managed care projects. The providers shall be selected based upon criteria that may include a comparison with a peer group of providers related to the quality, quantity, or cost of health care services delivered or a review of sanctions previously imposed by health care services programs or the provider's professional licensing board.

Subd. 16.Personal care services.

(a) Notwithstanding any contrary language in this paragraph, the commissioner of human services and the commissioner of health shall jointly promulgate rules to be applied to the licensure of personal care services provided under the medical assistance program. The rules shall consider standards for personal care services that are based on the World Institute on Disability's recommendations regarding personal care services. These rules shall at a minimum consider the standards and requirements adopted by the commissioner of health under section 144A.45, which the commissioner of human services determines are applicable to the provision of personal care services, in addition to other standards or modifications which the commissioner of human services determines are appropriate.

The commissioner of human services shall establish an advisory group including personal care consumers and providers to provide advice regarding which standards or modifications should be adopted. The advisory group membership must include not less than 15 members, of which at least 60 percent must be consumers of personal care services and representatives of recipients with various disabilities and diagnoses and ages. At least 51 percent of the members of the advisory group must be recipients of personal care.

The commissioner of human services may contract with the commissioner of health to enforce the jointly promulgated licensure rules for personal care service providers.

Prior to final promulgation of the joint rule the commissioner of human services shall report preliminary findings along with any comments of the advisory group and a plan for monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Health to the legislature by February 15, 1992.

Limits on the extent of personal care services that may be provided to an individual must be based on the cost-effectiveness of the services in relation to the costs of inpatient hospital care, nursing home care, and other available types of care. The rules must provide, at a minimum:

(1) that agencies be selected to contract with or employ and train staff to provide and supervise the provision of personal care services;

(2) that agencies employ or contract with a qualified applicant that a qualified recipient proposes to the agency as the recipient's choice of assistant;

(3) that agencies bill the medical assistance program for a personal care service by a personal care assistant and supervision by a qualified professional supervising the personal care assistant unless the recipient selects the fiscal agent option under section 256B.0659, subdivision 33;

(4) that agencies establish a grievance mechanism; and

(5) that agencies have a quality assurance program.

(b) The commissioner may waive the requirement for the provision of personal care services through an agency in a particular county, when there are less than two agencies providing services in that county and shall waive the requirement for personal care assistants required to join an agency for the first time during 1993 when personal care services are provided under a relative hardship waiver under Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 256B.0627, subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (7), and at least two agencies providing personal care services have refused to employ or contract with the independent personal care assistant.

Subd. 17.Prenatal care outreach.

(a) The commissioner of human services shall award a grant to an eligible organization to conduct a statewide media campaign promoting early prenatal care. The goals of the campaign are to increase public awareness of the importance of early and continuous prenatal care and to inform the public about public and private funds available for prenatal care.

(b) In order to receive a grant under this section, an applicant must:

(1) have experience conducting prenatal care outreach;

(2) have an established statewide constituency or service area; and

(3) demonstrate an ability to accomplish the purposes in this subdivision.

(c) Money received under this subdivision may be used for purchase of materials and supplies, staff fees and salaries, consulting fees, and other goods and services necessary to accomplish the goals of the campaign. Money may not be used for capital expenditures.

Subd. 18.Applications for medical assistance.

The state agency may take applications for medical assistance and conduct eligibility determinations for MinnesotaCare enrollees.

Subd. 19.Performance data reporting unit.

The commissioner of human services shall establish a performance data reporting unit that serves counties and the state. The department shall support this unit and provide technical assistance and access to the data warehouse. The performance data reporting unit, which will operate within the department's central office and consist of both county and department staff, shall provide performance data reports to individual counties, share expertise from counties and the department perspective, and participate in joint planning to link with county databases and other county data sources in order to provide information on services provided to public clients from state, federal, and county funding sources. The performance data reporting unit shall provide counties both individual and group summary level standard or unique reports on health care eligibility and services provided to clients for whom they have financial responsibility.

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 4; 1976 c 273 s 1-3; 1977 c 185 s 1; 1977 c 347 s 39,40; 1978 c 560 s 11; Ex1979 c 1 s 46; 1980 c 349 s 3,4; 1982 c 640 s 3; 1983 c 312 art 5 s 11,12; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1Sp1985 c 9 art 2 s 37; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 378 s 15; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 77,78; 1988 c 532 s 13; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 41,42; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 21,22; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 8; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 28; 1995 c 233 art 2 s 56; 1995 c 234 art 6 s 34; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 101; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 18; 1998 c 386 art 2 s 78,79; 1998 c 407 art 5 s 2; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 26,27; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 14; 2002 c 277 s 32; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 98 art 2 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 18; 2007 c 147 art 5 s 6,7; 2008 c 277 art 1 s 35; 2009 c 79 art 6 s 6; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 4

256B.041 CENTRALIZED DISBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Statewide disbursement system.

The state agency shall establish on a statewide basis a system for the centralized disbursement of medical assistance payments to vendors.

Subd. 2.Account.

An account is established in the state treasury from which medical assistance payments to vendors shall be made. Into this account there shall be deposited federal funds, state funds, county funds, and other moneys which are available and which may be paid to the state agency for medical assistance payments and reimbursements from counties or others for their share of such payments.

Subd. 3.Vendor forms.

The state agency shall prescribe and furnish vendors suitable forms for submitting claims under the medical assistance program.

Subd. 4.Comply with federal requirements.

The state agency in establishing a statewide system of centralized disbursement of medical assistance payments shall comply with federal requirements in order to receive the maximum amount of federal funds which are available for the purpose, together with such additional federal funds which may be made available for the operation of a centralized system of disbursement of medical assistance payments to vendors.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2010 c 382 s 87]

Subd. 6.Contracted services.

The commissioners of human services and administration may contract with any agency of government or any corporation for providing all or a portion of the services for carrying out the provisions of this section. Local welfare agencies may pay vendors of transportation for nonemergency medical care when so authorized by rule of the commissioner of human services.

Subd. 7.Disbursement of federal funds.

Federal funds available for administrative purposes shall be distributed between the state and the county on the same basis that reimbursements are earned, except as provided for under section 256.017.

History:

1973 c 717 s 2; 1975 c 437 art 2 s 4; 1978 c 560 s 12; 1983 c 312 art 5 s 13,14; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1988 c 719 art 8 s 11,12; 1989 c 277 art 2 s 7; 1Sp1989 c 1 art 16 s 6; 2002 c 277 s 9; 2003 c 112 art 2 s 50; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109

256B.042 THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY.

Subdivision 1.Lien for cost of care.

When the state agency provides, pays for, or becomes liable for medical care, it shall have a lien for the cost of the care upon any and all causes of action or recovery rights under any policy, plan, or contract providing benefits for health care or injury, which accrue to the person to whom the care was furnished, or to the person's legal representatives, as a result of the illness or injuries which necessitated the medical care. For purposes of this section, "state agency" includes prepaid health plans under contract with the commissioner according to sections 256B.69, 256D.03, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), and 256L.12; children's mental health collaboratives under section 245.493; demonstration projects for persons with disabilities under section 256B.77; nursing facilities under the alternative payment demonstration project under section 256B.434; and county-based purchasing entities under section 256B.692.

Subd. 2.Lien enforcement.

(a) The state agency may perfect and enforce its lien by following the procedures set forth in sections 514.69, 514.70 and 514.71, and its verified lien statement shall be filed with the appropriate court administrator in the county of financial responsibility. The verified lien statement shall contain the following: the name and address of the person to whom medical care was furnished, the date of injury, the name and address of the vendor or vendors furnishing medical care, the dates of the service, the amount claimed to be due for the care, and, to the best of the state agency's knowledge, the names and addresses of all persons, firms, or corporations claimed to be liable for damages arising from the injuries. This section shall not affect the priority of any attorney's lien.

(b) The state agency is not subject to any limitations period referred to in section 514.69 or 514.71 and has one year from the date notice is first received by it under subdivision 4, paragraph (c), even if the notice is untimely, or one year from the date medical bills are first paid by the state agency, whichever is later, to file its verified lien statement. The state agency may commence an action to enforce the lien within one year of (1) the date the notice required by subdivision 4, paragraph (c), is received or (2) the date the recipient's cause of action is concluded by judgment, award, settlement, or otherwise, whichever is later.

(c) If the notice required in subdivision 4 is not provided by any of the parties to the claim at any stage of the claim, the state agency will have one year from the date the state agency learns of the lack of notice to commence an action. If amounts on the claim or cause of action are paid and the amount required to be paid to the state agency under subdivision 5, is not paid to the state agency, the state agency may commence an action to recover on the lien against any or all of the parties or entities which have either paid or received the payments.

Subd. 3.Attorney general representation.

The attorney general shall represent the commissioner to enforce the lien created under this section or, if no action has been brought, may initiate and prosecute an independent action on behalf of the commissioner against a person, firm, or corporation that may be liable to the person to whom the care was furnished.

Any prepaid health plan providing services under sections 256B.69, 256D.03, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), and 256L.12; children's mental health collaboratives under section 245.493; demonstration projects for persons with disabilities under section 256B.77; nursing homes under the alternative payment demonstration project under section 256B.434; or the county-based purchasing entity providing services under section 256B.692 may retain legal representation to enforce their lien created under this section or, if no action has been brought, may initiate and prosecute an independent action on their behalf against a person, firm, or corporation that may be liable to the person to whom the care or payment was furnished.

Subd. 4.Notice.

The state agency must be given notice of monetary claims against a person, firm, or corporation that may be liable to pay part or all of the cost of medical care when the state agency has paid or become liable for the cost of that care. Notice must be given as follows:

(a) Applicants for medical assistance shall notify the state or local agency of any possible claims when they submit the application. Recipients of medical assistance shall notify the state or local agency of any possible claims when those claims arise.

(b) A person providing medical care services to a recipient of medical assistance shall notify the state agency when the person has reason to believe that a third party may be liable for payment of the cost of medical care.

(c) A party to a claim upon which the state agency may be entitled to a lien under this section shall notify the state agency of its potential lien claim at each of the following stages of a claim:

(1) when a claim is filed;

(2) when an action is commenced; and

(3) when a claim is concluded by payment, award, judgment, settlement, or otherwise.

Every party involved in any stage of a claim under this subdivision is required to provide notice to the state agency at that stage of the claim. However, when one of the parties to the claim provides notice at that stage, every other party to the claim is deemed to have provided the required notice at that stage of the claim. If the required notice under this paragraph is not provided to the state agency, all parties to the claim are deemed to have failed to provide the required notice. A party to a claim includes the injured person or the person's legal representative, the plaintiff, the defendants, or persons alleged to be responsible for compensating the injured person or plaintiff, and any other party to the cause of action or claim, regardless of whether the party knows the state agency has a potential or actual lien claim.

Notice given to the local agency is not sufficient to meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c).

Subd. 5.Costs deducted.

Upon any judgment, award, or settlement of a cause of action, or any part of it, upon which the state agency has filed its lien, including compensation for liquidated, unliquidated, or other damages, reasonable costs of collection, including attorney fees, must be deducted first. The full amount of medical assistance paid to or on behalf of the person as a result of the injury must be deducted next, and paid to the state agency. The rest must be paid to the medical assistance recipient or other plaintiff. The plaintiff, however, must receive at least one-third of the net recovery after attorney fees and other collection costs.

History:

1975 c 247 s 6; 1976 c 236 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 82; 1987 c 370 art 2 s 5-8; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 143; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 29; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 26; 1997 c 217 art 2 s 5-7; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 28-30; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 75

NOTE: This section was preempted by federal law to the extent that it allows a lien for medical assistance paid to be placed on a medical assistance recipient's cause of action before the recipient's death. Martin ex rel. Hoff v. City of Rochester, 642 N.W.2d 1 (Minn. 2002).

256B.043 COST-CONTAINMENT EFFORTS.

Subdivision 1.Alternative and complementary health care.

The commissioner of human services, through the medical director and in consultation with the Health Services Policy Committee established under section 256B.0625, subdivision 3c, as part of the commissioner's ongoing duties, shall consider the potential for improving quality and obtaining cost savings through greater use of alternative and complementary treatment methods and clinical practice; shall incorporate these methods into the medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, and general assistance medical care programs; and shall make related legislative recommendations as appropriate. The commissioner shall post the recommendations required under this subdivision on agency Web sites according to section 144.0506, subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.Access to care.

(a) The commissioners of human services and health, as part of their ongoing duties, shall consider the adequacy of the current system of community health clinics and centers both statewide and in urban areas with significant disparities in health status and access to services across racial and ethnic groups, including:

(1) methods to provide 24-hour availability of care through the clinics and centers;

(2) methods to expand the availability of care through the clinics and centers;

(3) the use of grants to expand the number of clinics and centers, the services provided, and the availability of care; and

(4) the extent to which increased use of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical residents and interns, and other allied health professionals in clinics and centers would increase the availability of services.

(b) The commissioners shall make departmental modifications and legislative recommendations as appropriate on the basis of their considerations under paragraph (a).

History:

2006 c 267 art 1 s 9

256B.05 ADMINISTRATION BY COUNTY AGENCIES.

Subdivision 1.Administration of medical assistance.

The county agencies shall administer medical assistance in their respective counties under the supervision of the state agency and the commissioner of human services as specified in section 256.01, and shall make such reports, prepare such statistics, and keep such records and accounts in relation to medical assistance as the state agency may require under section 256.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (17).

Subd. 2.Fee or charges.

In administering the medical assistance program, no local social services agency shall pay a fee or charge for medical, dental, surgical, hospital, nursing, licensed nursing home care, medicine, or medical supplies in excess of the schedules of maximum fees and charges as established by the state agency.

Subd. 3.Maximum allowances.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 2, the commissioner of human services shall establish a schedule of maximum allowances to be paid by the state on behalf of recipients of medical assistance toward fees charged for services rendered such medical assistance recipients.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1987 c 403 art 2 s 164]

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 5; 1971 c 961 s 28; 1982 c 640 s 4; 1984 c 580 s 3; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1988 c 719 art 8 s 13; 1989 c 89 s 10; 1994 c 631 s 31

256B.055 ELIGIBILITY CATEGORIES.

Subdivision 1.Children eligible for subsidized adoption assistance.

Medical assistance may be paid for a child eligible for or receiving adoption assistance payments under title IV-E of the Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, sections 670 to 676, and to any child who is not title IV-E eligible but who was determined eligible for adoption assistance under section 259.67, subdivision 4, paragraphs (a) to (c), and has a special need for medical or rehabilitative care.

Subd. 2.Subsidized foster children.

Medical assistance may be paid for a child eligible for or receiving foster care maintenance payments under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, sections 670 to 676.

Subd. 3.AFDC families.

Until March 31, 1998, medical assistance may be paid for a person who is eligible for or receiving, or who would be eligible for, except for excess income or assets, public assistance under the aid to families with dependent children program in effect as of July 16, 1996, as required by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Public Law 104-193.

Subd. 3a.Families with children.

Beginning July 1, 2002, medical assistance may be paid for a person who is a child under the age of 18, or age 18 if a full-time student in a secondary school, or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training, and reasonably expected to complete the program before reaching age 19; the parent of a dependent child, including a pregnant woman; or a caretaker relative of a dependent child.

Subd. 4.Recipients of Minnesota supplemental aid.

Medical assistance may be paid for a person who is receiving public assistance under the Minnesota supplemental aid program.

Subd. 5.Pregnant women; dependent unborn child.

Medical assistance may be paid for a pregnant woman who has written verification of a positive pregnancy test from a physician or licensed registered nurse, who meets the other eligibility criteria of this section and who would be categorically eligible for assistance under the state's AFDC plan in effect as of July 16, 1996, as required by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Public Law 104-193, if the child had been born and was living with the woman. For purposes of this subdivision, a woman is considered pregnant for 60 days postpartum.

Subd. 6.Pregnant women; needy unborn child.

Medical assistance may be paid for a pregnant woman who has written verification of a positive pregnancy test from a physician or licensed registered nurse, who meets the other eligibility criteria of this section and whose unborn child would be eligible as a needy child under subdivision 10 if born and living with the woman. For purposes of this subdivision, a woman is considered pregnant for 60 days postpartum.

Subd. 7.Aged, blind, or disabled persons.

(a) Medical assistance may be paid for a person who meets the categorical eligibility requirements of the supplemental security income program or, who would meet those requirements except for excess income or assets, and who meets the other eligibility requirements of this section.

(b) Following a determination that the applicant is not aged or blind and does not meet any other category of eligibility for medical assistance and has not been determined disabled by the Social Security Administration, applicants under this subdivision shall be referred to the commissioner's state medical review team for a determination of disability.

Subd. 7a.Special category for disabled children.

Medical assistance may be paid for a person who is under age 18 and who meets income and asset eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income program if the person was receiving Supplemental Security Income payments on the date of enactment of section 211(a) of Public Law 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, and the person would have continued to receive the payments except for the change in the childhood disability criteria in section 211(a) of Public Law 104-193.

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 1990 c 568 art 3 s 104]

Subd. 9.Children.

Medical assistance may be paid for a person who is under 21 years of age and in need of medical care that neither the person nor the person's relatives responsible under sections 256B.01 to 256B.26 are financially able to provide.

Subd. 10.Infants.

Medical assistance may be paid for an infant less than one year of age, whose mother was eligible for and receiving medical assistance at the time of birth or who is in a family with countable income that is equal to or less than the income standard established under section 256B.057, subdivision 1.

Subd. 10a.

[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 101]

Subd. 10b.Children.

This subdivision supersedes subdivision 10 as long as the Minnesota health care reform waiver remains in effect. When the waiver expires, the commissioner of human services shall publish a notice in the State Register and notify the revisor of statutes. Medical assistance may be paid for a child less than two years of age with countable family income as established for infants under section 256B.057, subdivision 1.

Subd. 11.Elderly hospital inpatients.

Medical assistance may be paid for a person who is residing in a hospital for treatment of mental disease or tuberculosis and is 65 years of age or older and without means sufficient to pay the per capita hospital charge.

Subd. 12.Disabled children.

(a) A person is eligible for medical assistance if the person is under age 19 and qualifies as a disabled individual under United States Code, title 42, section 1382c(a), and would be eligible for medical assistance under the state plan if residing in a medical institution, and the child requires a level of care provided in a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, for whom home care is appropriate, provided that the cost to medical assistance under this section is not more than the amount that medical assistance would pay for if the child resides in an institution. After the child is determined to be eligible under this section, the commissioner shall review the child's disability under United States Code, title 42, section 1382c(a) and level of care defined under this section no more often than annually and may elect, based on the recommendation of health care professionals under contract with the state medical review team, to extend the review of disability and level of care up to a maximum of four years. The commissioner's decision on the frequency of continuing review of disability and level of care is not subject to administrative appeal under section 256.045. The county agency shall send a notice of disability review to the enrollee six months prior to the date the recertification of disability is due. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as affecting other redeterminations of medical assistance eligibility under this chapter and annual cost-effective reviews under this section.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "hospital" means an institution as defined in section 144.696, subdivision 3, 144.55, subdivision 3, or Minnesota Rules, part 4640.3600, and licensed pursuant to sections 144.50 to 144.58. For purposes of this subdivision, a child requires a level of care provided in a hospital if the child is determined by the commissioner to need an extensive array of health services, including mental health services, for an undetermined period of time, whose health condition requires frequent monitoring and treatment by a health care professional or by a person supervised by a health care professional, who would reside in a hospital or require frequent hospitalization if these services were not provided, and the daily care needs are more complex than a nursing facility level of care.

A child with serious emotional disturbance requires a level of care provided in a hospital if the commissioner determines that the individual requires 24-hour supervision because the person exhibits recurrent or frequent suicidal or homicidal ideation or behavior, recurrent or frequent psychosomatic disorders or somatopsychic disorders that may become life threatening, recurrent or frequent severe socially unacceptable behavior associated with psychiatric disorder, ongoing and chronic psychosis or severe, ongoing and chronic developmental problems requiring continuous skilled observation, or severe disabling symptoms for which office-centered outpatient treatment is not adequate, and which overall severely impact the individual's ability to function.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, "nursing facility" means a facility which provides nursing care as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision 5, licensed pursuant to sections 144A.02 to 144A.10, which is appropriate if a person is in active restorative treatment; is in need of special treatments provided or supervised by a licensed nurse; or has unpredictable episodes of active disease processes requiring immediate judgment by a licensed nurse. For purposes of this subdivision, a child requires the level of care provided in a nursing facility if the child is determined by the commissioner to meet the requirements of the preadmission screening assessment document under section 256B.0911, adjusted to address age-appropriate standards for children age 18 and under.

(d) For purposes of this subdivision, "intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities" or "ICF/MR" means a program licensed to provide services to persons with developmental disabilities under section 252.28, and chapter 245A, and a physical plant licensed as a supervised living facility under chapter 144, which together are certified by the Minnesota Department of Health as meeting the standards in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 483, for an intermediate care facility which provides services for persons with developmental disabilities who require 24-hour supervision and active treatment for medical, behavioral, or habilitation needs. For purposes of this subdivision, a child requires a level of care provided in an ICF/MR if the commissioner finds that the child has a developmental disability in accordance with section 256B.092, is in need of a 24-hour plan of care and active treatment similar to persons with developmental disabilities, and there is a reasonable indication that the child will need ICF/MR services.

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, a person requires the level of care provided in a nursing facility if the person requires 24-hour monitoring or supervision and a plan of mental health treatment because of specific symptoms or functional impairments associated with a serious mental illness or disorder diagnosis, which meet severity criteria for mental health established by the commissioner and published in March 1997 as the Minnesota Mental Health Level of Care for Children and Adolescents with Severe Emotional Disorders.

(f) The determination of the level of care needed by the child shall be made by the commissioner based on information supplied to the commissioner by the parent or guardian, the child's physician or physicians, and other professionals as requested by the commissioner. The commissioner shall establish a screening team to conduct the level of care determinations according to this subdivision.

(g) If a child meets the conditions in paragraph (b), (c), (d), or (e), the commissioner must assess the case to determine whether:

(1) the child qualifies as a disabled individual under United States Code, title 42, section 1382c(a), and would be eligible for medical assistance if residing in a medical institution; and

(2) the cost of medical assistance services for the child, if eligible under this subdivision, would not be more than the cost to medical assistance if the child resides in a medical institution to be determined as follows:

(i) for a child who requires a level of care provided in an ICF/MR, the cost of care for the child in an institution shall be determined using the average payment rate established for the regional treatment centers that are certified as ICF's/MR;

(ii) for a child who requires a level of care provided in an inpatient hospital setting according to paragraph (b), cost-effectiveness shall be determined according to Minnesota Rules, part 9505.3520, items F and G; and

(iii) for a child who requires a level of care provided in a nursing facility according to paragraph (c) or (e), cost-effectiveness shall be determined according to Minnesota Rules, part 9505.3040, except that the nursing facility average rate shall be adjusted to reflect rates which would be paid for children under age 16. The commissioner may authorize an amount up to the amount medical assistance would pay for a child referred to the commissioner by the preadmission screening team under section 256B.0911.

(h) Children eligible for medical assistance services under section 256B.055, subdivision 12, as of June 30, 1995, must be screened according to the criteria in this subdivision prior to January 1, 1996. Children found to be ineligible may not be removed from the program until January 1, 1996.

Subd. 13.Residents of institutions for mental diseases.

Beginning October 1, 2003, persons who would be eligible for medical assistance under this chapter but for residing in a facility that is determined by the commissioner or the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to be an institution for mental diseases are eligible for medical assistance without federal financial participation, except that coverage shall not include payment for a nursing facility determined to be an institution for mental diseases.

Subd. 14.Persons detained by law.

(a) Medical assistance may be paid for an inmate of a correctional facility who is conditionally released as authorized under section 241.26, 244.065, or 631.425, if the individual does not require the security of a public detention facility and is housed in a halfway house or community correction center, or under house arrest and monitored by electronic surveillance in a residence approved by the commissioner of corrections, and if the individual meets the other eligibility requirements of this chapter.

(b) An individual who is enrolled in medical assistance, and who is charged with a crime and incarcerated for less than 12 months shall be suspended from eligibility at the time of incarceration until the individual is released. Upon release, medical assistance eligibility is reinstated without reapplication using a reinstatement process and form, if the individual is otherwise eligible.

(c) An individual, regardless of age, who is considered an inmate of a public institution as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 435.1010, is not eligible for medical assistance.

Subd. 15.Adults without children.

Medical assistance may be paid for a person who is:

(1) at least age 21 and under age 65;

(2) not pregnant;

(3) not entitled to Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act;

(4) not an adult in a family with children as defined in section 256L.01, subdivision 3a; and

(5) not described in another subdivision of this section.

[See Note.]

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 6; 1969 c 841 s 1; 1973 c 717 s 18; 1974 c 525 s 1,2; 1975 c 247 s 10; 1976 c 236 s 3; 1977 c 448 s 6; 1978 c 760 s 1; 1979 c 309 s 4; 1980 c 509 s 106; 1980 c 527 s 1; 1981 c 360 art 2 s 28; 1Sp1981 c 2 s 14; 3Sp1981 c 2 art 1 s 32; 3Sp1981 c 3 s 17; 1982 c 553 s 6; 1982 c 640 s 5; 1983 c 312 art 5 s 15; 1984 c 422 s 1; 1984 c 534 s 22; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1985 c 252 s 21; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 1 art 8 s 5; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 79,80; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 144,145,268; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 43,44; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 23-27; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 33,34; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 30; 1994 c 631 s 31; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 27; 1995 c 234 art 6 s 35; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 7; 1997 c 85 art 3 s 10-12; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 19; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 13,14; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 31; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 15; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 15; 2004 c 288 art 3 s 21; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 47; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 19; 2007 c 147 art 4 s 3; 2008 c 220 s 1; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 8; 2009 c 79 art 6 s 7; art 8 s 17; 2010 c 310 art 3 s 1; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 5

NOTE: Subdivision 15, as added by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 5, is effective as follows:

(a) In order for subdivision 15 to be effective, the governor in office on May 22, 2010, must direct, by executive order issued at any time during that governor's term, the commissioner of human services to implement subdivision 15, notwithstanding any other effective dates for subdivision 15.

(b) If the governor in office on May 22, 2010, does not issue an executive order under paragraph (a) directing implementation, the succeeding governor, from the start of that governor's term until January 15, 2011, may by executive order direct the commissioner of human services to implement subdivision 15.

(c) If a governor does not issue an executive order under paragraph (a) or (b), subdivision 15 is not effective and does not have the force of law.

(d) In making the determinations under Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48, whether to issue an executive order under paragraph (a) or (b), the governor shall consider the cost of implementation and the availability of funds in the state treasury, the potential for increased federal funding, the effect of implementation on access to health care services in the state, and alternative approaches that may be available to pursue policy goals.

(e) If Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48, is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional, subdivision 15 is not effective and does not have the force of law. Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48.

256B.056 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

Subdivision 1.Residency.

To be eligible for medical assistance, a person must reside in Minnesota, or, if absent from the state, be deemed to be a resident of Minnesota in accordance with the rules of the state agency.

Subd. 1a.Income and assets generally.

Unless specifically required by state law or rule or federal law or regulation, the methodologies used in counting income and assets to determine eligibility for medical assistance for persons whose eligibility category is based on blindness, disability, or age of 65 or more years, the methodologies for the supplemental security income program shall be used. Increases in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act shall not be counted as income for purposes of this subdivision until July 1 of each year. Effective upon federal approval, for children eligible under section 256B.055, subdivision 12, or for home and community-based waiver services whose eligibility for medical assistance is determined without regard to parental income, child support payments, including any payments made by an obligor in satisfaction of or in addition to a temporary or permanent order for child support, and Social Security payments are not counted as income. For families and children, which includes all other eligibility categories, the methodologies under the state's AFDC plan in effect as of July 16, 1996, as required by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Public Law 104-193, shall be used, except that effective October 1, 2003, the earned income disregards and deductions are limited to those in subdivision 1c. For these purposes, a "methodology" does not include an asset or income standard, or accounting method, or method of determining effective dates.

Subd. 1b.Aged, blind, and disabled income methodology.

The $20 general income disregard allowed under the supplemental security income program is included in the standard and shall not be allowed as a deduction from income for a person eligible under section 256B.055, subdivisions 7, 7a, and 12.

Subd. 1c.Families with children income methodology.

(a)(1) [Expired, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 17]

(2) For applications processed within one calendar month prior to July 1, 2003, eligibility shall be determined by applying the income standards and methodologies in effect prior to July 1, 2003, for any months in the six-month budget period before July 1, 2003, and the income standards and methodologies in effect on July 1, 2003, for any months in the six-month budget period on or after that date. The income standards for each month shall be added together and compared to the applicant's total countable income for the six-month budget period to determine eligibility.

(3) For children ages one through 18 whose eligibility is determined under section 256B.057, subdivision 2, the following deductions shall be applied to income counted toward the child's eligibility as allowed under the state's AFDC plan in effect as of July 16, 1996: $90 work expense, dependent care, and child support paid under court order. This clause is effective October 1, 2003.

(b) For families with children whose eligibility is determined using the standard specified in section 256B.056, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), 17 percent of countable earned income shall be disregarded for up to four months and the following deductions shall be applied to each individual's income counted toward eligibility as allowed under the state's AFDC plan in effect as of July 16, 1996: dependent care and child support paid under court order.

(c) If the four-month disregard in paragraph (b) has been applied to the wage earner's income for four months, the disregard shall not be applied again until the wage earner's income has not been considered in determining medical assistance eligibility for 12 consecutive months.

(d) The commissioner shall adjust the income standards under this section each July 1 by the annual update of the federal poverty guidelines following publication by the United States Department of Health and Human Services except that the income standards shall not go below those in effect on July 1, 2009.

(e) For children age 18 or under, annual gifts of $2,000 or less by a tax-exempt organization to or for the benefit of the child with a life-threatening illness must be disregarded from income.

Subd. 1d.Treatment of certain monetary gifts.

The commissioner shall disregard as income any portion of a monetary gift received by an applicant or enrollee that is designated to purchase a prosthetic device not covered by insurance, other third-party payers, or medical assistance.

Subd. 2.Homestead exclusion for persons residing in a long-term care facility.

The homestead shall be excluded for the first six calendar months of a person's stay in a long-term care facility and shall continue to be excluded for as long as the recipient can be reasonably expected to return to the homestead. For purposes of this subdivision, "reasonably expected to return to the homestead" means the recipient's attending physician has certified that the expectation is reasonable, and the recipient can show that the cost of care upon returning home will be met through medical assistance or other sources. The homestead shall continue to be excluded for persons residing in a long-term care facility if it is used as a primary residence by one of the following individuals:

(1) the spouse;

(2) a child under age 21;

(3) a child of any age who is blind or permanently and totally disabled as defined in the Supplemental Security Income program;

(4) a sibling who has equity interest in the home and who resided in the home for at least one year immediately before the date of the person's admission to the facility; or

(5) a child of any age or a grandchild of any age who resided in the home for at least two years immediately before the date of the person's admission to the facility, and who provided care to the person that permitted the person to reside at home rather than in an institution.

Subd. 2a.Home equity limit for medical assistance payment of long-term care services.

(a) Effective for requests of medical assistance payment of long-term care services filed on or after July 1, 2006, and for renewals on or after July 1, 2006, for persons who received payment of long-term care services under a request filed on or after January 1, 2006, the equity interest in the home of a person whose eligibility for long-term care services is determined on or after January 1, 2006, shall not exceed $500,000, unless it is the lawful residence of the person's spouse or child who is under age 21, or a child of any age who is blind or permanently and totally disabled as defined in the Supplemental Security Income program. The amount specified in this paragraph shall be increased beginning in year 2011, from year to year based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (all items; United States city average), rounded to the nearest $1,000.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a "home" means any real or personal property interest, including an interest in an agricultural homestead as defined under section 273.124, subdivision 1, that, at the time of the request for medical assistance payment of long-term care services, is the primary dwelling of the person or was the primary dwelling of the person before receipt of long-term care services began outside of the home.

(c) A person denied or terminated from medical assistance payment of long-term care services because the person's home equity exceeds the home equity limit may seek a waiver based upon a hardship by filing a written request with the county agency. Hardship is an imminent threat to the person's health and well-being that is demonstrated by documentation of no alternatives for payment of long-term care services. The county agency shall make a decision regarding the written request to waive the home equity limit within 30 days if all necessary information has been provided. The county agency shall send the person and the person's representative a written notice of decision on the request for a demonstrated hardship waiver that also advises the person of appeal rights under the fair hearing process of section 256.045.

Subd. 3.Asset limitations for individuals and families.

(a) To be eligible for medical assistance, a person must not individually own more than $3,000 in assets, or if a member of a household with two family members, husband and wife, or parent and child, the household must not own more than $6,000 in assets, plus $200 for each additional legal dependent. In addition to these maximum amounts, an eligible individual or family may accrue interest on these amounts, but they must be reduced to the maximum at the time of an eligibility redetermination. The accumulation of the clothing and personal needs allowance according to section 256B.35 must also be reduced to the maximum at the time of the eligibility redetermination. The value of assets that are not considered in determining eligibility for medical assistance is the value of those assets excluded under the supplemental security income program for aged, blind, and disabled persons, with the following exceptions:

(1) household goods and personal effects are not considered;

(2) capital and operating assets of a trade or business that the local agency determines are necessary to the person's ability to earn an income are not considered;

(3) motor vehicles are excluded to the same extent excluded by the supplemental security income program;

(4) assets designated as burial expenses are excluded to the same extent excluded by the supplemental security income program. Burial expenses funded by annuity contracts or life insurance policies must irrevocably designate the individual's estate as contingent beneficiary to the extent proceeds are not used for payment of selected burial expenses; and

(5) effective upon federal approval, for a person who no longer qualifies as an employed person with a disability due to loss of earnings, assets allowed while eligible for medical assistance under section 256B.057, subdivision 9, are not considered for 12 months, beginning with the first month of ineligibility as an employed person with a disability, to the extent that the person's total assets remain within the allowed limits of section 256B.057, subdivision 9, paragraph (c).

(b) No asset limit shall apply to persons eligible under section 256B.055, subdivision 15.

[See Note.]

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 1992 c 513 art 7 s 135]

Subd. 3b.Treatment of trusts.

(a) A "medical assistance qualifying trust" is a revocable or irrevocable trust, or similar legal device, established on or before August 10, 1993, by a person or the person's spouse under the terms of which the person receives or could receive payments from the trust principal or income and the trustee has discretion in making payments to the person from the trust principal or income. Notwithstanding that definition, a medical assistance qualifying trust does not include: (1) a trust set up by will; (2) a trust set up before April 7, 1986, solely to benefit a person with a developmental disability living in an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities; or (3) a trust set up by a person with payments made by the Social Security Administration pursuant to the United States Supreme Court decision in Sullivan v. Zebley, 110 S. Ct. 885 (1990). The maximum amount of payments that a trustee of a medical assistance qualifying trust may make to a person under the terms of the trust is considered to be available assets to the person, without regard to whether the trustee actually makes the maximum payments to the person and without regard to the purpose for which the medical assistance qualifying trust was established.

(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d), trusts established after August 10, 1993, are treated according to section 13611(b) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA), Public Law 103-66.

(c) For purposes of paragraph (d), a pooled trust means a trust established under United States Code, title 42, section 1396p(d)(4)(C).

(d) A beneficiary's interest in a pooled trust is considered an available asset unless the trust provides that upon the death of the beneficiary or termination of the trust during the beneficiary's lifetime, whichever is sooner, the department receives any amount, up to the amount of medical assistance benefits paid on behalf of the beneficiary, remaining in the beneficiary's trust account after a deduction for reasonable administrative fees and expenses, and an additional remainder amount. The retained remainder amount of the subaccount must not exceed ten percent of the account value at the time of the beneficiary's death or termination of the trust, and must only be used for the benefit of disabled individuals who have a beneficiary interest in the pooled trust.

[See Note.]

Subd. 3c.Asset limitations for families and children.

A household of two or more persons must not own more than $20,000 in total net assets, and a household of one person must not own more than $10,000 in total net assets. In addition to these maximum amounts, an eligible individual or family may accrue interest on these amounts, but they must be reduced to the maximum at the time of an eligibility redetermination. The value of assets that are not considered in determining eligibility for medical assistance for families and children is the value of those assets excluded under the AFDC state plan as of July 16, 1996, as required by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Public Law 104-193, with the following exceptions:

(1) household goods and personal effects are not considered;

(2) capital and operating assets of a trade or business up to $200,000 are not considered, except that a bank account that contains personal income or assets, or is used to pay personal expenses, is not considered a capital or operating asset of a trade or business;

(3) one motor vehicle is excluded for each person of legal driving age who is employed or seeking employment;

(4) assets designated as burial expenses are excluded to the same extent they are excluded by the Supplemental Security Income program;

(5) court-ordered settlements up to $10,000 are not considered;

(6) individual retirement accounts and funds are not considered; and

(7) assets owned by children are not considered.

The assets specified in clause (2) must be disclosed to the local agency at the time of application and at the time of an eligibility redetermination, and must be verified upon request of the local agency.

[See Note.]

Subd. 3d.Reduction of excess assets.

Assets in excess of the limits in subdivisions 3 to 3c may be reduced to allowable limits as follows:

(a) Assets may be reduced in any of the three calendar months before the month of application in which the applicant seeks coverage by paying bills for health services that are incurred in the retroactive period for which the applicant seeks eligibility, starting with the oldest bill. After assets are reduced to allowable limits, eligibility begins with the next dollar of MA-covered health services incurred in the retroactive period. Applicants reducing assets under this subdivision who also have excess income shall first spend excess assets to pay health service bills and may meet the income spenddown on remaining bills.

(b) Assets may be reduced beginning the month of application by paying bills for health services that are incurred during the period specified in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0090, subpart 2, that would otherwise be paid by medical assistance. After assets are reduced to allowable limits, eligibility begins with the next dollar of medical assistance covered health services incurred in the period. Applicants reducing assets under this subdivision who also have excess income shall first spend excess assets to pay health service bills and may meet the income spenddown on remaining bills.

[See Note.]

Subd. 3e.Continuing care retirement and life care community entrance fees.

An entrance fee paid by an individual to a continuing care retirement or life care community shall be treated as an available asset to the extent that:

(1) the individual has the ability to use the entrance fee, or the contract provides that the entrance fee may be used, to pay for care should other resources or income of the individual be insufficient to pay for care;

(2) the individual is eligible for a refund of any remaining entrance fees when the individual dies or terminates the continuing care retirement or life care community contract and leaves the community; and

(3) the entrance fee does not confer an ownership interest in the continuing care retirement or life care community.

Subd. 4.Income.

(a) To be eligible for medical assistance, a person eligible under section 256B.055, subdivisions 7, 7a, and 12, may have income up to 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Effective January 1, 2000, and each successive January, recipients of supplemental security income may have an income up to the supplemental security income standard in effect on that date.

(b) To be eligible for medical assistance, families and children may have an income up to 133-1/3 percent of the AFDC income standard in effect under the July 16, 1996, AFDC state plan. Effective July 1, 2000, the base AFDC standard in effect on July 16, 1996, shall be increased by three percent.

(c) Effective July 1, 2002, to be eligible for medical assistance, families and children may have an income up to 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the family size.

(d) To be eligible for medical assistance under section 256B.055, subdivision 15, a person may have an income up to 75 percent of federal poverty guidelines for the family size.

(e) In computing income to determine eligibility of persons under paragraphs (a) to (d) who are not residents of long-term care facilities, the commissioner shall disregard increases in income as required by Public Law Numbers 94-566, section 503; 99-272; and 99-509. Veterans aid and attendance benefits and Veterans Administration unusual medical expense payments are considered income to the recipient.

[See Note.]

Subd. 4a.Asset verification.

For purposes of verification, an individual is not required to make a good faith effort to sell a life estate that is not excluded under subdivision 2 and the life estate shall be deemed not salable unless the owner of the remainder interest intends to purchase the life estate, or the owner of the life estate and the owner of the remainder sell the entire property. This subdivision applies only for the purpose of determining eligibility for medical assistance, and does not apply to the valuation of assets owned by either the institutional spouse or the community spouse under section 256B.059, subdivision 2.

Subd. 4b.Income verification.

The local agency shall not require a monthly income verification form for a recipient who is a resident of a long-term care facility and who has monthly earned income of $80 or less. The commissioner or county agency shall use electronic verification as the primary method of income verification. If there is a discrepancy between reported income and electronically verified income, an individual may be required to submit additional verification.

Subd. 5.Excess income.

A person who has excess income is eligible for medical assistance if the person has expenses for medical care that are more than the amount of the person's excess income, computed by deducting incurred medical expenses from the excess income to reduce the excess to the income standard specified in subdivision 5c. The person shall elect to have the medical expenses deducted at the beginning of a one-month budget period or at the beginning of a six-month budget period. The commissioner shall allow persons eligible for assistance on a one-month spenddown basis under this subdivision to elect to pay the monthly spenddown amount in advance of the month of eligibility to the state agency in order to maintain eligibility on a continuous basis. If the recipient does not pay the spenddown amount on or before the 20th of the month, the recipient is ineligible for this option for the following month. The local agency shall code the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) to indicate that the recipient has elected this option. The state agency shall convey recipient eligibility information relative to the collection of the spenddown to providers through the Electronic Verification System (EVS). A recipient electing advance payment must pay the state agency the monthly spenddown amount on or before the 20th of the month in order to be eligible for this option in the following month.

Subd. 5a.Individuals on fixed or excluded income.

Recipients of medical assistance who receive only fixed unearned or excluded income, when that income is excluded from consideration as income or unvarying in amount and timing of receipt throughout the year, shall report and verify their income annually.

Subd. 5b.Individuals with low income.

Recipients of medical assistance not residing in a long-term care facility who have slightly fluctuating income which is below the medical assistance income limit shall report and verify their income on a semiannual basis.

Subd. 5c.Excess income standard.

(a) The excess income standard for families with children is the standard specified in subdivision 4.

(b) The excess income standard for a person whose eligibility is based on blindness, disability, or age of 65 or more years is 70 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the family size. Effective July 1, 2002, the excess income standard for this paragraph shall equal 75 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Subd. 6.Assignment of benefits.

To be eligible for medical assistance a person must have applied or must agree to apply all proceeds received or receivable by the person or the person's legal representative from any third party liable for the costs of medical care. By accepting or receiving assistance, the person is deemed to have assigned the person's rights to medical support and third-party payments as required by title 19 of the Social Security Act. Persons must cooperate with the state in establishing paternity and obtaining third-party payments. By accepting medical assistance, a person assigns to the Department of Human Services all rights the person may have to medical support or payments for medical expenses from any other person or entity on their own or their dependent's behalf and agrees to cooperate with the state in establishing paternity and obtaining third-party payments. Any rights or amounts so assigned shall be applied against the cost of medical care paid for under this chapter. Any assignment takes effect upon the determination that the applicant is eligible for medical assistance and up to three months prior to the date of application if the applicant is determined eligible for and receives medical assistance benefits. The application must contain a statement explaining this assignment. For the purposes of this section, "the Department of Human Services or the state" includes prepaid health plans under contract with the commissioner according to sections 256B.69, 256D.03, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), and 256L.12; children's mental health collaboratives under section 245.493; demonstration projects for persons with disabilities under section 256B.77; nursing facilities under the alternative payment demonstration project under section 256B.434; and the county-based purchasing entities under section 256B.692.

Subd. 7.Period of eligibility.

Eligibility is available for the month of application and for three months prior to application if the person was eligible in those prior months. A redetermination of eligibility must occur every 12 months.

Subd. 8.Cooperation.

To be eligible for medical assistance, applicants and recipients must cooperate with the state and local agency to identify potentially liable third-party payers and assist the state in obtaining third-party payments, unless good cause for noncooperation is determined according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 433.147. "Cooperation" includes identifying any third party who may be liable for care and services provided under this chapter to the applicant, recipient, or any other family member for whom application is made and providing relevant information to assist the state in pursuing a potentially liable third party. Cooperation also includes providing information about a group health plan for which the person may be eligible and if the plan is determined cost-effective by the state agency and premiums are paid by the local agency or there is no cost to the recipient, they must enroll or remain enrolled with the group. For purposes of this subdivision, coverage provided by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association under chapter 62E shall not be considered group health plan coverage or cost-effective by the state and local agency. Cost-effective insurance premiums approved for payment by the state agency and paid by the local agency are eligible for reimbursement according to section 256B.19.

Subd. 9.Notice.

The state agency must be given notice of monetary claims against a person, entity, or corporation that may be liable to pay all or part of the cost of medical care when the state agency has paid or becomes liable for the cost of that care. Notice must be given according to paragraphs (a) to (d).

(a) An applicant for medical assistance shall notify the state or local agency of any possible claims when the applicant submits the application. A recipient of medical assistance shall notify the state or local agency of any possible claims when those claims arise.

(b) A person providing medical care services to a recipient of medical assistance shall notify the state agency when the person has reason to believe that a third party may be liable for payment of the cost of medical care.

(c) A party to a claim that may be assigned to the state agency under this section shall notify the state agency of its potential assignment claim in writing at each of the following stages of a claim:

(1) when a claim is filed;

(2) when an action is commenced; and

(3) when a claim is concluded by payment, award, judgment, settlement, or otherwise.

(d) Every party involved in any stage of a claim under this subdivision is required to provide notice to the state agency at that stage of the claim. However, when one of the parties to the claim provides notice at that stage, every other party to the claim is deemed to have provided the required notice for that stage of the claim. If the required notice under this paragraph is not provided to the state agency, all parties to the claim are deemed to have failed to provide the required notice. A party to the claim includes the injured person or the person's legal representative, the plaintiff, the defendants, or persons alleged to be responsible for compensating the injured person or plaintiff, and any other party to the cause of action or claim, regardless of whether the party knows the state agency has a potential or actual assignment claim.

Subd. 10.Eligibility verification.

(a) The commissioner shall require women who are applying for the continuation of medical assistance coverage following the end of the 60-day postpartum period to update their income and asset information and to submit any required income or asset verification.

(b) The commissioner shall determine the eligibility of private-sector health care coverage for infants less than one year of age eligible under section 256B.055, subdivision 10, or 256B.057, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), and shall pay for private-sector coverage if this is determined to be cost-effective.

(c) The commissioner shall verify assets and income for all applicants, and for all recipients upon renewal.

Subd. 11.Treatment of annuities.

(a) Any person requesting medical assistance payment of long-term care services shall provide a complete description of any interest either the person or the person's spouse has in annuities on a form designated by the department. The form shall include a statement that the state becomes a preferred remainder beneficiary of annuities or similar financial instruments by virtue of the receipt of medical assistance payment of long-term care services. The person and the person's spouse shall furnish the agency responsible for determining eligibility with complete current copies of their annuities and related documents and complete the form designating the state as the preferred remainder beneficiary for each annuity in which the person or the person's spouse has an interest.

(b) The department shall provide notice to the issuer of the department's right under this section as a preferred remainder beneficiary under the annuity or similar financial instrument for medical assistance furnished to the person or the person's spouse, and provide notice of the issuer's responsibilities as provided in paragraph (c).

(c) An issuer of an annuity or similar financial instrument who receives notice of the state's right to be named a preferred remainder beneficiary as described in paragraph (b) shall provide confirmation to the requesting agency that the state has been made a preferred remainder beneficiary. The issuer shall also notify the county agency when a change in the amount of income or principal being withdrawn from the annuity or other similar financial instrument or a change in the state's preferred remainder beneficiary designation under the annuity or other similar financial instrument occurs. The county agency shall provide the issuer with the name, address, and telephone number of a unit within the department that the issuer can contact to comply with this paragraph.

(d) "Preferred remainder beneficiary" for purposes of this subdivision and sections 256B.0594 and 256B.0595 means the state is a remainder beneficiary in the first position in an amount equal to the amount of medical assistance paid on behalf of the institutionalized person, or is a remainder beneficiary in the second position if the institutionalized person designates and is survived by a remainder beneficiary who is (1) a spouse who does not reside in a medical institution, (2) a minor child, or (3) a child of any age who is blind or permanently and totally disabled as defined in the Supplemental Security Income program. Notwithstanding this paragraph, the state is the remainder beneficiary in the first position if the spouse or child disposes of the remainder for less than fair market value.

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, "institutionalized person" and "long-term care services" have the meanings given in section 256B.0595, subdivision 1, paragraph (h).

(f) For purposes of this subdivision, "medical institution" means a skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility, intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, nursing facility, or inpatient hospital.

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 6; 1969 c 841 s 1; 1973 c 717 s 18; 1974 c 525 s 1,2; 1975 c 247 s 10; 1976 c 236 s 3; 1977 c 448 s 6; 1978 c 760 s 1; 1979 c 309 s 4; 1980 c 509 s 106; 1980 c 527 s 1; 1981 c 360 art 2 s 28; 1Sp1981 c 2 s 14; 3Sp1981 c 2 art 1 s 32; 3Sp1981 c 3 s 17; 1982 c 553 s 6; 1982 c 640 s 5; 1983 c 312 art 5 s 15; 1984 c 422 s 1; 1984 c 534 s 22; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1985 c 252 s 21; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 1 art 8 s 5; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 79,80; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 144,145,268; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 45-47; 1989 c 332 s 1; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 28-32; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 34-38; 1993 c 339 s 13; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 31; art 6 s 25; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 28,29; 1995 c 248 art 17 s 1-4; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 8,9; 1997 c 85 art 3 s 13-15; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 20,21; 1997 c 225 art 6 s 4; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 15,16; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 32; art 10 s 10; 2001 c 203 s 5,6; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 16-24; 2002 c 220 art 15 s 6; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 16; art 12 s 16-18; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 75; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 98 art 2 s 2; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 20-26; 2006 c 282 art 17 s 25-27; 2007 c 147 art 4 s 4; art 5 s 8; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 9-12; 2009 c 79 art 5 s 17,18; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 17; art 3 s 6-8; 2010 c 310 art 16 s 1; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 6,7

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 3b by Laws 2009, chapter 173, article 1, section 17, is effective for pooled trust accounts established on or after January 1, 2011, unless it is in violation of section 5001 of Public Law 111-5. If it is in violation of that section, then it shall be effective on the date when it is no longer subject to maintenance of effort requirements of section 5001 of Public Law 111-5. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes of that date. Laws 2009, chapter 173, article 1, section 17, the effective date, as amended by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 24, section 13.

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 3c by Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 5, section 17, is effective January 1, 2011, or upon federal approval, and on the date when it is no longer subject to the maintenance of effort requirements of section 5001 of Public Law 111-5. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes of that date. Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 5, section 17, the effective date, as amended by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 24, section 13.

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 3d by Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 5, section 18, is effective upon federal approval and on the date when it is no longer subject to the maintenance of effort requirements of section 5001 of Public Law 111-5. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes when federal approval is obtained. Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 5, section 18, the effective date, as amended by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 24, section 10.

NOTE: The amendments to subdivisions 3 and 4 by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, sections 6 and 7, are effective as follows:

(a) In order for the amendments to subdivisions 3 and 4 by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, sections 6 and 7, to be effective, the governor in office on May 22, 2010, must direct, by executive order issued at any time during that governor's term, the commissioner of human services to implement them, notwithstanding any other effective dates for subdivisions 3 and 4.

(b) If the governor in office on May 22, 2010, does not issue an executive order under paragraph (a) directing implementation, the succeeding governor, from the start of that governor's term until January 15, 2011, may by executive order direct the commissioner of human services to implement the amendments to subdivisions 3 and 4.

(c) If a governor does not issue an executive order under paragraph (a) or (b), the amendments to subdivisions 3 and 4 are not effective and do not have the force of law.

(d) In making the determination under Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48, whether to issue an executive order under paragraph (a) or (b), the governor shall consider the cost of implementation and the availability of funds in the state treasury, the potential for increased federal funding, the effect of implementation on access to health care services in the state, and alternative approaches that may be available to pursue policy goals. Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48.

(e) If Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48, is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional, the amendments to subdivisions 3 and 4 are not effective and do not have the force of law.

256B.057 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL CATEGORIES.

Subdivision 1.Infants and pregnant women.

(a)(1) An infant less than one year of age or a pregnant woman who has written verification of a positive pregnancy test from a physician or licensed registered nurse is eligible for medical assistance if countable family income is equal to or less than 275 percent of the federal poverty guideline for the same family size. For purposes of this subdivision, "countable family income" means the amount of income considered available using the methodology of the AFDC program under the state's AFDC plan as of July 16, 1996, as required by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Public Law 104-193, except for the earned income disregard and employment deductions.

(2) For applications processed within one calendar month prior to the effective date, eligibility shall be determined by applying the income standards and methodologies in effect prior to the effective date for any months in the six-month budget period before that date and the income standards and methodologies in effect on the effective date for any months in the six-month budget period on or after that date. The income standards for each month shall be added together and compared to the applicant's total countable income for the six-month budget period to determine eligibility.

(b)(1) [Expired, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 19]

(2) For applications processed within one calendar month prior to July 1, 2003, eligibility shall be determined by applying the income standards and methodologies in effect prior to July 1, 2003, for any months in the six-month budget period before July 1, 2003, and the income standards and methodologies in effect on the expiration date for any months in the six-month budget period on or after July 1, 2003. The income standards for each month shall be added together and compared to the applicant's total countable income for the six-month budget period to determine eligibility.

(3) An amount equal to the amount of earned income exceeding 275 percent of the federal poverty guideline, up to a maximum of the amount by which the combined total of 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline plus the earned income disregards and deductions allowed under the state's AFDC plan as of July 16, 1996, as required by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Public Law 104-193, exceeds 275 percent of the federal poverty guideline will be deducted for pregnant women and infants less than one year of age.

(c) Dependent care and child support paid under court order shall be deducted from the countable income of pregnant women.

(d) An infant born to a woman who was eligible for and receiving medical assistance on the date of the child's birth shall continue to be eligible for medical assistance without redetermination until the child's first birthday.

Subd. 1a.

[Repealed, 1998 c 407 art 5 s 48]

Subd. 1b.

[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 101]

Subd. 1c.No asset test for pregnant women.

Beginning September 30, 1998, eligibility for medical assistance for a pregnant woman must be determined without regard to asset standards established in section 256B.056, subdivision 3.

Subd. 2.Children.

(a) Except as specified in subdivision 1b, effective October 1, 2003, a child one through 18 years of age in a family whose countable income is no greater than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the same family size, is eligible for medical assistance.

(b) For applications processed within one calendar month prior to the effective date, eligibility shall be determined by applying the income standards and methodologies in effect prior to the effective date for any months in the six-month budget period before that date and the income standards and methodologies in effect on the effective date for any months in the six-month budget period on or after that date. The income standards for each month shall be added together and compared to the applicant's total countable income for the six-month budget period to determine eligibility.

Subd. 2a.

[Repealed, 1997 c 203 art 4 s 73]

Subd. 2b.

[Repealed, 1997 c 203 art 4 s 73]

Subd. 2c. Seamless coverage for MinnesotaCare eligible children.

A child receiving medical assistance under subdivision 2, who becomes ineligible due to excess income, is eligible for seamless coverage between medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. The child shall remain eligible under this section for two additional months and is deemed automatically eligible for MinnesotaCare until renewal. MinnesotaCare coverage begins in accordance with section 256L.05, subdivision 3. Eligibility under this section is effective following any coverage available under section 256B.0635.

[See Note.]

Subd. 3.Qualified Medicare beneficiaries.

A person who is entitled to Part A Medicare benefits, whose income is equal to or less than 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and whose assets are no more than $10,000 for a single individual and $18,000 for a married couple or family of two or more, is eligible for medical assistance reimbursement of Part A and Part B premiums, Part A and Part B coinsurance and deductibles, and cost-effective premiums for enrollment with a health maintenance organization or a competitive medical plan under section 1876 of the Social Security Act. Reimbursement of the Medicare coinsurance and deductibles, when added to the amount paid by Medicare, must not exceed the total rate the provider would have received for the same service or services if the person were a medical assistance recipient with Medicare coverage. Increases in benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act shall not be counted as income for purposes of this subdivision until July 1 of each year.

Subd. 3a.Eligibility for payment of Medicare Part B premiums.

A person who would otherwise be eligible as a qualified Medicare beneficiary under subdivision 3, except the person's income is in excess of the limit, is eligible for medical assistance reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums if the person's income is less than 120 percent of the official federal poverty guidelines for the applicable family size.

Subd. 3b.Qualifying individuals.

Beginning July 1, 1998, contingent upon federal funding, a person who would otherwise be eligible as a qualified Medicare beneficiary under subdivision 3, except that the person's income is in excess of the limit, is eligible as a qualifying individual according to the following criteria:

(1) if the person's income is greater than 120 percent, but less than 135 percent of the official federal poverty guidelines for the applicable family size, the person is eligible for medical assistance reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums; or

(2) if the person's income is equal to or greater than 135 percent but less than 175 percent of the official federal poverty guidelines for the applicable family size, the person is eligible for medical assistance reimbursement of that portion of the Medicare Part B premium attributable to an increase in Part B expenditures which resulted from the shift of home care services from Medicare Part A to Medicare Part B under Public Law 105-33, section 4732, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

The commissioner shall limit enrollment of qualifying individuals under this subdivision according to the requirements of Public Law 105-33, section 4732.

Subd. 4.Qualified working disabled adults.

A person who is entitled to Medicare Part A benefits under section 1818A of the Social Security Act; whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the applicable family size; whose nonexempt assets do not exceed twice the maximum amount allowable under the supplemental security income program, according to family size; and who is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance, is eligible for medical assistance reimbursement of the Medicare Part A premium.

Subd. 5.Disabled adult children.

A person who is at least 18 years old, who was eligible for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of blindness or disability, who became disabled or blind before reaching the age of 22, and who lost eligibility as a result of becoming entitled to a child's insurance benefits on or after July 1, 1987, under section 202(d) of the Social Security Act, or because of an increase in those benefits effective on or after July 1, 1987, is eligible for medical assistance as long as the person would be entitled to supplemental security income in the absence of child's insurance benefits or increases in those benefits.

Subd. 6.Disabled widows and widowers.

A person who is at least 50 years old who is entitled to disabled widow's or widower's benefits under United States Code, title 42, section 402(e) or (f), who is not entitled to Medicare Part A, and who received supplemental security income or Minnesota supplemental aid in the month before the month the widow's or widower's benefits began, is eligible for medical assistance as long as the person would be entitled to supplemental security income or Minnesota supplemental aid in the absence of the widow's or widower's benefits.

Subd. 7.Waiver of maintenance of effort requirement.

Unless a federal waiver of the maintenance of effort requirement of section 2105(d) of title XXI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105-33, Statutes at Large, volume 111, page 251, is granted by the federal Department of Health and Human Services by September 30, 1998, eligibility for children under age 21 must be determined without regard to asset standards established in section 256B.056, subdivision 3c. The commissioner of human services shall publish a notice in the State Register upon receipt of a federal waiver.

Subd. 8.Children under age two.

Medical assistance may be paid for a child under two years of age whose countable family income is above 275 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the same size family but less than or equal to 280 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the same size family.

Subd. 9.Employed persons with disabilities.

(a) Medical assistance may be paid for a person who is employed and who:

(1) but for excess earnings or assets, meets the definition of disabled under the Supplemental Security Income program;

(2) is at least 16 but less than 65 years of age;

(3) meets the asset limits in paragraph (c); and

(4) pays a premium and other obligations under paragraph (e).

Any spousal income or assets shall be disregarded for purposes of eligibility and premium determinations.

(b) After the month of enrollment, a person enrolled in medical assistance under this subdivision who:

(1) is temporarily unable to work and without receipt of earned income due to a medical condition, as verified by a physician, may retain eligibility for up to four calendar months; or

(2) effective January 1, 2004, loses employment for reasons not attributable to the enrollee, may retain eligibility for up to four consecutive months after the month of job loss. To receive a four-month extension, enrollees must verify the medical condition or provide notification of job loss. All other eligibility requirements must be met and the enrollee must pay all calculated premium costs for continued eligibility.

(c) For purposes of determining eligibility under this subdivision, a person's assets must not exceed $20,000, excluding:

(1) all assets excluded under section 256B.056;

(2) retirement accounts, including individual accounts, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, Keogh plans, and pension plans; and

(3) medical expense accounts set up through the person's employer.

(d)(1) Effective January 1, 2004, for purposes of eligibility, there will be a $65 earned income disregard. To be eligible, a person applying for medical assistance under this subdivision must have earned income above the disregard level.

(2) Effective January 1, 2004, to be considered earned income, Medicare, Social Security, and applicable state and federal income taxes must be withheld. To be eligible, a person must document earned income tax withholding.

(e)(1) A person whose earned and unearned income is equal to or greater than 100 percent of federal poverty guidelines for the applicable family size must pay a premium to be eligible for medical assistance under this subdivision. The premium shall be based on the person's gross earned and unearned income and the applicable family size using a sliding fee scale established by the commissioner, which begins at one percent of income at 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and increases to 7.5 percent of income for those with incomes at or above 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Annual adjustments in the premium schedule based upon changes in the federal poverty guidelines shall be effective for premiums due in July of each year.

(2) Effective January 1, 2004, all enrollees must pay a premium to be eligible for medical assistance under this subdivision. An enrollee shall pay the greater of a $35 premium or the premium calculated in clause (1).

(3) Effective November 1, 2003, all enrollees who receive unearned income must pay one-half of one percent of unearned income in addition to the premium amount.

(4) Effective November 1, 2003, for enrollees whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and who are also enrolled in Medicare, the commissioner must reimburse the enrollee for Medicare Part B premiums under section 256B.0625, subdivision 15, paragraph (a).

(5) Increases in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act shall not be counted as income for purposes of this subdivision until July 1 of each year.

(f) A person's eligibility and premium shall be determined by the local county agency. Premiums must be paid to the commissioner. All premiums are dedicated to the commissioner.

(g) Any required premium shall be determined at application and redetermined at the enrollee's six-month income review or when a change in income or household size is reported. Enrollees must report any change in income or household size within ten days of when the change occurs. A decreased premium resulting from a reported change in income or household size shall be effective the first day of the next available billing month after the change is reported. Except for changes occurring from annual cost-of-living increases, a change resulting in an increased premium shall not affect the premium amount until the next six-month review.

(h) Premium payment is due upon notification from the commissioner of the premium amount required. Premiums may be paid in installments at the discretion of the commissioner.

(i) Nonpayment of the premium shall result in denial or termination of medical assistance unless the person demonstrates good cause for nonpayment. Good cause exists if the requirements specified in Minnesota Rules, part 9506.0040, subpart 7, items B to D, are met. Except when an installment agreement is accepted by the commissioner, all persons disenrolled for nonpayment of a premium must pay any past due premiums as well as current premiums due prior to being reenrolled. Nonpayment shall include payment with a returned, refused, or dishonored instrument. The commissioner may require a guaranteed form of payment as the only means to replace a returned, refused, or dishonored instrument.

(j) The commissioner shall notify enrollees annually beginning at least 24 months before the person's 65th birthday of the medical assistance eligibility rules affecting income, assets, and treatment of a spouse's income and assets that will be applied upon reaching age 65.

Subd. 10.Certain persons needing treatment for breast or cervical cancer.

(a) Medical assistance may be paid for a person who:

(1) has been screened for breast or cervical cancer by the Minnesota breast and cervical cancer control program, and program funds have been used to pay for the person's screening;

(2) according to the person's treating health professional, needs treatment, including diagnostic services necessary to determine the extent and proper course of treatment, for breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions and early stage cancer;

(3) meets the income eligibility guidelines for the Minnesota breast and cervical cancer control program;

(4) is under age 65;

(5) is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance under United States Code, title 42, section 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i); and

(6) is not otherwise covered under creditable coverage, as defined under United States Code, title 42, section 1396a(aa).

(b) Medical assistance provided for an eligible person under this subdivision shall be limited to services provided during the period that the person receives treatment for breast or cervical cancer.

(c) A person meeting the criteria in paragraph (a) is eligible for medical assistance without meeting the eligibility criteria relating to income and assets in section 256B.056, subdivisions 1a to 5b.

Subd. 11.

MS 2009 Supp [Expired, 2009 c 79 art 5 s 19; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 18]

History:

1986 c 444; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 48; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 33-36; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 35-39; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 39; 1992 c 549 art 4 s 12; 1993 c 345 art 9 s 11-13; 1Sp1993 c 6 s 9; 1995 c 234 art 6 s 36,37; 1997 c 85 art 3 s 16-18; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 22-24; 1998 c 407 art 5 s 3-5; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 17,18; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 33,34; 2000 c 260 s 97; 2000 c 340 s 3; 2000 c 488 art 9 s 15; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 25-29; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 19-23; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 4; 2007 c 147 art 13 s 1; 2008 c 286 art 1 s 5; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 13; 2008 c 358 art 3 s 5; 2009 c 79 art 5 s 19; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 18; 2010 c 310 art 3 s 2; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 17 s 9

NOTE: Subdivision 2c as added by Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 13, section 1, is effective October 1, 2008, or upon federal approval, whichever is later. Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 13, section 1, the effective date.

256B.0571 LONG-TERM CARE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2006 c 282 art 17 s 37]

Subd. 3.Long-term care insurance.

"Long-term care insurance" means a policy described in section 62S.01.

Subd. 4.Medical assistance.

"Medical assistance" means the program of medical assistance established under section 256B.01.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2006 c 282 art 17 s 37]

Subd. 6.Partnership policy.

"Partnership policy" means a long-term care insurance policy that meets the criteria in sections 62S.23, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), and 62S.312 and was issued on or after July 1, 2006, or exchanged on or after July 1, 2006, under the provisions of section 62S.24, subdivision 8.

Subd. 7.Partnership program.

"Partnership program" means the Minnesota partnership for long-term care program established under this section.

Subd. 7a.Protected assets.

"Protected assets" means assets or proceeds of assets that are protected from recovery under subdivisions 13 and 15.

Subd. 8.Program established.

(a) The commissioner, in cooperation with the commissioner of commerce, shall establish the Minnesota partnership for long-term care program to provide for the financing of long-term care through a combination of private insurance and medical assistance.

(b) An individual becomes eligible to participate in the partnership program by meeting the requirements of either clause (1) or (2):

(1) the individual may qualify as a beneficiary of a partnership policy that meets the criteria under subdivision 6. To be eligible under this clause, the individual must be a Minnesota resident at the time coverage first became effective under the partnership policy; or

(2) the individual may qualify as a beneficiary of a policy recognized under subdivision 17.

Subd. 8a.

[Repealed, 2008 c 326 art 1 s 47]

Subd. 9.Medical assistance eligibility.

(a) Upon request for medical assistance program payment of long-term care services by an individual who meets the requirements described in subdivision 8, the commissioner shall determine the individual's eligibility for medical assistance according to paragraphs (b) to (i).

(b) After determining assets subject to the asset limit under section 256B.056, subdivision 3 or 3c, or 256B.057, subdivision 9 or 10, the commissioner shall allow the individual to designate assets to be protected from recovery under subdivisions 13 and 15 up to the dollar amount of the benefits utilized under the partnership policy as of the effective date of eligibility for medical assistance program payment of long-term care services. Benefits utilized under a long-term care insurance policy before July 1, 2006, do not count for the purpose of determining the amount of assets that can be designated. Designated assets shall be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for payment of long-term care services. The dollar amount of benefits utilized must be equal to the amount of claims paid by the issuer under the policy as verified by the issuer.

(c) The individual shall identify the designated assets and the full fair market value of those assets and designate them as assets to be protected at the time of application for medical assistance payment of long-term care services. The full fair market value of real property or interests in real property shall be based on the most recent full assessed value for property tax purposes for the real property, unless the individual provides a complete professional appraisal by a licensed appraiser to establish the full fair market value. The extent of a life estate in real property shall be determined using the life estate table in the health care program's manual. Ownership of any asset in joint tenancy shall be treated as ownership as tenants in common for purposes of its designation as a disregarded asset. The unprotected value of any protected asset is subject to estate recovery according to subdivisions 13 and 15.

(d) The right to designate assets to be protected is personal to the individual and ends when the individual dies, except as otherwise provided in subdivisions 13 and 15. It does not include the increase in the value of the protected asset and the income, dividends, or profits from the asset. It may be exercised by the individual or by anyone with the legal authority to do so on the individual's behalf. It shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, or given away.

(e) As the individual continues to utilize benefits under a partnership policy after eligibility for medical assistance payment of long-term care services begins, the individual may designate, for additional protection, an increase in the value of protected assets and additional assets that become available during the individual's lifetime up to the amount of additional benefits utilized. The individual must make the designation in writing no later than ten days from the date the designation is requested by the county agency. The amount used for this purpose must reduce the unused amount of asset protection available to protect assets in the individual's estate from recovery under section 256B.15 or 524.3-1202, or otherwise.

(f) This section applies only to estate recovery under United States Code, title 42, section 1396p, subsections (a) and (b), and does not apply to recovery authorized by other provisions of federal law, including, but not limited to, recovery from trusts under United States Code, title 42, section 1396p, subsection (d)(4)(A) and (C), or to recovery from annuities, or similar legal instruments, subject to section 6012, subsections (a) and (b), of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Public Law 109-171.

(g) An individual's protected assets owned by the individual's spouse who applies for payment of medical assistance long-term care services shall not be protected assets or disregarded for purposes of eligibility of the individual's spouse solely because they were protected assets of the individual.

(h) Assets designated under this subdivision shall not be subject to penalty under section 256B.0595.

(i) The commissioner shall otherwise determine the individual's eligibility for payment of long-term care services according to medical assistance eligibility requirements.

Subd. 10.

[Repealed, 2010 c 310 art 4 s 5]

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 2006 c 282 art 17 s 37]

Subd. 12.Compliance with federal law.

An issuer of a partnership policy must comply with Public Law 109-171, section 6021, including any federal regulations, as amended, adopted under that law.

Subd. 13.Limitations on estate recovery.

(a) Protected assets of the individual shall not be subject to recovery under section 256B.15 or 524.3-1201 for medical assistance or alternative care paid on behalf of the individual. Protected assets of the individual in the estate of the individual's surviving spouse shall not be liable to pay a claim for recovery of medical assistance paid for the predeceased individual that is filed in the estate of the surviving spouse under section 256B.15. Protected assets of the individual shall not be protected assets in the surviving spouse's estate by reason of the preceding sentence and shall be subject to recovery under section 256B.15 or 524.3-1201 for medical assistance paid on behalf of the surviving spouse.

(b) The personal representative may protect the full fair market value of an individual's unprotected assets in the individual's estate in an amount equal to the unused amount of asset protection the individual had on the date of death. The personal representative shall apply the asset protection so that the full fair market value of any unprotected asset in the estate is protected. When or if the asset protection available to the personal representative is or becomes less than the full fair market value of any remaining unprotected asset, it shall be applied to partially protect one unprotected asset.

(c) The asset protection described in paragraph (a) terminates with respect to an asset includable in the individual's estate under chapter 524 or section 256B.15:

(1) when the estate distributes the asset; or

(2) if the estate of the individual has not been probated within one year from the date of death.

(d) If an individual owns a protected asset on the date of death and the estate is opened for probate more than one year after death, the state or a county agency may file and collect claims in the estate under section 256B.15, and no statute of limitations in chapter 524 that would otherwise limit or bar the claim shall apply.

(e) Except as otherwise provided, nothing in this section shall limit or prevent recovery of medical assistance.

Subd. 14.Implementation.

(a) The commissioner, in cooperation with the commissioner of commerce, may alter the requirements of this section so as to be in compliance with forthcoming requirements of the federal Department of Health and Human Services and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners necessary to implement the long-term care partnership program requirements of Public Law 109-171, section 6021.

(b) The commissioner shall submit a state plan amendment to the federal government to implement the long-term care partnership program in accordance with this section.

Subd. 15.Limitation on liens.

(a) An individual's interest in real property shall not be subject to a medical assistance lien under sections 514.980 to 514.985 or a lien arising under section 256B.15 while and to the extent it is protected under subdivision 9. An individual's interest in real property that exceeds the value protected under subdivision 9 is subject to a lien for recovery.

(b) Medical assistance liens under sections 514.980 to 514.985 or liens arising under section 256B.15 against an individual's interests in real property in the individual's estate that are designated as protected under subdivision 13, paragraph (b), shall be released to the extent of the dollar value of the protection applied to the interest.

(c) If an interest in real property is protected from a lien for recovery of medical assistance paid on behalf of the individual under paragraph (a) or (b), no lien for recovery of medical assistance paid on behalf of that individual shall be filed against the protected interest in real property after it is distributed to the individual's heirs or devisees.

Subd. 16.Burden of proof.

Any individual or the personal representative of the individual's estate who asserts that an asset is a disregarded or protected asset under this section in connection with any determination of eligibility for benefits under the medical assistance program or any appeal, case, controversy, or other proceedings, shall have the initial burden of:

(1) documenting and proving by clear and convincing evidence that the asset or source of funds for the asset in question was designated as disregarded or protected;

(2) tracing the asset and the proceeds of the asset from that time forward; and

(3) documenting that the asset or proceeds of the asset remained disregarded or protected at all relevant times.

Subd. 17.Reciprocal agreements.

The commissioner may enter into an agreement with any other state with a partnership program under United States Code, title 42, section 1396p(b)(1)(C), for reciprocal recognition of qualified long-term care insurance policies purchased under each state's partnership program. The commissioner shall notify the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services if the commissioner declines to enter into a national reciprocal agreement.

History:

1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 5; 2006 c 255 s 74; 2006 c 282 art 17 s 28; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 14-18; 2008 c 363 art 17 s 7,8; 2009 c 86 art 1 s 44; 2010 c 310 art 4 s 3,4

256B.0575 AVAILABILITY OF INCOME FOR INSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONS.

Subdivision 1.Income deductions.

When an institutionalized person is determined eligible for medical assistance, the income that exceeds the deductions in paragraphs (a) and (b) must be applied to the cost of institutional care.

(a) The following amounts must be deducted from the institutionalized person's income in the following order:

(1) the personal needs allowance under section 256B.35 or, for a veteran who does not have a spouse or child, or a surviving spouse of a veteran having no child, the amount of an improved pension received from the veteran's administration not exceeding $90 per month;

(2) the personal allowance for disabled individuals under section 256B.36;

(3) if the institutionalized person has a legally appointed guardian or conservator, five percent of the recipient's gross monthly income up to $100 as reimbursement for guardianship or conservatorship services;

(4) a monthly income allowance determined under section 256B.058, subdivision 2, but only to the extent income of the institutionalized spouse is made available to the community spouse;

(5) a monthly allowance for children under age 18 which, together with the net income of the children, would provide income equal to the medical assistance standard for families and children according to section 256B.056, subdivision 4, for a family size that includes only the minor children. This deduction applies only if the children do not live with the community spouse and only to the extent that the deduction is not included in the personal needs allowance under section 256B.35, subdivision 1, as child support garnished under a court order;

(6) a monthly family allowance for other family members, equal to one-third of the difference between 122 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and the monthly income for that family member;

(7) reparations payments made by the Federal Republic of Germany and reparations payments made by the Netherlands for victims of Nazi persecution between 1940 and 1945;

(8) all other exclusions from income for institutionalized persons as mandated by federal law; and

(9) amounts for reasonable expenses, as specified in subdivision 2, incurred for necessary medical or remedial care for the institutionalized person that are recognized under state law, not medical assistance covered expenses, and not subject to payment by a third party.

For purposes of clause (6), "other family member" means a person who resides with the community spouse and who is a minor or dependent child, dependent parent, or dependent sibling of either spouse. "Dependent" means a person who could be claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) Income shall be allocated to an institutionalized person for a period of up to three calendar months, in an amount equal to the medical assistance standard for a family size of one if:

(1) a physician certifies that the person is expected to reside in the long-term care facility for three calendar months or less;

(2) if the person has expenses of maintaining a residence in the community; and

(3) if one of the following circumstances apply:

(i) the person was not living together with a spouse or a family member as defined in paragraph (a) when the person entered a long-term care facility; or

(ii) the person and the person's spouse become institutionalized on the same date, in which case the allocation shall be applied to the income of one of the spouses.

For purposes of this paragraph, a person is determined to be residing in a licensed nursing home, regional treatment center, or medical institution if the person is expected to remain for a period of one full calendar month or more.

Subd. 2.Reasonable expenses.

For the purposes of subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (9), reasonable expenses are limited to expenses that have not been previously used as a deduction from income and were not:

(1) for long-term care expenses incurred during a period of ineligibility as defined in section 256B.0595, subdivision 2;

(2) incurred more than three months before the month of application associated with the current period of eligibility;

(3) for expenses incurred by a recipient that are duplicative of services that are covered under chapter 256B; or

(4) nursing facility expenses incurred without a timely assessment as required under section 256B.0911.

History:

1986 c 444; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 49; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 37; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 40; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 32; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 30,125; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 10; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 35; 2002 c 277 s 10; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 27; 2009 c 79 art 5 s 20

256B.058 TREATMENT OF INCOME OF INSTITUTIONALIZED SPOUSE.

Subdivision 1.Income not available.

The income described in subdivisions 2 and 3 shall be deducted from an institutionalized spouse's monthly income and is not considered available for payment of the monthly costs of an institutionalized spouse after the institutionalized spouse has been determined eligible for medical assistance.

Subd. 2.Monthly income allowance for community spouse.

(a) For an institutionalized spouse, monthly income may be allocated to the community spouse as a monthly income allowance for the community spouse. Beginning with the first full calendar month the institutionalized spouse is in the institution, the monthly income allowance is not considered available to the institutionalized spouse for monthly payment of costs of care in the institution as long as the income is made available to the community spouse.

(b) The monthly income allowance is the amount by which the community spouse's monthly maintenance needs allowance under paragraphs (c) and (d) exceeds the amount of monthly income otherwise available to the community spouse.

(c) The community spouse's monthly maintenance needs allowance is the lesser of $1,500 or 122 percent of the monthly federal poverty guideline for a family of two plus an excess shelter allowance. The excess shelter allowance is for the amount of shelter expenses that exceed 30 percent of 122 percent of the federal poverty guideline line for a family of two. Shelter expenses are the community spouse's expenses for rent, mortgage payments including principal and interest, taxes, insurance, required maintenance charges for a cooperative or condominium that is the community spouse's principal residence, and the standard utility allowance under section 5(e) of the federal Food Stamp Act of 1977. If the community spouse has a required maintenance charge for a cooperative or condominium, the standard utility allowance must be reduced by the amount of utility expenses included in the required maintenance charge.

If the community or institutionalized spouse establishes that the community spouse needs income greater than the monthly maintenance needs allowance determined in this paragraph due to exceptional circumstances resulting in significant financial duress, the monthly maintenance needs allowance may be increased to an amount that provides needed additional income.

(d) The percentage of the federal poverty guideline used to determine the monthly maintenance needs allowance in paragraph (c) is increased to 133 percent on July 1, 1991, and to 150 percent on July 1, 1992. Adjustments in the income limits due to annual changes in the federal poverty guidelines shall be implemented the first day of July following publication of the annual changes. The $1,500 maximum must be adjusted January 1, 1990, and every January 1 after that by the same percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (all items; United States city average) between the two previous Septembers.

(e) If a court has entered an order against an institutionalized spouse for monthly income for support of the community spouse, the community spouse's monthly income allowance under this subdivision shall not be less than the amount of the monthly income ordered.

Subd. 3.Family allowance.

(a) A family allowance determined under paragraph (b) is not considered available to the institutionalized spouse for monthly payment of costs of care in the institution.

(b) The family allowance is equal to one-third of the amount by which 122 percent of the monthly federal poverty guideline for a family of two exceeds the monthly income for that family member.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, the term family member only includes a minor or dependent child as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, dependent parent, or dependent sibling of the institutionalized or community spouse if the sibling resides with the community spouse.

(d) The percentage of the federal poverty guideline used to determine the family allowance in paragraph (b) is increased to 133 percent on July 1, 1991, and to 150 percent on July 1, 1992. Adjustments in the income limits due to annual changes in the federal poverty guidelines shall be implemented the first day of July following publication of the annual changes.

Subd. 4.Treatment of income.

(a) No income of the community spouse will be considered available to an eligible institutionalized spouse, beginning the first full calendar month of institutionalization, except as provided in this subdivision.

(b) In determining the income of an institutionalized spouse or community spouse, after the institutionalized spouse has been determined eligible for medical assistance, the following rules apply.

(1) For income that is not from a trust, availability is determined according to items (i) to (v), unless the instrument providing the income otherwise specifically provides:

(i) if payment is made solely in the name of one spouse, the income is considered available only to that spouse;

(ii) if payment is made in the names of both spouses, one-half of the income is considered available to each;

(iii) if payment is made in the names of one or both spouses together with one or more other persons, the income is considered available to each spouse according to the spouse's interest, or one-half of the joint interest is considered available to each spouse if each spouse's interest is not specified;

(iv) if there is no instrument that establishes ownership, one-half of the income is considered available to each spouse; and

(v) either spouse may rebut the determination of availability of income by showing by a preponderance of the evidence that ownership interests are different than provided above.

(2) For income from a trust, income is considered available to each spouse as provided in the trust. If the trust does not specify an amount available to either or both spouses, availability will be determined according to items (i) to (iii):

(i) if payment of income is made only to one spouse, the income is considered available only to that spouse;

(ii) if payment of income is made to both spouses, one-half is considered available to each; and

(iii) if payment is made to either or both spouses and one or more other persons, the income is considered available to each spouse in proportion to each spouse's interest, or if no such interest is specified, one-half of the joint interest is considered available to each spouse.

History:

1989 c 282 art 3 s 50; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 19

256B.059 TREATMENT OF ASSETS WHEN A SPOUSE IS INSTITUTIONALIZED.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section and sections 256B.058 and 256B.0595, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them.

(b) "Community spouse" means the spouse of an institutionalized spouse.

(c) "Spousal share" means one-half of the total value of all assets, to the extent that either the institutionalized spouse or the community spouse had an ownership interest at the time of the first continuous period of institutionalization.

(d) "Assets otherwise available to the community spouse" means assets individually or jointly owned by the community spouse, other than assets excluded by subdivision 5, paragraph (c).

(e) "Community spouse asset allowance" is the value of assets that can be transferred under subdivision 3.

(f) "Institutionalized spouse" means a person who is:

(1) in a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, or receiving home and community-based services under section 256B.0915, and is expected to remain in the facility or institution or receive the home and community-based services for at least 30 consecutive days; and

(2) married to a person who is not in a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, and is not receiving home and community-based services under section 256B.0915, 256B.092, or 256B.49.

(g) "For the sole benefit of" means no other individual or entity can benefit in any way from the assets or income at the time of a transfer or at any time in the future.

(h) "Continuous period of institutionalization" means a 30-consecutive-day period of time in which a person is expected to stay in a medical or long-term care facility, or receive home and community-based services that would qualify for coverage under the elderly waiver (EW) or alternative care (AC) programs. For a stay in a facility, the 30-consecutive-day period begins on the date of entry into a medical or long-term care facility. For receipt of home and community-based services, the 30-consecutive-day period begins on the date that the following conditions are met:

(1) the person is receiving services that meet the nursing facility level of care determined by a long-term care consultation;

(2) the person has received the long-term care consultation within the past 60 days;

(3) the services are paid by the EW program under section 256B.0915 or the AC program under section 256B.0913 or would qualify for payment under the EW or AC programs if the person were otherwise eligible for either program, and but for the receipt of such services the person would have resided in a nursing facility; and

(4) the services are provided by a licensed provider qualified to provide home and community-based services.

Subd. 1a.Institutionalized spouse.

The provisions of this section apply only when a spouse begins the first continuous period of institutionalization on or after October 1, 1989.

Subd. 2.Assessment of spousal share.

At the beginning of the first continuous period of institutionalization of a person beginning on or after October 1, 1989, at the request of either the institutionalized spouse or the community spouse, or upon application for medical assistance, the total value of assets in which either the institutionalized spouse or the community spouse had an interest at the time of the first period of institutionalization of 30 days or more shall be assessed and documented and the spousal share shall be assessed and documented.

Subd. 3.Community spouse asset allowance.

An institutionalized spouse may transfer assets to the community spouse for the sole benefit of the community spouse. Except for increased amounts allowable under subdivision 4, the maximum amount of assets allowed to be transferred is the amount which, when added to the assets otherwise available to the community spouse, is as follows:

(1) prior to July 1, 1994, the greater of:

(i) $14,148;

(ii) the lesser of the spousal share or $70,740; or

(iii) the amount required by court order to be paid to the community spouse; and

(2) for persons whose date of initial determination of eligibility for medical assistance following their first continuous period of institutionalization occurs on or after July 1, 1994, the greater of:

(i) $20,000;

(ii) the lesser of the spousal share or $70,740; or

(iii) the amount required by court order to be paid to the community spouse.

If the assets available to the community spouse are already at the limit permissible under this section, or the higher limit attributable to increases under subdivision 4, no assets may be transferred from the institutionalized spouse to the community spouse. The transfer must be made as soon as practicable after the date the institutionalized spouse is determined eligible for medical assistance, or within the amount of time needed for any court order required for the transfer. On January 1, 1994, and every January 1 thereafter, the limits in this subdivision shall be adjusted by the same percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (all items; United States city average) between the two previous Septembers. These adjustments shall also be applied to the limits in subdivision 5.

Subd. 4.Increased community spouse asset allowance; when allowed.

(a) If either the institutionalized spouse or community spouse establishes that the community spouse asset allowance under subdivision 3 (in relation to the amount of income generated by such an allowance) is not sufficient to raise the community spouse's income to the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance in section 256B.058, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), there shall be substituted for the amount allowed to be transferred an amount sufficient, when combined with the monthly income otherwise available to the spouse, to provide the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance. A substitution under this paragraph may be made only if the assets of the couple have been arranged so that the maximum amount of income-producing assets, at the maximum rate of return, are available to the community spouse under the community spouse asset allowance. The maximum rate of return is the average rate of return available from the financial institution holding the asset, or a rate determined by the commissioner to be reasonable according to community standards, if the asset is not held by a financial institution.

(b) The community spouse asset allowance under subdivision 3 can be increased by court order or hearing that complies with the requirements of United States Code, title 42, section 1396r-5.

Subd. 5.Asset availability.

(a) At the time of initial determination of eligibility for medical assistance benefits following the first continuous period of institutionalization on or after October 1, 1989, assets considered available to the institutionalized spouse shall be the total value of all assets in which either spouse has an ownership interest, reduced by the following amount for the community spouse:

(1) prior to July 1, 1994, the greater of:

(i) $14,148;

(ii) the lesser of the spousal share or $70,740; or

(iii) the amount required by court order to be paid to the community spouse;

(2) for persons whose date of initial determination of eligibility for medical assistance following their first continuous period of institutionalization occurs on or after July 1, 1994, the greater of:

(i) $20,000;

(ii) the lesser of the spousal share or $70,740; or

(iii) the amount required by court order to be paid to the community spouse.

The value of assets transferred for the sole benefit of the community spouse under section 256B.0595, subdivision 4, in combination with other assets available to the community spouse under this section, cannot exceed the limit for the community spouse asset allowance determined under subdivision 3 or 4. Assets that exceed this allowance shall be considered available to the institutionalized spouse whether or not converted to income. If the community spouse asset allowance has been increased under subdivision 4, then the assets considered available to the institutionalized spouse under this subdivision shall be further reduced by the value of additional amounts allowed under subdivision 4.

(b) An institutionalized spouse may be found eligible for medical assistance even though assets in excess of the allowable amount are found to be available under paragraph (a) if the assets are owned jointly or individually by the community spouse, and the institutionalized spouse cannot use those assets to pay for the cost of care without the consent of the community spouse, and if: (i) the institutionalized spouse assigns to the commissioner the right to support from the community spouse under section 256B.14, subdivision 3; (ii) the institutionalized spouse lacks the ability to execute an assignment due to a physical or mental impairment; or (iii) the denial of eligibility would cause an imminent threat to the institutionalized spouse's health and well-being.

(c) After the month in which the institutionalized spouse is determined eligible for medical assistance, during the continuous period of institutionalization, no assets of the community spouse are considered available to the institutionalized spouse, unless the institutionalized spouse has been found eligible under paragraph (b).

(d) Assets determined to be available to the institutionalized spouse under this section must be used for the health care or personal needs of the institutionalized spouse.

(e) For purposes of this section, assets do not include assets excluded under the supplemental security income program.

History:

1989 c 282 art 3 s 51; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 38,39; 1991 c 199 art 1 s 61; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 40,41; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 33,34; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 31-33; 1997 c 107 s 3-6; 2002 c 220 art 15 s 7-9; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 20,21

256B.0594 PAYMENT OF BENEFITS FROM AN ANNUITY.

When payment becomes due under an annuity that names the department a remainder beneficiary, the issuer shall request and the department shall, within 45 days after receipt of the request, provide a written statement of the total amount of the medical assistance paid or confirmation that any family member designated as a remainder beneficiary meets requirements for qualification as a beneficiary in the first position. Upon timely receipt of the written statement of the amount of medical assistance paid, the issuer shall pay the department an amount equal to the lesser of the amount due the department under the annuity or the total amount of medical assistance paid on behalf of the individual or the individual's spouse. Any amounts remaining after the issuer's payment to the department shall be payable according to the terms of the annuity or similar financial instrument. The county agency or the department shall provide the issuer with the name, address, and telephone number of a unit within the department the issuer can contact to comply with this section. The requirements of section 72A.201, subdivision 4, clause (3), shall not apply to payments made under this section until the issuer has received final payment information from the department, if the issuer has notified the beneficiary of the requirements of this section at the time it initially requests payment information from the department.

History:

2006 c 282 art 17 s 29; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 22

256B.0595 PROHIBITIONS ON TRANSFER; EXCEPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Prohibited transfers.

(a) For transfers of assets made on or before August 10, 1993, if an institutionalized person or the institutionalized person's spouse has given away, sold, or disposed of, for less than fair market value, any asset or interest therein, except assets other than the homestead that are excluded under the supplemental security program, within 30 months before or any time after the date of institutionalization if the person has been determined eligible for medical assistance, or within 30 months before or any time after the date of the first approved application for medical assistance if the person has not yet been determined eligible for medical assistance, the person is ineligible for long-term care services for the period of time determined under subdivision 2.

(b) Effective for transfers made after August 10, 1993, an institutionalized person, an institutionalized person's spouse, or any person, court, or administrative body with legal authority to act in place of, on behalf of, at the direction of, or upon the request of the institutionalized person or institutionalized person's spouse, may not give away, sell, or dispose of, for less than fair market value, any asset or interest therein, except assets other than the homestead that are excluded under the Supplemental Security Income program, for the purpose of establishing or maintaining medical assistance eligibility. This applies to all transfers, including those made by a community spouse after the month in which the institutionalized spouse is determined eligible for medical assistance. For purposes of determining eligibility for long-term care services, any transfer of such assets within 36 months before or any time after an institutionalized person requests medical assistance payment of long-term care services, or 36 months before or any time after a medical assistance recipient becomes an institutionalized person, for less than fair market value may be considered. Any such transfer is presumed to have been made for the purpose of establishing or maintaining medical assistance eligibility and the institutionalized person is ineligible for long-term care services for the period of time determined under subdivision 2, unless the institutionalized person furnishes convincing evidence to establish that the transaction was exclusively for another purpose, or unless the transfer is permitted under subdivision 3 or 4. In the case of payments from a trust or portions of a trust that are considered transfers of assets under federal law, or in the case of any other disposal of assets made on or after February 8, 2006, any transfers made within 60 months before or any time after an institutionalized person requests medical assistance payment of long-term care services and within 60 months before or any time after a medical assistance recipient becomes an institutionalized person, may be considered.

(c) This section applies to transfers, for less than fair market value, of income or assets, including assets that are considered income in the month received, such as inheritances, court settlements, and retroactive benefit payments or income to which the institutionalized person or the institutionalized person's spouse is entitled but does not receive due to action by the institutionalized person, the institutionalized person's spouse, or any person, court, or administrative body with legal authority to act in place of, on behalf of, at the direction of, or upon the request of the institutionalized person or the institutionalized person's spouse.

(d) This section applies to payments for care or personal services provided by a relative, unless the compensation was stipulated in a notarized, written agreement which was in existence when the service was performed, the care or services directly benefited the person, and the payments made represented reasonable compensation for the care or services provided. A notarized written agreement is not required if payment for the services was made within 60 days after the service was provided.

(e) This section applies to the portion of any asset or interest that an institutionalized person, an institutionalized person's spouse, or any person, court, or administrative body with legal authority to act in place of, on behalf of, at the direction of, or upon the request of the institutionalized person or the institutionalized person's spouse, transfers to any annuity that exceeds the value of the benefit likely to be returned to the institutionalized person or institutionalized person's spouse while alive, based on estimated life expectancy as determined according to the current actuarial tables published by the Office of the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration. The commissioner may adopt rules reducing life expectancies based on the need for long-term care. This section applies to an annuity purchased on or after March 1, 2002, that:

(1) is not purchased from an insurance company or financial institution that is subject to licensing or regulation by the Minnesota Department of Commerce or a similar regulatory agency of another state;

(2) does not pay out principal and interest in equal monthly installments; or

(3) does not begin payment at the earliest possible date after annuitization.

(f) Effective for transactions, including the purchase of an annuity, occurring on or after February 8, 2006, by or on behalf of an institutionalized person who has applied for or is receiving long-term care services or the institutionalized person's spouse shall be treated as the disposal of an asset for less than fair market value unless the department is named a preferred remainder beneficiary as described in section 256B.056, subdivision 11. Any subsequent change to the designation of the department as a preferred remainder beneficiary shall result in the annuity being treated as a disposal of assets for less than fair market value. The amount of such transfer shall be the maximum amount the institutionalized person or the institutionalized person's spouse could receive from the annuity or similar financial instrument. Any change in the amount of the income or principal being withdrawn from the annuity or other similar financial instrument at the time of the most recent disclosure shall be deemed to be a transfer of assets for less than fair market value unless the institutionalized person or the institutionalized person's spouse demonstrates that the transaction was for fair market value. In the event a distribution of income or principal has been improperly distributed or disbursed from an annuity or other retirement planning instrument of an institutionalized person or the institutionalized person's spouse, a cause of action exists against the individual receiving the improper distribution for the cost of medical assistance services provided or the amount of the improper distribution, whichever is less.

(g) Effective for transactions, including the purchase of an annuity, occurring on or after February 8, 2006, by or on behalf of an institutionalized person applying for or receiving long-term care services shall be treated as a disposal of assets for less than fair market value unless it is:

(i) an annuity described in subsection (b) or (q) of section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or

(ii) purchased with proceeds from:

(A) an account or trust described in subsection (a), (c), or (p) of section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(B) a simplified employee pension within the meaning of section 408(k) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

(C) a Roth IRA described in section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code; or

(iii) an annuity that is irrevocable and nonassignable; is actuarially sound as determined in accordance with actuarial publications of the Office of the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration; and provides for payments in equal amounts during the term of the annuity, with no deferral and no balloon payments made.

(h) For purposes of this section, long-term care services include services in a nursing facility, services that are eligible for payment according to section 256B.0625, subdivision 2, because they are provided in a swing bed, intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, and home and community-based services provided pursuant to sections 256B.0915, 256B.092, and 256B.49. For purposes of this subdivision and subdivisions 2, 3, and 4, "institutionalized person" includes a person who is an inpatient in a nursing facility or in a swing bed, or intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities or who is receiving home and community-based services under sections 256B.0915, 256B.092, and 256B.49.

(i) This section applies to funds used to purchase a promissory note, loan, or mortgage unless the note, loan, or mortgage:

(1) has a repayment term that is actuarially sound;

(2) provides for payments to be made in equal amounts during the term of the loan, with no deferral and no balloon payments made; and

(3) prohibits the cancellation of the balance upon the death of the lender.

In the case of a promissory note, loan, or mortgage that does not meet an exception in clauses (1) to (3), the value of such note, loan, or mortgage shall be the outstanding balance due as of the date of the institutionalized person's request for medical assistance payment of long-term care services.

(j) This section applies to the purchase of a life estate interest in another person's home unless the purchaser resides in the home for a period of at least one year after the date of purchase.

(k) This section applies to transfers into a pooled trust that qualifies under United States Code, title 42, section 1396p(d)(4)(C), by:

(1) a person age 65 or older or the person's spouse; or

(2) any person, court, or administrative body with legal authority to act in place of, on behalf of, at the direction of, or upon the request of a person age 65 or older or the person's spouse.

[See Note.]

Subd. 1a.

[Repealed, 2001 c 203 s 19]

Subd. 1b.

[Repealed, 2010 c 310 art 5 s 1]

Subd. 2.Period of ineligibility for long-term care services.

(a) For any uncompensated transfer occurring on or before August 10, 1993, the number of months of ineligibility for long-term care services shall be the lesser of 30 months, or the uncompensated transfer amount divided by the average medical assistance rate for nursing facility services in the state in effect on the date of application. The amount used to calculate the average medical assistance payment rate shall be adjusted each July 1 to reflect payment rates for the previous calendar year. The period of ineligibility begins with the month in which the assets were transferred. If the transfer was not reported to the local agency at the time of application, and the applicant received long-term care services during what would have been the period of ineligibility if the transfer had been reported, a cause of action exists against the transferee for the cost of long-term care services provided during the period of ineligibility, or for the uncompensated amount of the transfer, whichever is less. The uncompensated transfer amount is the fair market value of the asset at the time it was given away, sold, or disposed of, less the amount of compensation received.

(b) For uncompensated transfers made after August 10, 1993, the number of months of ineligibility for long-term care services shall be the total uncompensated value of the resources transferred divided by the average medical assistance rate for nursing facility services in the state in effect on the date of application. The amount used to calculate the average medical assistance payment rate shall be adjusted each July 1 to reflect payment rates for the previous calendar year. The period of ineligibility begins with the first day of the month after the month in which the assets were transferred except that if one or more uncompensated transfers are made during a period of ineligibility, the total assets transferred during the ineligibility period shall be combined and a penalty period calculated to begin on the first day of the month after the month in which the first uncompensated transfer was made. If the transfer was reported to the local agency after the date that advance notice of a period of ineligibility that affects the next month could be provided to the recipient and the recipient received medical assistance services or the transfer was not reported to the local agency, and the applicant or recipient received medical assistance services during what would have been the period of ineligibility if the transfer had been reported, a cause of action exists against the transferee for that portion of long-term care services provided during the period of ineligibility, or for the uncompensated amount of the transfer, whichever is less. The uncompensated transfer amount is the fair market value of the asset at the time it was given away, sold, or disposed of, less the amount of compensation received. Effective for transfers made on or after March 1, 1996, involving persons who apply for medical assistance on or after April 13, 1996, no cause of action exists for a transfer unless:

(1) the transferee knew or should have known that the transfer was being made by a person who was a resident of a long-term care facility or was receiving that level of care in the community at the time of the transfer;

(2) the transferee knew or should have known that the transfer was being made to assist the person to qualify for or retain medical assistance eligibility; or

(3) the transferee actively solicited the transfer with intent to assist the person to qualify for or retain eligibility for medical assistance.

(c) For uncompensated transfers made on or after February 8, 2006, the period of ineligibility:

(1) for uncompensated transfers by or on behalf of individuals receiving medical assistance payment of long-term care services, begins the first day of the month following advance notice of the period of ineligibility, but no later than the first day of the month that follows three full calendar months from the date of the report or discovery of the transfer; or

(2) for uncompensated transfers by individuals requesting medical assistance payment of long-term care services, begins the date on which the individual is eligible for medical assistance under the Medicaid state plan and would otherwise be receiving long-term care services based on an approved application for such care but for the period of ineligibility resulting from the uncompensated transfer; and

(3) cannot begin during any other period of ineligibility.

(d) If a calculation of a period of ineligibility results in a partial month, payments for long-term care services shall be reduced in an amount equal to the fraction.

(e) In the case of multiple fractional transfers of assets in more than one month for less than fair market value on or after February 8, 2006, the period of ineligibility is calculated by treating the total, cumulative, uncompensated value of all assets transferred during all months on or after February 8, 2006, as one transfer.

(f) A period of ineligibility established under paragraph (c) may be eliminated if all of the assets transferred for less than fair market value used to calculate the period of ineligibility, or cash equal to the value of the assets at the time of the transfer, are returned within 12 months after the date the period of ineligibility began. A period of ineligibility must not be adjusted if less than the full amount of the transferred assets or the full cash value of the transferred assets are returned.

[See Note.]

Subd. 2a.

[Repealed, 2001 c 203 s 19]

Subd. 2b.

[Repealed, 2010 c 310 art 5 s 1]

Subd. 3.Homestead exception to transfer prohibition.

(a) An institutionalized person is not ineligible for long-term care services due to a transfer of assets for less than fair market value if the asset transferred was a homestead and:

(1) title to the homestead was transferred to the individual's:

(i) spouse;

(ii) child who is under age 21;

(iii) blind or permanently and totally disabled child as defined in the Supplemental Security Income program;

(iv) sibling who has equity interest in the home and who was residing in the home for a period of at least one year immediately before the date of the individual's admission to the facility; or

(v) son or daughter who was residing in the individual's home for a period of at least two years immediately before the date the individual became an institutionalized person, and who provided care to the individual that, as certified by the individual's attending physician, permitted the individual to reside at home rather than receive care in an institution or facility;

(2) a satisfactory showing is made that the individual intended to dispose of the homestead at fair market value or for other valuable consideration; or

(3) the local agency grants a waiver of a penalty resulting from a transfer for less than fair market value because denial of eligibility would cause undue hardship for the individual, based on imminent threat to the individual's health and well-being. Whenever an applicant or recipient is denied eligibility because of a transfer for less than fair market value, the local agency shall notify the applicant or recipient that the applicant or recipient may request a waiver of the penalty if the denial of eligibility will cause undue hardship. With the written consent of the individual or the personal representative of the individual, a long-term care facility in which an individual is residing may file an undue hardship waiver request, on behalf of the individual who is denied eligibility for long-term care services on or after July 1, 2006, due to a period of ineligibility resulting from a transfer on or after February 8, 2006. In evaluating a waiver, the local agency shall take into account whether the individual was the victim of financial exploitation, whether the individual has made reasonable efforts to recover the transferred property or resource, and other factors relevant to a determination of hardship. If the local agency does not approve a hardship waiver, the local agency shall issue a written notice to the individual stating the reasons for the denial and the process for appealing the local agency's decision.

(b) When a waiver is granted under paragraph (a), clause (3), a cause of action exists against the person to whom the homestead was transferred for that portion of long-term care services provided within:

(1) 30 months of a transfer made on or before August 10, 1993;

(2) 60 months if the homestead was transferred after August 10, 1993, to a trust or portion of a trust that is considered a transfer of assets under federal law;

(3) 36 months if transferred in any other manner after August 10, 1993, but prior to February 8, 2006; or

(4) 60 months if the homestead was transferred on or after February 8, 2006,

or the amount of the uncompensated transfer, whichever is less, together with the costs incurred due to the action.

[See Note.]

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 2001 c 203 s 19]

Subd. 3b.

[Repealed, 2010 c 310 art 5 s 1]

Subd. 4.Other exceptions to transfer prohibition.

(a) An institutionalized person, as defined in subdivision 1, paragraph (h), who has made, or whose spouse has made a transfer prohibited by subdivision 1, is not ineligible for long-term care services if one of the following conditions applies:

(1) the assets were transferred to the individual's spouse or to another for the sole benefit of the spouse; or

(2) the institutionalized spouse, prior to being institutionalized, transferred assets to a spouse, provided that the spouse to whom the assets were transferred does not then transfer those assets to another person for less than fair market value. (At the time when one spouse is institutionalized, assets must be allocated between the spouses as provided under section 256B.059); or

(3) the assets were transferred to the individual's child who is blind or permanently and totally disabled as determined in the supplemental security income program; or

(4) a satisfactory showing is made that the individual intended to dispose of the assets either at fair market value or for other valuable consideration; or

(5) the local agency determines that denial of eligibility for long-term care services would work an undue hardship and grants a waiver of a period of ineligibility resulting from a transfer for less than fair market value based on an imminent threat to the individual's health and well-being. Imminent threat to the individual's health and well-being means that imposing a period of ineligibility would endanger the individual's health or life or cause serious deprivation of food, clothing, or shelter. Whenever an applicant or recipient is denied eligibility because of a transfer for less than fair market value, the local agency shall notify the applicant or recipient that the applicant or recipient may request a waiver of the period of ineligibility if the denial of eligibility will cause undue hardship. With the written consent of the individual or the personal representative of the individual, a long-term care facility in which an individual is residing may file an undue hardship waiver request, on behalf of the individual who is denied eligibility for long-term care services on or after July 1, 2006, due to a period of ineligibility resulting from a transfer on or after February 8, 2006.

(b) Subject to paragraph (c), when evaluating a hardship waiver, the local agency shall take into account whether the individual was the victim of financial exploitation, whether the individual has made reasonable efforts to recover the transferred property or resource, whether the individual has taken any action to prevent the designation of the department as a remainder beneficiary on an annuity as described in section 256B.056, subdivision 11, and other factors relevant to a determination of hardship.

(c) In the case of an imminent threat to the individual's health and well-being, the local agency shall approve a hardship waiver of the portion of an individual's period of ineligibility resulting from a transfer of assets for less than fair market value by or to a person:

(1) convicted of financial exploitation, fraud, or theft upon the individual for the transfer of assets; or

(2) against whom a report of financial exploitation upon the individual has been substantiated. For purposes of this paragraph, "financial exploitation" and "substantiated" have the meanings given in section 626.5572.

(d) The local agency shall make a determination within 30 days of the receipt of all necessary information needed to make such a determination. If the local agency does not approve a hardship waiver, the local agency shall issue a written notice to the individual stating the reasons for the denial and the process for appealing the local agency's decision. When a waiver is granted, a cause of action exists against the person to whom the assets were transferred for that portion of long-term care services provided within:

(1) 30 months of a transfer made on or before August 10, 1993;

(2) 60 months of a transfer if the assets were transferred after August 30, 1993, to a trust or portion of a trust that is considered a transfer of assets under federal law;

(3) 36 months of a transfer if transferred in any other manner after August 10, 1993, but prior to February 8, 2006; or

(4) 60 months of any transfer made on or after February 8, 2006,

or the amount of the uncompensated transfer, whichever is less, together with the costs incurred due to the action; or

(5) for transfers occurring after August 10, 1993, the assets were transferred by the person or person's spouse: (i) into a trust established for the sole benefit of a son or daughter of any age who is blind or disabled as defined by the Supplemental Security Income program; or (ii) into a trust established for the sole benefit of an individual who is under 65 years of age who is disabled as defined by the Supplemental Security Income program.

"For the sole benefit of" has the meaning found in section 256B.059, subdivision 1.

[See Note.]

Subd. 4a.

[Repealed, 2001 c 203 s 19]

Subd. 4b.

[Repealed, 2010 c 310 art 5 s 1]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2010 c 310 art 5 s 1]

Subd. 6.No impairment on realty conveyance, encumbrance.

This section does not invalidate or impair the effectiveness of a conveyance or encumbrance of real estate.

Subd. 7.Notice of rights.

If a period of ineligibility is imposed under subdivision 2 or 2a, the local agency shall inform the applicant or recipient subject to the penalty of the person's rights under section 325F.71, subdivision 2.

Subd. 8.Cause of action; transfer prior to death.

(a) A cause of action exists against a transferee who receives assets for less than fair market value, either:

(1) from a person who was a recipient of medical assistance and who made an uncompensated transfer that was known to the county agency but a penalty period could not be implemented under this section due to the death of the person; or

(2) from a person who was a recipient of medical assistance who made an uncompensated transfer that was not known to the county agency and the transfer was made with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud the state or local agency from recovering as allowed under section 256B.15. In determining intent under this clause, consideration may be given, among other factors, to whether:

(i) the transfer was to a family member;

(ii) the transferor retained possession or control of the property after the transfer;

(iii) the transfer was concealed;

(iv) the transfer included the majority of the transferor's assets;

(v) the value of the consideration received was not reasonably equivalent to the fair market value of the property; and

(vi) the transfer occurred shortly before the death of the transferor.

(b) No cause of action exists under this subdivision unless:

(1) the transferee knew or should have known that the transfer was being made by a person who was receiving medical assistance as described in section 256B.15, subdivision 1, paragraph (b); and

(2) the transferee received the asset without providing a reasonable equivalent fair market value in exchange for the transfer.

(c) The cause of action is for the uncompensated amount of the transfer or the amount of medical assistance paid on behalf of the person, whichever is less. The uncompensated transfer amount is the fair market value of the asset at the time it was given away, sold, or disposed of, less the amount of the compensation received.

Subd. 9.Filing cause of action; limitation.

(a) The county of financial responsibility under chapter 256G may bring a cause of action under any or all of the following:

(1) subdivision 1, paragraph (f);

(2) subdivision 2, paragraphs (a) and (b);

(3) subdivision 3, paragraph (b);

(4) subdivision 4, paragraph (d); and

(5) subdivision 8

on behalf of the claimant who must be the commissioner.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a cause of action under subdivision 2, paragraph (a) or (b), or 8, must be commenced within six years of the date the local agency determines that a transfer was made for less than fair market value. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a cause of action under subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or 4, clause (5), must be commenced within six years of the date of approval of a waiver of the penalty period for a transfer for less than fair market value based on undue hardship.

History:

1986 c 444; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 52; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 40-42; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 42; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 35; 1994 c 388 art 1 s 2; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 34-37; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 11-19,62; 2001 c 203 s 7,8,19; 2002 c 220 art 15 s 10-12; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 24-29; 2004 c 266 s 1; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 155 art 3 s 1; 2006 c 282 art 17 s 30-33; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 23-28; 2009 c 79 art 5 s 21,22; 2009 c 119 s 4,5

NOTE: The amendments to subdivisions 1, 2, 3, and 4, by Laws 1995, chapter 207, article 6, sections 34 to 37, are effective retroactive to August 11, 1993, except that portion amending subdivision 2, paragraph (c), is effective retroactive to transfers of income or assets made on or after September 1, 1994. Laws 1995, chapter 207, article 6, section 125, subdivision 2, and Laws 1995, chapter 263, section 6.

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 2 by Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 5, section 22, is effective for periods of ineligibility established on or after January 1, 2011, unless it is in violation of section 5001 of Public Law 111-5. If it is in violation of that section, then is shall be effective on the date when it is no longer subject to maintenance of effort requirements of section 5001 of Public Law 111-5. The commissioner of human services shall notify the revisor of statutes of that date. Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 5, section 22, the effective date, as amended by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 24, section 11.

256B.0596 MENTAL HEALTH CASE MANAGEMENT.

Counties shall contract with eligible providers willing to provide mental health case management services under section 256B.0625, subdivision 20. In order to be eligible, in addition to general provider requirements under this chapter, the provider must:

(1) be willing to provide the mental health case management services; and

(2) have a minimum of at least one contact with the client per week. This section is not intended to limit the ability of a county to provide its own mental health case management services.

History:

1Sp2003 c 2 art 5 s 6; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 30; 2004 c 288 art 3 s 22

256B.06 ELIGIBILITY; MIGRANT WORKERS; CITIZENSHIP.

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subdivision 1]

Subd. 1a.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 2]

Subd. 1b.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 3]

Subd. 1c.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 4]

Subd. 1d.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 5]

Subd. 1e.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 6]

Subd. 1f.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 7]

Subd. 1g.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 8]

Subd. 1h.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 9]

Subd. 1i.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 10]

Subd. 1j.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 11]

Subd. 1k.

[Renumbered 256B.056, subdivision 1]

Subd. 1l.

[Renumbered 256B.056, subd 2]

Subd. 1m.

[Renumbered 256B.056, subd 3]

Subd. 1n.

[Renumbered 256B.056, subd 4]

Subd. 1o.

[Renumbered 256B.056, subd 5]

Subd. 1p.

[Renumbered 256B.056, subd 6]

Subd. 1q.

[Renumbered 256B.055, subd 12]

Subd. 1r.

[Renumbered 256B.056, subd 7]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1974 c 525 s 3]

Subd. 3.Migrant worker.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a migrant worker who meets all of the eligibility requirements of this section except for having a permanent place of abode in another state, shall be eligible for medical assistance and shall have medical needs met by the county in which the worker resides at the time of making application.

Subd. 4.Citizenship requirements.

(a) Eligibility for medical assistance is limited to citizens of the United States, qualified noncitizens as defined in this subdivision, and other persons residing lawfully in the United States. Citizens or nationals of the United States must cooperate in obtaining satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality according to the requirements of the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Public Law 109-171.

(b) "Qualified noncitizen" means a person who meets one of the following immigration criteria:

(1) admitted for lawful permanent residence according to United States Code, title 8;

(2) admitted to the United States as a refugee according to United States Code, title 8, section 1157;

(3) granted asylum according to United States Code, title 8, section 1158;

(4) granted withholding of deportation according to United States Code, title 8, section 1253(h);

(5) paroled for a period of at least one year according to United States Code, title 8, section 1182(d)(5);

(6) granted conditional entrant status according to United States Code, title 8, section 1153(a)(7);

(7) determined to be a battered noncitizen by the United States Attorney General according to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, title V of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Bill, Public Law 104-200;

(8) is a child of a noncitizen determined to be a battered noncitizen by the United States Attorney General according to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, title V, of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Bill, Public Law 104-200; or

(9) determined to be a Cuban or Haitian entrant as defined in section 501(e) of Public Law 96-422, the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980.

(c) All qualified noncitizens who were residing in the United States before August 22, 1996, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of this chapter, are eligible for medical assistance with federal financial participation.

(d) All qualified noncitizens who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, and who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of this chapter, are eligible for medical assistance with federal financial participation through November 30, 1996.

Beginning December 1, 1996, qualified noncitizens who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, and who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of this chapter are eligible for medical assistance with federal participation for five years if they meet one of the following criteria:

(i) refugees admitted to the United States according to United States Code, title 8, section 1157;

(ii) persons granted asylum according to United States Code, title 8, section 1158;

(iii) persons granted withholding of deportation according to United States Code, title 8, section 1253(h);

(iv) veterans of the United States armed forces with an honorable discharge for a reason other than noncitizen status, their spouses and unmarried minor dependent children; or

(v) persons on active duty in the United States armed forces, other than for training, their spouses and unmarried minor dependent children.

Beginning December 1, 1996, qualified noncitizens who do not meet one of the criteria in items (i) to (v) are eligible for medical assistance without federal financial participation as described in paragraph (j).

Notwithstanding paragraph (j), beginning July 1, 2010, children and pregnant women who are noncitizens described in paragraph (b) or (e), are eligible for medical assistance with federal financial participation as provided by the federal Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, Public Law 111-3.

(e) Noncitizens who are not qualified noncitizens as defined in paragraph (b), who are lawfully present in the United States, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 8, section 103.12, and who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of this chapter, are eligible for medical assistance under clauses (1) to (3). These individuals must cooperate with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to pursue any applicable immigration status, including citizenship, that would qualify them for medical assistance with federal financial participation.

(1) Persons who were medical assistance recipients on August 22, 1996, are eligible for medical assistance with federal financial participation through December 31, 1996.

(2) Beginning January 1, 1997, persons described in clause (1) are eligible for medical assistance without federal financial participation as described in paragraph (j).

(3) Beginning December 1, 1996, persons residing in the United States prior to August 22, 1996, who were not receiving medical assistance and persons who arrived on or after August 22, 1996, are eligible for medical assistance without federal financial participation as described in paragraph (j).

(f) Nonimmigrants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of this chapter are eligible for the benefits as provided in paragraphs (g) to (i). For purposes of this subdivision, a "nonimmigrant" is a person in one of the classes listed in United States Code, title 8, section 1101(a)(15).

(g) Payment shall also be made for care and services that are furnished to noncitizens, regardless of immigration status, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of this chapter, if such care and services are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition, except for organ transplants and related care and services and routine prenatal care.

(h) For purposes of this subdivision, the term "emergency medical condition" means a medical condition that meets the requirements of United States Code, title 42, section 1396b(v).

(i) Beginning July 1, 2009, pregnant noncitizens who are undocumented, nonimmigrants, or lawfully present as designated in paragraph (e) and who are not covered by a group health plan or health insurance coverage according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 457.310, and who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of this chapter, are eligible for medical assistance through the period of pregnancy, including labor and delivery, and 60 days postpartum, to the extent federal funds are available under title XXI of the Social Security Act, and the state children's health insurance program.

(j) Qualified noncitizens as described in paragraph (d), and all other noncitizens lawfully residing in the United States as described in paragraph (e), who are ineligible for medical assistance with federal financial participation and who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of chapter 256B and of this paragraph, are eligible for medical assistance without federal financial participation. Qualified noncitizens as described in paragraph (d) are only eligible for medical assistance without federal financial participation for five years from their date of entry into the United States.

(k) Beginning October 1, 2003, persons who are receiving care and rehabilitation services from a nonprofit center established to serve victims of torture and are otherwise ineligible for medical assistance under this chapter are eligible for medical assistance without federal financial participation. These individuals are eligible only for the period during which they are receiving services from the center. Individuals eligible under this paragraph shall not be required to participate in prepaid medical assistance.

Subd. 5.Deeming of sponsor income and resources.

When determining eligibility for any federal or state funded medical assistance under this section, the income and resources of all noncitizens shall be deemed to include their sponsors' income and resources as required under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, title IV, Public Law 104-193, sections 421 and 422, and subsequently set out in federal rules. This section is effective May 1, 1997. Beginning July 1, 2010, sponsor deeming does not apply to pregnant women and children who are qualified noncitizens, as described in section 256B.06, subdivision 4, paragraph (b).

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 6; 1969 c 841 s 1; 1973 c 717 s 18; 1974 c 525 s 1,2; 1975 c 247 s 10; 1976 c 236 s 3; 1977 c 448 s 6; 1978 c 760 s 1; 1979 c 309 s 4; 1980 c 509 s 106; 1980 c 527 s 1; 1981 c 360 art 2 s 28; 1Sp1981 c 2 s 14; 3Sp1981 c 2 art 1 s 32; 3Sp1981 c 3 s 17; 1982 c 553 s 6; 1982 c 640 s 5; 1983 c 312 art 5 s 15; 1984 c 422 s 1; 1984 c 534 s 22; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1985 c 252 s 21; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 1 art 8 s 5; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 79,80; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 144,145,268; 1991 c 199 art 2 s 1; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 38; 1997 c 85 art 3 s 19,20; 1997 c 203 art 12 s 2; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 19; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 31; 2004 c 288 art 6 s 21; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 28; 2006 c 282 art 17 s 34; 2007 c 13 art 1 s 25; 2008 c 286 art 1 s 6; 2009 c 79 art 5 s 23,24; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 19

256B.061 ELIGIBILITY; RETROACTIVE EFFECT; RESTRICTIONS.

If any individual has been determined to be eligible for medical assistance, it will be made available for care and services included under the plan and furnished in or after the third month before the month in which the individual made application for such assistance, if such individual was, or upon application would have been, eligible for medical assistance at the time the care and services were furnished. The commissioner may limit, restrict, or suspend the eligibility of an individual for up to one year upon that individual's conviction of a criminal offense related to application for or receipt of medical assistance benefits.

History:

1973 c 717 s 3; 1983 c 312 art 5 s 16; 1986 c 444; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 36; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 32

256B.0615 MENTAL HEALTH CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

Medical assistance covers mental health certified peers specialists services, as established in subdivision 2, subject to federal approval, if provided to recipients who are eligible for services under sections 256B.0622, 256B.0623, and 256B.0624 and are provided by a certified peer specialist who has completed the training under subdivision 5.

Subd. 2.Establishment.

The commissioner of human services shall establish a certified peer specialists program model, which:

(1) provides nonclinical peer support counseling by certified peer specialists;

(2) provides a part of a wraparound continuum of services in conjunction with other community mental health services;

(3) is individualized to the consumer; and

(4) promotes socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and maintenance of skills learned in other support services.

Subd. 3.Eligibility.

Peer support services may be made available to consumers of (1) the intensive rehabilitative mental health services under section 256B.0622; (2) adult rehabilitative mental health services under section 256B.0623; and (3) crisis stabilization services under section 256B.0624.

Subd. 4.Peer support specialist program providers.

The commissioner shall develop a process to certify peer support specialist programs, in accordance with the federal guidelines, in order for the program to bill for reimbursable services. Peer support programs may be freestanding or within existing mental health community provider centers.

Subd. 5.Certified peer specialist training and certification.

The commissioner of human services shall develop a training and certification process for certified peer specialists, who must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The candidates must have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness, be a current or former consumer of mental health services, and must demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills and a strong dedication to recovery. The training curriculum must teach participating consumers specific skills relevant to providing peer support to other consumers. In addition to initial training and certification, the commissioner shall develop ongoing continuing educational workshops on pertinent issues related to peer support counseling.

History:

2007 c 147 art 8 s 16; 2009 c 167 s 7,8

256B.062 [Repealed, 1998 c 407 art 6 s 12,118]

256B.0621 COVERED SERVICES: TARGETED CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2002 c 375 art 2 s 56]

Subd. 2.Targeted case management; definitions.

For purposes of subdivisions 3 to 10, the following terms have the meanings given them:

(1) "home care service recipients" means those individuals receiving the following services under sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659: skilled nursing visits, home health aide visits, private duty nursing, personal care assistants, or therapies provided through a home health agency;

(2) "home care targeted case management" means the provision of targeted case management services for the purpose of assisting home care service recipients to gain access to needed services and supports so that they may remain in the community;

(3) "institutions" means hospitals, consistent with Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 440.10; regional treatment center inpatient services, consistent with section 245.474; nursing facilities; and intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities;

(4) "relocation targeted case management" includes the provision of both county targeted case management and public or private vendor service coordination services for the purpose of assisting recipients to gain access to needed services and supports if they choose to move from an institution to the community. Relocation targeted case management may be provided during the lesser of:

(i) the last 180 consecutive days of an eligible recipient's institutional stay; or

(ii) the limits and conditions which apply to federal Medicaid funding for this service; and

(5) "targeted case management" means case management services provided to help recipients gain access to needed medical, social, educational, and other services and supports.

Subd. 3.Eligibility.

The following persons are eligible for relocation targeted case management or home care targeted case management:

(1) medical assistance eligible persons residing in institutions who choose to move into the community are eligible for relocation targeted case management services; and

(2) medical assistance eligible persons receiving home care services, who are not eligible for any other medical assistance reimbursable case management service, are eligible for home care targeted case management services beginning July 1, 2005.

Subd. 4.Relocation targeted county case management provider qualifications.

(a) A relocation targeted county case management provider is an enrolled medical assistance provider who is determined by the commissioner to have all of the following characteristics:

(1) the legal authority to provide public welfare under sections 393.01, subdivision 7; and 393.07; or a federally recognized Indian tribe;

(2) the demonstrated capacity and experience to provide the components of case management to coordinate and link community resources needed by the eligible population;

(3) the administrative capacity and experience to serve the target population for whom it will provide services and ensure quality of services under state and federal requirements;

(4) the legal authority to provide complete investigative and protective services under section 626.556, subdivision 10; and child welfare and foster care services under section 393.07, subdivisions 1 and 2; or a federally recognized Indian tribe;

(5) a financial management system that provides accurate documentation of services and costs under state and federal requirements; and

(6) the capacity to document and maintain individual case records under state and federal requirements.

(b) A provider of targeted case management under section 256B.0625, subdivision 20, may be deemed a certified provider of relocation targeted case management.

(c) A relocation targeted county case management provider may subcontract with another provider to deliver relocation targeted case management services. Subcontracted providers must demonstrate the ability to provide the services outlined in subdivision 6, and have a procedure in place that notifies the recipient and the recipient's legal representative of any conflict of interest if the contracted targeted case management provider also provides, or will provide, the recipient's services and supports. Counties must require that contracted providers must provide information on all conflicts of interest and obtain the recipient's informed consent or provide the recipient with alternatives.

Subd. 5.Specific provider qualifications.

Providers of home care targeted case management and relocation service coordination must meet the qualifications under subdivision 4 for county vendors or the qualifications and certification standards under paragraphs (a) and (b) for private vendors.

(a) The commissioner must certify each provider of home care targeted case management and relocation service coordination before enrollment. The certification process shall examine the provider's ability to meet the requirements in this subdivision and other state and federal requirements of this service.

(b) Both home care targeted case management providers and relocation service coordination providers are enrolled medical assistance providers who have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or a license in a health or human services field, comparable training and two years of experience in human services, or who have been credentialed by an American Indian tribe under section 256B.02, subdivision 7, and have been determined by the commissioner to have all of the following characteristics:

(1) the demonstrated capacity and experience to provide the components of case management to coordinate and link community resources needed by the eligible population;

(2) the administrative capacity and experience to serve the target population for whom it will provide services and ensure quality of services under state and federal requirements;

(3) a financial management system that provides accurate documentation of services and costs under state and federal requirements;

(4) the capacity to document and maintain individual case records under state and federal requirements;

(5) the capacity to coordinate with county administrative functions;

(6) have no financial interest in the provision of out-of-home residential services to persons for whom home care targeted case management or relocation service coordination is provided; and

(7) if a provider has a financial interest in services other than out-of-home residential services provided to persons for whom home care targeted case management or relocation service coordination is also provided, the county must determine each year that:

(i) any possible conflict of interest is explained annually at a face-to-face meeting and in writing and the person provides written informed consent consistent with section 256B.77, subdivision 2, paragraph (p); and

(ii) information on a range of other feasible service provider options has been provided.

(c) The state of Minnesota, a county board, or agency acting on behalf of a county board shall not be liable for damages, injuries, or liabilities sustained because of services provided to a client by a private service coordination vendor.

Subd. 6.Eligible services.

(a) Services eligible for medical assistance reimbursement as targeted case management include:

(1) assessment of the recipient's need for targeted case management services and for persons choosing to relocate, the county must provide service coordination provider options at the first contact and upon request;

(2) development, completion, and regular review of a written individual service plan, which is based upon the assessment of the recipient's needs and choices, and which will ensure access to medical, social, educational, and other related services and supports;

(3) routine contact or communication with the recipient, recipient's family, primary caregiver, legal representative, substitute care provider, service providers, or other relevant persons identified as necessary to the development or implementation of the goals of the individual service plan;

(4) coordinating referrals for, and the provision of, case management services for the recipient with appropriate service providers, consistent with section 1902(a)(23) of the Social Security Act;

(5) coordinating and monitoring the overall service delivery and engaging in advocacy as needed to ensure quality of services, appropriateness, and continued need;

(6) completing and maintaining necessary documentation that supports and verifies the activities in this subdivision;

(7) assisting individuals in order to access needed services, including travel to conduct a visit with the recipient or other relevant person necessary to develop or implement the goals of the individual service plan; and

(8) coordinating with the institution discharge planner before the recipient's discharge.

(b) Relocation targeted county case management includes services under paragraph (a), clauses (1), (2), and (4). Relocation service coordination includes services under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (5) to (8). Home care targeted case management includes services under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (8).

Subd. 7.Time lines.

The following time lines must be met for assigning a case manager:

(a) For relocation targeted case management, an eligible recipient must be assigned a county case manager who visits the person within 20 working days of requesting a case manager from their county of financial responsibility as determined under chapter 256G.

(1) If a county agency, its contractor, or federally recognized tribe does not provide case management services as required, the recipient may obtain relocation service coordination from a provider qualified under subdivision 5.

(2) The commissioner may waive the provider requirements in subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (4), to ensure recipient access to the assistance necessary to move from an institution to the community. The recipient or the recipient's legal guardian shall provide written notice to the county or tribe of the decision to obtain services from an alternative provider.

(3) Providers of relocation targeted case management enrolled under this subdivision shall:

(i) meet the provider requirements under subdivision 4 that are not waived by the commissioner;

(ii) be qualified to provide the services specified in subdivision 6;

(iii) coordinate efforts with local social service agencies and tribes; and

(iv) comply with the conflict of interest provisions established under subdivision 4, paragraph (c).

(4) Local social service agencies and federally recognized tribes shall cooperate with providers certified by the commissioner under this subdivision to facilitate the recipient's successful relocation from an institution to the community.

(b) For home care targeted case management, an eligible recipient must be assigned a case manager within 20 working days of requesting a case manager from a home care targeted case management provider, as defined in subdivision 5.

Subd. 8.Evaluation.

The commissioner shall evaluate the delivery of targeted case management, including, but not limited to, access to case management services, consumer satisfaction with case management services, and quality of case management services.

Subd. 9.Contact documentation.

The case manager must document each face-to-face and telephone contact with the recipient and others involved in the recipient's individual service plan.

Subd. 10.Payment rates.

The commissioner shall set payment rates for targeted case management under this subdivision. Case managers may bill according to the following criteria:

(1) for relocation targeted case management, case managers may bill for direct case management activities, including face-to-face and telephone contacts, in the lesser of:

(i) 180 days preceding an eligible recipient's discharge from an institution; or

(ii) the limits and conditions which apply to federal Medicaid funding for this service;

(2) for home care targeted case management, case managers may bill for direct case management activities, including face-to-face and telephone contacts; and

(3) billings for targeted case management services under this subdivision shall not duplicate payments made under other program authorities for the same purpose.

Subd. 11.Notice of relocation assistance.

The commissioner shall establish a process with the Centers for Independent Living that allows a person residing in a Minnesota nursing facility to receive needed information, consultation, and assistance from one of the centers about the available community support options that may enable the person to relocate to the community, if the person: (1) is under the age of 65, (2) has indicated a desire to live in the community, and (3) has signed a release of information authorized by the person or the person's appointed legal representative. The process established under this subdivision shall be coordinated with the long-term care consultation service activities established in section 256B.0911.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 39; art 3 s 20-28; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 17,18; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 6-12; 2007 c 147 art 6 s 17; 2008 c 363 art 15 s 1-3; 2009 c 79 art 6 s 8

256B.0622 INTENSIVE REHABILITATIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

Subject to federal approval, medical assistance covers medically necessary, intensive nonresidential and residential rehabilitative mental health 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.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "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.

(b) "Intensive residential rehabilitative mental health 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 and must be consistent with the Fairweather Lodge treatment model as defined in paragraph (a), and other evidence-based practices.

(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.

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 two or more 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.

Subd. 4.Provider certification and contract requirements.

(a) The intensive nonresidential rehabilitative mental health services 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 rehabilitative mental health 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.

Subd. 5.Standards applicable to both nonresidential 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 (3)(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 three months or prior to discharge from the service, whichever comes first.

(e) The initial individual treatment plan must be completed within ten days of intake and reviewed and updated at least monthly with the recipient.

Subd. 6.Standards for intensive residential rehabilitative mental health services.

(a) The provider of intensive residential services must have sufficient staff to provide 24-hour-per-day coverage to deliver the rehabilitative services described in the treatment plan and to safely supervise and direct the activities of recipients given the recipient's level of behavioral and psychiatric stability, cultural needs, and vulnerability. The provider must have the capacity within the facility to provide integrated services for chemical dependency, illness management services, and family education when appropriate.

(b) At a minimum:

(1) staff must be available and provide direction and supervision whenever recipients are present in the facility;

(2) staff must remain awake during all work hours;

(3) there must be a staffing ratio of at least one to nine recipients for each day and evening shift. If more than nine recipients are present at the residential site, there must be a minimum of two staff during day and evening shifts, one of whom must be a mental health practitioner or mental health professional;

(4) if services are provided to recipients who need the services of a medical professional, the provider shall assure that these services are provided either by the provider's own medical staff or through referral to a medical professional; and

(5) the provider must assure the timely availability of a licensed registered nurse, either directly employed or under contract, who is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of medication administration in the facility and assessing patients for medication side effects and drug interactions.

Subd. 7.Additional standards for nonresidential services.

The standards in this subdivision apply to intensive nonresidential rehabilitative mental health 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.

Subd. 8.Medical assistance payment for intensive rehabilitative mental health services.

(a) Payment for residential and nonresidential services 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 host county shall recommend to the commissioner one rate for each entity that will bill medical assistance for residential services under this section and one rate for each nonresidential 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. In developing these rates, the host county shall consider and document:

(1) the cost for similar services in the local trade area;

(2) that the proposed costs incurred by entities providing the services are allowable, allocable and reasonable, and are consistent with federal reimbursement requirements including Code of Federal Regulations, title 48, chapter 1, part 31, as relating to for-profit entities, and Office of Management and Budget Circular Number A-122, as relating to nonprofit entities;

(3) the intensity and frequency of services to be provided to each recipient, including the proposed overall number of units of service to be delivered;

(4) the degree to which recipients will receive services other than services under this section;

(5) the costs of other services that will be separately reimbursed; and

(6) input from the local planning process authorized by the adult mental health initiative under section 245.4661, regarding recipients' service needs.

(d) The rate for intensive rehabilitative mental health services 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. Physician services that are not separately billed may be included in the rate to the extent that a psychiatrist is a member of the treatment team. The county's recommendation shall specify the period for which the rate will be applicable, not to exceed two years.

(e) When services under this section are provided by an assertive community team, case management functions must be an integral part of the team.

(f) The rate for a provider must not exceed the rate charged by that provider for the same service to other payors.

(g) The commissioner shall approve or reject the county's rate recommendation, based on the commissioner's own analysis of the criteria in paragraph (c).

(h) Paragraph (c), clause (2), is effective for services provided on or after January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011, and does not change contracts or agreements relating to services provided before January 1, 2010.

Subd. 8a.Adjustments based on actual costs and units.

(a) After each calendar year, the commissioner shall compare actual costs and units of service for each provider to the costs and units of service that were used as the basis for the approved rate.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "revenue" means actual units of service multiplied by the approved rate and "allowed cost" means costs that are consistent with the budget that was used as the basis for the approved rate, or other costs subsequently approved by the county and the commissioner based on the criteria in subdivision 8, paragraph (c), clause (2).

(c) The commissioner shall require repayment from the provider if the provider has not incurred the costs included in the approved budget, if costs are determined to be unallowable under the criteria in subdivision 8, paragraph (c), clause (2), or if a provider's revenue is more than 105 percent of actual allowed costs due to utilization beyond the projections in the approved budget. The repayment to the commissioner will be proportional to the percent of total units of service reimbursed by the commissioner.

(d) If a provider's revenue is less than 95 percent of actual allowed costs due to lower utilization than projected, the commissioner may adjust the rate so that the provider can recover 95 percent of actual allowable costs. The resulting additional payment by the commissioner will be proportional to the percent of total units of service reimbursed by the commissioner.

(e) The commissioner has the authority to audit programs using all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including those referenced in subdivision 8, paragraph (c), clause (2).

(f) This subdivision is effective for services provided on or after January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011, and does not change contracts or agreements relating to services provided before January 1, 2010.

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 and the commissioner shall perform the program review and rate setting duties which would otherwise be required of counties under this section.

Subd. 10.Provider enrollment; rate setting for specialized program.

A provider proposing to serve a subpopulation of eligible recipients may bypass the county approval procedures in this section and receive approval for provider enrollment and rate setting directly from the commissioner 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.

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.

History:

1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 19; 2004 c 288 art 3 s 23; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 2 s 7; 2007 c 147 art 8 s 17; 2009 c 79 art 7 s 14; 2009 c 167 s 9,10

256B.0623 ADULT REHABILITATIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES COVERED.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

Medical assistance covers adult rehabilitative mental health services as defined in subdivision 2, subject to federal approval, if provided to recipients as defined in subdivision 3 and provided by a qualified provider entity meeting the standards in this section and by a qualified individual provider working within the provider's scope of practice and identified in the recipient's individual treatment plan as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 14, and if determined to be medically necessary according to section 62Q.53.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "Adult rehabilitative mental health services" means mental health services which are rehabilitative and enable the recipient to develop and enhance psychiatric stability, social competencies, personal and emotional adjustment, and independent living and community skills, when these abilities are impaired by the symptoms of mental illness. Adult rehabilitative mental health services are also appropriate when provided to enable a recipient to retain stability and functioning, if the recipient would be at risk of significant functional decompensation or more restrictive service settings without these services.

(1) Adult rehabilitative mental health services instruct, assist, and support the recipient in areas such as: interpersonal communication skills, community resource utilization and integration skills, crisis assistance, relapse prevention skills, health care directives, budgeting and shopping skills, healthy lifestyle skills and practices, cooking and nutrition skills, transportation skills, medication education and monitoring, mental illness symptom management skills, household management skills, employment-related skills, and transition to community living services.

(2) These services shall be provided to the recipient on a one-to-one basis in the recipient's home or another community setting or in groups.

(b) "Medication education services" means services provided individually or in groups which focus on educating the recipient about mental illness and symptoms; the role and effects of medications in treating symptoms of mental illness; and the side effects of medications. Medication education is coordinated with medication management services and does not duplicate it. Medication education services are provided by physicians, pharmacists, physician's assistants, or registered nurses.

(c) "Transition to community living services" means services which maintain continuity of contact between the rehabilitation services provider and the recipient and which facilitate discharge from a hospital, residential treatment program under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9505, board and lodging facility, or nursing home. Transition to community living services are not intended to provide other areas of adult rehabilitative mental health services.

Subd. 3.Eligibility.

An eligible recipient is an individual who:

(1) is age 18 or older;

(2) is diagnosed with a medical condition, such as mental illness or traumatic brain injury, for which adult rehabilitative mental health services are needed;

(3) 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; and

(4) has had a recent diagnostic assessment by a qualified professional that documents adult rehabilitative mental health services are medically necessary to address identified disability and functional impairments and individual recipient goals.

Subd. 4.Provider entity standards.

(a) The provider entity must be certified by the state following the certification process and procedures developed by the commissioner.

(b) The certification process is a determination as to whether the entity meets the standards in this subdivision. The certification must specify which adult rehabilitative mental health services the entity is qualified to provide.

(c) A noncounty provider entity must obtain additional certification from each county in which it will provide services. The additional certification must be based on the adequacy of the entity's knowledge of that county's local health and human service system, and the ability of the entity to coordinate its services with the other services available in that county. A county-operated entity must obtain this additional certification from any other county in which it will provide services.

(d) Recertification must occur at least every three years.

(e) The commissioner may intervene at any time and decertify providers with cause. The decertification is subject to appeal to the state. A county board may recommend that the state decertify a provider for cause.

(f) The adult rehabilitative mental health services provider entity must meet the following standards:

(1) have capacity to recruit, hire, manage, and train mental health professionals, mental health practitioners, and mental health rehabilitation workers;

(2) have adequate administrative ability to ensure availability of services;

(3) ensure adequate preservice and inservice and ongoing training for staff;

(4) ensure that mental health professionals, mental health practitioners, and mental health rehabilitation workers are skilled in the delivery of the specific adult rehabilitative mental health services provided to the individual eligible recipient;

(5) ensure that staff is capable of implementing culturally specific services that are culturally competent and appropriate as determined by the recipient's culture, beliefs, values, and language as identified in the individual treatment plan;

(6) ensure enough flexibility in service delivery to respond to the changing and intermittent care needs of a recipient as identified by the recipient and the individual treatment plan;

(7) ensure that the mental health professional or mental health practitioner, who is under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional, involved in a recipient's services participates in the development of the individual treatment plan;

(8) assist the recipient in arranging needed crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services;

(9) ensure that services are coordinated with other recipient mental health services providers and the county mental health authority and the federally recognized American Indian authority and necessary others after obtaining the consent of the recipient. Services must also be coordinated with the recipient's case manager or care coordinator if the recipient is receiving case management or care coordination services;

(10) develop and maintain recipient files, individual treatment plans, and contact charting;

(11) develop and maintain staff training and personnel files;

(12) submit information as required by the state;

(13) establish and maintain a quality assurance plan to evaluate the outcome of services provided;

(14) keep all necessary records required by law;

(15) deliver services as required by section 245.461;

(16) comply with all applicable laws;

(17) be an enrolled Medicaid provider;

(18) maintain a quality assurance plan to determine specific service outcomes and the recipient's satisfaction with services; and

(19) develop and maintain written policies and procedures regarding service provision and administration of the provider entity.

Subd. 5.Qualifications of provider staff.

Adult rehabilitative mental health services must be provided by qualified individual provider staff of a certified provider entity. Individual provider staff must be qualified under one of the following criteria:

(1) a mental health professional as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6). If the recipient has a current diagnostic assessment by a licensed mental health professional as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6), recommending receipt of adult mental health rehabilitative services, the definition of mental health professional for purposes of this section includes a person who is qualified under section 245.462, subdivision 18, clause (7), and who holds a current and valid national certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor or certified psychosocial rehabilitation practitioner;

(2) a mental health practitioner as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 17. The mental health practitioner must work under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional;

(3) a certified peer specialist under section 256B.0615. The certified peer specialist must work under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional; or

(4) a mental health rehabilitation worker. A mental health rehabilitation worker means a staff person working under the direction of a mental health practitioner or mental health professional and under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional in the implementation of rehabilitative mental health services as identified in the recipient's individual treatment plan who:

(i) is at least 21 years of age;

(ii) has a high school diploma or equivalent;

(iii) has successfully completed 30 hours of training during the two years immediately prior to the date of hire, or before provision of direct services, in all of the following areas: recipient rights, recipient-centered individual treatment planning, behavioral terminology, mental illness, co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse, psychotropic medications and side effects, functional assessment, local community resources, adult vulnerability, recipient confidentiality; and

(iv) meets the qualifications in subitem (A) or (B):

(A) has an associate of arts degree or two years full-time postsecondary education in one of the behavioral sciences or human services; is a registered nurse without a bachelor's degree; or who within the previous ten years has:

(1) three years of personal life experience with serious and persistent mental illness;

(2) three years of life experience as a primary caregiver to an adult with a serious mental illness or traumatic brain injury; or

(3) 4,000 hours of supervised paid work experience in the delivery of mental health services to adults with a serious mental illness or traumatic brain injury; or

(B)(1) is fluent in the non-English language or competent in the culture of the ethnic group to which at least 20 percent of the mental health rehabilitation worker's clients belong;

(2) receives during the first 2,000 hours of work, monthly documented individual clinical supervision by a mental health professional;

(3) has 18 hours of documented field supervision by a mental health professional or practitioner during the first 160 hours of contact work with recipients, and at least six hours of field supervision quarterly during the following year;

(4) has review and cosignature of charting of recipient contacts during field supervision by a mental health professional or practitioner; and

(5) has 15 hours of additional continuing education on mental health topics during the first year of employment and 15 hours during every additional year of employment.

Subd. 6.Required training and supervision.

(a) Mental health rehabilitation workers must receive ongoing continuing education training of at least 30 hours every two years in areas of mental illness and mental health services and other areas specific to the population being served. Mental health rehabilitation workers must also be subject to the ongoing direction and clinical supervision standards in paragraphs (c) and (d).

(b) Mental health practitioners must receive ongoing continuing education training as required by their professional license; or if the practitioner is not licensed, the practitioner must receive ongoing continuing education training of at least 30 hours every two years in areas of mental illness and mental health services. Mental health practitioners must meet the ongoing clinical supervision standards in paragraph (c).

(c) Clinical supervision may be provided by a full- or part-time qualified professional employed by or under contract with the provider entity. Clinical supervision may be provided by interactive videoconferencing according to procedures developed by the commissioner. A mental health professional providing clinical supervision of staff delivering adult rehabilitative mental health services must provide the following guidance:

(1) review the information in the recipient's file;

(2) review and approve initial and updates of individual treatment plans;

(3) meet with mental health rehabilitation workers and practitioners, individually or in small groups, at least monthly to discuss treatment topics of interest to the workers and practitioners;

(4) meet with mental health rehabilitation workers and practitioners, individually or in small groups, at least monthly to discuss treatment plans of recipients, and approve by signature and document in the recipient's file any resulting plan updates;

(5) meet at least monthly with the directing mental health practitioner, if there is one, to review needs of the adult rehabilitative mental health services program, review staff on-site observations and evaluate mental health rehabilitation workers, plan staff training, review program evaluation and development, and consult with the directing practitioner; and

(6) be available for urgent consultation as the individual recipient needs or the situation necessitates.

(d) An adult rehabilitative mental health services provider entity must have a treatment director who is a mental health practitioner or mental health professional. The treatment director must ensure the following:

(1) while delivering direct services to recipients, a newly hired mental health rehabilitation worker must be directly observed delivering services to recipients by a mental health practitioner or mental health professional for at least six hours per 40 hours worked during the first 160 hours that the mental health rehabilitation worker works;

(2) the mental health rehabilitation worker must receive ongoing on-site direct service observation by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner for at least six hours for every six months of employment;

(3) progress notes are reviewed from on-site service observation prepared by the mental health rehabilitation worker and mental health practitioner for accuracy and consistency with actual recipient contact and the individual treatment plan and goals;

(4) immediate availability by phone or in person for consultation by a mental health professional or a mental health practitioner to the mental health rehabilitation services worker during service provision;

(5) oversee the identification of changes in individual recipient treatment strategies, revise the plan, and communicate treatment instructions and methodologies as appropriate to ensure that treatment is implemented correctly;

(6) model service practices which: respect the recipient, include the recipient in planning and implementation of the individual treatment plan, recognize the recipient's strengths, collaborate and coordinate with other involved parties and providers;

(7) ensure that mental health practitioners and mental health rehabilitation workers are able to effectively communicate with the recipients, significant others, and providers; and

(8) oversee the record of the results of on-site observation and charting evaluation and corrective actions taken to modify the work of the mental health practitioners and mental health rehabilitation workers.

(e) A mental health practitioner who is providing treatment direction for a provider entity must receive supervision at least monthly from a mental health professional to:

(1) identify and plan for general needs of the recipient population served;

(2) identify and plan to address provider entity program needs and effectiveness;

(3) identify and plan provider entity staff training and personnel needs and issues; and

(4) plan, implement, and evaluate provider entity quality improvement programs.

Subd. 7.Personnel file.

The adult rehabilitative mental health services provider entity must maintain a personnel file on each staff. Each file must contain:

(1) an annual performance review;

(2) a summary of on-site service observations and charting review;

(3) a criminal background check of all direct service staff;

(4) evidence of academic degree and qualifications;

(5) a copy of professional license;

(6) any job performance recognition and disciplinary actions;

(7) any individual staff written input into own personnel file;

(8) all clinical supervision provided; and

(9) documentation of compliance with continuing education requirements.

Subd. 8.Diagnostic assessment.

Providers of adult rehabilitative mental health services must complete a diagnostic assessment as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 9, within five days after the recipient's second visit or within 30 days after intake, whichever occurs first. In cases where a diagnostic assessment is available that reflects the recipient's current status, and has been completed within 180 days preceding admission, an update must be completed. An update shall include a written summary by a mental health professional of the recipient's current mental health status and service needs. If the recipient's mental health status has changed significantly since the adult's most recent diagnostic assessment, a new diagnostic assessment is required. For initial implementation of adult rehabilitative mental health services, until June 30, 2005, a diagnostic assessment that reflects the recipient's current status and has been completed within the past three years preceding admission is acceptable.

Subd. 9.Functional assessment.

Providers of adult rehabilitative mental health services must complete a written functional assessment as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 11a, for each recipient. The functional assessment must be completed within 30 days of intake, and reviewed and updated at least every six months after it is developed, unless there is a significant change in the functioning of the recipient. If there is a significant change in functioning, the assessment must be updated. A single functional assessment can meet case management and adult rehabilitative mental health services requirements if agreed to by the recipient. Unless the recipient refuses, the recipient must have significant participation in the development of the functional assessment.

Subd. 10.Individual treatment plan.

All providers of adult rehabilitative mental health services must develop and implement an individual treatment plan for each recipient. The provisions in clauses (1) and (2) apply:

(1) Individual treatment plan means a plan of intervention, treatment, and services for an individual recipient written by a mental health professional or by a mental health practitioner under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional. The individual treatment plan must be based on diagnostic and functional assessments. To the extent possible, the development and implementation of a treatment plan must be a collaborative process involving the recipient, and with the permission of the recipient, the recipient's family and others in the recipient's support system. Providers of adult rehabilitative mental health services must develop the individual treatment plan within 30 calendar days of intake. The treatment plan must be updated at least every six months thereafter, or more often when there is significant change in the recipient's situation or functioning, or in services or service methods to be used, or at the request of the recipient or the recipient's legal guardian.

(2) The individual treatment plan must include:

(i) a list of problems identified in the assessment;

(ii) the recipient's strengths and resources;

(iii) concrete, measurable goals to be achieved, including time frames for achievement;

(iv) specific objectives directed toward the achievement of each one of the goals;

(v) documentation of participants in the treatment planning. The recipient, if possible, must be a participant. The recipient or the recipient's legal guardian must sign the treatment plan, or documentation must be provided why this was not possible. A copy of the plan must be given to the recipient or legal guardian. Referral to formal services must be arranged, including specific providers where applicable;

(vi) cultural considerations, resources, and needs of the recipient must be included;

(vii) planned frequency and type of services must be initiated; and

(viii) clear progress notes on outcome of goals.

(3) The individual community support plan defined in section 245.462, subdivision 12, may serve as the individual treatment plan if there is involvement of a mental health case manager, and with the approval of the recipient. The individual community support plan must include the criteria in clause (2).

Subd. 11.Recipient file.

Providers of adult rehabilitative mental health services must maintain a file for each recipient that contains the following information:

(1) diagnostic assessment or verification of its location that is current and that was reviewed by a mental health professional who is employed by or under contract with the provider entity;

(2) functional assessments;

(3) individual treatment plans signed by the recipient and the mental health professional, or if the recipient refused to sign the plan, the date and reason stated by the recipient as to why the recipient would not sign the plan;

(4) recipient history;

(5) signed release forms;

(6) recipient health information and current medications;

(7) emergency contacts for the recipient;

(8) case records which document the date of service, the place of service delivery, signature of the person providing the service, nature, extent and units of service, and place of service delivery;

(9) contacts, direct or by telephone, with recipient's family or others, other providers, or other resources for service coordination;

(10) summary of recipient case reviews by staff; and

(11) written information by the recipient that the recipient requests be included in the file.

Subd. 12.Additional requirements.

(a) Providers of adult rehabilitative mental health services must comply with the requirements relating to referrals for case management in section 245.467, subdivision 4.

(b) Adult rehabilitative mental health services are provided for most recipients in the recipient's home and community. Services may also be provided at the home of a relative or significant other, job site, psychosocial clubhouse, drop-in center, social setting, classroom, or other places in the community. Except for "transition to community services," the place of service does not include a regional treatment center, nursing home, residential treatment facility licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0500 to 9520.0670 (Rule 36), or an acute care hospital.

(c) Adult rehabilitative mental health services may be provided in group settings if appropriate to each participating recipient's needs and treatment plan. A group is defined as two to ten clients, at least one of whom is a recipient, who is concurrently receiving a service which is identified in this section. The service and group must be specified in the recipient's treatment plan. No more than two qualified staff may bill Medicaid for services provided to the same group of recipients. If two adult rehabilitative mental health workers bill for recipients in the same group session, they must each bill for different recipients.

Subd. 13.Excluded services.

The following services are excluded from reimbursement as adult rehabilitative mental health services:

(1) recipient transportation services;

(2) a service provided and billed by a provider who is not enrolled to provide adult rehabilitative mental health service;

(3) adult rehabilitative mental health services performed by volunteers;

(4) provider performance of household tasks, chores, or related activities, such as laundering clothes, moving the recipient's household, housekeeping, and grocery shopping for the recipient;

(5) direct billing of time spent "on call" when not delivering services to recipients;

(6) activities which are primarily social or recreational in nature, rather than rehabilitative, for the individual recipient, as determined by the individual's needs and treatment plan;

(7) job-specific skills services, such as on-the-job training;

(8) provider service time included in case management reimbursement;

(9) outreach services to potential recipients;

(10) a mental health service that is not medically necessary; and

(11) any services provided by a hospital, board and lodging, or residential facility to an individual who is a patient in or resident of that facility.

Subd. 14.Billing when services are provided by qualified state staff.

When rehabilitative services are provided by qualified state staff who are assigned to pilot projects under section 245.4661, the county or other local entity to which the qualified state staff are assigned may consider these staff part of the local provider entity for which certification is sought under this section and may bill the medical assistance program for qualifying services provided by the qualified state staff. Payments for services provided by state staff who are assigned to adult mental health initiatives shall only be made from federal funds.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 39; 2002 c 277 s 11; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 20-24; 2007 c 147 art 8 s 18; 2009 c 79 art 7 s 15; 2009 c 167 s 11

256B.0624 ADULT CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES COVERED.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

Medical assistance covers adult mental health crisis response services as defined in subdivision 2, paragraphs (c) to (e), subject to federal approval, if provided to a recipient as defined in subdivision 3 and provided by a qualified provider entity as defined in this section and by a qualified individual provider working within the provider's scope of practice and as defined in this subdivision and identified in the recipient's individual crisis treatment plan as defined in subdivision 11 and if determined to be medically necessary.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "Mental health crisis" is an adult behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric situation which, but for the provision of crisis response services, would likely result in significantly reduced levels of functioning in primary activities of daily living, or in an emergency situation, or in the placement of the recipient in a more restrictive setting, including, but not limited to, inpatient hospitalization.

(b) "Mental health emergency" is an adult behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric situation which causes an immediate need for mental health services and is consistent with section 62Q.55.

A mental health crisis or emergency is determined for medical assistance service reimbursement by a physician, a mental health professional, or crisis mental health practitioner with input from the recipient whenever possible.

(c) "Mental health crisis assessment" means an immediate face-to-face assessment by a physician, a mental health professional, or mental health practitioner under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional, following a screening that suggests that the adult may be experiencing a mental health crisis or mental health emergency situation.

(d) "Mental health mobile crisis intervention services" means face-to-face, short-term intensive mental health services initiated during a mental health crisis or mental health emergency to help the recipient cope with immediate stressors, identify and utilize available resources and strengths, and begin to return to the recipient's baseline level of functioning.

(1) This service is provided on site by a mobile crisis intervention team outside of an inpatient hospital setting. Mental health mobile crisis intervention services must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(2) The initial screening must consider other available services to determine which service intervention would best address the recipient's needs and circumstances.

(3) The mobile crisis intervention team must be available to meet promptly face-to-face with a person in mental health crisis or emergency in a community setting.

(4) The intervention must consist of a mental health crisis assessment and a crisis treatment plan.

(5) The treatment plan must include recommendations for any needed crisis stabilization services for the recipient.

(e) "Mental health crisis stabilization services" means individualized mental health services provided to a recipient following crisis intervention services which are designed to restore the recipient to the recipient's prior functional level. Mental health crisis stabilization services may be provided in the recipient's home, the home of a family member or friend of the recipient, another community setting, or a short-term supervised, licensed residential program. Mental health crisis stabilization does not include partial hospitalization or day treatment.

Subd. 3.Eligibility.

An eligible recipient is an individual who:

(1) is age 18 or older;

(2) is screened as possibly experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency where a mental health crisis assessment is needed; and

(3) is assessed as experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, and mental health crisis intervention or crisis intervention and stabilization services are determined to be medically necessary.

Subd. 4.Provider entity standards.

(a) A provider entity is an entity that meets the standards listed in paragraph (b) and:

(1) is a county board operated entity; or

(2) is a provider entity that is under contract with the county board in the county where the potential crisis or emergency is occurring. To provide services under this section, the provider entity must directly provide the services; or if services are subcontracted, the provider entity must maintain responsibility for services and billing.

(b) The adult mental health crisis response services provider entity must meet the following standards:

(1) has the capacity to recruit, hire, and manage and train mental health professionals, practitioners, and rehabilitation workers;

(2) has adequate administrative ability to ensure availability of services;

(3) is able to ensure adequate preservice and in-service training;

(4) is able to ensure that staff providing these services are skilled in the delivery of mental health crisis response services to recipients;

(5) is able to ensure that staff are capable of implementing culturally specific treatment identified in the individual treatment plan that is meaningful and appropriate as determined by the recipient's culture, beliefs, values, and language;

(6) is able to ensure enough flexibility to respond to the changing intervention and care needs of a recipient as identified by the recipient during the service partnership between the recipient and providers;

(7) is able to ensure that mental health professionals and mental health practitioners have the communication tools and procedures to communicate and consult promptly about crisis assessment and interventions as services occur;

(8) is able to coordinate these services with county emergency services and mental health crisis services;

(9) is able to ensure that mental health crisis assessment and mobile crisis intervention services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

(10) is able to ensure that services are coordinated with other mental health service providers, county mental health authorities, or federally recognized American Indian authorities and others as necessary, with the consent of the adult. Services must also be coordinated with the recipient's case manager if the adult is receiving case management services;

(11) is able to ensure that crisis intervention services are provided in a manner consistent with sections 245.461 to 245.486;

(12) is able to submit information as required by the state;

(13) maintains staff training and personnel files;

(14) is able to establish and maintain a quality assurance and evaluation plan to evaluate the outcomes of services and recipient satisfaction;

(15) is able to keep records as required by applicable laws;

(16) is able to comply with all applicable laws and statutes;

(17) is an enrolled medical assistance provider; and

(18) develops and maintains written policies and procedures regarding service provision and administration of the provider entity, including safety of staff and recipients in high-risk situations.

Subd. 4a.Alternative provider standards.

If a county demonstrates that, due to geographic or other barriers, it is not feasible to provide mobile crisis intervention services according to the standards in subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (9), the commissioner may approve a crisis response provider based on an alternative plan proposed by a county or group of counties. The alternative plan must:

(1) result in increased access and a reduction in disparities in the availability of crisis services;

(2) provide mobile services outside of the usual nine-to-five office hours and on weekends and holidays; and

(3) comply with standards for emergency mental health services in section 245.469.

Subd. 5.Mobile crisis intervention staff qualifications.

For provision of adult mental health mobile crisis intervention services, a mobile crisis intervention team is comprised of at least two mental health professionals as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6), or a combination of at least one mental health professional and one mental health practitioner as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 17, with the required mental health crisis training and under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional on the team. The team must have at least two people with at least one member providing on-site crisis intervention services when needed. Team members must be experienced in mental health assessment, crisis intervention techniques, and clinical decision-making under emergency conditions and have knowledge of local services and resources. The team must recommend and coordinate the team's services with appropriate local resources such as the county social services agency, mental health services, and local law enforcement when necessary.

Subd. 6.Crisis assessment and mobile intervention treatment planning.

(a) Prior to initiating mobile crisis intervention services, a screening of the potential crisis situation must be conducted. The screening may use the resources of crisis assistance and emergency services as defined in sections 245.462, subdivision 6, and 245.469, subdivisions 1 and 2. The screening must gather information, determine whether a crisis situation exists, identify parties involved, and determine an appropriate response.

(b) If a crisis exists, a crisis assessment must be completed. A crisis assessment evaluates any immediate needs for which emergency services are needed and, as time permits, the recipient's current life situation, sources of stress, mental health problems and symptoms, strengths, cultural considerations, support network, vulnerabilities, and current functioning.

(c) If the crisis assessment determines mobile crisis intervention services are needed, the intervention services must be provided promptly. As opportunity presents during the intervention, at least two members of the mobile crisis intervention team must confer directly or by telephone about the assessment, treatment plan, and actions taken and needed. At least one of the team members must be on site providing crisis intervention services. If providing on-site crisis intervention services, a mental health practitioner must seek clinical supervision as required in subdivision 9.

(d) The mobile crisis intervention team must develop an initial, brief crisis treatment plan as soon as appropriate but no later than 24 hours after the initial face-to-face intervention. The plan must address the needs and problems noted in the crisis assessment and include measurable short-term goals, cultural considerations, and frequency and type of services to be provided to achieve the goals and reduce or eliminate the crisis. The treatment plan must be updated as needed to reflect current goals and services.

(e) The team must document which short-term goals have been met and when no further crisis intervention services are required.

(f) If the recipient's crisis is stabilized, but the recipient needs a referral to other services, the team must provide referrals to these services. If the recipient has a case manager, planning for other services must be coordinated with the case manager.

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 no more than two are recipients of crisis stabilization services, the residential staff must include, for at least eight hours per day, at least one individual who meets the qualifications in subdivision 8.

(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.

Subd. 8.Adult crisis stabilization staff qualifications.

(a) Adult mental health crisis stabilization services must be provided by qualified individual staff of a qualified provider entity. Individual provider staff must have the following qualifications:

(1) be a mental health professional as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6);

(2) be a mental health practitioner as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 17. The mental health practitioner must work under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional;

(3) be a certified peer specialist under section 256B.0615. The certified peer specialist must work under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional; or

(4) be a mental health rehabilitation worker who meets the criteria in section 256B.0623, subdivision 5, clause (4); works under the direction of a mental health practitioner as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 17, or under direction of a mental health professional; and works under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional.

(b) Mental health practitioners and mental health rehabilitation workers must have completed at least 30 hours of training in crisis intervention and stabilization during the past two years.

Subd. 9.Supervision.

Mental health practitioners may provide crisis assessment and mobile crisis intervention services if the following clinical supervision requirements are met:

(1) the mental health provider entity must accept full responsibility for the services provided;

(2) the mental health professional of the provider entity, who is an employee or under contract with the provider entity, must be immediately available by phone or in person for clinical supervision;

(3) the mental health professional is consulted, in person or by phone, during the first three hours when a mental health practitioner provides on-site service;

(4) the mental health professional must:

(i) review and approve of the tentative crisis assessment and crisis treatment plan;

(ii) document the consultation; and

(iii) sign the crisis assessment and treatment plan within the next business day;

(5) if the mobile crisis intervention services continue into a second calendar day, a mental health professional must contact the recipient face-to-face on the second day to provide services and update the crisis treatment plan; and

(6) the on-site observation must be documented in the recipient's record and signed by the mental health professional.

Subd. 10.Recipient file.

Providers of mobile crisis intervention or crisis stabilization services must maintain a file for each recipient containing the following information:

(1) individual crisis treatment plans signed by the recipient, mental health professional, and mental health practitioner who developed the crisis treatment plan, or if the recipient refused to sign the plan, the date and reason stated by the recipient as to why the recipient would not sign the plan;

(2) signed release forms;

(3) recipient health information and current medications;

(4) emergency contacts for the recipient;

(5) case records which document the date of service, place of service delivery, signature of the person providing the service, and the nature, extent, and units of service. Direct or telephone contact with the recipient's family or others should be documented;

(6) required clinical supervision by mental health professionals;

(7) summary of the recipient's case reviews by staff; and

(8) any written information by the recipient that the recipient wants in the file.

Documentation in the file must comply with all requirements of the commissioner.

Subd. 11.Treatment plan.

The individual crisis stabilization treatment plan must include, at a minimum:

(1) a list of problems identified in the assessment;

(2) a list of the recipient's strengths and resources;

(3) concrete, measurable short-term goals and tasks to be achieved, including time frames for achievement;

(4) specific objectives directed toward the achievement of each one of the goals;

(5) documentation of the participants involved in the service planning. The recipient, if possible, must be a participant. The recipient or the recipient's legal guardian must sign the service plan or documentation must be provided why this was not possible. A copy of the plan must be given to the recipient and the recipient's legal guardian. The plan should include services arranged, including specific providers where applicable;

(6) planned frequency and type of services initiated;

(7) a crisis response action plan if a crisis should occur;

(8) clear progress notes on outcome of goals;

(9) a written plan must be completed within 24 hours of beginning services with the recipient; and

(10) a treatment plan must be developed by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional. The mental health professional must approve and sign all treatment plans.

Subd. 12.Excluded services.

The following services are excluded from reimbursement under this section:

(1) room and board services;

(2) services delivered to a recipient while admitted to an inpatient hospital;

(3) recipient transportation costs may be covered under other medical assistance provisions, but transportation services are not an adult mental health crisis response service;

(4) services provided and billed by a provider who is not enrolled under medical assistance to provide adult mental health crisis response services;

(5) services performed by volunteers;

(6) direct billing of time spent "on call" when not delivering services to a recipient;

(7) provider service time included in case management reimbursement. When a provider is eligible to provide more than one type of medical assistance service, the recipient must have a choice of provider for each service, unless otherwise provided for by law;

(8) outreach services to potential recipients; and

(9) a mental health service that is not medically necessary.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 40; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2005 c 165 art 1 s 3; 2009 c 79 art 7 s 16,17; 2009 c 167 s 12

256B.0625 COVERED SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Inpatient hospital services.

Medical assistance covers inpatient hospital services. A second medical opinion is required prior to reimbursement for elective surgeries requiring a second opinion. The commissioner shall publish in the State Register a list of elective surgeries that require a second medical opinion prior to reimbursement, and the criteria and standards for deciding whether an elective surgery should require a second medical opinion. The list and the criteria and standards are not subject to the requirements of sections 14.001 to 14.69. The commissioner's decision whether a second medical opinion is required, made in accordance with rules governing that decision, is not subject to administrative appeal.

Subd. 1a.Services provided in a hospital emergency room.

Medical assistance does not cover visits to a hospital emergency room that are not for emergency and emergency poststabilization care or urgent care, and does not pay for any services provided in a hospital emergency room that are not for emergency and emergency poststabilization care or urgent care.

Subd. 2.Skilled and intermediate nursing care.

(a) Medical assistance covers skilled nursing home services and services of intermediate care facilities, including training and habilitation services, as defined in section 252.41, subdivision 3, for persons with developmental disabilities who are residing in intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. Medical assistance must not be used to pay the costs of nursing care provided to a patient in a swing bed as defined in section 144.562, unless (1) the facility in which the swing bed is located is eligible as a sole community provider, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 412.92, or the facility is a public hospital owned by a governmental entity with 15 or fewer licensed acute care beds; (2) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approves the necessary state plan amendments; (3) the patient was screened as provided by law; (4) the patient no longer requires acute care services; and (5) no nursing home beds are available within 25 miles of the facility. The commissioner shall exempt a facility from compliance with the sole community provider requirement in clause (1) if, as of January 1, 2004, the facility had an agreement with the commissioner to provide medical assistance swing bed services.

(b) Medical assistance also covers up to ten days of nursing care provided to a patient in a swing bed if: (1) the patient's physician certifies that the patient has a terminal illness or condition that is likely to result in death within 30 days and that moving the patient would not be in the best interests of the patient and patient's family; (2) no open nursing home beds are available within 25 miles of the facility; and (3) no open beds are available in any Medicare hospice program within 50 miles of the facility. The daily medical assistance payment for nursing care for the patient in the swing bed is the statewide average medical assistance skilled nursing care per diem as computed annually by the commissioner on July 1 of each year.

Subd. 2a.Skilled nursing facility and hospice services for dual eligibles.

Medical assistance covers skilled nursing facility services for individuals eligible for both medical assistance and Medicare who have waived the Medicare skilled nursing facility room and board benefit and have enrolled in the Medicare hospice program. Medical assistance covers skilled nursing facility services regardless of whether an individual enrolled in the Medicare hospice program prior to, on, or after the date of the hospitalization that qualified the individual for Medicare skilled nursing facility services.

Subd. 3.Physicians' services.

(a) Medical assistance covers physicians' services.

(b) Rates paid for anesthesiology services provided by physicians shall be according to the formula utilized in the Medicare program and shall use a conversion factor "at percentile of calendar year set by legislature, "except that rates paid to physicians for the medical direction of a certified registered nurse anesthetist shall be the same as the rate paid to the certified registered nurse anesthetist under medical direction.

(c) Medical assistance does not cover physicians' services related to the provision of care related to a treatment reportable under section 144.7065, subdivision 2, clauses (1), (2), (3), and (5), and subdivision 7, clause (1).

(d) Medical assistance does not cover physicians' services related to the provision of care (1) for which hospital reimbursement is prohibited under section 256.969, subdivision 3b, paragraph (c), or (2) reportable under section 144.7065, subdivisions 2 to 7, if the physicians' services are billed by a physician who delivered care that contributed to or caused the adverse health care event or hospital-acquired condition.

(e) The payment limitations in this subdivision shall also apply to MinnesotaCare and general assistance medical care.

(f) A physician shall not bill a recipient of services for any payment disallowed under this subdivision.

Subd. 3a.Sex reassignment surgery.

Sex reassignment surgery is not covered.

Subd. 3b.Telemedicine consultations.

Medical assistance covers telemedicine consultations. Telemedicine consultations must be made via two-way, interactive video or store-and-forward technology. Store-and-forward technology includes telemedicine consultations that do not occur in real time via synchronous transmissions, and that do not require a face-to-face encounter with the patient for all or any part of any such telemedicine consultation. The patient record must include a written opinion from the consulting physician providing the telemedicine consultation. A communication between two physicians that consists solely of a telephone conversation is not a telemedicine consultation. Coverage is limited to three telemedicine consultations per recipient per calendar week. Telemedicine consultations shall be paid at the full allowable rate.

Subd. 3c.Health Services Policy Committee.

(a) The commissioner, after receiving recommendations from professional physician associations, professional associations representing licensed nonphysician health care professionals, and consumer groups, shall establish a 13-member Health Services Policy Committee, which consists of 12 voting members and one nonvoting member. The Health Services Policy Committee shall advise the commissioner regarding health services pertaining to the administration of health care benefits covered under the medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare programs. The Health Services Policy Committee shall meet at least quarterly. The Health Services Policy Committee shall annually elect a physician chair from among its members, who shall work directly with the commissioner's medical director, to establish the agenda for each meeting. The Health Services Policy Committee shall also recommend criteria for verifying centers of excellence for specific aspects of medical care where a specific set of combined services, a volume of patients necessary to maintain a high level of competency, or a specific level of technical capacity is associated with improved health outcomes.

(b) The commissioner shall establish a dental subcommittee to operate under the Health Services Policy Committee. The dental subcommittee consists of general dentists, dental specialists, safety net providers, dental hygienists, health plan company and county and public health representatives, health researchers, consumers, and a designee of the commissioner of health. The dental subcommittee shall advise the commissioner regarding:

(1) the critical access dental program under section 256B.76, subdivision 4, including but not limited to criteria for designating and terminating critical access dental providers;

(2) any changes to the critical access dental provider program necessary to comply with program expenditure limits;

(3) dental coverage policy based on evidence, quality, continuity of care, and best practices;

(4) the development of dental delivery models; and

(5) dental services to be added or eliminated from subdivision 9, paragraph (b).

(c) The Health Services Policy Committee shall study approaches to making provider reimbursement under the medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, and general assistance medical care programs contingent on patient participation in a patient-centered decision-making process, and shall evaluate the impact of these approaches on health care quality, patient satisfaction, and health care costs. The committee shall present findings and recommendations to the commissioner and the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health care by January 15, 2010.

(d) The Health Services Policy Committee shall monitor and track the practice patterns of physicians providing services to medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, and general assistance medical care enrollees under fee-for-service, managed care, and county-based purchasing. The committee shall focus on services or specialties for which there is a high variation in utilization across physicians, or which are associated with high medical costs. The commissioner, based upon the findings of the committee, shall regularly notify physicians whose practice patterns indicate higher than average utilization or costs. Managed care and county-based purchasing plans shall provide the commissioner with utilization and cost data necessary to implement this paragraph, and the commissioner shall make this data available to the committee.

(e) The Health Services Policy Committee shall review caesarean section rates for the fee-for-service medical assistance population. The committee may develop best practices policies related to the minimization of caesarean sections, including but not limited to standards and guidelines for health care providers and health care facilities.

Subd. 3d.Health Services Policy Committee members.

The Health Services Policy Committee consists of:

(1) seven voting members who are licensed physicians actively engaged in the practice of medicine in Minnesota, one of whom must be actively engaged in the treatment of persons with mental illness, and three of whom must represent health plans currently under contract to serve medical assistance recipients;

(2) two voting members who are physician specialists actively practicing their specialty in Minnesota;

(3) two voting members who are nonphysician health care professionals licensed or registered in their profession and actively engaged in their practice of their profession in Minnesota;

(4) one consumer who shall serve as a voting member; and

(5) the commissioner's medical director who shall serve as a nonvoting member.

Members of the Health Services Policy Committee shall not be employed by the Department of Human Services, except for the medical director.

Subd. 3e.Health Services Policy Committee terms and compensation.

Committee members shall serve staggered three-year terms, with one-third of the voting members' terms expiring annually. Members may be reappointed by the commissioner. The commissioner may require more frequent Health Services Policy Committee meetings as needed. An honorarium of $200 per meeting and reimbursement for mileage and parking shall be paid to each committee member in attendance except the medical director. The Health Services Policy Committee does not expire as provided in section 15.059, subdivision 6.

Subd. 3f.Circumcision.

Circumcision is not covered, unless the procedure is medically necessary.

Subd. 4.Outpatient and physician-directed clinic services.

Medical assistance covers outpatient hospital or physician-directed clinic services. The physician-directed clinic staff shall include at least two physicians and all services shall be provided under the direct supervision of a physician. Hospital outpatient departments are subject to the same limitations and reimbursements as other enrolled vendors for all services, except initial triage, emergency services, and services not provided or immediately available in clinics, physicians' offices, or by other enrolled providers. "Emergency services" means those medical services required for the immediate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that, if not immediately diagnosed and treated, could lead to serious physical or mental disability or death or are necessary to alleviate severe pain. Neither the hospital, its employees, nor any physician or dentist, shall be liable in any action arising out of a determination not to render emergency services or care if reasonable care is exercised in determining the condition of the person, or in determining the appropriateness of the facilities, or the qualifications and availability of personnel to render these services consistent with this section.

Subd. 4a.Second medical opinion for surgery.

Certain surgeries require a second medical opinion to confirm the necessity of the procedure, in order for reimbursement to be made. The commissioner shall publish in the State Register a list of surgeries that require a second medical opinion and the criteria and standards for deciding whether a surgery should require a second medical opinion. The list and the criteria and standards are not subject to the requirements of sections 14.01 to 14.69. The commissioner's decision about whether a second medical opinion is required, made according to rules governing that decision, is not subject to administrative appeal.

Subd. 5.Community mental health center services.

Medical assistance covers community mental health center services provided by a community mental health center that meets the requirements in paragraphs (a) to (j).

(a) The provider is licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0750 to 9520.0870.

(b) The provider provides mental health services under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional who is licensed for independent practice at the doctoral level or by a board-certified psychiatrist or a psychiatrist who is eligible for board certification. Clinical supervision has the meaning given in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0323, subpart 1, item F.

(c) The provider must be a private nonprofit corporation or a governmental agency and have a community board of directors as specified by section 245.66.

(d) The provider must have a sliding fee scale that meets the requirements in section 245.481, and agree to serve within the limits of its capacity all individuals residing in its service delivery area.

(e) At a minimum, the provider must provide the following outpatient mental health services: diagnostic assessment; explanation of findings; family, group, and individual psychotherapy, including crisis intervention psychotherapy services, multiple family group psychotherapy, psychological testing, and medication management. In addition, the provider must provide or be capable of providing upon request of the local mental health authority day treatment services and professional home-based mental health services. The provider must have the capacity to provide such services to specialized populations such as the elderly, families with children, persons who are seriously and persistently mentally ill, and children who are seriously emotionally disturbed.

(f) The provider must be capable of providing the services specified in paragraph (e) to individuals who are diagnosed with both mental illness or emotional disturbance, and chemical dependency, and to individuals dually diagnosed with a mental illness or emotional disturbance and developmental disability.

(g) The provider must provide 24-hour emergency care services or demonstrate the capacity to assist recipients in need of such services to access such services on a 24-hour basis.

(h) The provider must have a contract with the local mental health authority to provide one or more of the services specified in paragraph (e).

(i) The provider must agree, upon request of the local mental health authority, to enter into a contract with the county to provide mental health services not reimbursable under the medical assistance program.

(j) The provider may not be enrolled with the medical assistance program as both a hospital and a community mental health center. The community mental health center's administrative, organizational, and financial structure must be separate and distinct from that of the hospital.

Subd. 5a.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5b.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5c.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5d.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5e.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5f.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5g.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5h.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5i.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5j.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5k.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

Subd. 5l.Intensive mental health outpatient treatment.

Medical assistance covers intensive mental health outpatient treatment for dialectical behavioral therapy for adults. The commissioner shall establish:

(1) certification procedures to ensure that providers of these services are qualified; and

(2) treatment protocols including required service components and criteria for admission, continued treatment, and discharge.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1991 c 292 art 7 s 26]

Subd. 6a.Home health services.

Home health services are those services specified in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0295 and sections 256B.0651 and 256B.0653. Medical assistance covers home health services at a recipient's home residence. Medical assistance does not cover home health services for residents of a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility, unless the commissioner of human services has authorized skilled nurse visits for less than 90 days for a resident at an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, to prevent an admission to a hospital or nursing facility or unless a resident who is otherwise eligible is on leave from the facility and the facility either pays for the home health services or forgoes the facility per diem for the leave days that home health services are used. Home health services must be provided by a Medicare certified home health agency. All nursing and home health aide services must be provided according to sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0653.

Subd. 7.Private duty nursing.

Medical assistance covers private duty nursing services in a recipient's home. Recipients who are authorized to receive private duty nursing services in their home may use approved hours outside of the home during hours when normal life activities take them outside of their home. To use private duty nursing services at school, the recipient or responsible party must provide written authorization in the care plan identifying the chosen provider and the daily amount of services to be used at school. Medical assistance does not cover private duty nursing services for residents of a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or a health care facility licensed by the commissioner of health, except as authorized in section 256B.64 for ventilator-dependent recipients in hospitals or unless a resident who is otherwise eligible is on leave from the facility and the facility either pays for the private duty nursing services or forgoes the facility per diem for the leave days that private duty nursing services are used. Total hours of service and payment allowed for services outside the home cannot exceed that which is otherwise allowed in an in-home setting according to sections 256B.0651 and 256B.0654 to 256B.0656. All private duty nursing services must be provided according to the limits established under sections 256B.0651 and 256B.0653 to 256B.0656. Private duty nursing services may not be reimbursed if the nurse is the family foster care provider of a recipient who is under age 18, unless allowed under section 256B.0654, subdivision 4.

Subd. 8.Physical therapy.

Medical assistance covers physical therapy and related services, including specialized maintenance therapy. Authorization by the commissioner is required to provide medically necessary services to a recipient beyond any of the following onetime service thresholds, or a lower threshold where one has been established by the commissioner for a specified service: (1) 80 units of any approved CPT code other than modalities; (2) 20 modality sessions; and (3) three evaluations or reevaluations. Services provided by a physical therapy assistant shall be reimbursed at the same rate as services performed by a physical therapist when the services of the physical therapy assistant are provided under the direction of a physical therapist who is on the premises. Services provided by a physical therapy assistant that are provided under the direction of a physical therapist who is not on the premises shall be reimbursed at 65 percent of the physical therapist rate.

Subd. 8a.Occupational therapy.

Medical assistance covers occupational therapy and related services, including specialized maintenance therapy. Authorization by the commissioner is required to provide medically necessary services to a recipient beyond any of the following onetime service thresholds, or a lower threshold where one has been established by the commissioner for a specified service: (1) 120 units of any combination of approved CPT codes; and (2) two evaluations or reevaluations. Services provided by an occupational therapy assistant shall be reimbursed at the same rate as services performed by an occupational therapist when the services of the occupational therapy assistant are provided under the direction of the occupational therapist who is on the premises. Services provided by an occupational therapy assistant that are provided under the direction of an occupational therapist who is not on the premises shall be reimbursed at 65 percent of the occupational therapist rate.

Subd. 8b.Speech-language pathology and audiology services.

Medical assistance covers speech-language pathology and related services, including specialized maintenance therapy. Authorization by the commissioner is required to provide medically necessary services to a recipient beyond any of the following onetime service thresholds, or a lower threshold where one has been established by the commissioner for a specified service: (1) 50 treatment sessions with any combination of approved CPT codes; and (2) one evaluation. Medical assistance covers audiology services and related services. Services provided by a person who has been issued a temporary registration under section 148.5161 shall be reimbursed at the same rate as services performed by a speech-language pathologist or audiologist as long as the requirements of section 148.5161, subdivision 3, are met.

Subd. 8c.Care management; rehabilitation services.

(a) Effective July 1, 1999, onetime thresholds shall replace annual thresholds for provision of rehabilitation services described in subdivisions 8, 8a, and 8b. The onetime thresholds will be the same in amount and description as the thresholds prescribed by the Department of Human Services health care programs provider manual for calendar year 1997, except they will not be renewed annually, and they will include sensory skills and cognitive training skills.

(b) A care management approach for authorization of services beyond the threshold shall be instituted in conjunction with the onetime thresholds. The care management approach shall require the provider and the department rehabilitation reviewer to work together directly through written communication, or telephone communication when appropriate, to establish a medically necessary care management plan. Authorization for rehabilitation services shall include approval for up to 12 months of services at a time without additional documentation from the provider during the extended period, when the rehabilitation services are medically necessary due to an ongoing health condition.

(c) The commissioner shall implement an expedited five-day turnaround time to review authorization requests for recipients who need emergency rehabilitation services and who have exhausted their onetime threshold limit for those services.

Subd. 8d.Home infusion therapy services.

Home infusion therapy services provided by home infusion therapy pharmacies must be paid the lower of the submitted charge or the combined payment rates for component services typically provided.

[See Note.]

Subd. 8e.Chiropractic services.

Payment for chiropractic services is limited to one annual evaluation and 12 visits per year unless prior authorization of a greater number of visits is obtained.

Subd. 9.Dental services.

(a) Medical assistance covers dental services.

(b) Medical assistance dental coverage for nonpregnant adults is limited to the following services:

(1) comprehensive exams, limited to once every five years;

(2) periodic exams, limited to one per year;

(3) limited exams;

(4) bitewing x-rays, limited to one per year;

(5) periapical x-rays;

(6) panoramic x-rays, limited to one every five years except (1) when medically necessary for the diagnosis and follow-up of oral and maxillofacial pathology and trauma or (2) once every two years for patients who cannot cooperate for intraoral film due to a developmental disability or medical condition that does not allow for intraoral film placement;

(7) prophylaxis, limited to one per year;

(8) application of fluoride varnish, limited to one per year;

(9) posterior fillings, all at the amalgam rate;

(10) anterior fillings;

(11) endodontics, limited to root canals on the anterior and premolars only;

(12) removable prostheses, each dental arch limited to one every six years;

(13) oral surgery, limited to extractions, biopsies, and incision and drainage of abscesses;

(14) palliative treatment and sedative fillings for relief of pain; and

(15) full-mouth debridement, limited to one every five years.

(c) In addition to the services specified in paragraph (b), medical assistance covers the following services for adults, if provided in an outpatient hospital setting or freestanding ambulatory surgical center as part of outpatient dental surgery:

(1) periodontics, limited to periodontal scaling and root planing once every two years;

(2) general anesthesia; and

(3) full-mouth survey once every five years.

(d) Medical assistance covers medically necessary dental services for children and pregnant women. The following guidelines apply:

(1) posterior fillings are paid at the amalgam rate;

(2) application of sealants are covered once every five years per permanent molar for children only;

(3) application of fluoride varnish is covered once every six months; and

(4) orthodontia is eligible for coverage for children only.

Subd. 10.Laboratory and x-ray services.

Medical assistance covers laboratory and x-ray services.

Subd. 11.Nurse anesthetist services.

Medical assistance covers nurse anesthetist services. Rates paid for anesthesiology services provided by a certified registered nurse anesthetist under the direction of a physician shall be according to the formula utilized in the Medicare program and shall use the conversion factor that is used by the Medicare program. Rates paid for anesthesiology services provided by a certified registered nurse anesthetist who is not directed by a physician shall be the same rate as paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (b).

Subd. 12.Eyeglasses, dentures, and prosthetic devices.

Medical assistance covers eyeglasses, dentures, and prosthetic devices if prescribed by a licensed practitioner.

Subd. 13.Drugs.

(a) Medical assistance covers drugs, except for fertility drugs when specifically used to enhance fertility, if prescribed by a licensed practitioner and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist, by a physician enrolled in the medical assistance program as a dispensing physician, or by a physician, physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner employed by or under contract with a community health board as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5, for the purposes of communicable disease control.

(b) The dispensed quantity of a prescription drug must not exceed a 34-day supply, unless authorized by the commissioner.

(c) Medical assistance covers the following over-the-counter drugs when prescribed by a licensed practitioner or by a licensed pharmacist who meets standards established by the commissioner, in consultation with the board of pharmacy: antacids, acetaminophen, family planning products, aspirin, insulin, products for the treatment of lice, vitamins for adults with documented vitamin deficiencies, vitamins for children under the age of seven and pregnant or nursing women, and any other over-the-counter drug identified by the commissioner, in consultation with the formulary committee, as necessary, appropriate, and cost-effective for the treatment of certain specified chronic diseases, conditions, or disorders, and this determination shall not be subject to the requirements of chapter 14. A pharmacist may prescribe over-the-counter medications as provided under this paragraph for purposes of receiving reimbursement under Medicaid. When prescribing over-the-counter drugs under this paragraph, licensed pharmacists must consult with the recipient to determine necessity, provide drug counseling, review drug therapy for potential adverse interactions, and make referrals as needed to other health care professionals.

(d) Effective January 1, 2006, medical assistance shall not cover drugs that are coverable under Medicare Part D as defined in the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, Public Law 108-173, section 1860D-2(e), for individuals eligible for drug coverage as defined in the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, Public Law 108-173, section 1860D-1(a)(3)(A). For these individuals, medical assistance may cover drugs from the drug classes listed in United States Code, title 42, section 1396r-8(d)(2), subject to this subdivision and subdivisions 13a to 13g, except that drugs listed in United States Code, title 42, section 1396r-8(d)(2)(E), shall not be covered.

Subd. 13a.

[Repealed, 2007 c 133 art 2 s 13]

Subd. 13b.

[Repealed, 1997 c 203 art 4 s 73]

Subd. 13c.Formulary committee.

The commissioner, after receiving recommendations from professional medical associations and professional pharmacy associations, and consumer groups shall designate a Formulary Committee to carry out duties as described in subdivisions 13 to 13g. The Formulary Committee shall be comprised of four licensed physicians actively engaged in the practice of medicine in Minnesota one of whom must be actively engaged in the treatment of persons with mental illness; at least three licensed pharmacists actively engaged in the practice of pharmacy in Minnesota; and one consumer representative; the remainder to be made up of health care professionals who are licensed in their field and have recognized knowledge in the clinically appropriate prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring of covered outpatient drugs. Members of the Formulary Committee shall not be employed by the Department of Human Services, but the committee shall be staffed by an employee of the department who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the committee. The department's medical director shall also serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member for the committee. Committee members shall serve three-year terms and may be reappointed by the commissioner. The Formulary Committee shall meet at least twice per year. The commissioner may require more frequent Formulary Committee meetings as needed. An honorarium of $100 per meeting and reimbursement for mileage shall be paid to each committee member in attendance.

Subd. 13d.Drug formulary.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a drug formulary. Its establishment and publication shall not be subject to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, but the Formulary Committee shall review and comment on the formulary contents.

(b) The formulary shall not include:

(1) drugs or products for which there is no federal funding;

(2) over-the-counter drugs, except as provided in subdivision 13;

(3) drugs used for weight loss, except that medically necessary lipase inhibitors may be covered for a recipient with type II diabetes;

(4) drugs when used for the treatment of impotence or erectile dysfunction;

(5) drugs for which medical value has not been established; and

(6) drugs from manufacturers who have not signed a rebate agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to section 1927 of title XIX of the Social Security Act.

(c) If a single-source drug used by at least two percent of the fee-for-service medical assistance recipients is removed from the formulary due to the failure of the manufacturer to sign a rebate agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services, the commissioner shall notify prescribing practitioners within 30 days of receiving notification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that a rebate agreement was not signed.

Subd. 13e.Payment rates.

(a) The basis for determining the amount of payment shall be the lower of the actual acquisition costs of the drugs plus a fixed dispensing fee; the maximum allowable cost set by the federal government or by the commissioner plus the fixed dispensing fee; or the usual and customary price charged to the public. The amount of payment basis must be reduced to reflect all discount amounts applied to the charge by any provider/insurer agreement or contract for submitted charges to medical assistance programs. The net submitted charge may not be greater than the patient liability for the service. The pharmacy dispensing fee shall be $3.65, except that the dispensing fee for intravenous solutions which must be compounded by the pharmacist shall be $8 per bag, $14 per bag for cancer chemotherapy products, and $30 per bag for total parenteral nutritional products dispensed in one liter quantities, or $44 per bag for total parenteral nutritional products dispensed in quantities greater than one liter. Actual acquisition cost includes quantity and other special discounts except time and cash discounts. Effective July 1, 2009, the actual acquisition cost of a drug shall be estimated by the commissioner, at average wholesale price minus 15 percent. The actual acquisition cost of antihemophilic factor drugs shall be estimated at the average wholesale price minus 30 percent. The maximum allowable cost of a multisource drug may be set by the commissioner and it shall be comparable to, but no higher than, the maximum amount paid by other third-party payors in this state who have maximum allowable cost programs. Establishment of the amount of payment for drugs shall not be subject to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act.

(b) An additional dispensing fee of $.30 may be added to the dispensing fee paid to pharmacists for legend drug prescriptions dispensed to residents of long-term care facilities when a unit dose blister card system, approved by the department, is used. Under this type of dispensing system, the pharmacist must dispense a 30-day supply of drug. The National Drug Code (NDC) from the drug container used to fill the blister card must be identified on the claim to the department. The unit dose blister card containing the drug must meet the packaging standards set forth in Minnesota Rules, part 6800.2700, that govern the return of unused drugs to the pharmacy for reuse. The pharmacy provider will be required to credit the department for the actual acquisition cost of all unused drugs that are eligible for reuse. Over-the-counter medications must be dispensed in the manufacturer's unopened package. The commissioner may permit the drug clozapine to be dispensed in a quantity that is less than a 30-day supply.

(c) Whenever a maximum allowable cost has been set for a multisource drug, payment shall be on the basis of the maximum allowable cost established by the commissioner unless prior authorization for the brand name product has been granted according to the criteria established by the Drug Formulary Committee as required by subdivision 13f, paragraph (a), and the prescriber has indicated "dispense as written" on the prescription in a manner consistent with section 151.21, subdivision 2.

(d) The basis for determining the amount of payment for drugs administered in an outpatient setting shall be the lower of the usual and customary cost submitted by the provider or the amount established for Medicare by the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to title XVIII, section 1847a of the federal Social Security Act.

(e) The commissioner may negotiate lower reimbursement rates for specialty pharmacy products than the rates specified in paragraph (a). The commissioner may require individuals enrolled in the health care programs administered by the department to obtain specialty pharmacy products from providers with whom the commissioner has negotiated lower reimbursement rates. Specialty pharmacy products are defined as those used by a small number of recipients or recipients with complex and chronic diseases that require expensive and challenging drug regimens. Examples of these conditions include, but are not limited to: multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, transplantation, hepatitis C, growth hormone deficiency, Crohn's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain forms of cancer. Specialty pharmaceutical products include injectable and infusion therapies, biotechnology drugs, high-cost therapies, and therapies that require complex care. The commissioner shall consult with the formulary committee to develop a list of specialty pharmacy products subject to this paragraph. In consulting with the formulary committee in developing this list, the commissioner shall take into consideration the population served by specialty pharmacy products, the current delivery system and standard of care in the state, and access to care issues. The commissioner shall have the discretion to adjust the reimbursement rate to prevent access to care issues.

(f) Home infusion therapy services provided by home infusion therapy pharmacies must be paid at rates according to subdivision 8d.

[See Note.]

Subd. 13f.Prior authorization.

(a) The Formulary Committee shall review and recommend drugs which require prior authorization. The Formulary Committee shall establish general criteria to be used for the prior authorization of brand-name drugs for which generically equivalent drugs are available, but the committee is not required to review each brand-name drug for which a generically equivalent drug is available.

(b) Prior authorization may be required by the commissioner before certain formulary drugs are eligible for payment. The Formulary Committee may recommend drugs for prior authorization directly to the commissioner. The commissioner may also request that the Formulary Committee review a drug for prior authorization. Before the commissioner may require prior authorization for a drug:

(1) the commissioner must provide information to the Formulary Committee on the impact that placing the drug on prior authorization may have on the quality of patient care and on program costs, information regarding whether the drug is subject to clinical abuse or misuse, and relevant data from the state Medicaid program if such data is available;

(2) the Formulary Committee must review the drug, taking into account medical and clinical data and the information provided by the commissioner; and

(3) the Formulary Committee must hold a public forum and receive public comment for an additional 15 days.

The commissioner must provide a 15-day notice period before implementing the prior authorization.

(c) Except as provided in subdivision 13j, prior authorization shall not be required or utilized for any atypical antipsychotic drug prescribed for the treatment of mental illness if:

(1) there is no generically equivalent drug available; and

(2) the drug was initially prescribed for the recipient prior to July 1, 2003; or

(3) the drug is part of the recipient's current course of treatment.

This paragraph applies to any multistate preferred drug list or supplemental drug rebate program established or administered by the commissioner. Prior authorization shall automatically be granted for 60 days for brand name drugs prescribed for treatment of mental illness within 60 days of when a generically equivalent drug becomes available, provided that the brand name drug was part of the recipient's course of treatment at the time the generically equivalent drug became available.

(d) Prior authorization shall not be required or utilized for any antihemophilic factor drug prescribed for the treatment of hemophilia and blood disorders where there is no generically equivalent drug available if the prior authorization is used in conjunction with any supplemental drug rebate program or multistate preferred drug list established or administered by the commissioner.

(e) The commissioner may require prior authorization for brand name drugs whenever a generically equivalent product is available, even if the prescriber specifically indicates "dispense as written-brand necessary" on the prescription as required by section 151.21, subdivision 2.

(f) Notwithstanding this subdivision, the commissioner may automatically require prior authorization, for a period not to exceed 180 days, for any drug that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration on or after July 1, 2005. The 180-day period begins no later than the first day that a drug is available for shipment to pharmacies within the state. The Formulary Committee shall recommend to the commissioner general criteria to be used for the prior authorization of the drugs, but the committee is not required to review each individual drug. In order to continue prior authorizations for a drug after the 180-day period has expired, the commissioner must follow the provisions of this subdivision.

Subd. 13g.Preferred drug list.

(a) The commissioner shall adopt and implement a preferred drug list by January 1, 2004. The commissioner may enter into a contract with a vendor for the purpose of participating in a preferred drug list and supplemental rebate program. The commissioner shall ensure that any contract meets all federal requirements and maximizes federal financial participation. The commissioner shall publish the preferred drug list annually in the State Register and shall maintain an accurate and up-to-date list on the agency Web site.

(b) The commissioner may add to, delete from, and otherwise modify the preferred drug list, after consulting with the Formulary Committee and appropriate medical specialists and providing public notice and the opportunity for public comment.

(c) The commissioner shall adopt and administer the preferred drug list as part of the administration of the supplemental drug rebate program. Reimbursement for prescription drugs not on the preferred drug list may be subject to prior authorization.

(d) For purposes of this subdivision, "preferred drug list" means a list of prescription drugs within designated therapeutic classes selected by the commissioner, for which prior authorization based on the identity of the drug or class is not required.

(e) The commissioner shall seek any federal waivers or approvals necessary to implement this subdivision.

Subd. 13h.Medication therapy management services.

(a) Medical assistance and general assistance medical care cover medication therapy management services for a recipient taking four or more prescriptions to treat or prevent two or more chronic medical conditions, or a recipient with a drug therapy problem that is identified or prior authorized by the commissioner that has resulted or is likely to result in significant nondrug program costs. The commissioner may cover medical therapy management services under MinnesotaCare if the commissioner determines this is cost-effective. For purposes of this subdivision, "medication therapy management" means the provision of the following pharmaceutical care services by a licensed pharmacist to optimize the therapeutic outcomes of the patient's medications:

(1) performing or obtaining necessary assessments of the patient's health status;

(2) formulating a medication treatment plan;

(3) monitoring and evaluating the patient's response to therapy, including safety and effectiveness;

(4) performing a comprehensive medication review to identify, resolve, and prevent medication-related problems, including adverse drug events;

(5) documenting the care delivered and communicating essential information to the patient's other primary care providers;

(6) providing verbal education and training designed to enhance patient understanding and appropriate use of the patient's medications;

(7) providing information, support services, and resources designed to enhance patient adherence with the patient's therapeutic regimens; and

(8) coordinating and integrating medication therapy management services within the broader health care management services being provided to the patient.

Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to expand or modify the scope of practice of the pharmacist as defined in section 151.01, subdivision 27.

(b) To be eligible for reimbursement for services under this subdivision, a pharmacist must meet the following requirements:

(1) have a valid license issued under chapter 151;

(2) have graduated from an accredited college of pharmacy on or after May 1996, or completed a structured and comprehensive education program approved by the Board of Pharmacy and the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education for the provision and documentation of pharmaceutical care management services that has both clinical and didactic elements;

(3) be practicing in an ambulatory care setting as part of a multidisciplinary team or have developed a structured patient care process that is offered in a private or semiprivate patient care area that is separate from the commercial business that also occurs in the setting, or in home settings, excluding long-term care and group homes, if the service is ordered by the provider-directed care coordination team; and

(4) make use of an electronic patient record system that meets state standards.

(c) For purposes of reimbursement for medication therapy management services, the commissioner may enroll individual pharmacists as medical assistance and general assistance medical care providers. The commissioner may also establish contact requirements between the pharmacist and recipient, including limiting the number of reimbursable consultations per recipient.

(d) If there are no pharmacists who meet the requirements of paragraph (b) practicing within a reasonable geographic distance of the patient, a pharmacist who meets the requirements may provide the services via two-way interactive video. Reimbursement shall be at the same rates and under the same conditions that would otherwise apply to the services provided. To qualify for reimbursement under this paragraph, the pharmacist providing the services must meet the requirements of paragraph (b), and must be located within an ambulatory care setting approved by the commissioner. The patient must also be located within an ambulatory care setting approved by the commissioner. Services provided under this paragraph may not be transmitted into the patient's residence.

(e) The commissioner shall establish a pilot project for an intensive medication therapy management program for patients identified by the commissioner with multiple chronic conditions and a high number of medications who are at high risk of preventable hospitalizations, emergency room use, medication complications, and suboptimal treatment outcomes due to medication-related problems. For purposes of the pilot project, medication therapy management services may be provided in a patient's home or community setting, in addition to other authorized settings. The commissioner may waive existing payment policies and establish special payment rates for the pilot project. The pilot project must be designed to produce a net savings to the state compared to the estimated costs that would otherwise be incurred for similar patients without the program. The pilot project must begin by January 1, 2010, and end June 30, 2012.

Subd. 13i.Drug Utilization Review Board; report.

(a) A nine-member Drug Utilization Review Board is established. The board must be comprised of at least three but no more than four licensed physicians actively engaged in the practice of medicine in Minnesota; at least three licensed pharmacists actively engaged in the practice of pharmacy in Minnesota; and one consumer representative. The remainder must be made up of health care professionals who are licensed in their field and have recognized knowledge in the clinically appropriate prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring of covered outpatient drugs. Members of the board must be appointed by the commissioner, shall serve three-year terms, and may be reappointed by the commissioner. The board shall annually elect a chair from among its members.

(b) The board must be staffed by an employee of the department who shall serve as an ex officio nonvoting member of the board.

(c) The commissioner shall, with the advice of the board:

(1) implement a medical assistance retrospective and prospective drug utilization review program as required by United States Code, title 42, section 1396r-8, subsection (g), paragraph (3);

(2) develop and implement the predetermined criteria and practice parameters for appropriate prescribing to be used in retrospective and prospective drug utilization review;

(3) develop, select, implement, and assess interventions for physicians, pharmacists, and patients that are educational and not punitive in nature;

(4) establish a grievance and appeals process for physicians and pharmacists under this section;

(5) publish and disseminate educational information to physicians and pharmacists regarding the board and the review program;

(6) adopt and implement procedures designed to ensure the confidentiality of any information collected, stored, retrieved, assessed, or analyzed by the board, staff to the board, or contractors to the review program that identifies individual physicians, pharmacists, or recipients;

(7) establish and implement an ongoing process to:

(i) receive public comment regarding drug utilization review criteria and standards; and

(ii) consider the comments along with other scientific and clinical information in order to revise criteria and standards on a timely basis; and

(8) adopt any rules necessary to carry out this section.

(d) The board may establish advisory committees. The commissioner may contract with appropriate organizations to assist the board in carrying out the board's duties. The commissioner may enter into contracts for services to develop and implement a retrospective and prospective review program.

(e) The board shall report to the commissioner annually on the date the drug utilization review annual report is due to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This report must cover the preceding federal fiscal year. The commissioner shall make the report available to the public upon request. The report must include information on the activities of the board and the program; the effectiveness of implemented interventions; administrative costs; and any fiscal impact resulting from the program. An honorarium of $100 per meeting and reimbursement for mileage must be paid to each board member in attendance.

(f) This subdivision is exempt from the provisions of section 15.059. Notwithstanding section 15.059, subdivision 5, the board is permanent and does not expire.

Subd. 13j.Antipsychotic and attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications.

(a) The commissioner, in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review Board established in subdivision 13i and actively practicing pediatric mental health professionals, must:

(1) identify recommended pediatric dose ranges for atypical antipsychotic drugs and drugs used for attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder based on available medical, clinical, and safety data and research. The commissioner shall periodically review the list of medications and pediatric dose ranges and update the medications and doses listed as needed after consultation with the Drug Utilization Review Board;

(2) identify situations where a collaborative psychiatric consultation and prior authorization should be required before the initiation or continuation of drug therapy in pediatric patients including, but not limited to, high-dose regimens, off-label use of prescription medication, a patient's young age, and lack of coordination among multiple prescribing providers; and

(3) track prescriptive practices and the use of psychotropic medications in children with the goal of reducing the use of medication, where appropriate.

(b) Effective July 1, 2011, the commissioner shall require prior authorization and a collaborative psychiatric consultation before an atypical antipsychotic and attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication meeting the criteria identified in paragraph (a), clause (2), is eligible for payment. A collaborative psychiatric consultation must be completed before the identified medications are eligible for payment unless:

(1) the patient has already been stabilized on the medication regimen; or

(2) the prescriber indicates that the child is in crisis.

If clause (1) or (2) applies, the collaborative psychiatric consultation must be completed within 90 days for payment to continue.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, a collaborative psychiatric consultation must meet the criteria described in section 245.4862, subdivision 4.

Subd. 14.Diagnostic, screening, and preventive services.

(a) Medical assistance covers diagnostic, screening, and preventive services.

(b) "Preventive services" include services related to pregnancy, including:

(1) services for those conditions which may complicate a pregnancy and which may be available to a pregnant woman determined to be at risk of poor pregnancy outcome;

(2) prenatal HIV risk assessment, education, counseling, and testing; and

(3) alcohol abuse assessment, education, and counseling on the effects of alcohol usage while pregnant. Preventive services available to a woman at risk of poor pregnancy outcome may differ in an amount, duration, or scope from those available to other individuals eligible for medical assistance.

(c) "Screening services" include, but are not limited to, blood lead tests.

(d) The commissioner shall encourage, at the time of the child and teen checkup or at an episodic care visit, the primary care health care provider to perform primary caries preventive services. Primary caries preventive services include, at a minimum:

(1) a general visual examination of the child's mouth without using probes or other dental equipment or taking radiographs;

(2) a risk assessment using the factors established by the American Academies of Pediatrics and Pediatric Dentistry; and

(3) the application of a fluoride varnish beginning at age one to those children assessed by the provider as being high risk in accordance with best practices as defined by the Department of Human Services.

(e) Parental or legal guardian consent must be obtained before a fluoride treatment is applied to a minor child's teeth.

At each checkup, if primary caries preventive services are provided, the provider must provide to the child's parent or legal guardian: information on caries etiology and prevention; and information on the importance of finding a dental home for their child by the age of one. The provider must also advise the parent or legal guardian to contact the child's managed care plan or the Department of Human Services in order to secure a dental appointment with a dentist. The provider must indicate in the child's medical record that the parent or legal guardian was provided with this information and document any primary caries prevention services provided to the child.

Subd. 15.Health plan premiums and co-payments.

(a) Medical assistance covers health care prepayment plan premiums, insurance premiums, and co-payments if determined to be cost-effective by the commissioner. For purposes of obtaining Medicare Part A and Part B, and co-payments, expenditures may be made even if federal funding is not available.

(b) Effective for all premiums due on or after June 30, 1997, medical assistance does not cover premiums that a recipient is required to pay under a qualified or Medicare supplement plan issued by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association. Medical assistance shall continue to cover premiums for recipients who are covered under a plan issued by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association on June 30, 1997, for a period of six months following receipt of the notice of termination or until December 31, 1997, whichever is later.

Subd. 16.Abortion services.

Medical assistance covers abortion services, but only if one of the following conditions is met:

(a) The abortion is a medical necessity. "Medical necessity" means (1) the signed written statement of two physicians indicating the abortion is medically necessary to prevent the death of the mother, and (2) the patient has given her consent to the abortion in writing unless the patient is physically or legally incapable of providing informed consent to the procedure, in which case consent will be given as otherwise provided by law;

(b) The pregnancy is the result of criminal sexual conduct as defined in section 609.342, clauses (c), (d), (e)(i), and (f), and the incident is reported within 48 hours after the incident occurs to a valid law enforcement agency for investigation, unless the victim is physically unable to report the criminal sexual conduct, in which case the report shall be made within 48 hours after the victim becomes physically able to report the criminal sexual conduct; or

(c) The pregnancy is the result of incest, but only if the incident and relative are reported to a valid law enforcement agency for investigation prior to the abortion.

[See Note.]

Subd. 17.Transportation costs.

(a) Medical assistance covers medical transportation costs incurred solely for obtaining emergency medical care or transportation costs incurred by eligible persons in obtaining emergency or nonemergency medical care when paid directly to an ambulance company, common carrier, or other recognized providers of transportation services. Medical transportation must be provided by:

(1) an ambulance, as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 2;

(2) special transportation; or

(3) common carrier including, but not limited to, bus, taxicab, other commercial carrier, or private automobile.

(b) Medical assistance covers special transportation, as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0315, subpart 1, item F, if the recipient has a physical or mental impairment that would prohibit the recipient from safely accessing and using a bus, taxi, other commercial transportation, or private automobile.

The commissioner may use an order by the recipient's attending physician to certify that the recipient requires special transportation services. Special transportation providers shall perform driver-assisted services for eligible individuals. Driver-assisted service includes passenger pickup at and return to the individual's residence or place of business, assistance with admittance of the individual to the medical facility, and assistance in passenger securement or in securing of wheelchairs or stretchers in the vehicle. Special transportation providers must obtain written documentation from the health care service provider who is serving the recipient being transported, identifying the time that the recipient arrived. Special transportation providers may not bill for separate base rates for the continuation of a trip beyond the original destination. Special transportation providers must take recipients to the nearest appropriate health care provider, using the most direct route. The minimum medical assistance reimbursement rates for special transportation services are:

(1) (i) $17 for the base rate and $1.35 per mile for special transportation services to eligible persons who need a wheelchair-accessible van;

(ii) $11.50 for the base rate and $1.30 per mile for special transportation services to eligible persons who do not need a wheelchair-accessible van; and

(iii) $60 for the base rate and $2.40 per mile, and an attendant rate of $9 per trip, for special transportation services to eligible persons who need a stretcher-accessible vehicle;

(2) the base rates for special transportation services in areas defined under RUCA to be super rural shall be equal to the reimbursement rate established in clause (1) plus 11.3 percent; and

(3) for special transportation services in areas defined under RUCA to be rural or super rural areas:

(i) for a trip equal to 17 miles or less, mileage reimbursement shall be equal to 125 percent of the respective mileage rate in clause (1); and

(ii) for a trip between 18 and 50 miles, mileage reimbursement shall be equal to 112.5 percent of the respective mileage rate in clause (1).

(c) For purposes of reimbursement rates for special transportation services under paragraph (b), the zip code of the recipient's place of residence shall determine whether the urban, rural, or super rural reimbursement rate applies.

(d) For purposes of this subdivision, "rural urban commuting area" or "RUCA" means a census-tract based classification system under which a geographical area is determined to be urban, rural, or super rural.

Subd. 17a.Payment for ambulance services.

Medical assistance covers ambulance services. Providers shall bill ambulance services according to Medicare criteria. Nonemergency ambulance services shall not be paid as emergencies. Effective for services rendered on or after July 1, 2001, medical assistance payments for ambulance services shall be paid at the Medicare reimbursement rate or at the medical assistance payment rate in effect on July 1, 2000, whichever is greater.

Subd. 18.Bus or taxicab transportation.

To the extent authorized by rule of the state agency, medical assistance covers costs of the most appropriate and cost-effective form of transportation incurred by any ambulatory eligible person for obtaining nonemergency medical care.

Subd. 18a.Access to medical services.

(a) Medical assistance reimbursement for meals for persons traveling to receive medical care may not exceed $5.50 for breakfast, $6.50 for lunch, or $8 for dinner.

(b) Medical assistance reimbursement for lodging for persons traveling to receive medical care may not exceed $50 per day unless prior authorized by the local agency.

(c) Medical assistance direct mileage reimbursement to the eligible person or the eligible person's driver may not exceed 20 cents per mile.

(d) Regardless of the number of employees that an enrolled health care provider may have, medical assistance covers sign and oral language interpreter services when provided by an enrolled health care provider during the course of providing a direct, person-to-person covered health care service to an enrolled recipient with limited English proficiency or who has a hearing loss and uses interpreting services. Coverage for face-to-face oral language interpreter services shall be provided only if the oral language interpreter used by the enrolled health care provider is listed in the registry or roster established under section 144.058.

Subd. 18b.Broker dispatching prohibition.

The commissioner shall not use a broker or coordinator for any purpose related to transportation services under subdivision 18.

Subd. 19.

[Repealed, 1991 c 292 art 7 s 26]

Subd. 19a.Personal care assistance services.

Medical assistance covers personal care assistance services in a recipient's home. Effective January 1, 2010, to qualify for personal care assistance services, a recipient must require assistance and be determined dependent in one activity of daily living as defined in section 256B.0659, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), or in a Level I behavior as defined in section 256B.0659, subdivision 1, paragraph (c). Beginning July 1, 2011, to qualify for personal care assistance services, a recipient must require assistance and be determined dependent in at least two activities of daily living as defined in section 256B.0659. Recipients or responsible parties must be able to identify the recipient's needs, direct and evaluate task accomplishment, and provide for health and safety. Approved hours may be used outside the home when normal life activities take them outside the home. To use personal care assistance services at school, the recipient or responsible party must provide written authorization in the care plan identifying the chosen provider and the daily amount of services to be used at school. Total hours for services, whether actually performed inside or outside the recipient's home, cannot exceed that which is otherwise allowed for personal care assistance services in an in-home setting according to sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656. Medical assistance does not cover personal care assistance services for residents of a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility, health care facility licensed by the commissioner of health, or unless a resident who is otherwise eligible is on leave from the facility and the facility either pays for the personal care assistance services or forgoes the facility per diem for the leave days that personal care assistance services are used. All personal care assistance services must be provided according to sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656. Personal care assistance services may not be reimbursed if the personal care assistant is the spouse or paid guardian of the recipient or the parent of a recipient under age 18, or the responsible party or the family foster care provider of a recipient who cannot direct the recipient's own care unless, in the case of a foster care provider, a county or state case manager visits the recipient as needed, but not less than every six months, to monitor the health and safety of the recipient and to ensure the goals of the care plan are met. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 256B.0659, the unpaid guardian or conservator of an adult, who is not the responsible party and not the personal care provider organization, may be reimbursed to provide personal care assistance services to the recipient if the guardian or conservator meets all criteria for a personal care assistant according to section 256B.0659, and shall not be considered to have a service provider interest for purposes of participation on the screening team under section 256B.092, subdivision 7.

Subd. 19b.No automatic adjustment.

For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 1993, the commissioner of human services shall not provide automatic annual inflation adjustments for home care services. The commissioner of management and budget shall include as a budget change request in each biennial detailed expenditure budget submitted to the legislature under section 16A.11 annual adjustments in reimbursement rates for home care services.

Subd. 19c.Personal care.

Medical assistance covers personal care assistance services provided by an individual who is qualified to provide the services according to subdivision 19a and sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656, provided in accordance with a plan, and supervised by a qualified professional.

"Qualified professional" means a mental health professional as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, or 245.4871, subdivision 27; or a registered nurse as defined in sections 148.171 to 148.285, a licensed social worker as defined in sections 148D.010 and 148D.055, or a qualified developmental disabilities specialist under section 245B.07, subdivision 4. The qualified professional shall perform the duties required in section 256B.0659.

Subd. 20.Mental health case management.

(a) To the extent authorized by rule of the state agency, medical assistance covers case management services to persons with serious and persistent mental illness and children with severe emotional disturbance. Services provided under this section must meet the relevant standards in sections 245.461 to 245.4887, the Comprehensive Adult and Children's Mental Health Acts, Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0900 to 9520.0926, and 9505.0322, excluding subpart 10.

(b) Entities meeting program standards set out in rules governing family community support services as defined in section 245.4871, subdivision 17, are eligible for medical assistance reimbursement for case management services for children with severe emotional disturbance when these services meet the program standards in Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0900 to 9520.0926 and 9505.0322, excluding subparts 6 and 10.

(c) Medical assistance and MinnesotaCare payment for mental health case management shall be made on a monthly basis. In order to receive payment for an eligible child, the provider must document at least a face-to-face contact with the child, the child's parents, or the child's legal representative. To receive payment for an eligible adult, the provider must document:

(1) at least a face-to-face contact with the adult or the adult's legal representative; or

(2) at least a telephone contact with the adult or the adult's legal representative and document a face-to-face contact with the adult or the adult's legal representative within the preceding two months.

(d) Payment for mental health case management provided by county or state staff shall be based on the monthly rate methodology under section 256B.094, subdivision 6, paragraph (b), with separate rates calculated for child welfare and mental health, and within mental health, separate rates for children and adults.

(e) Payment for mental health case management provided by Indian health services or by agencies operated by Indian tribes may be made according to this section or other relevant federally approved rate setting methodology.

(f) Payment for mental health case management provided by vendors who contract with a county or Indian tribe shall be based on a monthly rate negotiated by the host county or tribe. The negotiated rate must not exceed the rate charged by the vendor for the same service to other payers. If the service is provided by a team of contracted vendors, the county or tribe may negotiate a team rate with a vendor who is a member of the team. The team shall determine how to distribute the rate among its members. No reimbursement received by contracted vendors shall be returned to the county or tribe, except to reimburse the county or tribe for advance funding provided by the county or tribe to the vendor.

(g) If the service is provided by a team which includes contracted vendors, tribal staff, and county or state staff, the costs for county or state staff participation in the team shall be included in the rate for county-provided services. In this case, the contracted vendor, the tribal agency, and the county may each receive separate payment for services provided by each entity in the same month. In order to prevent duplication of services, each entity must document, in the recipient's file, the need for team case management and a description of the roles of the team members.

(h) Notwithstanding section 256B.19, subdivision 1, the nonfederal share of costs for mental health case management shall be provided by the recipient's county of responsibility, as defined in sections 256G.01 to 256G.12, from sources other than federal funds or funds used to match other federal funds. If the service is provided by a tribal agency, the nonfederal share, if any, shall be provided by the recipient's tribe. When this service is paid by the state without a federal share through fee-for-service, 50 percent of the cost shall be provided by the recipient's county of responsibility.

(i) Notwithstanding any administrative rule to the contrary, prepaid medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare include mental health case management. When the service is provided through prepaid capitation, the nonfederal share is paid by the state and the county pays no share.

(j) The commissioner may suspend, reduce, or terminate the reimbursement to a provider that does not meet the reporting or other requirements of this section. The county of responsibility, as defined in sections 256G.01 to 256G.12, or, if applicable, the tribal agency, is responsible for any federal disallowances. The county or tribe may share this responsibility with its contracted vendors.

(k) The commissioner shall set aside a portion of the federal funds earned for county expenditures under this section to repay the special revenue maximization account under section 256.01, subdivision 2, clause (15). The repayment is limited to:

(1) the costs of developing and implementing this section; and

(2) programming the information systems.

(l) Payments to counties and tribal agencies for case management expenditures under this section shall only be made from federal earnings from services provided under this section. When this service is paid by the state without a federal share through fee-for-service, 50 percent of the cost shall be provided by the state. Payments to county-contracted vendors shall include the federal earnings, the state share, and the county share.

(m) Case management services under this subdivision do not include therapy, treatment, legal, or outreach services.

(n) If the recipient is a resident of a nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or hospital, and the recipient's institutional care is paid by medical assistance, payment for case management services under this subdivision is limited to the lesser of:

(1) the last 180 days of the recipient's residency in that facility and may not exceed more than six months in a calendar year; or

(2) the limits and conditions which apply to federal Medicaid funding for this service.

(o) Payment for case management services under this subdivision shall not duplicate payments made under other program authorities for the same purpose.

Subd. 20a.Case management; developmental disabilities.

To the extent defined in the state Medicaid plan, case management service activities for persons with developmental disabilities as defined in section 256B.092, and rules promulgated thereunder, are covered services under medical assistance.

Subd. 21.

[Repealed, 1989 c 282 art 3 s 98]

Subd. 22.Hospice care.

Medical assistance covers hospice care services under Public Law 99-272, section 9505, to the extent authorized by rule, except that a recipient age 21 or under who elects to receive hospice services does not waive coverage for services that are related to the treatment of the condition for which a diagnosis of terminal illness has been made.

Subd. 23.Day treatment services.

Medical assistance covers day treatment services as specified in sections 245.462, subdivision 8, and 245.4871, subdivision 10, that are provided under contract with the county board. Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0323, subpart 15, the commissioner may set authorization thresholds for day treatment for adults according to subdivision 25. Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0323, subpart 15, effective July 1, 2004, medical assistance covers day treatment services for children as specified under section 256B.0943.

Subd. 24.Other medical or remedial care.

Medical assistance covers any other medical or remedial care licensed and recognized under state law unless otherwise prohibited by law, except licensed chemical dependency treatment programs or primary treatment or extended care treatment units in hospitals that are covered under chapter 254B. The commissioner shall include chemical dependency services in the state medical assistance plan for federal reporting purposes, but payment must be made under chapter 254B. The commissioner shall publish in the State Register a list of elective surgeries that require a second medical opinion before medical assistance reimbursement, and the criteria and standards for deciding whether an elective surgery should require a second medical opinion. The list and criteria and standards are not subject to the requirements of sections 14.01 to 14.69.

Subd. 25.Prior authorization required.

The commissioner shall publish in the Minnesota health care programs provider manual and on the department's Web site a list of health services that require prior authorization, as well as the criteria and standards used to select health services on the list. The list and the criteria and standards used to formulate it are not subject to the requirements of sections 14.001 to 14.69. The commissioner's decision whether prior authorization is required for a health service is not subject to administrative appeal.

Subd. 25a.Prior authorization of diagnostic imaging services.

(a) Effective January 1, 2010, the commissioner shall require prior authorization or decision support for the ordering providers at the time the service is ordered for the following outpatient diagnostic imaging services: computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), positive emission tomography (PET), cardiac imaging, and ultrasound diagnostic imaging.

(b) Prior authorization under this subdivision is not required for diagnostic imaging services performed as part of a hospital emergency room visit, inpatient hospitalization, or if concurrent with or on the same day as an urgent care facility visit.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to services provided to recipients who are enrolled in Medicare, the prepaid medical assistance program, the prepaid general assistance medical care program, or the MinnesotaCare program.

(d) The commissioner may contract with a private entity to provide the prior authorization or decision support required under this subdivision. The contracting entity must incorporate clinical guidelines that are based on evidence-based medical literature, if available. By January 1, 2012, the contracting entity shall report to the commissioner the results of prior authorization or decision support.

Subd. 26.Special education services.

(a) Medical assistance covers medical services identified in a recipient's individualized education plan and covered under the medical assistance state plan. Covered services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, clinical psychological services, nursing services, school psychological services, school social work services, personal care assistants serving as management aides, assistive technology devices, transportation services, health assessments, and other services covered under the medical assistance state plan. Mental health services eligible for medical assistance reimbursement must be provided or coordinated through a children's mental health collaborative where a collaborative exists if the child is included in the collaborative operational target population. The provision or coordination of services does not require that the individual education plan be developed by the collaborative.

The services may be provided by a Minnesota school district that is enrolled as a medical assistance provider or its subcontractor, and only if the services meet all the requirements otherwise applicable if the service had been provided by a provider other than a school district, in the following areas: medical necessity, physician's orders, documentation, personnel qualifications, and prior authorization requirements. The nonfederal share of costs for services provided under this subdivision is the responsibility of the local school district as provided in section 125A.74. Services listed in a child's individual education plan are eligible for medical assistance reimbursement only if those services meet criteria for federal financial participation under the Medicaid program.

(b) Approval of health-related services for inclusion in the individual education plan does not require prior authorization for purposes of reimbursement under this chapter. The commissioner may require physician review and approval of the plan not more than once annually or upon any modification of the individual education plan that reflects a change in health-related services.

(c) Services of a speech-language pathologist provided under this section are covered notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390, subpart 1, item L, if the person:

(1) holds a masters degree in speech-language pathology;

(2) is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Teaching as an educational speech-language pathologist; and

(3) either has a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association, has completed the equivalent educational requirements and work experience necessary for the certificate or has completed the academic program and is acquiring supervised work experience to qualify for the certificate.

(d) Medical assistance coverage for medically necessary services provided under other subdivisions in this section may not be denied solely on the basis that the same or similar services are covered under this subdivision.

(e) The commissioner shall develop and implement package rates, bundled rates, or per diem rates for special education services under which separately covered services are grouped together and billed as a unit in order to reduce administrative complexity.

(f) The commissioner shall develop a cost-based payment structure for payment of these services. Only costs reported through the designated Minnesota Department of Education data systems in distinct service categories qualify for inclusion in the cost-based payment structure. The commissioner shall reimburse claims submitted based on an interim rate, and shall settle at a final rate once the department has determined it. The commissioner shall notify the school district of the final rate. The school district has 60 days to appeal the final rate. To appeal the final rate, the school district shall file a written appeal request to the commissioner within 60 days of the date the final rate determination was mailed. The appeal request shall specify (1) the disputed items and (2) the name and address of the person to contact regarding the appeal.

(g) Effective July 1, 2000, medical assistance services provided under an individual education plan or an individual family service plan by local school districts shall not count against medical assistance authorization thresholds for that child.

(h) Nursing services as defined in section 148.171, subdivision 15, and provided as an individual education plan health-related service, are eligible for medical assistance payment if they are otherwise a covered service under the medical assistance program. Medical assistance covers the administration of prescription medications by a licensed nurse who is employed by or under contract with a school district when the administration of medications is identified in the child's individualized education plan. The simple administration of medications alone is not covered under medical assistance when administered by a provider other than a school district or when it is not identified in the child's individualized education plan.

Subd. 27.Organ and tissue transplants.

All organ transplants must be performed at transplant centers meeting united network for organ sharing criteria or at Medicare-approved organ transplant centers. Stem cell or bone marrow transplant centers must meet the standards established by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy.

Subd. 28.Certified nurse practitioner services.

Medical assistance covers services performed by a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, a certified family nurse practitioner, a certified adult nurse practitioner, a certified obstetric/gynecological nurse practitioner, a certified neonatal nurse practitioner, or a certified geriatric nurse practitioner in independent practice, if:

(1) the service provided on an inpatient basis is not included as part of the cost for inpatient services included in the operating payment rate;

(2) the service is otherwise covered under this chapter as a physician service; and

(3) the service is within the scope of practice of the nurse practitioner's license as a registered nurse, as defined in section 148.171.

Subd. 28a.Licensed physician assistant services.

Medical assistance covers services performed by a licensed physician assistant if the service is otherwise covered under this chapter as a physician service and if the service is within the scope of practice of a licensed physician assistant as defined in section 147A.09.

Subd. 29.Public health nursing clinic services.

Medical assistance covers the services of a certified public health nurse or a registered nurse practicing in a public health nursing clinic that is a department of, or that operates under the direct authority of, a unit of government, if the service is within the scope of practice of the public health or registered nurse's license as a registered nurse, as defined in section 148.171.

Subd. 30.Other clinic services.

(a) Medical assistance covers rural health clinic services, federally qualified health center services, nonprofit community health clinic services, and public health clinic services. Rural health clinic services and federally qualified health center services mean services defined in United States Code, title 42, section 1396d(a)(2)(B) and (C). Payment for rural health clinic and federally qualified health center services shall be made according to applicable federal law and regulation.

(b) A federally qualified health center that is beginning initial operation shall submit an estimate of budgeted costs and visits for the initial reporting period in the form and detail required by the commissioner. A federally qualified health center that is already in operation shall submit an initial report using actual costs and visits for the initial reporting period. Within 90 days of the end of its reporting period, a federally qualified health center shall submit, in the form and detail required by the commissioner, a report of its operations, including allowable costs actually incurred for the period and the actual number of visits for services furnished during the period, and other information required by the commissioner. Federally qualified health centers that file Medicare cost reports shall provide the commissioner with a copy of the most recent Medicare cost report filed with the Medicare program intermediary for the reporting year which support the costs claimed on their cost report to the state.

(c) In order to continue cost-based payment under the medical assistance program according to paragraphs (a) and (b), a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic must apply for designation as an essential community provider within six months of final adoption of rules by the Department of Health according to section 62Q.19, subdivision 7. For those federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics that have applied for essential community provider status within the six-month time prescribed, medical assistance payments will continue to be made according to paragraphs (a) and (b) for the first three years after application. For federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics that either do not apply within the time specified above or who have had essential community provider status for three years, medical assistance payments for health services provided by these entities shall be according to the same rates and conditions applicable to the same service provided by health care providers that are not federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics.

(d) Effective July 1, 1999, the provisions of paragraph (c) requiring a federally qualified health center or a rural health clinic to make application for an essential community provider designation in order to have cost-based payments made according to paragraphs (a) and (b) no longer apply.

(e) Effective January 1, 2000, payments made according to paragraphs (a) and (b) shall be limited to the cost phase-out schedule of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

(f) Effective January 1, 2001, each federally qualified health center and rural health clinic may elect to be paid either under the prospective payment system established in United States Code, title 42, section 1396a(aa), or under an alternative payment methodology consistent with the requirements of United States Code, title 42, section 1396a(aa), and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The alternative payment methodology shall be 100 percent of cost as determined according to Medicare cost principles.

(g) For purposes of this section, "nonprofit community clinic" is a clinic that:

(1) has nonprofit status as specified in chapter 317A;

(2) has tax exempt status as provided in Internal Revenue Code, section 501(c)(3);

(3) is established to provide health services to low-income population groups, uninsured, high-risk and special needs populations, underserved and other special needs populations;

(4) employs professional staff at least one-half of which are familiar with the cultural background of their clients;

(5) charges for services on a sliding fee scale designed to provide assistance to low-income clients based on current poverty income guidelines and family size; and

(6) does not restrict access or services because of a client's financial limitations or public assistance status and provides no-cost care as needed.

Subd. 31.Medical supplies and equipment.

Medical assistance covers medical supplies and equipment. Separate payment outside of the facility's payment rate shall be made for wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories for recipients who are residents of intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled. Reimbursement for wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories for ICF/MR recipients shall be subject to the same conditions and limitations as coverage for recipients who do not reside in institutions. A wheelchair purchased outside of the facility's payment rate is the property of the recipient. The commissioner may set reimbursement rates for specified categories of medical supplies at levels below the Medicare payment rate.

Subd. 31a.Augmentative and alternative communication systems.

(a) Medical assistance covers augmentative and alternative communication systems consisting of electronic or nonelectronic devices and the related components necessary to enable a person with severe expressive communication limitations to produce or transmit messages or symbols in a manner that compensates for that disability.

(b) Until the volume of systems purchased increases to allow a discount price, the commissioner shall reimburse augmentative and alternative communication manufacturers and vendors at the manufacturer's suggested retail price for augmentative and alternative communication systems and related components. The commissioner shall separately reimburse providers for purchasing and integrating individual communication systems which are unavailable as a package from an augmentative and alternative communication vendor.

(c) Reimbursement rates established by this purchasing program are not subject to Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0445, item S or T.

Subd. 32.Nutritional products.

Medical assistance covers nutritional products needed for nutritional supplementation because solid food or nutrients thereof cannot be properly absorbed by the body or needed for treatment of phenylketonuria, hyperlysinemia, maple syrup urine disease, a combined allergy to human milk, cow's milk, and soy formula, or any other childhood or adult diseases, conditions, or disorders identified by the commissioner as requiring a similarly necessary nutritional product. Nutritional products needed for the treatment of a combined allergy to human milk, cow's milk, and soy formula require prior authorization. Separate payment shall not be made for nutritional products for residents of long-term care facilities. Payment for dietary requirements is a component of the per diem rate paid to these facilities.

Subd. 33.Child welfare targeted case management.

Medical assistance, subject to federal approval, covers child welfare targeted case management services as defined in section 256B.094 to children under age 21 who have been assessed and determined in accordance with section 256F.095 to be:

(1) at risk of placement or in placement as defined in section 260C.212, subdivision 1;

(2) at risk of maltreatment or experiencing maltreatment as defined in section 626.556, subdivision 10e; or

(3) in need of protection or services as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6.

Subd. 34.Indian health services facilities.

Medical assistance payments and MinnesotaCare payments to facilities of the Indian health service and facilities operated by a tribe or tribal organization under funding authorized by United States Code, title 25, sections 450f to 450n, or title III of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-638, for enrollees who are eligible for federal financial participation, shall be at the option of the facility in accordance with the rate published by the United States Assistant Secretary for Health under the authority of United States Code, title 42, sections 248(a) and 249(b). General assistance medical care payments to facilities of the Indian health services and facilities operated by a tribe or tribal organization for the provision of outpatient medical care services billed after June 30, 1990, must be in accordance with the general assistance medical care rates paid for the same services when provided in a facility other than a facility of the Indian health service or a facility operated by a tribe or tribal organization. MinnesotaCare payments for enrollees who are not eligible for federal financial participation at facilities of the Indian health service and facilities operated by a tribe or tribal organization for the provision of outpatient medical services must be in accordance with the medical assistance rates paid for the same services when provided in a facility other than a facility of the Indian health service or a facility operated by a tribe or tribal organization.

Subd. 35.

[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 4 s 24]

Subd. 35a.Children's mental health crisis response services.

Medical assistance covers children's mental health crisis response services according to section 256B.0944.

Subd. 35b.Children's therapeutic services and supports.

Medical assistance covers children's therapeutic services and supports according to section 256B.0943.

Subd. 36.

[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 4 s 24]

Subd. 37.Individualized rehabilitation services.

Medical assistance covers individualized rehabilitation services as defined in section 245.492, subdivision 23, that are provided by a collaborative, county, or an entity under contract with a county through an integrated service system, as described in section 245.4931, that is approved by the state coordinating council, subject to federal approval.

Subd. 38.Payments for mental health services.

Payments for mental health services covered under the medical assistance program that are provided by masters-prepared mental health professionals shall be 80 percent of the rate paid to doctoral-prepared professionals. Payments for mental health services covered under the medical assistance program that are provided by masters-prepared mental health professionals employed by community mental health centers shall be 100 percent of the rate paid to doctoral-prepared professionals. For purposes of reimbursement of mental health professionals under the medical assistance program, all social workers who:

(1) have received a master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education;

(2) are licensed at the level of graduate social worker or independent social worker; and

(3) are practicing clinical social work under appropriate supervision, as defined by chapter 148D; meet all requirements under Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0323, subpart 24, and shall be paid accordingly.

Subd. 39.Childhood immunizations.

Providers who administer pediatric vaccines within the scope of their licensure, and who are enrolled as a medical assistance provider, must enroll in the pediatric vaccine administration program established by section 13631 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. Medical assistance shall pay an $8.50 fee per dose for administration of the vaccine to children eligible for medical assistance. Medical assistance does not pay for vaccines that are available at no cost from the pediatric vaccine administration program.

Subd. 40.Tuberculosis related services.

(a) For persons infected with tuberculosis, medical assistance covers case management services and direct observation of the intake of drugs prescribed to treat tuberculosis.

(b) "Case management services" means services furnished to assist persons infected with tuberculosis in gaining access to needed medical services. Case management services include at a minimum:

(1) assessing a person's need for medical services to treat tuberculosis;

(2) developing a care plan that addresses the needs identified in clause (1);

(3) assisting the person in accessing medical services identified in the care plan; and

(4) monitoring the person's compliance with the care plan to ensure completion of tuberculosis therapy. Medical assistance covers case management services under this subdivision only if the services are provided by a certified public health nurse who is employed by a community health board as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5.

(c) To be covered by medical assistance, direct observation of the intake of drugs prescribed to treat tuberculosis must be provided by a community outreach worker, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse who is trained and supervised by a public health nurse employed by a community health board as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5, or a public health nurse employed by a community health board.

Subd. 41.Residential services for children with severe emotional disturbance.

Medical assistance covers rehabilitative services in accordance with section 256B.0945 that are provided by a county through a residential facility, for children who have been diagnosed with severe emotional disturbance and have been determined to require the level of care provided in a residential facility.

Subd. 42.Mental health professional.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0175, subpart 28, the definition of a mental health professional shall include a person who is qualified as specified in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (5) and (6); or 245.4871, subdivision 27, clauses (5) and (6), for the purpose of this section and Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.0170 to 9505.0475.

Subd. 43.Mental health provider travel time.

Medical assistance covers provider travel time if a recipient's individual treatment plan requires the provision of mental health services outside of the provider's normal place of business. This does not include any travel time which is included in other billable services, and is only covered when the mental health service being provided to a recipient is covered under medical assistance.

Subd. 44.Targeted case management services.

Medical assistance covers case management services for vulnerable adults and adults with developmental disabilities, as provided under section 256B.0924.

Subd. 45.Subacute psychiatric care for persons under 21 years of age.

Medical assistance covers subacute psychiatric care for person under 21 years of age when:

(1) the services meet the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 440.160;

(2) the facility is accredited as a psychiatric treatment facility by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, or the Council on Accreditation; and

(3) the facility is licensed by the commissioner of health under section 144.50.

Subd. 46.Mental health telemedicine.

Effective January 1, 2006, and subject to federal approval, mental health services that are otherwise covered by medical assistance as direct face-to-face services may be provided via two-way interactive video. Use of two-way interactive video must be medically appropriate to the condition and needs of the person being served. Reimbursement is at the same rates and under the same conditions that would otherwise apply to the service. The interactive video equipment and connection must comply with Medicare standards in effect at the time the service is provided.

Subd. 47.Treatment foster care services.

Effective July 1, 2011, and subject to federal approval, medical assistance covers treatment foster care services according to section 256B.0946.

Subd. 48.Psychiatric consultation to primary care practitioners.

Effective January 1, 2006, medical assistance covers consultation provided by a psychiatrist 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.

Subd. 49.Community health worker.

(a) Medical assistance covers the care coordination and patient education services provided by a community health worker if the community health worker has:

(1) received a certificate from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System approved community health worker curriculum; or

(2) at least five years of supervised experience with an enrolled physician, registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, mental health professional as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6), and section 245.4871, subdivision 27, clauses (1) to (5), or dentist, or at least five years of supervised experience by a certified public health nurse operating under the direct authority of an enrolled unit of government.

Community health workers eligible for payment under clause (2) must complete the certification program by January 1, 2010, to continue to be eligible for payment.

(b) Community health workers must work under the supervision of a medical assistance enrolled physician, registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, mental health professional as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (6), and section 245.4871, subdivision 27, clauses (1) to (5), or dentist, or work under the supervision of a certified public health nurse operating under the direct authority of an enrolled unit of government.

(c) Care coordination and patient education services covered under this subdivision include, but are not limited to, services relating to oral health and dental care.

Subd. 50.Self-directed supports option.

Upon federal approval, medical assistance covers the self-directed supports option as defined under section 256B.0657 and section 6087 of the Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Public Law 109-171.

[See Note.]

Subd. 51.Provider-directed care coordination services.

The commissioner shall develop and implement a provider-directed care coordination program for medical assistance recipients who are not enrolled in the prepaid medical assistance program and who are receiving services on a fee-for-service basis. This program provides payment to primary care clinics for care coordination for people who have complex and chronic medical conditions. Clinics must meet certain criteria such as the capacity to develop care plans; have a dedicated care coordinator; and have an adequate number of fee-for-service clients, evaluation mechanisms, and quality improvement processes to qualify for reimbursement. For purposes of this subdivision, a primary care clinic is a medical clinic designated as the patient's first point of contact for medical care, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that provides or arranges for the patient's comprehensive health care needs, and provides overall integration, coordination and continuity over time and referrals for specialty care.

Subd. 52.Lead risk assessments.

(a) Effective October 1, 2007, or six months after federal approval, whichever is later, medical assistance covers lead risk assessments provided by a lead risk assessor who is licensed by the commissioner of health under section 144.9505 and employed by an assessing agency as defined in section 144.9501. Medical assistance covers a onetime on-site investigation of a recipient's home or primary residence to determine the existence of lead so long as the recipient is under the age of 21 and has a venous blood lead level specified in section 144.9504, subdivision 2, paragraph (a).

(b) Medical assistance reimbursement covers the lead risk assessor's time to complete the following activities:

(1) gathering samples;

(2) interviewing family members;

(3) gathering data, including meter readings; and

(4) providing a report with the results of the investigation and options for reducing lead-based paint hazards.

Medical assistance coverage of lead risk assessment does not include testing of environmental substances such as water, paint, or soil or any other laboratory services. Medical assistance coverage of lead risk assessments is not included in the capitated services for children enrolled in health plans through the prepaid medical assistance program and the MinnesotaCare program.

(c) Payment for lead risk assessment must be cost-based and must meet the criteria for federal financial participation under the Medicaid program. The rate must be based on allowable expenditures from cost information gathered. Under section 144.9507, subdivision 5, federal medical assistance funds may not replace existing funding for lead-related activities. The nonfederal share of costs for services provided under this subdivision must be from state or local funds and is the responsibility of the agency providing the risk assessment. When the risk assessment is conducted by the commissioner of health, the state share must be from appropriations to the commissioner of health for this purpose. Eligible expenditures for the nonfederal share of costs may not be made from federal funds or funds used to match other federal funds. Any federal disallowances are the responsibility of the agency providing risk assessment services.

Subd. 53.Centers of excellence.

For complex medical procedures with a high degree of variation in outcomes, for which the Medicare program requires facilities providing the services to meet certain criteria as a condition of coverage, the commissioner may develop centers of excellence facility criteria in consultation with the Health Services Policy Committee under subdivision 3c. The criteria must reflect facility traits that have been linked to superior patient safety and outcomes for the procedures in question, and must be based on the best available empirical evidence. For medical assistance recipients enrolled on a fee-for-service basis, the commissioner may make coverage for these procedures conditional upon the facility providing the services meeting the specified criteria. Only facilities meeting the criteria may be reimbursed for the procedures in question.

[See Note.]

Subd. 54.Services provided in birth centers.

(a) Medical assistance covers services provided in a licensed birth center by a licensed health professional if the service would otherwise be covered if provided in a hospital.

(b) Facility services provided by a birth center shall be paid at the lower of billed charges or 70 percent of the statewide average for a facility payment rate made to a hospital for an uncomplicated vaginal birth as determined using the most recent calendar year for which complete claims data is available. If a recipient is transported from a birth center to a hospital prior to the delivery, the payment for facility services to the birth center shall be the lower of billed charges or 15 percent of the average facility payment made to a hospital for the services provided for an uncomplicated vaginal delivery as determined using the most recent calendar year for which complete claims data is available.

(c) Nursery care services provided by a birth center shall be paid the lower of billed charges or 70 percent of the statewide average for a payment rate paid to a hospital for nursery care as determined by using the most recent calendar year for which complete claims data is available.

(d) Professional services provided by traditional midwives licensed under chapter 147D shall be paid at the lower of billed charges or 100 percent of the rate paid to a physician performing the same services. If a recipient is transported from a birth center to a hospital prior to the delivery, a licensed traditional midwife who does not perform the delivery may not bill for any delivery services. Services are not covered if provided by an unlicensed traditional midwife.

(e) The commissioner shall apply for any necessary waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to allow birth centers and birth center providers to be reimbursed.

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 2; 1969 c 395 s 1; 1973 c 717 s 17; 1975 c 247 s 9; 1975 c 384 s 1; 1975 c 437 art 2 s 3; 1976 c 173 s 56; 1976 c 236 s 1; 1976 c 312 s 1; 1978 c 508 s 2; 1978 c 560 s 10; 1981 c 360 art 2 s 26,54; 1Sp1981 c 2 s 12; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 4 s 22; 3Sp1981 c 2 art 1 s 31; 1982 c 562 s 2; 1983 c 151 s 1,2; 1983 c 312 art 1 s 27; art 5 s 10; art 9 s 4; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1985 c 21 s 52-54; 1985 c 49 s 41; 1985 c 252 s 19,20; 1Sp1985 c 3 s 19; 1986 c 394 s 17; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 309 s 24; 1987 c 370 art 1 s 3; art 2 s 4; 1987 c 374 s 1; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 73,74; art 5 s 16; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 141,268; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 54-58; 1990 c 422 s 10; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 43-50,104; 1991 c 199 art 2 s 1; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 41-49; art 6 s 45; art 7 s 5,9-11; 1992 c 391 s 1,2; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 43-49; art 9 s 25; 1993 c 246 s 1,2; 1993 c 247 art 4 s 11; 1993 c 345 art 13 s 1; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 3 s 23; art 5 s 36-49; art 7 s 41-44; art 9 s 71; 1Sp1993 c 6 s 10; 1994 c 465 art 3 s 52; 1994 c 625 art 8 s 72; 1995 c 178 art 2 s 26; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 38-51; art 8 s 33; 1995 c 234 art 6 s 38; 1995 c 263 s 10; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 20; art 5 s 15,16; 1997 c 203 art 2 s 25; art 4 s 25,26; 1997 c 225 art 4 s 3; art 6 s 5,8; 1998 c 398 art 2 s 46; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 20-28; 1999 c 86 art 2 s 4; 1999 c 139 art 4 s 2; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 37-49,121; art 5 s 20; art 8 s 5,87; art 10 s 10; 2000 c 298 s 3; 2000 c 347 s 1; 2000 c 474 s 6,7; 2000 c 488 art 9 s 16; 2001 c 178 art 1 s 44; 2001 c 203 s 9; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 30-38; art 3 s 16-19; art 9 s 41,42; 2002 c 220 art 15 s 13; 2002 c 277 s 12-14,32; 2002 c 294 s 6; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 13-16; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 112 art 2 s 50; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 25; art 4 s 4-7; art 11 s 11; art 12 s 33-36; 2004 c 288 art 5 s 3; art 6 s 22; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 48; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 98 art 2 s 3,4; 2005 c 147 art 1 s 67; 2005 c 155 art 3 s 2-6; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 2 s 8-10; art 7 s 13,14; art 8 s 29-40; 2006 c 282 art 16 s 6; 2007 c 147 art 4 s 5-7; art 5 s 9; art 6 s 18; art 7 s 6,7; art 8 s 19-21; art 11 s 17; art 15 s 16; art 16 s 16; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 29-32; 2008 c 363 art 15 s 4; art 17 s 9; 2009 c 79 art 5 s 25-36; art 7 s 18,20; art 8 s 18-21; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2009 c 159 s 89; 2009 c 167 s 13; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 20,21,41; art 3 s 9,10; 2010 c 200 art 1 s 4,5; 2010 c 303 s 4; 2010 c 307 s 1; 2010 c 310 art 1 s 1; art 6 s 2; art 7 s 1; art 8 s 1; art 9 s 1; art 10 s 1; art 11 s 1; art 12 s 1,2; 2010 c 352 art 1 s 7; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 8-15; art 24 s 4

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 8d by Laws 2010, chapter 310, article 12, section 1, is effective upon federal approval. Laws 2010, chapter 310, article 12, section 1, the effective date.

NOTE: Subdivision 13e, paragraph (f), as added by Laws 2010, chapter 310, article 12, section 2, is effective upon federal approval. Laws 2010, chapter 310, article 12, section 2, the effective date.

NOTE: Subdivision 16 was found unconstitutional with regard to public funding for medical services related to therapeutic abortions. Women of State of Minn. by Doe v. Gomez, 542 N.W.2d 17 (Minn. 1995).

NOTE: Subdivision 50 as added by Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 7, section 7, is effective upon federal approval of the state Medicaid plan amendment. Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 7, section 7, the effective date.

NOTE: Subdivision 53, as added by Laws 2009, chapter 173, article 3, section 10, is effective August 1, 2009, or upon federal approval, whichever is later. Laws 2009, chapter 173, article 3, section 10, the effective date.

256B.0626 ESTIMATION OF 50TH PERCENTILE OF PREVAILING CHARGES.

(a) The 50th percentile of the prevailing charge for the base year identified in statute must be estimated by the commissioner in the following situations:

(1) there were less than five billings in the calendar year specified in legislation governing maximum payment rates;

(2) the service was not available in the calendar year specified in legislation governing maximum payment rates;

(3) the payment amount is the result of a provider appeal;

(4) the procedure code description has changed since the calendar year specified in legislation governing maximum payment rates, and, therefore, the prevailing charge information reflects the same code but a different procedure description; or

(5) the 50th percentile reflects a payment which is grossly inequitable when compared with payment rates for procedures or services which are substantially similar.

(b) When one of the situations identified in paragraph (a) occurs, the commissioner shall use the following methodology to reconstruct a rate comparable to the 50th percentile of the prevailing rate:

(1) refer to information which exists for the first four billings in the calendar year specified in legislation governing maximum payment rates; or

(2) refer to surrounding or comparable procedure codes; or

(3) refer to the 50th percentile of years subsequent to the calendar year specified in legislation governing maximum payment rates, and reduce that amount by applying an appropriate Consumer Price Index formula; or

(4) refer to relative value indexes; or

(5) refer to reimbursement information from other third parties, such as Medicare.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 50; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 27

256B.0627

Subdivision 1.

[Paragraph (a) renumbered 256B.0651, subdivision 1; 256B.0655, subd 1a]

[Paragraph (b) renumbered 256B.0651, subdivision 1, para (b); 256B.0654, subdivision 1, para (a); 256B.0655, subd 1b]

[Paragraph (c) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 1c]

[Paragraph (d) renumbered 256B.0654, subdivision 1, para (b)]

[Paragraph (e) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 1d]

[Paragraph (f) renumbered 256B.0651, subdivision 1, para (c)]

Paragraph (g) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 1e

[Paragraph (h) renumbered 256B.0651, subdivision 1, para (d)]

[Paragraph (i) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 1f]

[Paragraph (j) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 1g]

[Paragraph (k) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 1h]

[Paragraph (l) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 1i]

[Paragraph (m) renumbered 256B.0653, subdivision 1]

[Paragraph (n) renumbered 256B.0651, subdivision 1, para (e)]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 256B.0651, subd 2]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1991 c 292 art 7 s 26]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 256B.0655, subd 2]

Subd. 5.

[Paragraph (a) renumbered 256B.0651, subds 10 and 11]

[Paragraph (b) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 4]

[Paragraph (c) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 5]

[Paragraph (d) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 3]

[Paragraph (e) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 6; 256B.0655, subd 4]

[Paragraph (e)(1) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 6]

[Paragraph (e)(2) renumbered 256B.0655, subd 4]

[Paragraph (e)(3) renumbered 256B.0654, subd 2]

[Paragraph (e)(4) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 6, para (b)]

[Paragraph (f) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 7]

[Paragraph (g) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 12]

[Paragraph (h) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 8]

[Paragraph (i) renumbered 256B.0651, subd 9]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 256B.0651, subd 13]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 256B.0651, subd 3]

Subd. 8.

[Renumbered 256B.0655, subd 5]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 256B.0655, subd 6]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 256B.0655, subd 7]

Subd. 11.

[Renumbered 256B.0654, subd 3]

Subd. 12.

[Renumbered 256B.0655, subd 8]

Subd. 13.

[Renumbered 256B.0656]

Subd. 14.

[Renumbered 256B.0653, subd 2]

Subd. 15.

[Renumbered 256B.0653, subd 3]

Subd. 16.

[Renumbered 256B.0654, subd 4]

Subd. 17.

[Renumbered 256B.0655, subd 9]

Subd. 18.

[Renumbered 256B.0655, subd 10]

256B.0628 [Renumbered 256B.0652]

256B.0629

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2005 c 98 art 2 s 18]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2005 c 98 art 2 s 18]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2005 c 98 art 2 s 18]

256B.063 COST SHARING.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 256B.05, subdivision 2, the commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, and to require a nominal enrollment fee, premium, or similar charge for recipients of medical assistance, if and to the extent required by applicable federal regulation.

History:

1973 c 717 s 5

256B.0631 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE CO-PAYMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Co-payments.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision 2, the medical assistance benefit plan shall include the following co-payments for all recipients, effective for services provided on or after October 1, 2003, and before January 1, 2009:

(1) $3 per nonpreventive visit. For purposes of this subdivision, a visit means an episode of service which is required because of a recipient's symptoms, diagnosis, or established illness, and which is delivered in an ambulatory setting by a physician or physician ancillary, chiropractor, podiatrist, nurse midwife, advanced practice nurse, audiologist, optician, or optometrist;

(2) $3 for eyeglasses;

(3) $6 for nonemergency visits to a hospital-based emergency room; and

(4) $3 per brand-name drug prescription and $1 per generic drug prescription, subject to a $12 per month maximum for prescription drug co-payments. No co-payments shall apply to antipsychotic drugs when used for the treatment of mental illness.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision 2, the medical assistance benefit plan shall include the following co-payments for all recipients, effective for services provided on or after January 1, 2009:

(1) $3.50 for nonemergency visits to a hospital-based emergency room;

(2) $3 per brand-name drug prescription and $1 per generic drug prescription, subject to a $7 per month maximum for prescription drug co-payments. No co-payments shall apply to antipsychotic drugs when used for the treatment of mental illness; and

(3) for individuals identified by the commissioner with income at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, total monthly co-payments must not exceed five percent of family income. For purposes of this paragraph, family income is the total earned and unearned income of the individual and the individual's spouse, if the spouse is enrolled in medical assistance and also subject to the five percent limit on co-payments.

(c) Recipients of medical assistance are responsible for all co-payments in this subdivision.

Subd. 2.Exceptions.

Co-payments shall be subject to the following exceptions:

(1) children under the age of 21;

(2) pregnant women for services that relate to the pregnancy or any other medical condition that may complicate the pregnancy;

(3) recipients expected to reside for at least 30 days in a hospital, nursing home, or intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled;

(4) recipients receiving hospice care;

(5) 100 percent federally funded services provided by an Indian health service;

(6) emergency services;

(7) family planning services;

(8) services that are paid by Medicare, resulting in the medical assistance program paying for the coinsurance and deductible; and

(9) co-payments that exceed one per day per provider for nonpreventive visits, eyeglasses, and nonemergency visits to a hospital-based emergency room.

Subd. 3.Collection.

(a) The medical assistance reimbursement to the provider shall be reduced by the amount of the co-payment, except that reimbursements shall not be reduced:

(1) once a recipient has reached the $12 per month maximum or the $7 per month maximum effective January 1, 2009, for prescription drug co-payments; or

(2) for a recipient identified by the commissioner under 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines who has met their monthly five percent co-payment limit.

(b) The provider collects the co-payment from the recipient. Providers may not deny services to recipients who are unable to pay the co-payment.

(c) Medical assistance reimbursement to fee-for-service providers and payments to managed care plans shall not be increased as a result of the removal of co-payments effective on or after January 1, 2009.

Subd. 4.

MS 2006 [Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 5 s 41]

History:

1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 37; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 41,42; 2007 c 147 art 5 s 10,11,41; 2008 c 363 art 17 s 10,11; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 16,17

256B.0635 CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

Subdivision 1.Increased employment.

(a) Until June 30, 2002, medical assistance may be paid for persons who received MFIP or medical assistance for families and children in at least three of six months preceding the month in which the person became ineligible for MFIP or medical assistance, if the ineligibility was due to an increase in hours of employment or employment income or due to the loss of an earned income disregard. In addition, to receive continued assistance under this section, persons who received medical assistance for families and children but did not receive MFIP must have had income less than or equal to the assistance standard for their family size under the state's AFDC plan in effect as of July 16, 1996, increased by three percent effective July 1, 2000, at the time medical assistance eligibility began. A person who is eligible for extended medical assistance is entitled to six months of assistance without reapplication, unless the assistance unit ceases to include a dependent child. For a person under 21 years of age, medical assistance may not be discontinued within the six-month period of extended eligibility until it has been determined that the person is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance. Medical assistance may be continued for an additional six months if the person meets all requirements for the additional six months, according to title XIX of the Social Security Act, as amended by section 303 of the Family Support Act of 1988, Public Law 100-485.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2002, contingent upon federal funding, medical assistance for families and children may be paid for persons who were eligible under section 256B.055, subdivision 3a, in at least three of six months preceding the month in which the person became ineligible under that section if the ineligibility was due to an increase in hours of employment or employment income or due to the loss of an earned income disregard. A person who is eligible for extended medical assistance is entitled to six months of assistance without reapplication, unless the assistance unit ceases to include a dependent child, except medical assistance may not be discontinued for that dependent child under 21 years of age within the six-month period of extended eligibility until it has been determined that the person is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance. Medical assistance may be continued for an additional six months if the person meets all requirements for the additional six months, according to title XIX of the Social Security Act, as amended by section 303 of the Family Support Act of 1988, Public Law 100-485.

Subd. 2.Increased child or spousal support.

(a) Until June 30, 2002, medical assistance may be paid for persons who received MFIP or medical assistance for families and children in at least three of the six months preceding the month in which the person became ineligible for MFIP or medical assistance, if the ineligibility was the result of the collection of child or spousal support under part D of title IV of the Social Security Act. In addition, to receive continued assistance under this section, persons who received medical assistance for families and children but did not receive MFIP must have had income less than or equal to the assistance standard for their family size under the state's AFDC plan in effect as of July 16, 1996, increased by three percent effective July 1, 2000, at the time medical assistance eligibility began. A person who is eligible for extended medical assistance under this subdivision is entitled to four months of assistance without reapplication, unless the assistance unit ceases to include a dependent child, except medical assistance may not be discontinued for that dependent child under 21 years of age within the four-month period of extended eligibility until it has been determined that the person is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2002, contingent upon federal funding, medical assistance for families and children may be paid for persons who were eligible under section 256B.055, subdivision 3a, in at least three of the six months preceding the month in which the person became ineligible under that section if the ineligibility was the result of the collection of child or spousal support under part D of title IV of the Social Security Act. A person who is eligible for extended medical assistance under this subdivision is entitled to four months of assistance without reapplication, unless the assistance unit ceases to include a dependent child, except medical assistance may not be discontinued for that dependent child under 21 years of age within the four-month period of extended eligibility until it has been determined that the person is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2002 c 277 s 34]

History:

1997 c 85 art 3 s 22; 1998 c 407 art 6 s 13; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 59; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 40,41,76; art 10 s 66; 2002 c 277 s 31,33; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 38,39

256B.0636 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRESCRIPTIONS; ABUSE PREVENTION.

The commissioner of human services shall develop and implement a plan to:

(1) review utilization patterns of Minnesota health care program enrollees for controlled substances listed in section 152.02, subdivisions 3 and 4, and those substances defined by the Board of Pharmacy under section 152.02, subdivisions 8 and 12;

(2) develop a mechanism to address abuses both for fee-for-service Minnesota health care program enrollees and those enrolled in managed care plans; and

(3) provide education to Minnesota health care program enrollees on the proper use of controlled substances.

For purposes of this section, "Minnesota health care program" means medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, or general assistance medical care.

History:

2007 c 147 art 12 s 11

256B.0637 PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY; TREATMENT FOR BREAST OR CERVICAL CANCER.

Medical assistance is available during a presumptive eligibility period for persons who meet the criteria in section 256B.057, subdivision 10. For purposes of this section, the presumptive eligibility period begins on the date on which an entity designated by the commissioner determines, based on preliminary information, that the person meets the criteria in section 256B.057, subdivision 10. The presumptive eligibility period ends on the day on which a determination is made as to the person's eligibility, except that if an application is not submitted by the last day of the month following the month during which the determination based on preliminary information is made, the presumptive eligibility period ends on that last day of the month.

History:

1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 42; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113

256B.064 SANCTIONS; MONETARY RECOVERY.

Subdivision 1.Terminating payments to ineligible vendors.

The commissioner may terminate payments under this chapter to any person or facility that, under applicable federal law or regulation, has been determined to be ineligible for payments under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

Subd. 1a.Grounds for sanctions against vendors.

The commissioner may impose sanctions against a vendor of medical care for any of the following: (1) fraud, theft, or abuse in connection with the provision of medical care to recipients of public assistance; (2) a pattern of presentment of false or duplicate claims or claims for services not medically necessary; (3) a pattern of making false statements of material facts for the purpose of obtaining greater compensation than that to which the vendor is legally entitled; (4) suspension or termination as a Medicare vendor; (5) refusal to grant the state agency access during regular business hours to examine all records necessary to disclose the extent of services provided to program recipients and appropriateness of claims for payment; (6) failure to repay an overpayment finally established under this section; and (7) any reason for which a vendor could be excluded from participation in the Medicare program under section 1128, 1128A, or 1866(b)(2) of the Social Security Act. The determination of services not medically necessary may be made by the commissioner in consultation with a peer advisory task force appointed by the commissioner on the recommendation of appropriate professional organizations. The task force expires as provided in section 15.059, subdivision 5.

Subd. 1b.Sanctions available.

The commissioner may impose the following sanctions for the conduct described in subdivision 1a: suspension or withholding of payments to a vendor and suspending or terminating participation in the program. Regardless of imposition of sanctions, the commissioner may make a referral to the appropriate state licensing board.

Subd. 1c.Grounds for and methods of monetary recovery.

(a) The commissioner may obtain monetary recovery from a vendor who has been improperly paid either as a result of conduct described in subdivision 1a or as a result of a vendor or department error, regardless of whether the error was intentional. Patterns need not be proven as a precondition to monetary recovery of erroneous or false claims, duplicate claims, claims for services not medically necessary, or claims based on false statements.

(b) The commissioner may obtain monetary recovery using methods including but not limited to the following: assessing and recovering money improperly paid and debiting from future payments any money improperly paid. The commissioner shall charge interest on money to be recovered if the recovery is to be made by installment payments or debits, except when the monetary recovery is of an overpayment that resulted from a department error. The interest charged shall be the rate established by the commissioner of revenue under section 270C.40.

Subd. 1d.Investigative costs.

The commissioner may seek recovery of investigative costs from any vendor of medical care or services who willfully submits a claim for reimbursement for services that the vendor knows, or reasonably should have known, is a false representation and that results in the payment of public funds for which the vendor is ineligible. Billing errors that result in unintentional overcharges shall not be grounds for investigative cost recoupment.

Subd. 2.Imposition of monetary recovery and sanctions.

(a) The commissioner shall determine any monetary amounts to be recovered and sanctions to be imposed upon a vendor of medical care under this section. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (d), neither a monetary recovery nor a sanction will be imposed by the commissioner without prior notice and an opportunity for a hearing, according to chapter 14, on the commissioner's proposed action, provided that the commissioner may suspend or reduce payment to a vendor of medical care, except a nursing home or convalescent care facility, after notice and prior to the hearing if in the commissioner's opinion that action is necessary to protect the public welfare and the interests of the program.

(b) Except for a nursing home or convalescent care facility, the commissioner may withhold or reduce payments to a vendor of medical care without providing advance notice of such withholding or reduction if either of the following occurs:

(1) the vendor is convicted of a crime involving the conduct described in subdivision 1a; or

(2) the commissioner receives reliable evidence of fraud or willful misrepresentation by the vendor.

(c) The commissioner must send notice of the withholding or reduction of payments under paragraph (b) within five days of taking such action. The notice must:

(1) state that payments are being withheld according to paragraph (b);

(2) except in the case of a conviction for conduct described in subdivision 1a, state that the withholding is for a temporary period and cite the circumstances under which withholding will be terminated;

(3) identify the types of claims to which the withholding applies; and

(4) inform the vendor of the right to submit written evidence for consideration by the commissioner.

The withholding or reduction of payments will not continue after the commissioner determines there is insufficient evidence of fraud or willful misrepresentation by the vendor, or after legal proceedings relating to the alleged fraud or willful misrepresentation are completed, unless the commissioner has sent notice of intention to impose monetary recovery or sanctions under paragraph (a).

(d) The commissioner may suspend or terminate a vendor's participation in the program without providing advance notice and an opportunity for a hearing when the suspension or termination is required because of the vendor's exclusion from participation in Medicare. Within five days of taking such action, the commissioner must send notice of the suspension or termination. The notice must:

(1) state that suspension or termination is the result of the vendor's exclusion from Medicare;

(2) identify the effective date of the suspension or termination;

(3) inform the vendor of the need to be reinstated to Medicare before reapplying for participation in the program; and

(4) inform the vendor of the right to submit written evidence for consideration by the commissioner.

(e) Upon receipt of a notice under paragraph (a) that a monetary recovery or sanction is to be imposed, a vendor may request a contested case, as defined in section 14.02, subdivision 3, by filing with the commissioner a written request of appeal. The appeal request must be received by the commissioner no later than 30 days after the date the notification of monetary recovery or sanction was mailed to the vendor. The appeal request must specify:

(1) each disputed item, the reason for the dispute, and an estimate of the dollar amount involved for each disputed item;

(2) the computation that the vendor believes is correct;

(3) the authority in statute or rule upon which the vendor relies for each disputed item;

(4) the name and address of the person or entity with whom contacts may be made regarding the appeal; and

(5) other information required by the commissioner.

History:

1973 c 717 s 6; 1976 c 188 s 1; 1980 c 349 s 5,6; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1983 c 312 art 5 s 17; 1987 c 370 art 1 s 4; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 81; 1988 c 629 s 52; 1991 c 292 art 5 s 29; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 51,52; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 30-32; 2000 c 400 s 1; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 17; 2005 c 151 art 2 s 17

256B.0641 RECOVERY OF OVERPAYMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Recovery procedures; sources.

Notwithstanding section 256B.72 or any law or rule to the contrary, when the commissioner or the federal government determines that an overpayment has been made by the state to any medical assistance vendor, the commissioner shall recover the overpayment as follows:

(1) if the federal share of the overpayment amount is due and owing to the federal government under federal law and regulations, the commissioner shall recover from the medical assistance vendor the federal share of the determined overpayment amount paid to that provider using the schedule of payments required by the federal government;

(2) if the overpayment to a medical assistance vendor is due to a retroactive adjustment made because the medical assistance vendor's temporary payment rate was higher than the established desk audit payment rate or because of a department error in calculating a payment rate, the commissioner shall recover from the medical assistance vendor the total amount of the overpayment within 120 days after the date on which written notice of the adjustment is sent to the medical assistance vendor or according to a schedule of payments approved by the commissioner; and

(3) a medical assistance vendor is liable for the overpayment amount owed by a long-term care provider if the vendors or their owners are under common control or ownership.

Subd. 2.Overpayments to prior owners.

The current owner of a nursing home, boarding care home, or intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities is liable for the overpayment amount owed by a former owner for any facility sold, transferred, or reorganized after May 15, 1987. Within 12 months of a written request by the current owner, the commissioner shall conduct a field audit of the facility for the auditable rate years during which the former owner owned the facility and issue a report of the field audit within 15 months of the written request. Nothing in this subdivision limits the liability of a former owner.

Subd. 3.Facility in receivership.

Subdivision 2 does not apply to the change of ownership of a facility to a nonrelated organization while the facility to be sold, transferred or reorganized is in receivership under section 144A.14, 144A.15, 245A.12, or 245A.13, and the commissioner during the receivership has not determined the need to place residents of the facility into a newly constructed or newly established facility. Nothing in this subdivision limits the liability of a former owner.

History:

1Sp1985 c 9 art 2 s 39; 1987 c 133 s 1; 1991 c 292 art 6 s 46; 1995 c 207 art 7 s 22; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 22

256B.0642 FEDERAL FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION.

The commissioner may, in the aggregate, prospectively reduce payment rates for medical assistance providers receiving federal funds to avoid reduced federal financial participation resulting from rates that are in excess of the Medicare limitations.

History:

1989 c 282 art 3 s 59

256B.0643 VENDOR REQUEST FOR CONTESTED CASE PROCEEDING.

Unless otherwise provided by law, a vendor of medical care, as defined in section 256B.02, subdivision 7, must use this procedure to request a contested case, as defined in section 14.02, subdivision 3. A request for a contested case must be filed with the commissioner in writing within 60 days after the date the notification of an action or determination was mailed. The appeal request must specify:

(1) each disputed action or item;

(2) the reason for the dispute;

(3) an estimate of the dollar amount involved, if any, for each disputed item;

(4) the computation or other disposition that the appealing party believes is correct;

(5) the authority in statute or rule upon which the appealing party relies for each disputed item;

(6) the name and address of the person or firm with whom contacts may be made regarding the appeal; and

(7) other information required by the commissioner. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a right to an administrative appeal or contested case proceeding.

History:

1990 c 568 art 3 s 53

256B.0644 REIMBURSEMENT UNDER OTHER STATE HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS.

(a) A vendor of medical care, as defined in section 256B.02, subdivision 7, and a health maintenance organization, as defined in chapter 62D, must participate as a provider or contractor in the medical assistance program, general assistance medical care program, and MinnesotaCare as a condition of participating as a provider in health insurance plans and programs or contractor for state employees established under section 43A.18, the public employees insurance program under section 43A.316, for health insurance plans offered to local statutory or home rule charter city, county, and school district employees, the workers' compensation system under section 176.135, and insurance plans provided through the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association under sections 62E.01 to 62E.19. The limitations on insurance plans offered to local government employees shall not be applicable in geographic areas where provider participation is limited by managed care contracts with the Department of Human Services.

(b) For providers other than health maintenance organizations, participation in the medical assistance program means that:

(1) the provider accepts new medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare patients;

(2) for providers other than dental service providers, at least 20 percent of the provider's patients are covered by medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare as their primary source of coverage; or

(3) for dental service providers, at least ten percent of the provider's patients are covered by medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare as their primary source of coverage, or the provider accepts new medical assistance and MinnesotaCare patients who are children with special health care needs. For purposes of this section, "children with special health care needs" means children up to age 18 who: (i) require health and related services beyond that required by children generally; and (ii) have or are at risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition, including: bleeding and coagulation disorders; immunodeficiency disorders; cancer; endocrinopathy; developmental disabilities; epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other neurological diseases; visual impairment or deafness; Down syndrome and other genetic disorders; autism; fetal alcohol syndrome; and other conditions designated by the commissioner after consultation with representatives of pediatric dental providers and consumers.

(c) Patients seen on a volunteer basis by the provider at a location other than the provider's usual place of practice may be considered in meeting the participation requirement in this section. The commissioner shall establish participation requirements for health maintenance organizations. The commissioner shall provide lists of participating medical assistance providers on a quarterly basis to the commissioner of management and budget, the commissioner of labor and industry, and the commissioner of commerce. Each of the commissioners shall develop and implement procedures to exclude as participating providers in the program or programs under their jurisdiction those providers who do not participate in the medical assistance program. The commissioner of management and budget shall implement this section through contracts with participating health and dental carriers.

(d) For purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b), participation in the general assistance medical care program applies only to pharmacy providers.

History:

1992 c 549 art 4 s 13; 1993 c 13 art 2 s 7; 1993 c 247 art 4 s 9; 1993 c 339 s 14; 1993 c 345 art 9 s 14; 1995 c 248 art 10 s 16; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 33,72; 1999 c 177 s 87; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 43; 2002 c 275 s 3; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2007 c 147 art 5 s 12; 2008 c 204 s 42; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2010 c 200 art 1 s 6; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 18

256B.0645 PROVIDER PAYMENTS; RETROACTIVE CHANGES IN ELIGIBILITY.

Payment to a provider for a health care service provided to a general assistance medical care recipient who is later determined eligible for medical assistance or MinnesotaCare according to section 256L.03, subdivision 1a, for the period in which the health care service was provided, may be adjusted due to the change in eligibility. This section does not apply to payments made to health plans on a prepaid capitated basis.

History:

1995 c 234 art 6 s 39; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 32

256B.065 SOCIAL SECURITY AMENDMENTS.

The commissioner shall comply with requirements of the Social Security amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92-603) necessary in order to avoid loss of federal funds, and shall implement by rule, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, those provisions required of state agencies supervising Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

History:

1973 c 717 s 7

256B.0651 HOME CARE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659, the terms in paragraphs (b) to (g) have the meanings given.

(b) "Activities of daily living" has the meaning given in section 256B.0659, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).

(c) "Assessment" means a review and evaluation of a recipient's need for home care services conducted in person.

(d) "Home care services" means medical assistance covered services that are home health agency services, including skilled nurse visits; home health aide visits; physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and language-speech pathology therapy; private duty nursing; and personal care assistance.

(e) "Home residence," effective January 1, 2010, means a residence owned or rented by the recipient either alone, with roommates of the recipient's choosing, or with an unpaid responsible party or legal representative; or a family foster home where the license holder lives with the recipient and is not paid to provide home care services for the recipient except as allowed under sections 256B.0652, subdivision 10, and 256B.0654, subdivision 4.

(f) "Medically necessary" has the meaning given in Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.0170 to 9505.0475.

(g) "Ventilator-dependent" means an individual who receives mechanical ventilation for life support at least six hours per day and is expected to be or has been dependent on a ventilator for at least 30 consecutive days.

Subd. 2.Services covered.

Home care services covered under this section and sections 256B.0652 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659 include:

(1) nursing services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 6a, and 256B.0653;

(2) private duty nursing services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 7, and 256B.0654;

(3) home health services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 6a, and 256B.0653;

(4) personal care assistance services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, and 256B.0659;

(5) supervision of personal care assistance services provided by a qualified professional under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, and 256B.0659;

(6) face-to-face assessments by county public health nurses for services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, and 256B.0659; and

(7) service updates and review of temporary increases for personal care assistance services by the county public health nurse for services under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, and 256B.0659.

Subd. 3.Noncovered home care services.

The following home care services are not eligible for payment under medical assistance:

(1) services provided in a nursing facility, hospital, or intermediate care facility with exceptions in section 256B.0653;

(2) services for the sole purpose of monitoring medication compliance with an established medication program for a recipient;

(3) home care services for covered services under the Medicare program or any other insurance held by the recipient;

(4) services to other members of the recipient's household;

(5) any home care service included in the daily rate of the community-based residential facility where the recipient is residing;

(6) nursing and rehabilitation therapy services that are reasonably accessible to a recipient outside the recipient's place of residence, excluding the assessment, counseling and education, and personal assistance care; or

(7) Medicare evaluation or administrative nursing visits on dual-eligible recipients that do not qualify for Medicare visit billing.

Subd. 4.

MS 2008 [Renumbered 256B.0652, subd 14]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed by amendment, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 23]

Subd. 6.

MS 2008 [Paragraph (a) renumbered 256B.0652, subd 3a]

[Paragraph (b) renumbered 256B.0652, subd 4]

[Paragraph (c) renumbered 256B.0652, subd 7]

Subd. 7.

MS 2008 [Paragraph (a) renumbered 256B.0652, subd 8]

[Paragraph (b) renumbered 256B.0652, subd 8]

[Paragraph (c) renumbered 256B.0652, subd 13]

Subd. 8.

MS 2008 [Renumbered 256B.0652, subd 9]

Subd. 9.

MS 2008 [Renumbered 256B.0652, subd 10]

Subd. 10.

[Repealed by amendment, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 23]

Subd. 11.

MS 2008 [Renumbered 256B.0652, subd 11]

Subd. 12.Approval of home care services.

The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall determine the medical necessity of home care services, the level of caregiver according to subdivision 2, and the institutional comparison according to this subdivision and sections 256B.0652, subdivisions 3a, 4 to 11, 13, and 14, and 256B.0659, the cost-effectiveness of services, and the amount, scope, and duration of home care services reimbursable by medical assistance, based on the assessment, primary payer coverage determination information as required, the service plan, the recipient's age, the cost of services, the recipient's medical condition, and diagnosis or disability. The commissioner may publish additional criteria for determining medical necessity according to section 256B.04.

Subd. 13.Recovery of excessive payments.

The commissioner shall seek monetary recovery from providers of payments made for services which exceed the limits established in this section and sections 256B.0653 to 256B.0656, and 256B.0659. This subdivision does not apply to services provided to a recipient at the previously authorized level pending an appeal under section 256.045, subdivision 10.

Subd. 14.Referrals to Medicare providers required.

Home care providers that do not participate in or accept Medicare assignment must refer and document the referral of dual-eligible recipients to Medicare providers when Medicare is determined to be the appropriate payer for services and supplies and equipment. Providers must be terminated from participation in the medical assistance program for failure to make these referrals.

Subd. 15.Quality assurance for program integrity.

The commissioner shall establish an ongoing quality assurance process for home care services to monitor program integrity, including provider standards and training, consumer surveys, and random reviews of documentation.

Subd. 16.Oversight of enrolled providers.

The commissioner has the authority to request proof of documentation of meeting provider standards, quality standards of care, correct billing practices, and other information. Failure to comply with or to provide access and information to demonstrate compliance with laws, rules, or policies may result in suspension, denial, or termination of the provider agency's enrollment with the department.

Subd. 17.Recipient protection.

(a) Providers of home care services must provide each recipient with a copy of the home care bill of rights under section 144A.44 at least 30 days prior to terminating services to a recipient, if the termination results from provider sanctions under section 256B.064, such as a payment withhold, a suspension of participation, or a termination of participation. If a home care provider determines it is unable to continue providing services to a recipient, the provider must notify the recipient, the recipient's responsible party, and the commissioner 30 days prior to terminating services to the recipient because of an action under section 256B.064, and must assist the commissioner and lead agency in supporting the recipient in transitioning to another home care provider of the recipient's choice.

(b) In the event of a payment withhold from a home care provider, a suspension of participation, or a termination of participation of a home care provider under section 256B.064, the commissioner may inform the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and the lead agencies for all recipients with active service agreements with the provider. At the commissioner's request, the lead agencies must contact recipients to ensure that the recipients are continuing to receive needed care, and that the recipients have been given free choice of provider if they transfer to another home care provider. In addition, the commissioner or the commissioner's delegate may directly notify recipients who receive care from the provider that payments have been withheld or that the provider's participation in medical assistance has been suspended or terminated, if the commissioner determines that notification is necessary to protect the welfare of the recipients. For purposes of this subdivision, "lead agencies" means counties, tribes, and managed care organizations.

History:

1986 c 444; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 51; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 12,25; 1992 c 391 s 3-6; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 50; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 51-53; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 52-55; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 17-20; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 28,29; 3Sp1997 c 3 s 9; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 29-31; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 50-58; 2000 c 474 s 8-11; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 29-41; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 17; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 26-28; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 49,50; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 15-19; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 8; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 23,85; 2010 c 352 art 1 s 8

256B.0652 AUTHORIZATION AND REVIEW OF HOME CARE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.State coordination.

The commissioner shall supervise the coordination of the authorization and review of home care services that are reimbursed by medical assistance.

Subd. 2.Duties.

(a) The commissioner may contract with or employ necessary staff, or contract with qualified agencies, to provide home care authorization and review services for medical assistance recipients who are receiving home care services.

(b) Reimbursement for the authorization function shall be made through the medical assistance administrative authority. The state shall pay the nonfederal share. The functions will be to:

(1) assess the recipient's individual need for services required to be cared for safely in the community;

(2) ensure that a care plan that meets the recipient's needs is developed by the appropriate agency or individual;

(3) ensure cost-effectiveness and nonduplication of medical assistance home care services;

(4) recommend the approval or denial of the use of medical assistance funds to pay for home care services;

(5) reassess the recipient's need for and level of home care services at a frequency determined by the commissioner;

(6) conduct on-site assessments when determined necessary by the commissioner and recommend changes to care plans that will provide more efficient and appropriate home care; and

(7) on the department's Web site:

(i) provide a link to MinnesotaHelp.info for a list of enrolled home care agencies with the following information: main office address, contact information for the agency, counties in which services are provided, type of home care services provided, whether the personal care assistance choice option is offered, types of qualified professionals employed, number of personal care assistants employed, and data on staff turnover; and

(ii) post data on home care services including information from both fee-for-service and managed care plans on recipients as available.

(c) In addition, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may:

(1) review care plans, service plans, and reimbursement data for utilization of services that exceed community-based standards for home care, inappropriate home care services, medical necessity, home care services that do not meet quality of care standards, or unauthorized services and make appropriate referrals within the department or to other appropriate entities based on the findings;

(2) assist the recipient in obtaining services necessary to allow the recipient to remain safely in or return to the community;

(3) coordinate home care services with other medical assistance services under section 256B.0625;

(4) assist the recipient with problems related to the provision of home care services;

(5) assure the quality of home care services; and

(6) assure that all liable third-party payers including, but not limited to, Medicare have been used prior to medical assistance for home care services.

(d) For the purposes of this section, "home care services" means medical assistance services defined under section 256B.0625, subdivisions 6a, 7, and 19a.

Subd. 3.

MS 2008 [Renumbered subd 12]

Subd. 3a. Authorization; generally.

The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall review the assessment, request for temporary services, service plan, and any additional information that is submitted. The commissioner shall, within 30 days after receiving a complete request, assessment, and service plan, authorize home care services as provided in this section.

Subd. 4. Home health services.

Home health services including skilled nurse visits and home health aide visits must be authorized by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. Authorization must be based on medical necessity and cost-effectiveness when compared with other care options. The commissioner must receive the request for authorization of skilled nurse visits and home health aide visits within 20 working days of the start of service. When home health services are used in combination with personal care and private duty nursing, the cost of all home care services shall be considered for cost-effectiveness.

Subd. 5.Authorization; private duty nursing services.

(a) All private duty nursing services shall be authorized by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. Authorization for private duty nursing services shall be based on medical necessity and cost-effectiveness when compared with alternative care options. The commissioner may authorize medically necessary private duty nursing services in quarter-hour units when:

(1) the recipient requires more individual and continuous care than can be provided during a skilled nurse visit; or

(2) the cares are outside of the scope of services that can be provided by a home health aide or personal care assistant.

(b) The commissioner may authorize:

(1) up to two times the average amount of direct care hours provided in nursing facilities statewide for case mix classification "K" as established by the annual cost report submitted to the department by nursing facilities in May 1992;

(2) private duty nursing in combination with other home care services up to the total cost allowed under section 256B.0652, subdivision 6;

(3) up to 16 hours per day if the recipient requires more nursing than the maximum number of direct care hours as established in clause (1) and the recipient meets the hospital admission criteria established under Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.0501 to 9505.0540.

(c) The commissioner may authorize up to 16 hours per day of medically necessary private duty nursing services or up to 24 hours per day of medically necessary private duty nursing services until such time as the commissioner is able to make a determination of eligibility for recipients who are cooperatively applying for home care services under the community alternative care program developed under section 256B.49, or until it is determined by the appropriate regulatory agency that a health benefit plan is or is not required to pay for appropriate medically necessary health care services. Recipients or their representatives must cooperatively assist the commissioner in obtaining this determination. Recipients who are eligible for the community alternative care program may not receive more hours of nursing under this section and sections 256B.0651, 256B.0653, 256B.0656, and 256B.0659 than would otherwise be authorized under section 256B.49.

Subd. 6. Authorization; personal care assistance and qualified professional.

(a) All personal care assistance services, supervision by a qualified professional, and additional services beyond the limits established in subdivision 11, must be authorized by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee before services begin except for the assessments established in subdivision 11 and section 256B.0911. The authorization for personal care assistance and qualified professional services under section 256B.0659 must be completed within 30 days after receiving a complete request.

(b) The amount of personal care assistance services authorized must be based on the recipient's home care rating. The home care rating shall be determined by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee based on information submitted to the commissioner identifying the following:

(1) total number of dependencies of activities of daily living as defined in section 256B.0659;

(2) presence of complex health-related needs as defined in section 256B.0659; and

(3) presence of Level I behavior as defined in section 256B.0659.

(c) The methodology to determine total time for personal care assistance services for each home care rating is based on the median paid units per day for each home care rating from fiscal year 2007 data for the personal care assistance program. Each home care rating has a base level of hours assigned. Additional time is added through the assessment and identification of the following:

(1) 30 additional minutes per day for a dependency in each critical activity of daily living as defined in section 256B.0659;

(2) 30 additional minutes per day for each complex health-related function as defined in section 256B.0659; and

(3) 30 additional minutes per day for each behavior issue as defined in section 256B.0659, subdivision 4, paragraph (d).

(d) A limit of 96 units of qualified professional supervision may be authorized for each recipient receiving personal care assistance services. A request to the commissioner to exceed this total in a calendar year must be requested by the personal care provider agency on a form approved by the commissioner.

Subd. 7. Ventilator-dependent.

If the recipient is ventilator-dependent, the monthly medical assistance authorization for home care services shall not exceed what the commissioner would pay for care at the highest cost hospital designated as a long-term hospital under the Medicare program. For purposes of this subdivision, home care services means all direct care services provided in the home that would be included in the payment for care at the long-term hospital. Recipients who meet the definition of ventilator dependent and the EN home care rating and utilize a combination of home care services are limited up to a total of 24 hours of home care services per day. Additional hours may be authorized when a recipient's assessment indicates a need for two staff to perform activities. Additional time is limited to four hours per day.

Subd. 8.Authorization; time limits; amount and type.

(a) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall determine the time period for which an authorization shall be effective. If the recipient continues to require home care services beyond the duration of the authorization, the home care provider must request a new authorization. A personal care provider agency must request a new personal care assistance services assessment, or service update if allowed, at least 60 days prior to the end of the current authorization time period. The request for the assessment must be made on a form approved by the commissioner. An authorization must be valid for no more than 12 months.

(b) The amount and type of personal care assistance services authorized based upon the assessment and service plan must remain in effect for the recipient whether the recipient chooses a different provider or enrolls or disenrolls from a managed care plan under section 256B.0659, unless the service needs of the recipient change and new assessment is warranted under section 256B.0659, subdivision 3a.

Subd. 9. Authorization requests; temporary services.

The agency nurse, independently enrolled private duty nurse, or county public health nurse may request a temporary authorization for home care services. The commissioner may approve a temporary level of home care services based on the assessment, and service or care plan information, and primary payer coverage determination information as required. Authorization for a temporary level of home care services including nurse supervision is limited to the time specified by the commissioner, but shall not exceed 45 days. The level of services authorized under this provision shall have no bearing on a future authorization.

Subd. 10. Authorization for foster care setting.

(a) Home care services provided in an adult or child foster care setting must receive authorization by the commissioner according to the limits established in subdivision 11.

(b) The commissioner may not authorize:

(1) home care services that are the responsibility of the foster care provider under the terms of the foster care placement agreement, difficulty of care rate as of January 1, 2010, and administrative rules;

(2) personal care assistance services when the foster care license holder is also the personal care provider or personal care assistant, unless the foster home is the licensed provider's primary residence as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a; or

(3) personal care assistant and private duty nursing services when the licensed capacity is greater than four.

Subd. 11.Limits on services without authorization.

A recipient may receive the following home care services during a calendar year:

(1) up to two face-to-face assessments to determine a recipient's need for personal care assistance services;

(2) one service update done to determine a recipient's need for personal care assistance services; and

(3) up to nine face-to-face skilled nurse visits.

Subd. 12.Assessment and authorization process for persons receiving personal care assistance and developmental disabilities services.

For purposes of providing informed choice, coordinating of local planning decisions, and streamlining administrative requirements, the assessment and authorization process for persons receiving both home care and home and community-based waivered services for persons with developmental disabilities shall meet the requirements of sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659 with the following exceptions:

(a) Upon request for home care services and subsequent assessment by the public health nurse under sections 256B.0651 to 256B.0656 and 256B.0659, the public health nurse shall participate in the screening process, as appropriate, and, if home care services are determined to be necessary, participate in the development of a service plan coordinating the need for home care and home and community-based waivered services with the assigned county case manager, the recipient of services, and the recipient's legal representative, if any.

(b) The public health nurse shall give authorization for home care services to the extent that home care services are:

(1) medically necessary;

(2) chosen by the recipient and their legal representative, if any, from the array of home care and home and community-based waivered services available;

(3) coordinated with other services to be received by the recipient as described in the service plan; and

(4) provided within the county's reimbursement limits for home care and home and community-based waivered services for persons with developmental disabilities.

(c) If the public health agency is or may be the provider of home care services to the recipient, the public health agency shall provide the commissioner of human services with a written plan that specifies how the assessment and authorization process will be held separate and distinct from the provision of services.

Subd. 13.Reduction of services; appeal.

A recipient who appeals a reduction in previously authorized home care services may continue previously authorized services, other than temporary services under subdivision 9, pending an appeal under section 256.045. The commissioner must ensure that the recipient has a copy of the most recent service plan that contains a detailed explanation of which areas of covered personal care assistance tasks are reduced, and provide notice of the amount of time per day reduced, and the reasons for the reduction in the recipient's notice of denial, termination, or reduction.

Subd. 14. Authorization; exceptions.

All home care services above the limits in subdivision 11 must receive the commissioner's authorization before services begin, except when:

(1) the home care services were required to treat an emergency medical condition that if not immediately treated could cause a recipient serious physical or mental disability, continuation of severe pain, or death. The provider must request retroactive authorization no later than five working days after giving the initial service. The provider must be able to substantiate the emergency by documentation such as reports, notes, and admission or discharge histories;

(2) a recipient's medical assistance eligibility has lapsed, is then retroactively reinstated, and an authorization for home care services is completed based on the date of a current assessment, eligibility, and request for authorization;

(3) a third-party payor for home care services has denied or adjusted a payment. Authorization requests must be submitted by the provider within 20 working days of the notice of denial or adjustment. A copy of the notice must be included with the request;

(4) the commissioner has determined that a county or state human services agency has made an error; or

(5) if a recipient enrolled in managed care experiences a temporary disenrollment from a health plan, the commissioner shall accept the current health plan authorization for personal care assistance services for up to 60 days. The request must be received within the first 30 days of the disenrollment. If the recipient's reenrollment in managed care is after the 60 days and before 90 days, the provider shall request an additional 30-day extension of the current health plan authorization, for a total limit of 90 days from the time of disenrollment.

History:

1991 c 292 art 7 s 13; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 54; 1995 c 207 art 3 s 18; art 6 s 56; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 21; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 51; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 12,25; 1992 c 391 s 3-6; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 50; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 51-53; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 52-55; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 17-20; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 28,29; 3Sp1997 c 3 s 9; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 29-31; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 50-58; 2000 c 474 s 8-11; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 29-41; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 17; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 26-28; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 49,50; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 15-19; 2007 c 147 art 6 s 19-22; art 7 s 8,9-11; 2008 c 286 art 1 s 7; 2009 c 79 art 6 s 9; art 8 s 23,24,26-28,85; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 22; 2010 c 352 art 1 s 9

256B.0653 HOME HEALTH AGENCY SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

This section applies to home health agency services including home health aide, skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and speech-language pathology therapy.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

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

(a) "Assessment" means an evaluation of the recipient's medical need for home health agency services by a registered nurse or appropriate therapist that is conducted within 30 days of a request.

(b) "Home care therapies" means occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy and speech-language pathology services provided in the home by a Medicare certified home health agency.

(c) "Home health agency services" means services delivered in the recipient's home residence, except as specified in section 256B.0625, by a home health agency to a recipient with medical needs due to illness, disability, or physical conditions.

(d) "Home health aide" means an employee of a home health agency who completes medically oriented tasks written in the plan of care for a recipient.

(e) "Home health agency" means a home care provider agency that is Medicare-certified.

(f) "Occupational therapy services" mean the services defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390.

(g) "Physical therapy services" mean the services defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390.

(h) "Respiratory therapy services" mean the services defined in chapter 147C and Minnesota Rules, part 4668.0003, subpart 37.

(i) "Speech-language pathology services" mean the services defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390.

(j) "Skilled nurse visit" means a professional nursing visit to complete nursing tasks required due to a recipient's medical condition that can only be safely provided by a professional nurse to restore and maintain optimal health.

(k) "Store-and-forward technology" means telehomecare services that do not occur in real time via synchronous transmissions such as diabetic and vital sign monitoring.

(l) "Telehomecare" means the use of telecommunications technology via live, two-way interactive audiovisual technology which may be augmented by store-and-forward technology.

(m) "Telehomecare skilled nurse visit" means a visit by a professional nurse to deliver a skilled nurse visit to a recipient located at a site other than the site where the nurse is located and is used in combination with face-to-face skilled nurse visits to adequately meet the recipient's needs.

Subd. 3.Home health aide visits.

(a) Home health aide visits must be provided by a certified home health aide using a written plan of care that is updated in compliance with Medicare regulations. A home health aide shall provide hands-on personal care, perform simple procedures as an extension of therapy or nursing services, and assist in instrumental activities of daily living as defined in section 256B.0659, including assuring that the person gets to medical appointments if identified in the written plan of care. Home health aide visits must be provided in the recipient's home.

(b) All home health aide visits must have authorization under section 256B.0652. The commissioner shall limit home health aide visits to no more than one visit per day per recipient.

(c) Home health aides must be supervised by a registered nurse or an appropriate therapist when providing services that are an extension of therapy.

Subd. 4.Skilled nurse visit services.

(a) Skilled nurse visit services must be provided by a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse under the supervision of a registered nurse, according to the written plan of care and accepted standards of medical and nursing practice according to chapter 148. Skilled nurse visit services must be ordered by a physician and documented in a plan of care that is reviewed and approved by the ordering physician at least once every 60 days. All skilled nurse visits must be medically necessary and provided in the recipient's home residence except as allowed under section 256B.0625, subdivision 6a.

(b) Skilled nurse visits include face-to-face and telehomecare visits with a limit of up to two visits per day per recipient. All visits must be based on assessed needs.

(c) Telehomecare skilled nurse visits are allowed when the recipient's health status can be accurately measured and assessed without a need for a face-to-face, hands-on encounter. All telehomecare skilled nurse visits must have authorization and are paid at the same allowable rates as face-to-face skilled nurse visits.

(d) The provision of telehomecare must be made via live, two-way interactive audiovisual technology and may be augmented by utilizing store-and-forward technologies. Individually identifiable patient data obtained through real-time or store-and-forward technology must be maintained as health records according to sections 144.291 to 144.298. If the video is used for research, training, or other purposes unrelated to the care of the patient, the identity of the patient must be concealed.

(e) Authorization for skilled nurse visits must be completed under section 256B.0652. A total of nine face-to-face skilled nurse visits per calendar year do not require authorization. All telehomecare skilled nurse visits require authorization.

Subd. 5.Home care therapies.

(a) Home care therapies include the following: physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and speech and language pathology therapy services.

(b) Home care therapies must be:

(1) provided in the recipient's residence after it has been determined the recipient is unable to access outpatient therapy;

(2) prescribed, ordered, or referred by a physician and documented in a plan of care and reviewed, according to Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390;

(3) assessed by an appropriate therapist; and

(4) provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency enrolled as a Medicaid provider agency.

(c) Restorative and specialized maintenance therapies must be provided according to Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390. Physical and occupational therapy assistants may be used as allowed under Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390, subpart 1, item B.

(d) For both physical and occupational therapies, the therapist and the therapist's assistant may not both bill for services provided to a recipient on the same day.

Subd. 6.Noncovered home health agency services.

The following are not eligible for payment under medical assistance as a home health agency service:

(1) telehomecare skilled nurses services that is communication between the home care nurse and recipient that consists solely of a telephone conversation, facsimile, electronic mail, or a consultation between two health care practitioners;

(2) the following skilled nurse visits:

(i) for the purpose of monitoring medication compliance with an established medication program for a recipient;

(ii) administering or assisting with medication administration, including injections, prefilling syringes for injections, or oral medication setup of an adult recipient, when, as determined and documented by the registered nurse, the need can be met by an available pharmacy or the recipient or a family member is physically and mentally able to self-administer or prefill a medication;

(iii) services done for the sole purpose of supervision of the home health aide or personal care assistant;

(iv) services done for the sole purpose to train other home health agency workers;

(v) services done for the sole purpose of blood samples or lab draw when the recipient is able to access these services outside the home; and

(vi) Medicare evaluation or administrative nursing visits required by Medicare;

(3) home health aide visits when the following activities are the sole purpose for the visit: companionship, socialization, household tasks, transportation, and education; and

(4) home care therapies provided in other settings such as a clinic, day program, or as an inpatient or when the recipient can access therapy outside of the recipient's residence.

History:

1986 c 444; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 51; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 12,25; 1992 c 391 s 3-6; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 50; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 51-53; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 52-55; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 17-20; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 28,29; 3Sp1997 c 3 s 9; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 29-31; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 50-58; 2000 c 474 s 8-11; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 29-41; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 17; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 26-28; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 49,50; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 15-19; 2007 c 147 art 10 s 15; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 25; 2010 c 352 art 2 s 1

256B.0654 PRIVATE DUTY NURSING.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) "Complex private duty nursing care" means nursing services provided to recipients who are ventilator dependent or for whom a physician has certified that the recipient would meet the criteria for inpatient hospital intensive care unit (ICU) level of care.

(b) "Private duty nursing" means ongoing professional nursing services by a registered or licensed practical nurse including assessment, professional nursing tasks, and education, based on an assessment and physician orders to maintain or restore optimal health of the recipient.

(c) "Private duty nursing agency" means a medical assistance enrolled provider licensed under chapter 144A to provide private duty nursing services.

(d) "Regular private duty nursing" means nursing services provided to a recipient who is considered stable and not at an inpatient hospital intensive care unit level of care, but may have episodes of instability that are not life threatening.

(e) "Shared private duty nursing" means the provision of nursing services by a private duty nurse to two recipients at the same time and in the same setting.

Subd. 2.

MS 2008 [Renumbered 256B.0652, subd 5]

Subd. 2a.Private duty nursing services.

(a) Private duty nursing services must be used:

(1) in the recipient's home or outside the home when normal life activities require;

(2) when the recipient requires more individual and continuous care than can be provided during a skilled nurse visit; and

(3) when the care required is outside of the scope of services that can be provided by a home health aide or personal care assistant.

(b) Private duty nursing services must be:

(1) assessed by a registered nurse on a form approved by the commissioner;

(2) ordered by a physician and documented in a plan of care that is reviewed by the physician at least once every 60 days; and

(3) authorized by the commissioner under section 256B.0652.

Subd. 2b.Noncovered private duty nursing services.

Private duty nursing services do not cover the following:

(1) nursing services by a nurse who is the family foster care provider of a person who has not reached 18 years of age unless allowed under subdivision 4;

(2) nursing services to more than two persons receiving shared private duty nursing services from a private duty nurse in a single setting; and

(3) nursing services provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who is the recipient's legal guardian or related to the recipient as spouse, parent, or family foster parent whether by blood, marriage, or adoption except as specified in section 256B.0652, subdivision 4.

Subd. 3.Shared private duty nursing option.

(a) Medical assistance payments for shared private duty nursing services by a private duty nurse shall be limited according to this subdivision. Unless otherwise provided in this subdivision, all other statutory and regulatory provisions relating to private duty nursing services apply to shared private duty nursing services. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to reduce the total number of private duty nursing hours authorized for an individual recipient.

(b) Shared private duty nursing is the provision of nursing services by a private duty nurse to two medical assistance eligible recipients at the same time and in the same setting. This subdivision does not apply when a private duty nurse is caring for multiple recipients in more than one setting.

(c) For the purposes of this subdivision, "setting" means:

(1) the home residence or foster care home of one of the individual recipients as defined in section 256B.0651;

(2) a child care program licensed under chapter 245A or operated by a local school district or private school;

(3) an adult day care service licensed under chapter 245A; or

(4) outside the home residence or foster care home of one of the recipients when normal life activities take the recipients outside the home.

(d) The private duty nursing agency must offer the recipient the option of shared or one-on-one private duty nursing services. The recipient may withdraw from participating in a shared service arrangement at any time.

(e) The recipient or the recipient's legal representative, and the recipient's physician, in conjunction with the private duty nursing agency, shall determine:

(1) whether shared private duty nursing care is an appropriate option based on the individual needs and preferences of the recipient; and

(2) the amount of shared private duty nursing services authorized as part of the overall authorization of nursing services.

(f) The recipient or the recipient's legal representative, in conjunction with the private duty nursing agency, shall approve the setting, grouping, and arrangement of shared private duty nursing care based on the individual needs and preferences of the recipients. Decisions on the selection of recipients to share services must be based on the ages of the recipients, compatibility, and coordination of their care needs.

(g) The following items must be considered by the recipient or the recipient's legal representative and the private duty nursing agency, and documented in the recipient's health service record:

(1) the additional training needed by the private duty nurse to provide care to two recipients in the same setting and to ensure that the needs of the recipients are met appropriately and safely;

(2) the setting in which the shared private duty nursing care will be provided;

(3) the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the service and process used to make changes in service or setting;

(4) a contingency plan which accounts for absence of the recipient in a shared private duty nursing setting due to illness or other circumstances;

(5) staffing backup contingencies in the event of employee illness or absence; and

(6) arrangements for additional assistance to respond to urgent or emergency care needs of the recipients.

(h) The documentation for shared private duty nursing must be on a form approved by the commissioner for each individual recipient sharing private duty nursing. The documentation must be part of the recipient's health service record and include:

(1) permission by the recipient or the recipient's legal representative for the maximum number of shared nursing hours per week chosen by the recipient and permission for shared private duty nursing services provided in and outside the recipient's home residence;

(2) revocation by the recipient or the recipient's legal representative for the shared private duty nursing permission, or services provided to others in and outside the recipient's residence; and

(3) daily documentation of the shared private duty nursing services provided by each identified private duty nurse, including:

(i) the names of each recipient receiving shared private duty nursing services;

(ii) the setting for the shared services, including the starting and ending times that the recipient received shared private duty nursing care; and

(iii) notes by the private duty nurse regarding changes in the recipient's condition, problems that may arise from the sharing of private duty nursing services, and scheduling and care issues.

(i) The commissioner shall provide a rate methodology for shared private duty nursing. For two persons sharing nursing care, the rate paid to a provider must not exceed 1.5 times the regular private duty nursing rates paid for serving a single individual by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. These rates apply only to situations in which both recipients are present and receive shared private duty nursing care on the date for which the service is billed.

Subd. 4.Hardship criteria; private duty nursing.

(a) Payment is allowed for extraordinary services that require specialized nursing skills and are provided by parents of minor children, family foster parents, spouses, and legal guardians who are providing private duty nursing care under the following conditions:

(1) the provision of these services is not legally required of the parents, spouses, or legal guardians;

(2) the services are necessary to prevent hospitalization of the recipient; and

(3) the recipient is eligible for state plan home care or a home and community-based waiver and one of the following hardship criteria are met:

(i) the parent, spouse, or legal guardian resigns from a part-time or full-time job to provide nursing care for the recipient;

(ii) the parent, spouse, or legal guardian goes from a full-time to a part-time job with less compensation to provide nursing care for the recipient;

(iii) the parent, spouse, or legal guardian takes a leave of absence without pay to provide nursing care for the recipient; or

(iv) because of labor conditions, special language needs, or intermittent hours of care needed, the parent, spouse, or legal guardian is needed in order to provide adequate private duty nursing services to meet the medical needs of the recipient.

(b) Private duty nursing may be provided by a parent, spouse, family foster parent, or legal guardian who is a nurse licensed in Minnesota. Private duty nursing services provided by a parent, spouse, family foster parent, or legal guardian cannot be used in lieu of nursing services covered and available under liable third-party payors, including Medicare. The private duty nursing provided by a parent, spouse, family foster parent, or legal guardian must be included in the service agreement. Authorized nursing services for a single recipient or recipients with the same residence and provided by the parent, spouse, family foster parent, or legal guardian may not exceed 50 percent of the total approved nursing hours, or eight hours per day, whichever is less, up to a maximum of 40 hours per week. A parent or parents, spouse, family foster parent, or legal guardian shall not provide more than 40 hours of services in a seven-day period. For parents, family foster parents, and legal guardians, 40 hours is the total amount allowed regardless of the number of children or adults who receive services. Nothing in this subdivision precludes the parent's, spouse's, or legal guardian's obligation of assuming the nonreimbursed family responsibilities of emergency backup caregiver and primary caregiver.

(c) A parent, family foster parent, or a spouse may not be paid to provide private duty nursing care if:

(1) the parent or spouse fails to pass a criminal background check according to chapter 245C;

(2) it has been determined by the private duty nursing agency, the case manager, or the physician that the private duty nursing provided by the parent, family foster parent, spouse, or legal guardian is unsafe; or

(3) the parent, family foster parent, spouse, or legal guardian does not follow physician orders.

(d) For purposes of this section, "assessment" means a review and evaluation of a recipient's need for home care services conducted in person. Assessments for private duty nursing must be conducted by a registered nurse.

History:

1986 c 444; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 51; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 12,25; 1992 c 391 s 3-6; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 50; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 51-53; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 52-55; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 17-20; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 28,29; 3Sp1997 c 3 s 9; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 29-31; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 50-58; 2000 c 474 s 8-11; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 29-41; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 17; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 26-28; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 49,50; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 15-19; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 26,85

256B.0655

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1a.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1b.

MS 2008 [Renumbered 256B.0659, subd 3a]

Subd. 1c.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1d.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1e.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1f.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1g.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1h.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 1i.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 4.

MS 2008 [Renumbered 256B.0652, subd 6]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 10.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 12.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 13.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

256B.0656 CONSUMER-DIRECTED HOME CARE PROJECT.

(a) Upon the receipt of federal waiver authority, the commissioner shall implement a consumer-directed home care demonstration project. The consumer-directed home care demonstration project must demonstrate and evaluate the outcomes of a consumer-directed service delivery alternative to improve access, increase consumer control and accountability over available resources, and enable the use of supports that are more individualized and cost-effective for eligible medical assistance recipients receiving certain medical assistance home care services. The consumer-directed home care demonstration project will be administered locally by county agencies, tribal governments, or administrative entities under contract with the state in regions where counties choose not to provide this service.

(b) Grant awards for persons who have been receiving medical assistance covered personal care, home health aide, or private duty nursing services for a period of 12 consecutive months or more prior to enrollment in the consumer-directed home care demonstration project will be established on a case-by-case basis using historical service expenditure data. An average monthly expenditure for each continuing enrollee will be calculated based on historical expenditures made on behalf of the enrollee for personal care, home health aide, or private duty nursing services during the 12 month period directly prior to enrollment in the project. The grant award will equal 90 percent of the average monthly expenditure.

(c) Grant awards for project enrollees who have been receiving medical assistance covered personal care, home health aide, or private duty nursing services for a period of less than 12 consecutive months prior to project enrollment will be calculated on a case-by-case basis using the service authorization in place at the time of enrollment. The total number of units of personal care, home health aide, or private duty nursing services the enrollee has been authorized to receive will be converted to the total cost of the authorized services in a given month using the statewide average service payment rates. To determine an estimated monthly expenditure, the total authorized monthly personal care, home health aide or private duty nursing service costs will be reduced by a percentage rate equivalent to the difference between the statewide average service authorization and the statewide average utilization rate for each of the services by medical assistance eligibles during the most recent fiscal year for which 12 months of data is available. The grant award will equal 90 percent of the estimated monthly expenditure.

(d) The state of Minnesota, county agencies, tribal governments, or administrative entities under contract with the state that participate in the implementation and administration of the consumer-directed home care demonstration project, shall not be liable for damages, injuries, or liabilities sustained through the purchase of support by the individual, the individual's family, legal representative, or the authorized representative under this section with funds received through the consumer-directed home care demonstration project. Liabilities include but are not limited to: workers' compensation liability, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), or the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).

(e) With federal approval, the commissioner may adjust methodologies in paragraphs (b) and (c) to simplify program administration, improve consistency between state and federal programs, and maximize federal financial participation.

History:

1986 c 444; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 51; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 12,25; 1992 c 391 s 3-6; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 50; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 51-53; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 52-55; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 17-20; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 28,29; 3Sp1997 c 3 s 9; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 29-31; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 50-58; 2000 c 474 s 8-11; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 29-41; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 17; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 26-28; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 49,50; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 15-19

256B.0657 SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORTS OPTION.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

"Self-directed supports option" means personal assistance, supports, items, and related services purchased under an approved budget plan and budget by a recipient.

[See Note.]

Subd. 2.Eligibility.

(a) The self-directed supports option is available to a person who:

(1) is a recipient of medical assistance as determined under sections 256B.055, 256B.056, and 256B.057, subdivision 9;

(2) is eligible for personal care assistance services under section 256B.0659;

(3) lives in the person's own apartment or home, which is not owned, operated, or controlled by a provider of services not related by blood or marriage;

(4) has the ability to hire, fire, supervise, establish staff compensation for, and manage the individuals providing services, and to choose and obtain items, related services, and supports as described in the participant's plan. If the recipient is not able to carry out these functions but has a legal guardian or parent to carry them out, the guardian or parent may fulfill these functions on behalf of the recipient; and

(5) has not been excluded or disenrolled by the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner may disenroll or exclude recipients, including guardians and parents, under the following circumstances:

(1) recipients who have been restricted by the Primary Care Utilization Review Committee may be excluded for a specified time period;

(2) recipients who exit the self-directed supports option during the recipient's service plan year shall not access the self-directed supports option for the remainder of that service plan year; and

(3) when the department determines that the recipient cannot manage recipient responsibilities under the program.

[See Note.]

Subd. 3.Eligibility for other services.

Selection of the self-directed supports option by a recipient shall not restrict access to other medically necessary care and services furnished under the state plan medical assistance benefit, including home care targeted case management, except that a person receiving home and community-based waiver services, a family support grant, or a consumer support grant is not eligible for funding under the self-directed supports option.

[See Note.]

Subd. 4.Assessment requirements.

(a) The self-directed supports option assessment must meet the following requirements:

(1) it shall be conducted by the county public health nurse or a certified public health nurse under contract with the county;

(2) it shall be conducted face-to-face in the recipient's home initially, and at least annually thereafter; when there is a significant change in the recipient's condition; and when there is a change in the need for personal care assistance services. A recipient who is residing in a facility may be assessed for the self-directed support option for the purpose of returning to the community using this option; and

(3) it shall be completed using the format established by the commissioner.

(b) The results of the assessment and recommendations shall be communicated to the commissioner and the recipient by the county public health nurse or certified public health nurse under contract with the county.

[See Note.]

Subd. 5.Self-directed supports option plan requirements.

(a) The plan for the self-directed supports option must meet the following requirements:

(1) the plan must be completed using a person-centered process that:

(i) builds upon the recipient's capacity to engage in activities that promote community life;

(ii) respects the recipient's preferences, choices, and abilities;

(iii) involves families, friends, and professionals in the planning or delivery of services or supports as desired or required by the recipient; and

(iv) addresses the need for personal care assistance services identified in the recipient's self-directed supports option assessment;

(2) the plan shall be developed by the recipient or by the guardian of an adult recipient or by a parent or guardian of a minor child, and may be assisted by a provider who meets the requirements established for using a person-centered planning process and shall be reviewed at least annually upon reassessment or when there is a significant change in the recipient's condition; and

(3) the plan must include the total budget amount available divided into monthly amounts that cover the number of months of personal care assistance services authorization included in the budget. The amount used each month may vary, but additional funds shall not be provided above the annual personal care assistance services authorized amount unless a change in condition is documented.

(b) The commissioner shall:

(1) establish the format and criteria for the plan as well as the requirements for providers who assist with plan development;

(2) review the assessment and plan and, within 30 days after receiving the assessment and plan, make a decision on approval of the plan;

(3) notify the recipient, parent, or guardian of approval or denial of the plan and provide notice of the right to appeal under section 256.045; and

(4) provide a copy of the plan to the fiscal support entity selected by the recipient.

[See Note.]

Subd. 6.Services covered.

(a) Services covered under the self-directed supports option include:

(1) personal care assistance services under section 256B.0659; and

(2) items, related services, and supports, including assistive technology, that increase independence or substitute for human assistance to the extent expenditures would otherwise be used for human assistance.

(b) Items, supports, and related services purchased under this option shall not be considered home care services for the purposes of section 144A.43.

[See Note.]

Subd. 7.Noncovered services.

Services or supports that are not eligible for payment under the self-directed supports option include:

(1) services, goods, or supports that do not benefit the recipient;

(2) any fees incurred by the recipient, such as Minnesota health care program fees and co-pays, legal fees, or costs related to advocate agencies;

(3) insurance, except for insurance costs related to employee coverage or fiscal support entity payments;

(4) room and board and personal items that are not related to the disability, except that medically prescribed specialized diet items may be covered if they reduce the need for human assistance;

(5) home modifications that add square footage;

(6) home modifications for a residence other than the primary residence of the recipient, or in the event of a minor with parents not living together, the primary residences of the parents;

(7) expenses for travel, lodging, or meals related to training the recipient, the parent or guardian of an adult recipient, or the parent or guardian of a minor child, or paid or unpaid caregivers that exceed $500 in a 12-month period;

(8) experimental treatment;

(9) any service or item covered by other medical assistance state plan services, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, compounds, and solutions and related fees, including premiums and co-payments;

(10) membership dues or costs, except when the service is necessary and appropriate to treat a physical condition or to improve or maintain the recipient's physical condition. The condition must be identified in the recipient's plan of care and monitored by a Minnesota health care program enrolled physician;

(11) vacation expenses other than the cost of direct services;

(12) vehicle maintenance or modifications not related to the disability;

(13) tickets and related costs to attend sporting or other recreational events; and

(14) costs related to Internet access, except when necessary for operation of assistive technology, to increase independence, or to substitute for human assistance.

[See Note.]

Subd. 8.Self-directed budget requirements.

The budget for the provision of the self-directed service option shall be established based on:

(1) assessed personal care assistance units, not to exceed the maximum number of personal care assistance units available, as determined by section 256B.0659; and

(2) the personal care assistance unit rate:

(i) with a reduction to the unit rate to pay for a program administrator as defined in subdivision 10; and

(ii) an additional adjustment to the unit rate as needed to ensure cost neutrality for the state.

[See Note.]

Subd. 9.Quality assurance and risk management.

(a) The commissioner shall establish quality assurance and risk management measures for use in developing and implementing self-directed plans and budgets that (1) recognize the roles and responsibilities involved in obtaining services in a self-directed manner, and (2) assure the appropriateness of such plans and budgets based upon a recipient's resources and capabilities. These measures must include (i) background studies, and (ii) backup and emergency plans, including disaster planning.

(b) The commissioner shall provide ongoing technical assistance and resource and educational materials for families and recipients selecting the self-directed option.

(c) Performance assessments measures, such as of a recipient's satisfaction with the services and supports, and ongoing monitoring of health and well-being shall be identified in consultation with the stakeholder group.

[See Note.]

Subd. 10.Fiscal support entity.

(a) Each recipient shall choose a fiscal support entity provider certified by the commissioner to make payments for services, items, supports, and administrative costs related to managing a self-directed service plan authorized for payment in the approved plan and budget. Recipients shall also choose the payroll, agency with choice, or the fiscal conduit model of financial and service management.

(b) The fiscal support entity:

(1) may not limit or restrict the recipient's choice of service or support providers, including use of the payroll, agency with choice, or fiscal conduit model of financial and service management;

(2) must have a written agreement with the recipient or the recipient's representative that identifies the duties and responsibilities to be performed and the specific related charges;

(3) must provide the recipient and the home care targeted case manager with a monthly written summary of the self-directed supports option services that were billed, including charges from the fiscal support entity;

(4) must be knowledgeable of and comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements necessary to process employer and employee deductions, provide appropriate and timely submission of employer tax liabilities, and maintain documentation to support medical assistance claims;

(5) must have current and adequate liability insurance and bonding and sufficient cash flow and have on staff or under contract a certified public accountant or an individual with a baccalaureate degree in accounting; and

(6) must maintain records to track all self-directed supports option services expenditures, including time records of persons paid to provide supports and receipts for any goods purchased. The records must be maintained for a minimum of five years from the claim date and be available for audit or review upon request. Claims submitted by the fiscal support entity must correspond with services, amounts, and time periods as authorized in the recipient's self-directed supports option plan.

(c) The commissioner shall have authority to:

(1) set or negotiate rates with fiscal support entities;

(2) limit the number of fiscal support entities;

(3) identify a process to certify and recertify fiscal support entities and assure fiscal support entities are available to recipients throughout the state; and

(4) establish a uniform format and protocol to be used by eligible fiscal support entities.

[See Note.]

Subd. 11.Stakeholder consultation.

The commissioner shall consult with a statewide consumer-directed services stakeholder group, including representatives of all types of consumer-directed service users, advocacy organizations, counties, and consumer-directed service providers. The commissioner shall seek recommendations from this stakeholder group in developing:

(1) the self-directed plan format;

(2) requirements and guidelines for the person-centered plan assessment and planning process;

(3) implementation of the option and the quality assurance and risk management techniques; and

(4) standards and requirements, including rates for the personal support plan development provider and the fiscal support entity; policies; training; and implementation. The stakeholder group shall provide recommendations on the repeal of the personal care assistance choice option, transition issues, and whether the consumer support grant program under section 256.476 should be modified. The stakeholder group shall meet at least three times each year to provide advice on policy, implementation, and other aspects of consumer and self-directed services.

Subd. 12.Enrollment and evaluation.

Enrollment in the self-directed supports option is available to current personal care assistance recipients upon annual personal care assistance reassessment, with a maximum enrollment of 1,000 people in the first fiscal year of implementation and an additional 1,000 people in the second fiscal year. The commissioner shall evaluate the self-directed supports option during the first two years of implementation and make any necessary changes prior to the option becoming available statewide.

History:

2007 c 147 art 7 s 12; 2009 c 79 art 6 s 10-12; art 8 s 29,30,85; 2009 c 159 s 90

NOTE: Subdivisions 1 to 10 as added by Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 7, section 12, are effective upon federal approval of the state Medicaid plan amendment. Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 7, section 12, the effective date.

256B.0658 HOUSING ACCESS GRANTS.

The commissioner of human services shall award through a competitive process contracts for grants to public and private agencies to support and assist individuals eligible for publicly funded home and community-based services, including state plan home care, to access housing. Grants may be awarded to agencies that may include, but are not limited to, the following supports: assessment to ensure suitability of housing, accompanying an individual to look at housing, filling out applications and rental agreements, meeting with landlords, helping with Section 8 or other program applications, helping to develop a budget, obtaining furniture and household goods, if necessary, and assisting with any problems that may arise with housing.

History:

2008 c 363 art 15 s 5

256B.0659 PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in paragraphs (b) to (r) have the meanings given unless otherwise provided in text.

(b) "Activities of daily living" means grooming, dressing, bathing, transferring, mobility, positioning, eating, and toileting.

(c) "Behavior," effective January 1, 2010, means a category to determine the home care rating and is based on the criteria found in this section. "Level I behavior" means physical aggression towards self, others, or destruction of property that requires the immediate response of another person.

(d) "Complex health-related needs," effective January 1, 2010, means a category to determine the home care rating and is based on the criteria found in this section.

(e) "Critical activities of daily living," effective January 1, 2010, means transferring, mobility, eating, and toileting.

(f) "Dependency in activities of daily living" means a person requires assistance to begin and complete one or more of the activities of daily living.

(g) "Extended personal care assistance service" means personal care assistance services included in a service plan under one of the home and community-based services waivers authorized under sections 256B.0915, 256B.092, subdivision 5, and 256B.49, which exceed the amount, duration, and frequency of the state plan personal care assistance services for participants who:

(1) need assistance provided periodically during a week, but less than daily will not be able to remain in their homes without the assistance, and other replacement services are more expensive or are not available when personal care assistance services are to be terminated; or

(2) need additional personal care assistance services beyond the amount authorized by the state plan personal care assistance assessment in order to ensure that their safety, health, and welfare are provided for in their homes.

(h) "Health-related procedures and tasks" means procedures and tasks that can be delegated or assigned by a licensed health care professional under state law to be performed by a personal care assistant.

(i) "Instrumental activities of daily living" means activities to include meal planning and preparation; basic assistance with paying bills; shopping for food, clothing, and other essential items; performing household tasks integral to the personal care assistance services; communication by telephone and other media; and traveling, including to medical appointments and to participate in the community.

(j) "Managing employee" has the same definition as Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 455.

(k) "Qualified professional" means a professional providing supervision of personal care assistance services and staff as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19c.

(l) "Personal care assistance provider agency" means a medical assistance enrolled provider that provides or assists with providing personal care assistance services and includes a personal care assistance provider organization, personal care assistance choice agency, class A licensed nursing agency, and Medicare-certified home health agency.

(m) "Personal care assistant" or "PCA" means an individual employed by a personal care assistance agency who provides personal care assistance services.

(n) "Personal care assistance care plan" means a written description of personal care assistance services developed by the personal care assistance provider according to the service plan.

(o) "Responsible party" means an individual who is capable of providing the support necessary to assist the recipient to live in the community.

(p) "Self-administered medication" means medication taken orally, by injection or insertion, or applied topically without the need for assistance.

(q) "Service plan" means a written summary of the assessment and description of the services needed by the recipient.

(r) "Wages and benefits" means wages and salaries, the employer's share of FICA taxes, Medicare taxes, state and federal unemployment taxes, workers' compensation, mileage reimbursement, health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, long-term care insurance, uniform allowance, and contributions to employee retirement accounts.

Subd. 2.Personal care assistance services; covered services.

(a) The personal care assistance services eligible for payment include services and supports furnished to an individual, as needed, to assist in:

(1) activities of daily living;

(2) health-related procedures and tasks;

(3) observation and redirection of behaviors; and

(4) instrumental activities of daily living.

(b) Activities of daily living include the following covered services:

(1) dressing, including assistance with choosing, application, and changing of clothing and application of special appliances, wraps, or clothing;

(2) grooming, including assistance with basic hair care, oral care, shaving, applying cosmetics and deodorant, and care of eyeglasses and hearing aids. Nail care is included, except for recipients who are diabetic or have poor circulation;

(3) bathing, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and skin care;

(4) eating, including assistance with hand washing and application of orthotics required for eating, transfers, and feeding;

(5) transfers, including assistance with transferring the recipient from one seating or reclining area to another;

(6) mobility, including assistance with ambulation, including use of a wheelchair. Mobility does not include providing transportation for a recipient;

(7) positioning, including assistance with positioning or turning a recipient for necessary care and comfort; and

(8) toileting, including assistance with helping recipient with bowel or bladder elimination and care including transfers, mobility, positioning, feminine hygiene, use of toileting equipment or supplies, cleansing the perineal area, inspection of the skin, and adjusting clothing.

(c) Health-related procedures and tasks include the following covered services:

(1) range of motion and passive exercise to maintain a recipient's strength and muscle functioning;

(2) assistance with self-administered medication as defined by this section, including reminders to take medication, bringing medication to the recipient, and assistance with opening medication under the direction of the recipient or responsible party;

(3) interventions for seizure disorders, including monitoring and observation; and

(4) other activities considered within the scope of the personal care service and meeting the definition of health-related procedures and tasks under this section.

(d) A personal care assistant may provide health-related procedures and tasks associated with the complex health-related needs of a recipient if the procedures and tasks meet the definition of health-related procedures and tasks under this section and the personal care assistant is trained by a qualified professional and demonstrates competency to safely complete the procedures and tasks. Delegation of health-related procedures and tasks and all training must be documented in the personal care assistance care plan and the recipient's and personal care assistant's files.

(e) Effective January 1, 2010, for a personal care assistant to provide the health-related procedures and tasks of tracheostomy suctioning and services to recipients on ventilator support there must be:

(1) delegation and training by a registered nurse, certified or licensed respiratory therapist, or a physician;

(2) utilization of clean rather than sterile procedure;

(3) specialized training about the health-related procedures and tasks and equipment, including ventilator operation and maintenance;

(4) individualized training regarding the needs of the recipient; and

(5) supervision by a qualified professional who is a registered nurse.

(f) Effective January 1, 2010, a personal care assistant may observe and redirect the recipient for episodes where there is a need for redirection due to behaviors. Training of the personal care assistant must occur based on the needs of the recipient, the personal care assistance care plan, and any other support services provided.

(g) Instrumental activities of daily living under subdivision 1, paragraph (i).

Subd. 3.Noncovered personal care assistance services.

(a) Personal care assistance services are not eligible for medical assistance payment under this section when provided:

(1) by the recipient's spouse, parent of a recipient under the age of 18, paid legal guardian, licensed foster provider, except as allowed under section 256B.0652, subdivision 10, or responsible party;

(2) in lieu of other staffing options in a residential or child care setting;

(3) solely as a child care or babysitting service; or

(4) without authorization by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee.

(b) The following personal care services are not eligible for medical assistance payment under this section when provided in residential settings:

(1) effective January 1, 2010, when the provider of home care services who is not related by blood, marriage, or adoption owns or otherwise controls the living arrangement, including licensed or unlicensed services; or

(2) when personal care assistance services are the responsibility of a residential or program license holder under the terms of a service agreement and administrative rules.

(c) Other specific tasks not covered under paragraph (a) or (b) that are not eligible for medical assistance reimbursement for personal care assistance services under this section include:

(1) sterile procedures;

(2) injections of fluids and medications into veins, muscles, or skin;

(3) home maintenance or chore services;

(4) homemaker services not an integral part of assessed personal care assistance services needed by a recipient;

(5) application of restraints or implementation of procedures under section 245.825;

(6) instrumental activities of daily living for children under the age of 18, except when immediate attention is needed for health or hygiene reasons integral to the personal care services and the need is listed in the service plan by the assessor; and

(7) assessments for personal care assistance services by personal care assistance provider agencies or by independently enrolled registered nurses.

Subd. 3a.Assessment; defined.

"Assessment" means a review and evaluation of a recipient's need for home care services conducted in person. Assessments for personal care assistance services shall be conducted by the county public health nurse or a certified public health nurse under contract with the county. An in-person assessment must include: documentation of health status, determination of need, evaluation of service effectiveness, identification of appropriate services, service plan development or modification, coordination of services, referrals and follow-up to appropriate payers and community resources, completion of required reports, recommendation of service authorization, and consumer education. Once the need for personal care assistance services is determined under this section or sections 256B.0651, 256B.0653, 256B.0654, and 256B.0656, the county public health nurse or certified public health nurse under contract with the county is responsible for communicating this recommendation to the commissioner and the recipient. An in-person assessment must occur at least annually or when there is a significant change in the recipient's condition or when there is a change in the need for personal care assistance services. A service update may substitute for the annual face-to-face assessment when there is not a significant change in recipient condition or a change in the need for personal care assistance service. A service update may be completed by telephone, used when there is no need for an increase in personal care assistance services, and used for two consecutive assessments if followed by a face-to-face assessment. A service update must be completed on a form approved by the commissioner. A service update or review for temporary increase includes a review of initial baseline data, evaluation of service effectiveness, redetermination of service need, modification of service plan and appropriate referrals, update of initial forms, obtaining service authorization, and on going consumer education. Assessments must be completed on forms provided by the commissioner within 30 days of a request for home care services by a recipient or responsible party or personal care provider agency.

Subd. 4.Assessment for personal care assistance services; limitations.

(a) An assessment as defined in subdivision 3a must be completed for personal care assistance services.

(b) The following limitations apply to the assessment:

(1) a person must be assessed as dependent in an activity of daily living based on the person's daily need or need on the days during the week the activity is completed for:

(i) cuing and constant supervision to complete the task; or

(ii) hands-on assistance to complete the task; and

(2) a child may not be found to be dependent in an activity of daily living if because of the child's age an adult would either perform the activity for the child or assist the child with the activity. Assistance needed is the assistance appropriate for a typical child of the same age.

(c) Assessment for complex health-related needs must meet the criteria in this paragraph. During the assessment process, a recipient qualifies as having complex health-related needs if the recipient has one or more of the interventions that are ordered by a physician, specified in a personal care assistance care plan, and found in the following:

(1) tube feedings requiring:

(i) a gastrojejunostomy tube; or

(ii) continuous tube feeding lasting longer than 12 hours per day;

(2) wounds described as:

(i) stage III or stage IV;

(ii) multiple wounds;

(iii) requiring sterile or clean dressing changes or a wound vac; or

(iv) open lesions such as burns, fistulas, tube sites, or ostomy sites that require specialized care;

(3) parenteral therapy described as:

(i) IV therapy more than two times per week lasting longer than four hours for each treatment; or

(ii) total parenteral nutrition (TPN) daily;

(4) respiratory interventions including:

(i) oxygen required more than eight hours per day;

(ii) respiratory vest more than one time per day;

(iii) bronchial drainage treatments more than two times per day;

(iv) sterile or clean suctioning more than six times per day;

(v) dependence on another to apply respiratory ventilation augmentation devices such as BiPAP and CPAP; and

(vi) ventilator dependence under section 256B.0652;

(5) insertion and maintenance of catheter including:

(i) sterile catheter changes more than one time per month;

(ii) clean self-catheterization more than six times per day; or

(iii) bladder irrigations;

(6) bowel program more than two times per week requiring more than 30 minutes to perform each time;

(7) neurological intervention including:

(i) seizures more than two times per week and requiring significant physical assistance to maintain safety; or

(ii) swallowing disorders diagnosed by a physician and requiring specialized assistance from another on a daily basis; and

(8) other congenital or acquired diseases creating a need for significantly increased direct hands-on assistance and interventions in six to eight activities of daily living.

(d) An assessment of behaviors must meet the criteria in this paragraph. A recipient qualifies as having a need for assistance due to behaviors if the recipient's behavior requires assistance at least four times per week and shows one or more of the following behaviors:

(1) physical aggression towards self or others, or destruction of property that requires the immediate response of another person;

(2) increased vulnerability due to cognitive deficits or socially inappropriate behavior; or

(3) verbally aggressive and resistive to care.

Subd. 5.Service, support planning, and referral.

(a) The assessor, with the recipient or responsible party, shall review the assessment information and determine referrals for other payers, services, and community supports as appropriate.

(b) The recipient must be referred for evaluation, services, or supports that are appropriate to help meet the recipient's needs including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

(1) when there is another payer who is responsible to provide the service to meet the recipient's needs;

(2) when the recipient qualifies for assistance due to mental illness or behaviors under this section, a referral for a mental health diagnostic and functional assessment must be completed, or referral must be made for other specific mental health services or other community services;

(3) when the recipient is eligible for medical assistance and meets medical assistance eligibility for a home health aide or skilled nurse visit;

(4) when the recipient would benefit from an evaluation for another service; and

(5) when there is a more appropriate service to meet the assessed needs.

(c) The reimbursement rates for public health nurse visits that relate to the provision of personal care assistance services under this section and section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, are:

(1) $210.50 for a face-to-face assessment visit;

(2) $105.25 for each service update; and

(3) $105.25 for each request for a temporary service increase.

(d) The rates specified in paragraph (c) must be adjusted to reflect provider rate increases for personal care assistance services that are approved by the legislature for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, and subsequent fiscal years. Any requirements applied by the legislature to provider rate increases for personal care assistance services also apply to adjustments under this paragraph.

(e) Effective July 1, 2008, the payment rate for an assessment under this section and section 256B.0651 shall be reduced by 25 percent when the assessment is not completed on time and the service agreement documentation is not submitted in time to continue services. The commissioner shall reduce the amount of the claim for those assessments that are not submitted on time.

Subd. 6.Service plan.

The service plan must be completed by the assessor with the recipient and responsible party on a form determined by the commissioner and include a summary of the assessment with a description of the need, authorized amount, and expected outcomes and goals of personal care assistance services. The recipient and the provider chosen by the recipient or responsible party must be given a copy of the completed service plan within ten working days of the assessment. The recipient or responsible party must be given information by the assessor about the options in the personal care assistance program to allow for review and decision making.

Subd. 7.Personal care assistance care plan.

(a) Each recipient must have a current personal care assistance care plan based on the service plan in subdivision 6 that is developed by the qualified professional with the recipient and responsible party. A copy of the most current personal care assistance care plan is required to be in the recipient's home and in the recipient's file at the provider agency.

(b) The personal care assistance care plan must have the following components:

(1) start and end date of the care plan;

(2) recipient demographic information, including name and telephone number;

(3) emergency numbers, procedures, and a description of measures to address identified safety and vulnerability issues, including a backup staffing plan;

(4) name of responsible party and instructions for contact;

(5) description of the recipient's individualized needs for assistance with activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, health-related tasks, and behaviors; and

(6) dated signatures of recipient or responsible party and qualified professional.

(c) The personal care assistance care plan must have instructions and comments about the recipient's needs for assistance and any special instructions or procedures required. The month-to-month plan for the use of personal care assistance services is part of the personal care assistance care plan. The personal care assistance care plan must be completed within the first week after start of services with a personal care provider agency and must be updated as needed when there is a change in need for personal care assistance services. A new personal care assistance care plan is required annually at the time of the reassessment.

Subd. 8.Communication with recipient's physician.

The personal care assistance program requires communication with the recipient's physician about a recipient's assessed needs for personal care assistance services. The commissioner shall work with the state medical director to develop options for communication with the recipient's physician.

Subd. 9.Responsible party; generally.

(a) "Responsible party" means an individual who is capable of providing the support necessary to assist the recipient to live in the community.

(b) A responsible party must be 18 years of age, actively participate in planning and directing of personal care assistance services, and attend all assessments for the recipient.

(c) A responsible party must not be the:

(1) personal care assistant;

(2) home care provider agency owner or staff; or

(3) county staff acting as part of employment.

(d) A licensed family foster parent who lives with the recipient may be the responsible party as long as the family foster parent meets the other responsible party requirements.

(e) A responsible party is required when:

(1) the person is a minor according to section 524.5-102, subdivision 10;

(2) the person is an incapacitated adult according to section 524.5-102, subdivision 6, resulting in a court-appointed guardian; or

(3) the assessment according to subdivision 3a determines that the recipient is in need of a responsible party to direct the recipient's care.

(f) There may be two persons designated as the responsible party for reasons such as divided households and court-ordered custodies. Each person named as responsible party must meet the program criteria and responsibilities.

(g) The recipient or the recipient's legal representative shall appoint a responsible party if necessary to direct and supervise the care provided to the recipient. The responsible party must be identified at the time of assessment and listed on the recipient's service agreement and personal care assistance care plan.

Subd. 10.Responsible party; duties; delegation.

(a) A responsible party shall enter into a written agreement with a personal care assistance provider agency, on a form determined by the commissioner, to perform the following duties:

(1) be available while care is provided in a method agreed upon by the individual or the individual's legal representative and documented in the recipient's personal care assistance care plan;

(2) monitor personal care assistance services to ensure the recipient's personal care assistance care plan is being followed; and

(3) review and sign personal care assistance time sheets after services are provided to provide verification of the personal care assistance services.

Failure to provide the support required by the recipient must result in a referral to the county common entry point.

(b) Responsible parties who are parents of minors or guardians of minors or incapacitated persons may delegate the responsibility to another adult who is not the personal care assistant during a temporary absence of at least 24 hours but not more than six months. The person delegated as a responsible party must be able to meet the definition of the responsible party. The responsible party must ensure that the delegate performs the functions of the responsible party, is identified at the time of the assessment, and is listed on the personal care assistance care plan. The responsible party must communicate to the personal care assistance provider agency about the need for a delegated responsible party, including the name of the delegated responsible party and contact numbers.

Subd. 11.Personal care assistant; requirements.

(a) A personal care assistant must meet the following requirements:

(1) be at least 18 years of age with the exception of persons who are 16 or 17 years of age with these additional requirements:

(i) supervision by a qualified professional every 60 days; and

(ii) employment by only one personal care assistance provider agency responsible for compliance with current labor laws;

(2) be employed by a personal care assistance provider agency;

(3) enroll with the department as a personal care assistant after clearing a background study. Except as provided in subdivision 11a, before a personal care assistant provides services, the personal care assistance provider agency must initiate a background study on the personal care assistant under chapter 245C, and the personal care assistance provider agency must have received a notice from the commissioner that the personal care assistant is:

(i) not disqualified under section 245C.14; or

(ii) is disqualified, but the personal care assistant has received a set aside of the disqualification under section 245C.22;

(4) be able to effectively communicate with the recipient and personal care assistance provider agency;

(5) be able to provide covered personal care assistance services according to the recipient's personal care assistance care plan, respond appropriately to recipient needs, and report changes in the recipient's condition to the supervising qualified professional or physician;

(6) not be a consumer of personal care assistance services;

(7) maintain daily written records including, but not limited to, time sheets under subdivision 12;

(8) effective January 1, 2010, complete standardized training as determined by the commissioner before completing enrollment. The training must be available in languages other than English and to those who need accommodations due to disabilities. Personal care assistant training must include successful completion of the following training components: basic first aid, vulnerable adult, child maltreatment, OSHA universal precautions, basic roles and responsibilities of personal care assistants including information about assistance with lifting and transfers for recipients, emergency preparedness, orientation to positive behavioral practices, fraud issues, and completion of time sheets. Upon completion of the training components, the personal care assistant must demonstrate the competency to provide assistance to recipients;

(9) complete training and orientation on the needs of the recipient within the first seven days after the services begin; and

(10) be limited to providing and being paid for up to 275 hours per month, except that this limit shall be 275 hours per month for the period July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2011, of personal care assistance services regardless of the number of recipients being served or the number of personal care assistance provider agencies enrolled with. The number of hours worked per day shall not be disallowed by the department unless in violation of the law.

(b) A legal guardian may be a personal care assistant if the guardian is not being paid for the guardian services and meets the criteria for personal care assistants in paragraph (a).

(c) Effective January 1, 2010, persons who do not qualify as a personal care assistant include parents and stepparents of minors, spouses, paid legal guardians, family foster care providers, except as otherwise allowed in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, or staff of a residential setting.

[See Note.]

Subd. 11a.Exception to personal care assistant; requirements.

The personal care assistant for a recipient may be allowed to enroll with a different personal care assistant provider agency upon initiation of a new background study according to chapter 245C, if all of the following are met:

(1) the commissioner determines that a change in enrollment or affiliation of the personal care assistant is needed in order to ensure continuity of services and protect the health and safety of the recipient;

(2) the chosen agency has been continuously enrolled as a personal care assistance provider agency for at least two years;

(3) the recipient chooses to transfer to the personal care assistance provider agency;

(4) the personal care assistant has been continuously enrolled with the former personal care assistance provider agency since the last background study was completed; and

(5) the personal care assistant continues to meet requirements of subdivision 11, excluding paragraph (a), clause (3).

Subd. 12.Documentation of personal care assistance services provided.

(a) Personal care assistance services for a recipient must be documented daily by each personal care assistant, on a time sheet form approved by the commissioner. All documentation may be Web-based, electronic, or paper documentation. The completed form must be submitted on a monthly basis to the provider and kept in the recipient's health record.

(b) The activity documentation must correspond to the personal care assistance care plan and be reviewed by the qualified professional.

(c) The personal care assistant time sheet must be on a form approved by the commissioner documenting time the personal care assistant provides services in the home. The following criteria must be included in the time sheet:

(1) full name of personal care assistant and individual provider number;

(2) provider name and telephone numbers;

(3) full name of recipient;

(4) consecutive dates, including month, day, and year, and arrival and departure times with a.m. or p.m. notations;

(5) signatures of recipient or the responsible party;

(6) personal signature of the personal care assistant;

(7) any shared care provided, if applicable;

(8) a statement that it is a federal crime to provide false information on personal care service billings for medical assistance payments; and

(9) dates and location of recipient stays in a hospital, care facility, or incarceration.

Subd. 13.Qualified professional; qualifications.

(a) The qualified professional must work for a personal care assistance provider agency and meet the definition under section 256B.0625, subdivision 19c. Before a qualified professional provides services, the personal care assistance provider agency must initiate a background study on the qualified professional under chapter 245C, and the personal care assistance provider agency must have received a notice from the commissioner that the qualified professional:

(1) is not disqualified under section 245C.14; or

(2) is disqualified, but the qualified professional has received a set aside of the disqualification under section 245C.22.

(b) The qualified professional shall perform the duties of training, supervision, and evaluation of the personal care assistance staff and evaluation of the effectiveness of personal care assistance services. The qualified professional shall:

(1) develop and monitor with the recipient a personal care assistance care plan based on the service plan and individualized needs of the recipient;

(2) develop and monitor with the recipient a monthly plan for the use of personal care assistance services;

(3) review documentation of personal care assistance services provided;

(4) provide training and ensure competency for the personal care assistant in the individual needs of the recipient; and

(5) document all training, communication, evaluations, and needed actions to improve performance of the personal care assistants.

(c) Effective July 1, 2010, the qualified professional shall complete the provider training with basic information about the personal care assistance program approved by the commissioner within six months of the date hired by a personal care assistance provider agency. Qualified professionals who have completed the required training as a worker from a personal care assistance provider agency do not need to repeat the required training if they are hired by another agency, if they have completed the training within the last three years. The required training shall be available in languages other than English and to those who need accommodations due to disabilities, online, or by electronic remote connection, and provide for competency testing to demonstrate an understanding of the content without attending in-person training. A qualified professional is allowed to be employed and is not subject to the training requirement until the training is offered online or through remote electronic connection. A qualified professional employed by a personal care assistance provider agency certified for participation in Medicare as a home health agency is exempt from the training required in this subdivision. The commissioner shall ensure there is a mechanism in place to verify the identity of persons completing the competency testing electronically.

Subd. 14.Qualified professional; duties.

(a) Effective January 1, 2010, all personal care assistants must be supervised by a qualified professional.

(b) Through direct training, observation, return demonstrations, and consultation with the staff and the recipient, the qualified professional must ensure and document that the personal care assistant is:

(1) capable of providing the required personal care assistance services;

(2) knowledgeable about the plan of personal care assistance services before services are performed; and

(3) able to identify conditions that should be immediately brought to the attention of the qualified professional.

(c) The qualified professional shall evaluate the personal care assistant within the first 14 days of starting to provide regularly scheduled services for a recipient except for the personal care assistance choice option under subdivision 19, paragraph (a), clause (4). For the initial evaluation, the qualified professional shall evaluate the personal care assistance services for a recipient through direct observation of a personal care assistant's work. Subsequent visits to evaluate the personal care assistance services provided to a recipient do not require direct observation of each personal care assistant's work and shall occur:

(1) at least every 90 days thereafter for the first year of a recipient's services;

(2) every 120 days after the first year of a recipient's service or whenever needed for response to a recipient's request for increased supervision of the personal care assistance staff; and

(3) after the first 180 days of a recipient's service, supervisory visits may alternate between unscheduled phone or Internet technology and in-person visits, unless the in-person visits are needed according to the care plan.

(d) Communication with the recipient is a part of the evaluation process of the personal care assistance staff.

(e) At each supervisory visit, the qualified professional shall evaluate personal care assistance services including the following information:

(1) satisfaction level of the recipient with personal care assistance services;

(2) review of the month-to-month plan for use of personal care assistance services;

(3) review of documentation of personal care assistance services provided;

(4) whether the personal care assistance services are meeting the goals of the service as stated in the personal care assistance care plan and service plan;

(5) a written record of the results of the evaluation and actions taken to correct any deficiencies in the work of a personal care assistant; and

(6) revision of the personal care assistance care plan as necessary in consultation with the recipient or responsible party, to meet the needs of the recipient.

(f) The qualified professional shall complete the required documentation in the agency recipient and employee files and the recipient's home, including the following documentation:

(1) the personal care assistance care plan based on the service plan and individualized needs of the recipient;

(2) a month-to-month plan for use of personal care assistance services;

(3) changes in need of the recipient requiring a change to the level of service and the personal care assistance care plan;

(4) evaluation results of supervision visits and identified issues with personal care assistance staff with actions taken;

(5) all communication with the recipient and personal care assistance staff; and

(6) hands-on training or individualized training for the care of the recipient.

(g) The documentation in paragraph (f) must be done on agency forms.

(h) The services that are not eligible for payment as qualified professional services include:

(1) direct professional nursing tasks that could be assessed and authorized as skilled nursing tasks;

(2) supervision of personal care assistance completed by telephone;

(3) agency administrative activities;

(4) training other than the individualized training required to provide care for a recipient; and

(5) any other activity that is not described in this section.

Subd. 15.Flexible use.

(a) "Flexible use" means the scheduled use of authorized hours of personal care assistance services, which vary within a service authorization period covering no more than six months, in order to more effectively meet the needs and schedule of the recipient. Each 12-month service agreement is divided into two six-month authorization date spans. No more than 75 percent of the total authorized units for a 12-month service agreement may be used in a six-month date span.

(b) Authorization of flexible use occurs during the authorization process under section 256B.0652. The flexible use of authorized hours does not increase the total amount of authorized hours available to a recipient. The commissioner shall not authorize additional personal care assistance services to supplement a service authorization that is exhausted before the end date under a flexible service use plan, unless the assessor determines a change in condition and a need for increased services is established. Authorized hours not used within the six-month period must not be carried over to another time period.

(c) A recipient who has terminated personal care assistance services before the end of the 12-month authorization period must not receive additional hours upon reapplying during the same 12-month authorization period, except if a change in condition is documented. Services must be prorated for the remainder of the 12-month authorization period based on the first six-month assessment.

(d) The recipient, responsible party, and qualified professional must develop a written month-to-month plan of the projected use of personal care assistance services that is part of the personal care assistance care plan and ensures:

(1) that the health and safety needs of the recipient are met throughout both date spans of the authorization period; and

(2) that the total authorized amount of personal care assistance services for each date span must not be used before the end of each date span in the authorization period.

(e) The personal care assistance provider agency shall monitor the use of personal care assistance services to ensure health and safety needs of the recipient are met throughout both date spans of the authorization period. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall provide written notice to the provider and the recipient or responsible party when a recipient is at risk of exceeding the personal care assistance services prior to the end of the six-month period.

(f) Misuse and abuse of the flexible use of personal care assistance services resulting in the overuse of units in a manner where the recipient will not have enough units to meet their needs for assistance and ensure health and safety for the entire six-month date span may lead to an action by the commissioner. The commissioner may take action including, but not limited to: (1) restricting recipients to service authorizations of no more than one month in duration; (2) requiring the recipient to have a responsible party; and (3) requiring a qualified professional to monitor and report services on a monthly basis.

Subd. 16.Shared services.

(a) Medical assistance payments for shared personal care assistance services are limited according to this subdivision.

(b) Shared service is the provision of personal care assistance services by a personal care assistant to two or three recipients, eligible for medical assistance, who voluntarily enter into an agreement to receive services at the same time and in the same setting.

(c) For the purposes of this subdivision, "setting" means:

(1) the home residence or family foster care home of one or more of the individual recipients; or

(2) a child care program licensed under chapter 245A or operated by a local school district or private school.

(d) Shared personal care assistance services follow the same criteria for covered services as subdivision 2.

(e) Noncovered shared personal care assistance services include the following:

(1) services for more than three recipients by one personal care assistant at one time;

(2) staff requirements for child care programs under chapter 245C;

(3) caring for multiple recipients in more than one setting;

(4) additional units of personal care assistance based on the selection of the option; and

(5) use of more than one personal care assistance provider agency for the shared care services.

(f) The option of shared personal care assistance is elected by the recipient or the responsible party with the assistance of the assessor. The option must be determined appropriate based on the ages of the recipients, compatibility, and coordination of their assessed care needs. The recipient or the responsible party, in conjunction with the qualified professional, shall arrange the setting and grouping of shared services based on the individual needs and preferences of the recipients. The personal care assistance provider agency shall offer the recipient or the responsible party the option of shared or one-on-one personal care assistance services or a combination of both. The recipient or the responsible party may withdraw from participating in a shared services arrangement at any time.

(g) Authorization for the shared service option must be determined by the commissioner based on the criteria that the shared service is appropriate to meet all of the recipients' needs and their health and safety is maintained. The authorization of shared services is part of the overall authorization of personal care assistance services. Nothing in this subdivision must be construed to reduce the total number of hours authorized for an individual recipient.

(h) A personal care assistant providing shared personal care assistance services must:

(1) receive training specific for each recipient served; and

(2) follow all required documentation requirements for time and services provided.

(i) A qualified professional shall:

(1) evaluate the ability of the personal care assistant to provide services for all of the recipients in a shared setting;

(2) visit the shared setting as services are being provided at least once every six months or whenever needed for response to a recipient's request for increased supervision of the personal care assistance staff;

(3) provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the shared services;

(4) develop a contingency plan with each of the recipients which accounts for absence of the recipient in a shared services setting due to illness or other circumstances;

(5) obtain permission from each of the recipients who are sharing a personal care assistant for number of shared hours for services provided inside and outside the home residence; and

(6) document the training completed by the personal care assistants specific to the shared setting and recipients sharing services.

Subd. 17.Shared services; rates.

The commissioner shall provide a rate system for shared personal care assistance services. For two persons sharing services, the rate paid to a provider must not exceed one and one-half times the rate paid for serving a single individual, and for three persons sharing services, the rate paid to a provider must not exceed twice the rate paid for serving a single individual. These rates apply only when all of the criteria for the shared care personal care assistance service have been met.

Subd. 18.Personal care assistance choice option; generally.

(a) The commissioner may allow a recipient of personal care assistance services to use a fiscal intermediary to assist the recipient in paying and accounting for medically necessary covered personal care assistance services. Unless otherwise provided in this section, all other statutory and regulatory provisions relating to personal care assistance services apply to a recipient using the personal care assistance choice option.

(b) Personal care assistance choice is an option of the personal care assistance program that allows the recipient who receives personal care assistance services to be responsible for the hiring, training, scheduling, and firing of personal care assistants according to the terms of the written agreement with the personal care assistance choice agency required under subdivision 20, paragraph (a). This program offers greater control and choice for the recipient in who provides the personal care assistance service and when the service is scheduled. The recipient or the recipient's responsible party must choose a personal care assistance choice provider agency as a fiscal intermediary. This personal care assistance choice provider agency manages payroll, invoices the state, is responsible for all payroll-related taxes and insurance, and is responsible for providing the consumer training and support in managing the recipient's personal care assistance services.

Subd. 19.Personal care assistance choice option; qualifications; duties.

(a) Under personal care assistance choice, the recipient or responsible party shall:

(1) recruit, hire, schedule, and terminate personal care assistants according to the terms of the written agreement required under subdivision 20, paragraph (a);

(2) develop a personal care assistance care plan based on the assessed needs and addressing the health and safety of the recipient with the assistance of a qualified professional as needed;

(3) orient and train the personal care assistant with assistance as needed from the qualified professional;

(4) effective January 1, 2010, supervise and evaluate the personal care assistant with the qualified professional, who is required to visit the recipient at least every 180 days;

(5) monitor and verify in writing and report to the personal care assistance choice agency the number of hours worked by the personal care assistant and the qualified professional;

(6) engage in an annual face-to-face reassessment to determine continuing eligibility and service authorization; and

(7) use the same personal care assistance choice provider agency if shared personal assistance care is being used.

(b) The personal care assistance choice provider agency shall:

(1) meet all personal care assistance provider agency standards;

(2) enter into a written agreement with the recipient, responsible party, and personal care assistants;

(3) not be related as a parent, child, sibling, or spouse to the recipient, qualified professional, or the personal care assistant; and

(4) ensure arm's-length transactions without undue influence or coercion with the recipient and personal care assistant.

(c) The duties of the personal care assistance choice provider agency are to:

(1) be the employer of the personal care assistant and the qualified professional for employment law and related regulations including, but not limited to, purchasing and maintaining workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, surety and fidelity bonds, and liability insurance, and submit any or all necessary documentation including, but not limited to, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance;

(2) bill the medical assistance program for personal care assistance services and qualified professional services;

(3) request and complete background studies that comply with the requirements for personal care assistants and qualified professionals;

(4) pay the personal care assistant and qualified professional based on actual hours of services provided;

(5) withhold and pay all applicable federal and state taxes;

(6) verify and keep records of hours worked by the personal care assistant and qualified professional;

(7) make the arrangements and pay taxes and other benefits, if any, and comply with any legal requirements for a Minnesota employer;

(8) enroll in the medical assistance program as a personal care assistance choice agency; and

(9) enter into a written agreement as specified in subdivision 20 before services are provided.

Subd. 20.Personal care assistance choice option; administration.

(a) Before services commence under the personal care assistance choice option, and annually thereafter, the personal care assistance choice provider agency and the recipient or responsible party shall enter into a written agreement. The annual agreement must be provided to the recipient or responsible party, each personal care assistant, and the qualified professional when completed, and include at a minimum:

(1) duties of the recipient, qualified professional, personal care assistant, and personal care assistance choice provider agency;

(2) salary and benefits for the personal care assistant and the qualified professional;

(3) administrative fee of the personal care assistance choice provider agency and services paid for with that fee, including background study fees;

(4) grievance procedures to respond to complaints;

(5) procedures for hiring and terminating the personal care assistant; and

(6) documentation requirements including, but not limited to, time sheets, activity records, and the personal care assistance care plan.

(b) Effective January 1, 2010, except for the administrative fee of the personal care assistance choice provider agency as reported on the written agreement, the remainder of the rates paid to the personal care assistance choice provider agency must be used to pay for the salary and benefits for the personal care assistant or the qualified professional. The provider agency must use a minimum of 72.5 percent of the revenue generated by the medical assistance rate for personal care assistance services for employee personal care assistant wages and benefits.

(c) The commissioner shall deny, revoke, or suspend the authorization to use the personal care assistance choice option if:

(1) it has been determined by the qualified professional or public health nurse that the use of this option jeopardizes the recipient's health and safety;

(2) the parties have failed to comply with the written agreement specified in this subdivision;

(3) the use of the option has led to abusive or fraudulent billing for personal care assistance services; or

(4) the department terminates the personal care assistance choice option.

(d) The recipient or responsible party may appeal the commissioner's decision in paragraph (c) according to section 256.045. The denial, revocation, or suspension to use the personal care assistance choice option must not affect the recipient's authorized level of personal care assistance services.

Subd. 21.Requirements for initial enrollment of personal care assistance provider agencies.

(a) All personal care assistance provider agencies must provide, at the time of enrollment as a personal care assistance provider agency in a format determined by the commissioner, information and documentation that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) the personal care assistance provider agency's current contact information including address, telephone number, and e-mail address;

(2) proof of surety bond coverage in the amount of $50,000 or ten percent of the provider's payments from Medicaid in the previous year, whichever is less;

(3) proof of fidelity bond coverage in the amount of $20,000;

(4) proof of workers' compensation insurance coverage;

(5) proof of liability insurance;

(6) a description of the personal care assistance provider agency's organization identifying the names of all owners, managing employees, staff, board of directors, and the affiliations of the directors, owners, or staff to other service providers;

(7) a copy of the personal care assistance provider agency's written policies and procedures including: hiring of employees; training requirements; service delivery; and employee and consumer safety including process for notification and resolution of consumer grievances, identification and prevention of communicable diseases, and employee misconduct;

(8) copies of all other forms the personal care assistance provider agency uses in the course of daily business including, but not limited to:

(i) a copy of the personal care assistance provider agency's time sheet if the time sheet varies from the standard time sheet for personal care assistance services approved by the commissioner, and a letter requesting approval of the personal care assistance provider agency's nonstandard time sheet;

(ii) the personal care assistance provider agency's template for the personal care assistance care plan; and

(iii) the personal care assistance provider agency's template for the written agreement in subdivision 20 for recipients using the personal care assistance choice option, if applicable;

(9) a list of all training and classes that the personal care assistance provider agency requires of its staff providing personal care assistance services;

(10) documentation that the personal care assistance provider agency and staff have successfully completed all the training required by this section;

(11) documentation of the agency's marketing practices;

(12) disclosure of ownership, leasing, or management of all residential properties that is used or could be used for providing home care services;

(13) documentation that the agency will use the following percentages of revenue generated from the medical assistance rate paid for personal care assistance services for employee personal care assistant wages and benefits: 72.5 percent of revenue in the personal care assistance choice option and 72.5 percent of revenue from other personal care assistance providers; and

(14) effective May 15, 2010, documentation that the agency does not burden recipients' free exercise of their right to choose service providers by requiring personal care assistants to sign an agreement not to work with any particular personal care assistance recipient or for another personal care assistance provider agency after leaving the agency and that the agency is not taking action on any such agreements or requirements regardless of the date signed.

(b) Personal care assistance provider agencies shall provide the information specified in paragraph (a) to the commissioner at the time the personal care assistance provider agency enrolls as a vendor or upon request from the commissioner. The commissioner shall collect the information specified in paragraph (a) from all personal care assistance providers beginning July 1, 2009.

(c) All personal care assistance provider agencies shall require all employees in management and supervisory positions and owners of the agency who are active in the day-to-day management and operations of the agency to complete mandatory training as determined by the commissioner before enrollment of the agency as a provider. Employees in management and supervisory positions and owners who are active in the day-to-day operations of an agency who have completed the required training as an employee with a personal care assistance provider agency do not need to repeat the required training if they are hired by another agency, if they have completed the training within the past three years. By September 1, 2010, the required training must be available in languages other than English and to those who need accommodations due to disabilities, online, or by electronic remote connection, and provide for competency testing. Personal care assistance provider agency billing staff shall complete training about personal care assistance program financial management. This training is effective July 1, 2009. Any personal care assistance provider agency enrolled before that date shall, if it has not already, complete the provider training within 18 months of July 1, 2009. Any new owners or employees in management and supervisory positions involved in the day-to-day operations are required to complete mandatory training as a requisite of working for the agency. Personal care assistance provider agencies certified for participation in Medicare as home health agencies are exempt from the training required in this subdivision.

Subd. 22.Annual review for personal care providers.

(a) All personal care assistance provider agencies shall resubmit, on an annual basis, the information specified in subdivision 21, in a format determined by the commissioner, and provide a copy of the personal care assistance provider agency's most current version of its grievance policies and procedures along with a written record of grievances and resolutions of the grievances that the personal care assistance provider agency has received in the previous year and any other information requested by the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner shall send annual review notification to personal care assistance provider agencies 30 days prior to renewal. The notification must:

(1) list the materials and information the personal care assistance provider agency is required to submit;

(2) provide instructions on submitting information to the commissioner; and

(3) provide a due date by which the commissioner must receive the requested information.

Personal care assistance provider agencies shall submit required documentation for annual review within 30 days of notification from the commissioner. If no documentation is submitted, the personal care assistance provider agency enrollment number must be terminated or suspended.

(c) Personal care assistance provider agencies also currently licensed under Minnesota Rules, part 4668.0012, as a class A provider or currently certified for participation in Medicare as a home health agency are deemed in compliance with the personal care assistance requirements for enrollment, annual review process, and documentation.

Subd. 23.Enrollment requirements following termination.

(a) A terminated personal care assistance provider agency, including all named individuals on the current enrollment disclosure form and known or discovered affiliates of the personal care assistance provider agency, is not eligible to enroll as a personal care assistance provider agency for two years following the termination.

(b) After the two-year period in paragraph (a), if the provider seeks to reenroll as a personal care assistance provider agency, the personal care assistance provider agency must be placed on a one-year probation period, beginning after completion of the following:

(1) the department's provider trainings under this section; and

(2) initial enrollment requirements under subdivision 21.

(c) During the probationary period the commissioner shall complete site visits and request submission of documentation to review compliance with program policy.

Subd. 24.Personal care assistance provider agency; general duties.

A personal care assistance provider agency shall:

(1) enroll as a Medicaid provider meeting all provider standards, including completion of the required provider training;

(2) comply with general medical assistance coverage requirements;

(3) demonstrate compliance with law and policies of the personal care assistance program to be determined by the commissioner;

(4) comply with background study requirements;

(5) verify and keep records of hours worked by the personal care assistant and qualified professional;

(6) not engage in any agency-initiated direct contact or marketing in person, by phone, or other electronic means to potential recipients, guardians, or family members;

(7) pay the personal care assistant and qualified professional based on actual hours of services provided;

(8) withhold and pay all applicable federal and state taxes;

(9) effective January 1, 2010, document that the agency uses a minimum of 72.5 percent of the revenue generated by the medical assistance rate for personal care assistance services for employee personal care assistant wages and benefits;

(10) make the arrangements and pay unemployment insurance, taxes, workers' compensation, liability insurance, and other benefits, if any;

(11) enter into a written agreement under subdivision 20 before services are provided;

(12) report suspected neglect and abuse to the common entry point according to section 256B.0651;

(13) provide the recipient with a copy of the home care bill of rights at start of service; and

(14) request reassessments at least 60 days prior to the end of the current authorization for personal care assistance services, on forms provided by the commissioner.

Subd. 25.Personal care assistance provider agency; background studies.

Personal care assistance provider agencies enrolled to provide personal care assistance services under the medical assistance program shall comply with the following:

(1) owners who have a five percent interest or more and all managing employees are subject to a background study as provided in chapter 245C. This applies to currently enrolled personal care assistance provider agencies and those agencies seeking enrollment as a personal care assistance provider agency. "Managing employee" has the same meaning as Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 455. An organization is barred from enrollment if:

(i) the organization has not initiated background studies on owners and managing employees; or

(ii) the organization has initiated background studies on owners and managing employees, but the commissioner has sent the organization a notice that an owner or managing employee of the organization has been disqualified under section 245C.14, and the owner or managing employee has not received a set aside of the disqualification under section 245C.22;

(2) a background study must be initiated and completed for all qualified professionals; and

(3) a background study must be initiated and completed for all personal care assistants.

Subd. 26.Personal care assistance provider agency; communicable disease prevention.

A personal care assistance provider agency shall establish and implement policies and procedures for prevention, control, and investigation of infections and communicable diseases according to current nationally recognized infection control practices or guidelines established by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as applicable regulations of other federal or state agencies.

Subd. 27.Personal care assistance provider agency.

(a) The personal care assistance provider agency is required to provide training for the personal care assistant responsible for working with a recipient who is ventilator dependent. All training must be administered by a respiratory therapist, nurse, or physician. Qualified professional supervision by a nurse must be completed and documented on file in the personal care assistant's employment record and the recipient's health record. If offering personal care services to a ventilator-dependent recipient, the personal care assistance provider agency shall demonstrate and document the ability to:

(1) train the personal care assistant;

(2) supervise the personal care assistant in the care of a ventilator-dependent recipient;

(3) supervise the recipient and responsible party in the care of a ventilator-dependent recipient; and

(4) provide documentation of the training and supervision in clauses (1) to (3) upon request.

(b) A personal care assistant shall not undertake any clinical services, patient assessment, patient evaluation, or clinical education regarding the ventilator or the patient on the ventilator. These services may only be provided by health care professionals licensed or registered in this state.

(c) A personal care assistant may only perform tasks associated with ventilator maintenance that are approved by the Board of Medical Practice in consultation with the Respiratory Care Practitioner Advisory Council and the Department of Human Services.

Subd. 28.Personal care assistance provider agency; required documentation.

Required documentation must be completed and kept in the personal care assistance provider agency file or the recipient's home residence. The required documentation consists of:

(1) employee files, including:

(i) applications for employment;

(ii) background study requests and results;

(iii) orientation records about the agency policies;

(iv) trainings completed with demonstration of competence;

(v) supervisory visits;

(vi) evaluations of employment; and

(vii) signature on fraud statement;

(2) recipient files, including:

(i) demographics;

(ii) emergency contact information and emergency backup plan;

(iii) personal care assistance service plan;

(iv) personal care assistance care plan;

(v) month-to-month service use plan;

(vi) all communication records;

(vii) start of service information, including the written agreement with recipient; and

(viii) date the home care bill of rights was given to the recipient;

(3) agency policy manual, including:

(i) policies for employment and termination;

(ii) grievance policies with resolution of consumer grievances;

(iii) staff and consumer safety;

(iv) staff misconduct; and

(v) staff hiring, service delivery, staff and consumer safety, staff misconduct, and resolution of consumer grievances;

(4) time sheets for each personal care assistant along with completed activity sheets for each recipient served; and

(5) agency marketing and advertising materials and documentation of marketing activities and costs.

Subd. 29.Transitional assistance.

The commissioner, counties, health plans, tribes, and personal care assistance providers shall work together to provide transitional assistance for recipients and families to come into compliance with the new requirements of this section that may require a change in living arrangement no later than August 10, 2010.

Subd. 30.Notice of service changes to recipients.

The commissioner must provide:

(1) by October 31, 2009, information to recipients likely to be affected that (i) describes the changes to the personal care assistance program that may result in the loss of access to personal care assistance services, and (ii) includes resources to obtain further information;

(2) notice of changes in medical assistance personal care assistance services to each affected recipient at least 30 days before the effective date of the change.

The notice shall include how to get further information on the changes, how to get help to obtain other services, a list of community resources, and appeal rights. Notwithstanding section 256.045, a recipient may request continued services pending appeal within the time period allowed to request an appeal; and

(3) a service agreement authorizing personal care assistance hours of service at the previously authorized level, throughout the appeal process period, when a recipient requests services pending an appeal.

History:

1986 c 444; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 51; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 12,25; 1992 c 391 s 3-6; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 50; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 51-53; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 52-55; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 17-20; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 28,29; 3Sp1997 c 3 s 9; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 29-31; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 50-58; 2000 c 474 s 8-11; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 29-41; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 17; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 3 s 26-28; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 49,50; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 15-19; 2007 c 147 art 6 s 19-22; art 7 s 9-11; 2008 c 286 art 1 s 7; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 27,31,85; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 23-27; 2010 c 352 art 1 s 10-15; art 2 s 2-14; 2010 c 382 s 49; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 15 s 7; art 17 s 10

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 11 by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 17, section 10, is effective July 1, 2011. Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 17, section 10, the effective date.

256B.07 [Repealed, 1987 c 403 art 2 s 164]

256B.071

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2009 c 79 art 8 s 86]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2001 c 161 s 58; 2001 c 203 s 19]

256B.072 PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM.

(a) The commissioner of human services shall establish a performance reporting system for health care providers who provide health care services to public program recipients covered under chapters 256B, 256D, and 256L, reporting separately for managed care and fee-for-service recipients.

(b) The measures used for the performance reporting system for medical groups shall include measures of care for asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease and measures of preventive care services. The measures used for the performance reporting system for inpatient hospitals shall include measures of care for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia, and measures of care and prevention of surgical infections. In the case of a medical group, the measures used shall be consistent with measures published by nonprofit Minnesota or national organizations that produce and disseminate health care quality measures or evidence-based health care guidelines. In the case of inpatient hospital measures, the commissioner shall appoint the Minnesota Hospital Association and Stratis Health to advise on the development of the performance measures to be used for hospital reporting. To enable a consistent measurement process across the community, the commissioner may use measures of care provided for patients in addition to those identified in paragraph (a). The commissioner shall ensure collaboration with other health care reporting organizations so that the measures described in this section are consistent with those reported by those organizations and used by other purchasers in Minnesota.

(c) The commissioner may require providers to submit information in a required format to a health care reporting organization or to cooperate with the information collection procedures of that organization. The commissioner may collaborate with a reporting organization to collect information reported and to prevent duplication of reporting.

(d) By October 1, 2007, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall report through a public Web site the results by medical groups and hospitals, where possible, of the measures under this section, and shall compare the results by medical groups and hospitals for patients enrolled in public programs to patients enrolled in private health plans. To achieve this reporting, the commissioner may collaborate with a health care reporting organization that operates a Web site suitable for this purpose.

History:

1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 43

256B.075 DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.

Subdivision 1.General.

The commissioner shall implement disease management initiatives that seek to improve patient care and health outcomes and reduce health care costs by managing the care provided to recipients with chronic conditions.

Subd. 2.Fee-for-service.

(a) The commissioner shall develop and implement a disease management program for medical assistance and general assistance medical care recipients who are not enrolled in the prepaid medical assistance or prepaid general assistance medical care programs and who are receiving services on a fee-for-service basis. The commissioner may contract with an outside organization to provide these services.

(b) The commissioner shall seek any federal approval necessary to implement this section and to obtain federal matching funds.

(c) The commissioner shall develop and implement a pilot intensive care management program for medical assistance children with complex and chronic medical issues.

Subd. 3.Prepaid managed care programs.

For the prepaid medical assistance, prepaid general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare programs, the commissioner shall ensure that contracting health plans implement disease management programs that are appropriate for Minnesota health care program recipients and have been designed by the health plan to improve patient care and health outcomes and reduce health care costs by managing the care provided to recipients with chronic conditions.

Subd. 4.Report.

The commissioner of human services shall report to the legislature by January 15, 2005, on the status of disease management initiatives, and shall present recommendations to the legislature on any statutory changes needed to increase the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 88]

History:

2004 c 288 art 7 s 6; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 44; 2008 c 326 art 1 s 33

256B.0751 HEALTH CARE HOMES.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For purposes of sections 256B.0751 to 256B.0753, the following definitions apply.

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

(c) "Commissioners" means the commissioner of humans services and the commissioner of health, acting jointly.

(d) "Health plan company" has the meaning provided in section 62Q.01, subdivision 4.

(e) "Personal clinician" means a physician licensed under chapter 147, a physician assistant licensed and practicing under chapter 147A, or an advanced practice nurse licensed and registered to practice under chapter 148.

(f) "State health care program" means the medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, and general assistance medical care programs.

Subd. 2.Development and implementation of standards.

(a) By July 1, 2009, the commissioners of health and human services shall develop and implement standards of certification for health care homes for state health care programs. In developing these standards, the commissioners shall consider existing standards developed by national independent accrediting and medical home organizations. The standards developed by the commissioners must meet the following criteria:

(1) emphasize, enhance, and encourage the use of primary care, and include the use of primary care physicians, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants as personal clinicians;

(2) focus on delivering high-quality, efficient, and effective health care services;

(3) encourage patient-centered care, including active participation by the patient and family or a legal guardian, or a health care agent as defined in chapter 145C, as appropriate in decision making and care plan development, and providing care that is appropriate to the patient's race, ethnicity, and language;

(4) provide patients with a consistent, ongoing contact with a personal clinician or team of clinical professionals to ensure continuous and appropriate care for the patient's condition;

(5) ensure that health care homes develop and maintain appropriate comprehensive care plans for their patients with complex or chronic conditions, including an assessment of health risks and chronic conditions;

(6) enable and encourage utilization of a range of qualified health care professionals, including dedicated care coordinators, in a manner that enables providers to practice to the fullest extent of their license;

(7) focus initially on patients who have or are at risk of developing chronic health conditions;

(8) incorporate measures of quality, resource use, cost of care, and patient experience;

(9) ensure the use of health information technology and systematic follow-up, including the use of patient registries; and

(10) encourage the use of scientifically based health care, patient decision-making aids that provide patients with information about treatment options and their associated benefits, risks, costs, and comparative outcomes, and other clinical decision support tools.

(b) In developing these standards, the commissioners shall consult with national and local organizations working on health care home models, physicians, relevant state agencies, health plan companies, hospitals, other providers, patients, and patient advocates. The commissioners may satisfy this requirement by continuing the provider directed care coordination advisory committee.

(c) For the purposes of developing and implementing these standards, the commissioners may use the expedited rulemaking process under section 14.389.

Subd. 3.Requirements for clinicians certified as health care homes.

(a) A personal clinician or a primary care clinic may be certified as a health care home. If a primary care clinic is certified, all of the primary care clinic's clinicians must meet the criteria of a health care home. In order to be certified as a health care home, a clinician or clinic must meet the standards set by the commissioners in accordance with this section. Certification as a health care home is voluntary. In order to maintain their status as health care homes, clinicians or clinics must renew their certification annually.

(b) Clinicians or clinics certified as health care homes must offer their health care home services to all their patients with complex or chronic health conditions who are interested in participation.

(c) Health care homes must participate in the health care home collaborative established under subdivision 5.

Subd. 4.Alternative models.

Nothing in this section shall preclude the continued development of existing medical or health care home projects currently operating or under development by the commissioner of human services or preclude the commissioner from establishing alternative models and payment mechanisms for persons who are enrolled in integrated Medicare and Medicaid programs under section 256B.69, subdivisions 23 and 28, are enrolled in managed care long-term care programs under section 256B.69, subdivision 6b, are dually eligible for Medicare and medical assistance, are in the waiting period for Medicare, or who have other primary coverage.

Subd. 5.Health care home collaborative.

By July 1, 2009, the commissioners shall establish a health care home collaborative to provide an opportunity for health care homes and state agencies to exchange information related to quality improvement and best practices.

Subd. 6.Evaluation and continued development.

(a) For continued certification under this section, health care homes must meet process, outcome, and quality standards as developed and specified by the commissioners. The commissioners shall collect data from health care homes necessary for monitoring compliance with certification standards and for evaluating the impact of health care homes on health care quality, cost, and outcomes.

(b) The commissioners may contract with a private entity to perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of health care homes. Data collected under this subdivision is classified as nonpublic data under chapter 13.

Subd. 7.Outreach.

Beginning July 1, 2009, the commissioner shall encourage state health care program enrollees who have a complex or chronic condition to select a primary care clinic with clinicians who have been certified as health care homes.

History:

2008 c 358 art 2 s 1; 2009 c 159 s 91

256B.0752 HEALTH CARE HOME REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Annual reports on implementation and administration.

The commissioners shall report annually to the legislature on the implementation and administration of the health care home model for state health care program enrollees in the fee-for-service, managed care, and county-based purchasing sectors beginning December 15, 2009, and each December 15 thereafter.

Subd. 2.Evaluation reports.

The commissioners shall provide to the legislature comprehensive evaluations of the health care home model three years and five years after implementation. The report must include:

(1) the number of state health care program enrollees in health care homes and the number and characteristics of enrollees with complex or chronic conditions, identified by income, race, ethnicity, and language;

(2) the number and geographic distribution of health care home providers;

(3) the performance and quality of care of health care homes;

(4) measures of preventive care;

(5) health care home payment arrangements, and costs related to implementation and payment of care coordination fees;

(6) the estimated impact of health care homes on health disparities; and

(7) estimated savings from implementation of the health care home model for the fee-for-service, managed care, and county-based purchasing sectors.

History:

2008 c 358 art 2 s 2

256B.0753 PAYMENT RESTRUCTURING; CARE COORDINATION PAYMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Development.

The commissioner of human services, in coordination with the commissioner of health, shall develop a payment system that provides per-person care coordination payments to health care homes certified under section 256B.0751 for providing care coordination services and directly managing on-site or employing care coordinators. The care coordination payments under this section are in addition to the quality incentive payments in section 256B.0754, subdivision 1. The care coordination payment system must vary the fees paid by thresholds of care complexity, with the highest fees being paid for care provided to individuals requiring the most intensive care coordination. In developing the criteria for care coordination payments, the commissioner shall consider the feasibility of including the additional time and resources needed by patients with limited English-language skills, cultural differences, or other barriers to health care. The commissioner may determine a schedule for phasing in care coordination fees such that the fees will be applied first to individuals who have, or are at risk of developing, complex or chronic health conditions. Development of the payment system must be completed by January 1, 2010.

Subd. 2.Implementation.

The commissioner of human services shall implement care coordination payments as specified under this section by July 1, 2010, or upon federal approval, whichever is later. For enrollees served under the fee-for-service system, the care coordination payment shall be determined by the commissioner in contracts with certified health care homes. For enrollees served by managed care or county-based purchasing plans, the commissioner's contracts with these plans shall require the payment of care coordination fees to certified health care homes.

Subd. 3.Cost neutrality.

If initial savings from implementation of health care homes are not sufficient to allow implementation of the care coordination fee in a cost-neutral manner, the commissioner may make recommendations to the legislature on reallocating costs within the health care system.

History:

2008 c 358 art 2 s 3

256B.0754 PAYMENT REFORM.

Subdivision 1.Quality incentive payments.

By July 1, 2010, the commissioner of human services shall implement quality incentive payments as established under section 62U.02 for all enrollees in state health care programs consistent with relevant state and federal statute and rule. This section does not limit the ability of the commissioner of human services to establish by contract and monitor, as part of its quality assurance obligations for state health care programs, outcome and performance measures for nonmedical services and health issues likely to occur in low-income populations or racial or cultural groups disproportionately represented in state health care program enrollment that would likely be underrepresented when using traditional measures that are based on longer-term enrollment.

Subd. 2.Payment reform.

By no later than 12 months after the commissioner of health publishes the information in section 62U.04, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), the commissioner of human services shall use the information and methods developed under section 62U.04 to establish a payment system that:

(1) rewards high-quality, low-cost providers;

(2) creates enrollee incentives to receive care from high-quality, low-cost providers; and

(3) fosters collaboration among providers to reduce cost shifting from one part of the health continuum to another.

History:

2008 c 358 art 2 s 4; 2010 c 344 s 3

256B.0755 HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

Subdivision 1.Implementation.

(a) The commissioner shall develop and authorize a demonstration project to test alternative and innovative health care delivery systems, including accountable care organizations that provide services to a specified patient population for an agreed-upon total cost of care or risk/gain sharing payment arrangement. The commissioner shall develop a request for proposals for participation in the demonstration project in consultation with hospitals, primary care providers, health plans, and other key stakeholders.

(b) In developing the request for proposals, the commissioner shall:

(1) establish uniform statewide methods of forecasting utilization and cost of care for the appropriate Minnesota public program populations, to be used by the commissioner for the health care delivery system projects;

(2) identify key indicators of quality, access, patient satisfaction, and other performance indicators that will be measured, in addition to indicators for measuring cost savings;

(3) allow maximum flexibility to encourage innovation and variation so that a variety of provider collaborations are able to become health care delivery systems;

(4) encourage and authorize different levels and types of financial risk;

(5) encourage and authorize projects representing a wide variety of geographic locations, patient populations, provider relationships, and care coordination models;

(6) encourage projects that involve close partnerships between the health care delivery system and counties and nonprofit agencies that provide services to patients enrolled with the health care delivery system, including social services, public health, mental health, community-based services, and continuing care;

(7) encourage projects established by community hospitals, clinics, and other providers in rural communities;

(8) identify required covered services for a total cost of care model or services considered in whole or partially in an analysis of utilization for a risk/gain sharing model;

(9) establish a mechanism to monitor enrollment;

(10) establish quality standards for the delivery system demonstrations;

(11) encourage participation of privately insured population so as to create sufficient alignment in demonstration systems; and

(12) coordinate projects with any coordinated care delivery systems established under section 256D.031.

(c) To be eligible to participate in the demonstration project, a health care delivery system must:

(1) provide required covered services and care coordination to recipients enrolled in the health care delivery system;

(2) establish a process to monitor enrollment and ensure the quality of care provided;

(3) in cooperation with counties and community social service agencies, coordinate the delivery of health care services with existing social services programs;

(4) provide a system for advocacy and consumer protection; and

(5) adopt innovative and cost-effective methods of care delivery and coordination, which may include the use of allied health professionals, telemedicine, patient educators, care coordinators, and community health workers.

(d) A health care delivery system demonstration may be formed by the following groups of providers of services and suppliers if they have established a mechanism for shared governance:

(1) professionals in group practice arrangements;

(2) networks of individual practices of professionals;

(3) partnerships or joint venture arrangements between hospitals and health care professionals;

(4) hospitals employing professionals; and

(5) other groups of providers of services and suppliers as the commissioner determines appropriate.

A managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan may participate in this demonstration in collaboration with one or more of the entities listed in clauses (1) to (5).

A health care delivery system may contract with a managed care plan or a county-based purchasing plan to provide administrative services, including the administration of a payment system using the payment methods established by the commissioner for health care delivery systems.

(e) The commissioner may require a health care delivery system to enter into additional third-party contractual relationships for the assessment of risk and purchase of stop loss insurance or another form of insurance risk management related to the delivery of care described in paragraph (c).

Subd. 2.Enrollment.

(a) Individuals eligible for medical assistance or MinnesotaCare shall be eligible for enrollment in a health care delivery system.

(b) Eligible applicants and recipients may enroll in a health care delivery system if a system serves the county in which the applicant or recipient resides. If more than one health care delivery system serves a county, the applicant or recipient shall be allowed to choose among the delivery systems. The commissioner may assign an applicant or recipient to a health care delivery system if a health care delivery system is available and no choice has been made by the applicant or recipient.

Subd. 3.Accountability.

(a) Health care delivery systems must accept responsibility for the quality of care based on standards established under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (10), and the cost of care or utilization of services provided to its enrollees under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (1).

(b) A health care delivery system may contract and coordinate with providers and clinics for the delivery of services and shall contract with community health clinics, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers or programs, and rural clinics to the extent practicable.

Subd. 4.Payment system.

(a) In developing a payment system for health care delivery systems, the commissioner shall establish a total cost of care benchmark or a risk/gain sharing payment model to be paid for services provided to the recipients enrolled in a health care delivery system.

(b) The payment system may include incentive payments to health care delivery systems that meet or exceed annual quality and performance targets realized through the coordination of care.

(c) An amount equal to the savings realized to the general fund as a result of the demonstration project shall be transferred each fiscal year to the health care access fund.

Subd. 5.Outpatient prescription drug coverage.

Outpatient prescription drug coverage may be provided through accountable care organizations only if the delivery method qualifies for federal prescription drug rebates.

Subd. 6.Federal approval.

The commissioner shall apply for any federal waivers or other federal approval required to implement this section. The commissioner shall also apply for any applicable grant or demonstration under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, Public Law 111-148, or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Public Law 111-152, that would further the purposes of or assist in the establishment of accountable care organizations.

Subd. 7.Expansion.

The commissioner shall explore the expansion of the demonstration project to include additional medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, and shall seek participation of Medicare in demonstration projects. The commissioner shall seek to include participation of privately insured persons and Medicare recipients in the health care delivery demonstration.

History:

1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 19

NOTE: This section, as added by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 19, is effective July 1, 2011. Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 19, the effective date.

256B.0756 HENNEPIN AND RAMSEY COUNTIES PILOT PROGRAM.

(a) The commissioner, upon federal approval of a new waiver request or amendment of an existing demonstration, may establish a pilot program in Hennepin County or Ramsey County, or both, to test alternative and innovative integrated health care delivery networks.

(b) Individuals eligible for the pilot program shall be individuals who are eligible for medical assistance under section 256B.055, subdivision 15, and who reside in Hennepin County or Ramsey County.

(c) Individuals enrolled in the pilot program shall be enrolled in an integrated health care delivery network in their county of residence. The integrated health care delivery network in Hennepin County shall be a network, such as an accountable care organization or a community-based collaborative care network, created by or including Hennepin County Medical Center. The integrated health care delivery network in Ramsey County shall be a network, such as an accountable care organization or community-based collaborative care network, created by or including Regions Hospital.

(d) The commissioner shall cap pilot program enrollment at 7,000 enrollees for Hennepin County and 3,500 enrollees for Ramsey County.

(e) In developing a payment system for the pilot programs, the commissioner shall establish a total cost of care for the recipients enrolled in the pilot programs that equals the cost of care that would otherwise be spent for these enrollees in the prepaid medical assistance program.

(f) Counties may transfer funds necessary to support the nonfederal share of payments for integrated health care delivery networks in their county. Such transfers per county shall not exceed 15 percent of the expected expenses for county enrollees.

(g) The commissioner shall apply to the federal government for, or as appropriate, cooperate with counties, providers, or other entities that are applying for any applicable grant or demonstration under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, Public Law 111-148, or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Public Law 111-152, that would further the purposes of or assist in the creation of an integrated health care delivery network for the purposes of this subdivision, including, but not limited to, a global payment demonstration or the community-based collaborative care network grants.

History:

1Sp2010 c 1 art 16 s 20

NOTE: This section, as added by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 20, is effective as follows:

(a) In order for this section to be effective, the governor in office on May 22, 2010, must direct, by executive order issued at any time during that governor's term, the commissioner of human services to implement this section, notwithstanding any other effective dates for this section.

(b) If the governor in office on May 22, 2010, does not issue an executive order under paragraph (a) directing implementation, the succeeding governor, from the start of that governor's term until January 15, 2011, may by executive order direct the commissioner of human services to implement this section.

(c) If a governor does not issue an executive order under paragraph (a) or (b), this section is not effective and does not have the force of law.

(d) In making the determinations under Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48, whether to issue an executive order under paragraph (a) or (b), the governor shall consider the cost of implementation and the availability of funds in the state treasury, the potential for increased federal funding, the effect of implementation on access to health care services in the state, and alternative approaches that may be available to pursue policy goals. Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48.

(e) If Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 16, section 48, is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional, this section is not effective and does not have the force of law.

256B.0757 COORDINATED CARE THROUGH A HEALTH HOME.

Subdivision 1.Provision of coverage.

(a) The commissioner shall provide medical assistance coverage of health home services for eligible individuals with chronic conditions who select a designated provider, a team of health care professionals, or a health team as the individual's health home.

(b) The commissioner shall implement this section in compliance with the requirements of the state option to provide health homes for enrollees with chronic conditions, as provided under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, sections 2703 and 3502. Terms used in this section have the meaning provided in that act.

Subd. 2.Eligible individual.

An individual is eligible for health home services under this section if the individual is eligible for medical assistance under this chapter and has at least:

(1) two chronic conditions;

(2) one chronic condition and is at risk of having a second chronic condition; or

(3) one serious and persistent mental health condition.

Subd. 3.Health home services.

(a) Health home services means comprehensive and timely high-quality services that are provided by a health home. These services include:

(1) comprehensive care management;

(2) care coordination and health promotion;

(3) comprehensive transitional care, including appropriate follow-up, from inpatient to other settings;

(4) patient and family support, including authorized representatives;

(5) referral to community and social support services, if relevant; and

(6) use of health information technology to link services, as feasible and appropriate.

(b) The commissioner shall maximize the number and type of services included in this subdivision to the extent permissible under federal law, including physician, outpatient, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation services necessary for comprehensive transitional care following hospitalization.

Subd. 4.Health teams.

The commissioner shall establish health teams to support the patient-centered health home and provide the services described in subdivision 3 to individuals eligible under subdivision 2. The commissioner shall apply for grants or contracts as provided under section 3502 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish health teams and provide capitated payments to primary care providers. For purposes of this section, "health teams" means community-based, interdisciplinary, interprofessional teams of health care providers that support primary care practices. These providers may include medical specialists, nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, behavioral and mental health providers, doctors of chiropractic, licensed complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, and physician assistants.

Subd. 5.Payments.

The commissioner shall make payments to each health home and each health team for the provision of health home services to each eligible individual with chronic conditions that selects the health home as a provider.

Subd. 6.Coordination.

The commissioner, to the extent feasible, shall ensure that the requirements and payment methods for health homes and health teams developed under this section are consistent with the requirements and payment methods for health care homes established under sections 256B.0751 and 256B.0753. The commissioner may modify requirements and payment methods under sections 256B.0751 and 256B.0753 in order to be consistent with federal health home requirements and payment methods.

Subd. 7.State plan amendment.

The commissioner shall submit a state plan amendment to implement this section to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by January 1, 2011.

History:

1Sp2010 c 1 art 22 s 2

NOTE: This section, as added by Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 22, section 2, is effective January 1, 2011, or upon federal approval, whichever is later. Laws 2010, First Special Session chapter 1, article 22, section 2, the effective date.

256B.08 APPLICATION.

Subdivision 1.Application process.

An applicant for medical assistance, or a person acting in the applicant's behalf, shall file an application with a local agency in the manner and form prescribed by the state agency. When a married applicant resides in a nursing home or applies for medical assistance for nursing home services, the local agency shall consider an application on behalf of the applicant's spouse only upon specific request of the applicant or upon specific request of the spouse and separate filing of an application.

Subd. 2.Expedited review for pregnant women.

A pregnant woman who may be eligible for assistance under section 256B.055, subdivision 1, must receive an appointment for eligibility determination no later than five working days from the date of her request for assistance from the local agency. The local agency shall expedite processing her application for assistance and shall make a determination of eligibility on a completed application no later than ten working days following the applicant's initial appointment. The local agency shall assist the applicant to provide all necessary information and documentation in order to process the application within the time period required under this subdivision. The state agency shall provide for the placement of applications for medical assistance in eligible provider offices, community health offices, and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program sites.

Subd. 3.Outreach locations.

The local agency must establish locations, other than those used to process applications for cash assistance, to receive and perform initial processing of applications for pregnant women and children who want medical assistance only. At a minimum, these locations must be in federally qualified health centers and in hospitals that receive disproportionate share adjustments under section 256.969, subdivision 8, except that hospitals located outside of this state that receive the disproportionate share adjustment are not included. Initial processing of the application need not include a final determination of eligibility. Local agencies shall designate a person or persons within the agency who will receive the applications taken at an outreach location and the local agency will be responsible for timely determination of eligibility.

Subd. 4.Data from Social Security.

The commissioner shall accept data from the Social Security Administration in accordance with United States Code, title 42, section 1396U-5(a).

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 8; 1Sp1981 c 2 s 15; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 146,268; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 50; 2009 c 79 art 5 s 37

256B.09 INVESTIGATIONS.

When an application for medical assistance hereunder is filed with a county agency, such county agency shall promptly make or cause to be made such investigation as it may deem necessary. The object of such investigation shall be to ascertain the facts supporting the application made hereunder and such other information as may be required by the rules of the state agency. Upon the completion of such investigation the county agency shall promptly determine eligibility. No approval by the county agency shall be required prior to payment for medical care provided to recipients determined to be eligible pursuant to this section.

History:

Ex1967 c 16 s 9; 1973 c 717 s 19

256B.091 [Repealed, 1991 c 292 art 7 s 26]

256B.0911 LONG-TERM CARE CONSULTATION SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Purpose and goal.

(a) The purpose of long-term care consultation services is to assist persons with long-term or chronic care needs in making long-term care decisions and selecting options that meet their needs and reflect their preferences. The availability of, and access to, information and other types of assistance, including assessment and support planning, is also intended to prevent or delay certified nursing facility placements and to provide transition assistance after admission. Further, the goal of these services is to contain costs associated with unnecessary certified nursing facility admissions. Long-term consultation services must be available to any person regardless of public program eligibility. The commissioner of human services shall seek to maximize use of available federal and state funds and establish the broadest program possible within the funding available.

(b) These services must be coordinated with long-term care options counseling provided under section 256.975, subdivision 7, and section 256.01, subdivision 24, for telephone assistance and follow up and to offer a variety of cost-effective alternatives to persons with disabilities and elderly persons. The county or tribal agency or managed care plan providing long-term care consultation services shall encourage the use of volunteers from families, religious organizations, social clubs, and similar civic and service organizations to provide community-based services.

Subd. 1a.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Long-term care consultation services" means:

(1) assistance in identifying services needed to maintain an individual in the most inclusive environment;

(2) providing recommendations on cost-effective community services that are available to the individual;

(3) development of an individual's person-centered community support plan;

(4) providing information regarding eligibility for Minnesota health care programs;

(5) face-to-face long-term care consultation assessments, which may be completed in a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DDs), regional treatment centers, or the person's current or planned residence;

(6) federally mandated screening to determine the need for an institutional level of care under subdivision 4a;

(7) determination of home and community-based waiver service eligibility including level of care determination for individuals who need an institutional level of care as defined under section 144.0724, subdivision 11, or 256B.092, service eligibility including state plan home care services identified in sections 256B.0625, subdivisions 6, 7, and 19, paragraphs (a) and (c), and 256B.0657, based on assessment and support plan development with appropriate referrals, including the option for consumer-directed community supports;

(8) providing recommendations for nursing facility placement when there are no cost-effective community services available; and

(9) assistance to transition people back to community settings after facility admission.

(b) "Long-term care options counseling" means the services provided by the linkage lines as mandated by sections 256.01 and 256.975, subdivision 7, and also includes telephone assistance and follow up once a long-term care consultation assessment has been completed.

(c) "Minnesota health care programs" means the medical assistance program under chapter 256B and the alternative care program under section 256B.0913.

(d) "Lead agencies" means counties or a collaboration of counties, tribes, and health plans administering long-term care consultation assessment and support planning services.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

Subd. 2a.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

Subd. 2b.Certified assessors.

(a) Beginning January 1, 2011, each lead agency shall use certified assessors who have completed training and the certification processes determined by the commissioner in subdivision 2c. Certified assessors shall demonstrate best practices in assessment and support planning including person-centered planning principals and have a common set of skills that must ensure consistency and equitable access to services statewide. Assessors must be part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals that includes public health nurses, social workers, and other professionals as defined in paragraph (b). For persons with complex health care needs, a public health nurse or registered nurse from a multidisciplinary team must be consulted. A lead agency may choose, according to departmental policies, to contract with a qualified, certified assessor to conduct assessments and reassessments on behalf of the lead agency.

(b) Certified assessors are persons with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work, nursing with a public health nursing certificate, or other closely related field with at least one year of home and community-based experience or a two-year registered nursing degree with at least three years of home and community-based experience that have received training and certification specific to assessment and consultation for long-term care services in the state.

Subd. 2c.Assessor training and certification.

The commissioner shall develop a curriculum and an assessor certification process to begin no later than January 1, 2010. All existing lead agency staff designated to provide the services defined in subdivision 1a must be certified by December 30, 2010. Each lead agency is required to ensure that they have sufficient numbers of certified assessors to provide long-term consultation assessment and support planning within the timelines and parameters of the service by January 1, 2011. Certified assessors are required to be recertified every three years.

Subd. 3.Long-term care consultation team.

(a) Until January 1, 2011, a long-term care consultation team shall be established by the county board of commissioners. Each local consultation team shall consist of at least one social worker and at least one public health nurse from their respective county agencies. The board may designate public health or social services as the lead agency for long-term care consultation services. If a county does not have a public health nurse available, it may request approval from the commissioner to assign a county registered nurse with at least one year experience in home care to participate on the team. Two or more counties may collaborate to establish a joint local consultation team or teams.

(b) The team is responsible for providing long-term care consultation services to all persons located in the county who request the services, regardless of eligibility for Minnesota health care programs.

(c) The commissioner shall allow arrangements and make recommendations that encourage counties to collaborate to establish joint local long-term care consultation teams to ensure that long-term care consultations are done within the timelines and parameters of the service. This includes integrated service models as required in subdivision 1, paragraph (b).

Subd. 3a.Assessment and support planning.

(a) Persons requesting assessment, services planning, or other assistance intended to support community-based living, including persons who need assessment in order to determine waiver or alternative care program eligibility, must be visited by a long-term care consultation team within 15 calendar days after the date on which an assessment was requested or recommended. After January 1, 2011, these requirements also apply to personal care assistance services, private duty nursing, and home health agency services, on timelines established in subdivision 5. Face-to-face assessments must be conducted according to paragraphs (b) to (i).

(b) The county may utilize a team of either the social worker or public health nurse, or both. After January 1, 2011, lead agencies shall use certified assessors to conduct the assessment in a face-to-face interview. The consultation team members must confer regarding the most appropriate care for each individual screened or assessed.

(c) The assessment must be comprehensive and include a person-centered assessment of the health, psychological, functional, environmental, and social needs of referred individuals and provide information necessary to develop a support plan that meets the consumers needs, using an assessment form provided by the commissioner.

(d) The assessment must be conducted in a face-to-face interview with the person being assessed and the person's legal representative, as required by legally executed documents, and other individuals as requested by the person, who can provide information on the needs, strengths, and preferences of the person necessary to develop a support plan that ensures the person's health and safety, but who is not a provider of service or has any financial interest in the provision of services.

(e) The person, or the person's legal representative, must be provided with written recommendations for community-based services, including consumer-directed options, or institutional care that include documentation that the most cost-effective alternatives available were offered to the individual. For purposes of this requirement, "cost-effective alternatives" means community services and living arrangements that cost the same as or less than institutional care.

(f) If the person chooses to use community-based services, the person or the person's legal representative must be provided with a written community support plan, regardless of whether the individual is eligible for Minnesota health care programs. A person may request assistance in identifying community supports without participating in a complete assessment. Upon a request for assistance identifying community support, the person must be transferred or referred to the services available under sections 256.975, subdivision 7, and 256.01, subdivision 24, for telephone assistance and follow up.

(g) The person has the right to make the final decision between institutional placement and community placement after the recommendations have been provided, except as provided in subdivision 4a, paragraph (c).

(h) The team must give the person receiving assessment or support planning, or the person's legal representative, materials, and forms supplied by the commissioner containing the following information:

(1) the need for and purpose of preadmission screening if the person selects nursing facility placement;

(2) the role of the long-term care consultation assessment and support planning in waiver and alternative care program eligibility determination;

(3) information about Minnesota health care programs;

(4) the person's freedom to accept or reject the recommendations of the team;

(5) the person's right to confidentiality under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, chapter 13;

(6) the long-term care consultant's decision regarding the person's need for institutional level of care as determined under criteria established in section 144.0724, subdivision 11, or 256B.092; and

(7) the person's right to appeal the decision regarding the need for nursing facility level of care or the county's final decisions regarding public programs eligibility according to section 256.045, subdivision 3.

(i) Face-to-face assessment completed as part of eligibility determination for the alternative care, elderly waiver, community alternatives for disabled individuals, community alternative care, and traumatic brain injury waiver programs under sections 256B.0915, 256B.0917, and 256B.49 is valid to establish service eligibility for no more than 60 calendar days after the date of assessment. The effective eligibility start date for these programs can never be prior to the date of assessment. If an assessment was completed more than 60 days before the effective waiver or alternative care program eligibility start date, assessment and support plan information must be updated in a face-to-face visit and documented in the department's Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). The effective date of program eligibility in this case cannot be prior to the date the updated assessment is completed.

Subd. 3b.Transition assistance.

(a) A long-term care consultation team shall provide assistance to persons residing in a nursing facility, hospital, regional treatment center, or intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities who request or are referred for assistance. Transition assistance must include assessment, community support plan development, referrals to long-term care options counseling under section 256B.975, subdivision 10, for community support plan implementation and to Minnesota health care programs, including home and community-based waiver services and consumer-directed options through the waivers, and referrals to programs that provide assistance with housing. Transition assistance must also include information about the Centers for Independent Living and the Senior LinkAge Line, and about other organizations that can provide assistance with relocation efforts, and information about contacting these organizations to obtain their assistance and support.

(b) The county shall develop transition processes with institutional social workers and discharge planners to ensure that:

(1) persons admitted to facilities receive information about transition assistance that is available;

(2) the assessment is completed for persons within ten working days of the date of request or recommendation for assessment; and

(3) there is a plan for transition and follow-up for the individual's return to the community. The plan must require notification of other local agencies when a person who may require assistance is screened by one county for admission to a facility located in another county.

(c) If a person who is eligible for a Minnesota health care program is admitted to a nursing facility, the nursing facility must include a consultation team member or the case manager in the discharge planning process.

Subd. 3c.Transition to housing with services.

(a) Housing with services establishments offering or providing assisted living under chapter 144G shall inform all prospective residents of the availability of and contact information for transitional consultation services under this subdivision prior to executing a lease or contract with the prospective resident. The purpose of transitional long-term care consultation is to support persons with current or anticipated long-term care needs in making informed choices among options that include the most cost-effective and least restrictive settings, and to delay spenddown to eligibility for publicly funded programs by connecting people to alternative services in their homes before transition to housing with services. Regardless of the consultation, prospective residents maintain the right to choose housing with services or assisted living if that option is their preference.

(b) Transitional consultation services are provided as determined by the commissioner of human services in partnership with county long-term care consultation units, and the Area Agencies on Aging, and are a combination of telephone-based and in-person assistance provided under models developed by the commissioner. The consultation shall be performed in a manner that provides objective and complete information. Transitional consultation must be provided within five working days of the request of the prospective resident as follows:

(1) the consultation must be provided by a qualified professional as determined by the commissioner;

(2) the consultation must include a review of the prospective resident's reasons for considering assisted living, the prospective resident's personal goals, a discussion of the prospective resident's immediate and projected long-term care needs, and alternative community services or assisted living settings that may meet the prospective resident's needs; and

(3) the prospective resident shall be informed of the availability of long-term care consultation services described in subdivision 3a that are available at no charge to the prospective resident to assist the prospective resident in assessment and planning to meet the prospective resident's long-term care needs. The Senior LinkAge Line and long-term care consultation team shall give the highest priority to referrals who are at highest risk of nursing facility placement or as needed for determining eligibility.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

Subd. 4a.Preadmission screening activities related to nursing facility admissions.

(a) All applicants to Medicaid certified nursing facilities, including certified boarding care facilities, must be screened prior to admission regardless of income, assets, or funding sources for nursing facility care, except as described in subdivision 4b. The purpose of the screening is to determine the need for nursing facility level of care as described in paragraph (d) and to complete activities required under federal law related to mental illness and developmental disability as outlined in paragraph (b).

(b) A person who has a diagnosis or possible diagnosis of mental illness or developmental disability must receive a preadmission screening before admission regardless of the exemptions outlined in subdivision 4b, paragraph (b), to identify the need for further evaluation and specialized services, unless the admission prior to screening is authorized by the local mental health authority or the local developmental disabilities case manager, or unless authorized by the county agency according to Public Law 101-508.

The following criteria apply to the preadmission screening:

(1) the county must use forms and criteria developed by the commissioner to identify persons who require referral for further evaluation and determination of the need for specialized services; and

(2) the evaluation and determination of the need for specialized services must be done by:

(i) a qualified independent mental health professional, for persons with a primary or secondary diagnosis of a serious mental illness; or

(ii) a qualified developmental disability professional, for persons with a primary or secondary diagnosis of developmental disability. For purposes of this requirement, a qualified developmental disability professional must meet the standards for a qualified developmental disability professional under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 483.430.

(c) The local county mental health authority or the state developmental disability authority under Public Law Numbers 100-203 and 101-508 may prohibit admission to a nursing facility if the individual does not meet the nursing facility level of care criteria or needs specialized services as defined in Public Law Numbers 100-203 and 101-508. For purposes of this section, "specialized services" for a person with developmental disability means active treatment as that term is defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 483.440 (a)(1).

(d) The determination of the need for nursing facility level of care must be made according to criteria established in section 144.0724, subdivision 11, and 256B.092, using forms developed by the commissioner. In assessing a person's needs, consultation team members shall have a physician available for consultation and shall consider the assessment of the individual's attending physician, if any. The individual's physician must be included if the physician chooses to participate. Other personnel may be included on the team as deemed appropriate by the county.

Subd. 4b.Exemptions and emergency admissions.

(a) Exemptions from the federal screening requirements outlined in subdivision 4a, paragraphs (b) and (c), are limited to:

(1) a person who, having entered an acute care facility from a certified nursing facility, is returning to a certified nursing facility;

(2) a person transferring from one certified nursing facility in Minnesota to another certified nursing facility in Minnesota; and

(3) a person, 21 years of age or older, who satisfies the following criteria, as specified in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 483.106(b)(2):

(i) the person is admitted to a nursing facility directly from a hospital after receiving acute inpatient care at the hospital;

(ii) the person requires nursing facility services for the same condition for which care was provided in the hospital; and

(iii) the attending physician has certified before the nursing facility admission that the person is likely to receive less than 30 days of nursing facility services.

(b) Persons who are exempt from preadmission screening for purposes of level of care determination include:

(1) persons described in paragraph (a);

(2) an individual who has a contractual right to have nursing facility care paid for indefinitely by the veterans' administration;

(3) an individual enrolled in a demonstration project under section 256B.69, subdivision 8, at the time of application to a nursing facility; and

(4) an individual currently being served under the alternative care program or under a home and community-based services waiver authorized under section 1915(c) of the federal Social Security Act.

(c) Persons admitted to a Medicaid-certified nursing facility from the community on an emergency basis as described in paragraph (d) or from an acute care facility on a nonworking day must be screened the first working day after admission.

(d) Emergency admission to a nursing facility prior to screening is permitted when all of the following conditions are met:

(1) a person is admitted from the community to a certified nursing or certified boarding care facility during county nonworking hours;

(2) a physician has determined that delaying admission until preadmission screening is completed would adversely affect the person's health and safety;

(3) there is a recent precipitating event that precludes the client from living safely in the community, such as sustaining an injury, sudden onset of acute illness, or a caregiver's inability to continue to provide care;

(4) the attending physician has authorized the emergency placement and has documented the reason that the emergency placement is recommended; and

(5) the county is contacted on the first working day following the emergency admission.

Transfer of a patient from an acute care hospital to a nursing facility is not considered an emergency except for a person who has received hospital services in the following situations: hospital admission for observation, care in an emergency room without hospital admission, or following hospital 24-hour bed care.

(e) A nursing facility must provide written information to all persons admitted regarding the person's right to request and receive long-term care consultation services as defined in subdivision 1a. The information must be provided prior to the person's discharge from the facility and in a format specified by the commissioner.

Subd. 4c.Screening requirements.

(a) A person may be screened for nursing facility admission by telephone or in a face-to-face screening interview. Consultation team members shall identify each individual's needs using the following categories:

(1) the person needs no face-to-face screening interview to determine the need for nursing facility level of care based on information obtained from other health care professionals;

(2) the person needs an immediate face-to-face screening interview to determine the need for nursing facility level of care and complete activities required under subdivision 4a; or

(3) the person may be exempt from screening requirements as outlined in subdivision 4b, but will need transitional assistance after admission or in-person follow-along after a return home.

(b) Persons admitted on a nonemergency basis to a Medicaid-certified nursing facility must be screened prior to admission.

(c) The county screening or intake activity must include processes to identify persons who may require transition assistance as described in subdivision 3b.

Subd. 4d.Preadmission screening of individuals under 65 years of age.

(a) It is the policy of the state of Minnesota to ensure that individuals with disabilities or chronic illness are served in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs and have the necessary information to make informed choices about home and community-based service options.

(b) Individuals under 65 years of age who are admitted to a nursing facility from a hospital must be screened prior to admission as outlined in subdivisions 4a through 4c.

(c) Individuals under 65 years of age who are admitted to nursing facilities with only a telephone screening must receive a face-to-face assessment from the long-term care consultation team member of the county in which the facility is located or from the recipient's county case manager within 40 calendar days of admission.

(d) Individuals under 65 years of age who are admitted to a nursing facility without preadmission screening according to the exemption described in subdivision 4b, paragraph (a), clause (3), and who remain in the facility longer than 30 days must receive a face-to-face assessment within 40 days of admission.

(e) At the face-to-face assessment, the long-term care consultation team member or county case manager must perform the activities required under subdivision 3b.

(f) For individuals under 21 years of age, a screening interview which recommends nursing facility admission must be face-to-face and approved by the commissioner before the individual is admitted to the nursing facility.

(g) In the event that an individual under 65 years of age is admitted to a nursing facility on an emergency basis, the county must be notified of the admission on the next working day, and a face-to-face assessment as described in paragraph (c) must be conducted within 40 calendar days of admission.

(h) At the face-to-face assessment, the long-term care consultation team member or the case manager must present information about home and community-based options, including consumer-directed options, so the individual can make informed choices. If the individual chooses home and community-based services, the long-term care consultation team member or case manager must complete a written relocation plan within 20 working days of the visit. The plan shall describe the services needed to move out of the facility and a time line for the move which is designed to ensure a smooth transition to the individual's home and community.

(i) An individual under 65 years of age residing in a nursing facility shall receive a face-to-face assessment at least every 12 months to review the person's service choices and available alternatives unless the individual indicates, in writing, that annual visits are not desired. In this case, the individual must receive a face-to-face assessment at least once every 36 months for the same purposes.

(j) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 6, the commissioner may pay county agencies directly for face-to-face assessments for individuals under 65 years of age who are being considered for placement or residing in a nursing facility.

Subd. 5.Administrative activity.

The commissioner shall streamline the processes, including timelines for when assessments need to be completed, required to provide the services in this section and shall implement integrated solutions to automate the business processes to the extent necessary for community support plan approval, reimbursement, program planning, evaluation, and policy development.

Subd. 6.Payment for long-term care consultation services.

(a) The total payment for each county must be paid monthly by certified nursing facilities in the county. The monthly amount to be paid by each nursing facility for each fiscal year must be determined by dividing the county's annual allocation for long-term care consultation services by 12 to determine the monthly payment and allocating the monthly payment to each nursing facility based on the number of licensed beds in the nursing facility. Payments to counties in which there is no certified nursing facility must be made by increasing the payment rate of the two facilities located nearest to the county seat.

(b) The commissioner shall include the total annual payment determined under paragraph (a) for each nursing facility reimbursed under section 256B.431 or 256B.434 according to section 256B.431, subdivision 2b, paragraph (g).

(c) In the event of the layaway, delicensure and decertification, or removal from layaway of 25 percent or more of the beds in a facility, the commissioner may adjust the per diem payment amount in paragraph (b) and may adjust the monthly payment amount in paragraph (a). The effective date of an adjustment made under this paragraph shall be on or after the first day of the month following the effective date of the layaway, delicensure and decertification, or removal from layaway.

(d) Payments for long-term care consultation services are available to the county or counties to cover staff salaries and expenses to provide the services described in subdivision 1a. The county shall employ, or contract with other agencies to employ, within the limits of available funding, sufficient personnel to provide long-term care consultation services while meeting the state's long-term care outcomes and objectives as defined in section 256B.0917, subdivision 1. The county shall be accountable for meeting local objectives as approved by the commissioner in the biennial home and community-based services quality assurance plan on a form provided by the commissioner.

(e) Notwithstanding section 256B.0641, overpayments attributable to payment of the screening costs under the medical assistance program may not be recovered from a facility.

(f) The commissioner of human services shall amend the Minnesota medical assistance plan to include reimbursement for the local consultation teams.

(g) The county may bill, as case management services, assessments, support planning, and follow-along provided to persons determined to be eligible for case management under Minnesota health care programs. No individual or family member shall be charged for an initial assessment or initial support plan development provided under subdivision 3a or 3b.

(h) The commissioner shall develop an alternative payment methodology for long-term care consultation services that includes the funding available under this subdivision, and sections 256B.092 and 256B.0659. In developing the new payment methodology, the commissioner shall consider the maximization of federal funding for this activity.

Subd. 6a.Withholding.

If any provider obligated to pay the long-term care consultation amount as described in subdivision 6 is more than two months delinquent in the timely payment of the monthly installment, the commissioner may withhold payments, penalties, and interest in accordance with the methods outlined in section 256.9657, subdivision 7a. Any amount withheld under this provision must be returned to the county to whom the delinquent payments were due.

Subd. 7.Reimbursement for certified nursing facilities.

(a) Medical assistance reimbursement for nursing facilities shall be authorized for a medical assistance recipient only if a preadmission screening has been conducted prior to admission or the county has authorized an exemption. Medical assistance reimbursement for nursing facilities shall not be provided for any recipient who the local screener has determined does not meet the level of care criteria for nursing facility placement in section 144.0724, subdivision 11, or, if indicated, has not had a level II OBRA evaluation as required under the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 completed unless an admission for a recipient with mental illness is approved by the local mental health authority or an admission for a recipient with developmental disability is approved by the state developmental disability authority.

(b) The nursing facility must not bill a person who is not a medical assistance recipient for resident days that preceded the date of completion of screening activities as required under subdivisions 4a, 4b, and 4c. The nursing facility must include unreimbursed resident days in the nursing facility resident day totals reported to the commissioner.

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 2001 c 161 s 58]

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

History:

1991 c 292 art 7 s 14; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 53-55; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 56-61,135; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 57-61; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 34; art 9 s 10; 1997 c 225 art 8 s 6; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 33-35; 1999 c 245 art 3 s 12; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 42; art 4 s 4-14; 2002 c 277 s 32; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 18,19; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 56; art 3 s 29; 2004 c 288 art 5 s 4; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 98 art 2 s 5; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 45; 2007 c 147 art 6 s 23-28; art 7 s 13,14; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 32-43; 2009 c 173 art 1 s 28; 2010 c 352 art 1 s 16-20; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 24 s 5

256B.0912 [Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 76]

256B.0913 ALTERNATIVE CARE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Purpose and goals.

The purpose of the alternative care program is to provide funding for home and community-based services for elderly persons, in order to limit nursing facility placements. The program is designed to support elderly persons in their desire to remain in the community as independently and as long as possible and to support informal caregivers in their efforts to provide care for elderly people. Further, the goals of the program are:

(1) to contain medical assistance expenditures by funding care in the community; and

(2) to maintain the moratorium on new construction of nursing home beds.

Subd. 2.Eligibility for services.

Alternative care services are available to Minnesotans age 65 or older who would be eligible for medical assistance within 135 days of admission to a nursing facility and subject to subdivisions 4 to 13.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

Subd. 4.Eligibility for funding for services for nonmedical assistance recipients.

(a) Funding for services under the alternative care program is available to persons who meet the following criteria:

(1) the person has been determined by a community assessment under section 256B.0911 to be a person who would require the level of care provided in a nursing facility, but for the provision of services under the alternative care program. Effective January 1, 2011, this determination must be made according to the criteria established in section 144.0724, subdivision 11;

(2) the person is age 65 or older;

(3) the person would be eligible for medical assistance within 135 days of admission to a nursing facility;

(4) the person is not ineligible for the payment of long-term care services by the medical assistance program due to an asset transfer penalty under section 256B.0595 or equity interest in the home exceeding $500,000 as stated in section 256B.056;

(5) the person needs long-term care services that are not funded through other state or federal funding, or other health insurance or other third-party insurance such as long-term care insurance;

(6) except for individuals described in clause (7), the monthly cost of the alternative care services funded by the program for this person does not exceed 75 percent of the monthly limit described under section 256B.0915, subdivision 3a. This monthly limit does not prohibit the alternative care client from payment for additional services, but in no case may the cost of additional services purchased under this section exceed the difference between the client's monthly service limit defined under section 256B.0915, subdivision 3, and the alternative care program monthly service limit defined in this paragraph. If care-related supplies and equipment or environmental modifications and adaptations are or will be purchased for an alternative care services recipient, the costs may be prorated on a monthly basis for up to 12 consecutive months beginning with the month of purchase. If the monthly cost of a recipient's other alternative care services exceeds the monthly limit established in this paragraph, the annual cost of the alternative care services shall be determined. In this event, the annual cost of alternative care services shall not exceed 12 times the monthly limit described in this paragraph;

(7) for individuals assigned a case mix classification A as described under section 256B.0915, subdivision 3a, paragraph (a), with (i) no dependencies in activities of daily living, (ii) only one dependency in bathing, dressing, grooming, or walking, or (iii) a dependency score of less than three if eating is the only dependency as determined by an assessment performed under section 256B.0911, the monthly cost of alternative care services funded by the program cannot exceed $600 per month for all new participants enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2009. This monthly limit shall be applied to all other participants who meet this criteria at reassessment. This monthly limit shall be increased annually as described in section 256B.0915, subdivision 3a, paragraph (a). This monthly limit does not prohibit the alternative care client from payment for additional services, but in no case may the cost of additional services purchased exceed the difference between the client's monthly service limit defined in this clause and the limit described in clause (6) for case mix classification A; and

(8) the person is making timely payments of the assessed monthly fee.

A person is ineligible if payment of the fee is over 60 days past due, unless the person agrees to:

(i) the appointment of a representative payee;

(ii) automatic payment from a financial account;

(iii) the establishment of greater family involvement in the financial management of payments; or

(iv) another method acceptable to the lead agency to ensure prompt fee payments.

The lead agency may extend the client's eligibility as necessary while making arrangements to facilitate payment of past-due amounts and future premium payments. Following disenrollment due to nonpayment of a monthly fee, eligibility shall not be reinstated for a period of 30 days.

(b) Alternative care funding under this subdivision is not available for a person who is a medical assistance recipient or who would be eligible for medical assistance without a spenddown or waiver obligation. A person whose initial application for medical assistance and the elderly waiver program is being processed may be served under the alternative care program for a period up to 60 days. If the individual is found to be eligible for medical assistance, medical assistance must be billed for services payable under the federally approved elderly waiver plan and delivered from the date the individual was found eligible for the federally approved elderly waiver plan. Notwithstanding this provision, alternative care funds may not be used to pay for any service the cost of which: (i) is payable by medical assistance; (ii) is used by a recipient to meet a waiver obligation; or (iii) is used to pay a medical assistance income spenddown for a person who is eligible to participate in the federally approved elderly waiver program under the special income standard provision.

(c) Alternative care funding is not available for a person who resides in a licensed nursing home, certified boarding care home, hospital, or intermediate care facility, except for case management services which are provided in support of the discharge planning process for a nursing home resident or certified boarding care home resident to assist with a relocation process to a community-based setting.

(d) Alternative care funding is not available for a person whose income is greater than the maintenance needs allowance under section 256B.0915, subdivision 1d, but equal to or less than 120 percent of the federal poverty guideline effective July 1 in the fiscal year for which alternative care eligibility is determined, who would be eligible for the elderly waiver with a waiver obligation.

Subd. 5.Services covered under alternative care.

Alternative care funding may be used for payment of costs of:

(1) adult day care;

(2) home health aide;

(3) homemaker services;

(4) personal care;

(5) case management;

(6) respite care;

(7) care-related supplies and equipment;

(8) meals delivered to the home;

(9) nonmedical transportation;

(10) nursing services;

(11) chore services;

(12) companion services;

(13) nutrition services;

(14) training for direct informal caregivers;

(15) telehome care to provide services in their own homes in conjunction with in-home visits;

(16) consumer-directed community services under the alternative care programs which are available statewide and limited to the average monthly expenditures representative of all alternative care program participants for the same case mix resident class assigned in the most recent fiscal year for which complete expenditure data is available;

(17) environmental modifications and adaptations; and

(18) discretionary services, for which lead agencies may make payment from their alternative care program allocation for services not otherwise defined in this section or section 256B.0625, following approval by the commissioner.

Total annual payments for discretionary services for all clients served by a lead agency must not exceed 25 percent of that lead agency's annual alternative care program base allocation.

Subd. 5a.Services; service definitions; service standards.

(a) Unless specified in statute, the services, service definitions, and standards for alternative care services shall be the same as the services, service definitions, and standards specified in the federally approved elderly waiver plan, except alternative care does not cover transitional support services, assisted living services, adult foster care services, and residential care and benefits defined under section 256B.0625 that meet primary and acute health care needs.

(b) The lead agency must ensure that the funds are not used to supplant or supplement services available through other public assistance or services programs, including supplementation of client co-pays, deductibles, premiums, or other cost-sharing arrangements for health-related benefits and services or entitlement programs and services that are available to the person, but in which they have elected not to enroll. The lead agency must ensure that the benefit department recovery system in the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) has the necessary information on any other health insurance or third-party insurance policy to which the client may have access. For a provider of supplies and equipment when the monthly cost of the supplies and equipment is less than $250, persons or agencies must be employed by or under a contract with the lead agency or the public health nursing agency of the local board of health in order to receive funding under the alternative care program. Supplies and equipment may be purchased from a vendor not certified to participate in the Medicaid program if the cost for the item is less than that of a Medicaid vendor.

(c) Personal care services must meet the service standards defined in the federally approved elderly waiver plan, except that a lead agency may contract with a client's relative who meets the relative hardship waiver requirements or a relative who meets the criteria and is also the responsible party under an individual service plan that ensures the client's health and safety and supervision of the personal care services by a qualified professional as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19c. Relative hardship is established by the lead agency when the client's care causes a relative caregiver to do any of the following: resign from a paying job, reduce work hours resulting in lost wages, obtain a leave of absence resulting in lost wages, incur substantial client-related expenses, provide services to address authorized, unstaffed direct care time, or meet special needs of the client unmet in the formal service plan.

Subd. 5b.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 76]

Subd. 5c.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 76]

Subd. 5d.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 76]

Subd. 5e.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 76]

Subd. 5f.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 76]

Subd. 5g.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 76]

Subd. 5h.

[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 76]

Subd. 5i.Immunity.

The state of Minnesota, county, lead agency under contract, or tribal government under contract to administer the alternative care program shall not be liable for damages, injuries, or liabilities sustained through the purchase of direct supports or goods by the person, the person's family, or the authorized representative with funds received through the cash payments under this section. Liabilities include, but are not limited to, workers' compensation, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), or the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).

Subd. 6.Alternative care program administration.

(a) The alternative care program is administered by the county agency. This agency is the lead agency responsible for the local administration of the alternative care program as described in this section. However, it may contract with the public health nursing service to be the lead agency. The commissioner may contract with federally recognized Indian tribes with a reservation in Minnesota to serve as the lead agency responsible for the local administration of the alternative care program as described in the contract.

(b) Alternative care pilot projects operate according to this section and the provisions of Laws 1993, First Special Session chapter 1, article 5, section 133, under agreement with the commissioner. Each pilot project agreement period shall begin no later than the first payment cycle of the state fiscal year and continue through the last payment cycle of the state fiscal year.

Subd. 7.Case management.

The case manager must not approve alternative care funding for a client in any setting in which the case manager cannot reasonably ensure the client's health and safety. The case manager is responsible for the cost-effectiveness of the alternative care individual care plan and must not approve any care plan in which the cost of services funded by alternative care and client contributions exceeds the limit specified in section 256B.0915, subdivision 3, paragraph (b).

Subd. 8.Requirements for individual care plan.

(a) The case manager shall implement the plan of care for each alternative care client and ensure that a client's service needs and eligibility are reassessed at least every 12 months. The plan shall include any services prescribed by the individual's attending physician as necessary to allow the individual to remain in a community setting. In developing the individual's care plan, the case manager should include the use of volunteers from families and neighbors, religious organizations, social clubs, and civic and service organizations to support the formal home care services. The lead agency shall be held harmless for damages or injuries sustained through the use of volunteers under this subdivision including workers' compensation liability. The case manager shall provide documentation in each individual's plan of care and, if requested, to the commissioner that the most cost-effective alternatives available have been offered to the individual and that the individual was free to choose among available qualified providers, both public and private, including qualified case management or service coordination providers other than those employed by any county; however, the county or tribe maintains responsibility for prior authorizing services in accordance with statutory and administrative requirements. The case manager must give the individual a ten-day written notice of any denial, termination, or reduction of alternative care services.

(b) The county of service or tribe must provide access to and arrange for case management services, including assuring implementation of the plan. "County of service" has the meaning given it in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0015, subpart 11. The county of service must notify the county of financial responsibility of the approved care plan and the amount of encumbered funds.

Subd. 9.Contracting provisions for providers.

Alternative care funds paid to service providers are subject to audit by the commissioner for fiscal and utilization control.

The lead agency must select providers for contracts or agreements using the following criteria and other criteria established by the lead agency:

(1) the need for the particular services offered by the provider;

(2) the population to be served, including the number of clients, the length of time services will be provided, and the medical condition of clients;

(3) the geographic area to be served;

(4) quality assurance methods, including appropriate licensure, certification, or standards, and supervision of employees when needed;

(5) rates for each service and unit of service exclusive of lead agency administrative costs;

(6) evaluation of services previously delivered by the provider; and

(7) contract or agreement conditions, including billing requirements, cancellation, and indemnification.

The lead agency must evaluate its own agency services under the criteria established for other providers.

Subd. 10.Allocation formula.

(a) By July 15 of each year, the commissioner shall allocate to county agencies the state funds available for alternative care for persons eligible under subdivision 2.

(b) The adjusted base for each lead agency is the lead agency's current fiscal year base allocation plus any targeted funds approved during the current fiscal year. Calculations for paragraphs (c) and (d) are to be made as follows: for each lead agency, the determination of alternative care program expenditures shall be based on payments for services rendered from April 1 through March 31 in the base year, to the extent that claims have been submitted and paid by June 1 of that year.

(c) If the alternative care program expenditures as defined in paragraph (b) are 95 percent or more of the lead agency's adjusted base allocation, the allocation for the next fiscal year is 100 percent of the adjusted base, plus inflation to the extent that inflation is included in the state budget.

(d) If the alternative care program expenditures as defined in paragraph (b) are less than 95 percent of the lead agency's adjusted base allocation, the allocation for the next fiscal year is the adjusted base allocation less the amount of unspent funds below the 95 percent level.

(e) If the annual legislative appropriation for the alternative care program is inadequate to fund the combined lead agency allocations for a biennium, the commissioner shall distribute to each lead agency the entire annual appropriation as that lead agency's percentage of the computed base as calculated in paragraphs (c) and (d).

(f) On agreement between the commissioner and the lead agency, the commissioner may have discretion to reallocate alternative care base allocations distributed to lead agencies in which the base amount exceeds program expenditures.

Subd. 11.Targeted funding.

(a) The purpose of targeted funding is to make additional money available to lead agencies with the greatest need. Targeted funds are not intended to be distributed equitably among all lead agencies, but rather, allocated to those with long-term care strategies that meet state goals.

(b) The funds available for targeted funding shall be the total appropriation for each fiscal year minus lead agency allocations determined under subdivision 10 as adjusted for any inflation increases provided in appropriations for the biennium.

(c) The commissioner shall allocate targeted funds to lead agencies that demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commissioner that they have developed feasible plans to increase alternative care spending. In making targeted funding allocations, the commissioner shall use the following priorities:

(1) lead agencies that received a lower allocation in fiscal year 1991 than in fiscal year 1990. Counties remain in this priority until they have been restored to their fiscal year 1990 level plus inflation;

(2) lead agencies that sustain a base allocation reduction for failure to spend 95 percent of the allocation if they demonstrate that the base reduction should be restored;

(3) lead agencies that propose projects to divert community residents from nursing home placement or convert nursing home residents to community living; and

(4) lead agencies that can otherwise justify program growth by demonstrating the existence of waiting lists, demographically justified needs, or other unmet needs.

(d) Lead agencies that would receive targeted funds according to paragraph (c) must demonstrate to the commissioner's satisfaction that the funds would be appropriately spent by showing how the funds would be used to further the state's alternative care goals as described in subdivision 1, and that the county has the administrative and service delivery capability to use them.

(e) The commissioner shall make applications available for targeted funds by November 1 of each year. The lead agencies selected for targeted funds shall be notified of the amount of their additional funding. Targeted funds allocated to a lead agency in one year shall be treated as part of the lead agency's base allocation for that year in determining allocations for subsequent years. No reallocations between lead agencies shall be made.

Subd. 12.Client fees.

(a) A fee is required for all alternative care eligible clients to help pay for the cost of participating in the program. The amount of the fee for the alternative care client shall be determined as follows:

(1) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical expenses is less than 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the fee is being computed, and total assets are less than $10,000, the fee is zero;

(2) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical expenses is equal to or greater than 100 percent but less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the fee is being computed, and total assets are less than $10,000, the fee is five percent of the cost of alternative care services;

(3) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical expenses is equal to or greater than 150 percent but less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the fee is being computed and assets are less than $10,000, the fee is 15 percent of the cost of alternative care services;

(4) when the alternative care client's income less recurring and predictable medical expenses is equal to or greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the fee is being computed and assets are less than $10,000, the fee is 30 percent of the cost of alternative care services; and

(5) when the alternative care client's assets are equal to or greater than $10,000, the fee is 30 percent of the cost of alternative care services.

For married persons, total assets are defined as the total marital assets less the estimated community spouse asset allowance, under section 256B.059, if applicable. For married persons, total income is defined as the client's income less the monthly spousal allotment, under section 256B.058.

All alternative care services shall be included in the estimated costs for the purpose of determining the fee.

Fees are due and payable each month alternative care services are received unless the actual cost of the services is less than the fee, in which case the fee is the lesser amount.

(b) The fee shall be waived by the commissioner when:

(1) a person is residing in a nursing facility;

(2) a married couple is requesting an asset assessment under the spousal impoverishment provisions;

(3) a person is found eligible for alternative care, but is not yet receiving alternative care services including case management services; or

(4) a person has chosen to participate in a consumer-directed service plan for which the cost is no greater than the total cost of the person's alternative care service plan less the monthly fee amount that would otherwise be assessed.

(c) The commissioner will bill and collect the fee from the client. Money collected must be deposited in the general fund and is appropriated to the commissioner for the alternative care program. The client must supply the lead agency with the client's Social Security number at the time of application. The lead agency shall supply the commissioner with the client's Social Security number and other information the commissioner requires to collect the fee from the client. The commissioner shall collect unpaid fees using the Revenue Recapture Act in chapter 270A and other methods available to the commissioner. The commissioner may require lead agencies to inform clients of the collection procedures that may be used by the state if a fee is not paid.

Subd. 13.Lead agency biennial plan.

The lead agency biennial plan for long-term care consultation services under section 256B.0911, the alternative care program under this section, and waivers for the elderly under section 256B.0915, shall be submitted by the lead agency as the home and community-based services quality assurance plan on a form provided by the commissioner.

Subd. 14.Provider requirements, payment, and rate adjustments.

(a) Unless otherwise specified in statute, providers must be enrolled as Minnesota health care program providers and abide by the requirements for provider participation according to Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0195.

(b) Payment for provided alternative care services as approved by the client's case manager shall occur through the invoice processing procedures of the department's Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). To receive payment, the lead agency or vendor must submit invoices within 12 months following the date of service. The lead agency and its vendors under contract shall not be reimbursed for services which exceed the county allocation.

(c) The lead agency shall negotiate individual rates with vendors and may authorize service payment for actual costs up to the county's current approved rate. Notwithstanding any other rule or statutory provision to the contrary, the commissioner shall not be authorized to increase rates by an annual inflation factor, unless so authorized by the legislature. To improve access to community services and eliminate payment disparities between the alternative care program and the elderly waiver program, the commissioner shall establish statewide maximum service rate limits and eliminate county-specific service rate limits.

(1) Effective July 1, 2001, for service rate limits, except those in subdivision 5, paragraphs (d) and (i), the rate limit for each service shall be the greater of the alternative care statewide maximum rate or the elderly waiver statewide maximum rate.

(2) Lead agencies may negotiate individual service rates with vendors for actual costs up to the statewide maximum service rate limit.

Subd. 15.

[Repealed, 1998 c 407 art 4 s 69]

Subd. 15a.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

Subd. 15b.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

Subd. 15c.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

Subd. 16.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 34]

History:

1991 c 292 art 7 s 15; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 56-61; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 62-67; 1Sp1993 c 6 s 12; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 63-69; art 9 s 60; 1995 c 263 s 8; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 23-25; art 4 s 70; art 5 s 21,22; 1997 c 113 s 17; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 36-39; art 11 s 6; 1997 c 225 art 8 s 3; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 36; 1999 c 245 art 3 s 13-16; 2000 c 449 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 15-27; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 20-25; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 18-25; 2005 c 68 art 2 s 1; 2005 c 98 art 2 s 6; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 7 s 20-23; 2007 c 147 art 6 s 29-38; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 44; 2009 c 159 s 92-94

256B.0914 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO MEDICAID EXPENDITURES.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) "Contract" means a written, fully executed agreement for the purchase of goods and services involving a substantial expenditure of Medicaid funding. A contract under a renewal period shall be considered a separate contract.

(b) "Contractor bid or proposal information" means cost or pricing data, indirect costs, and proprietary information marked as such by the bidder in accordance with applicable law.

(c) "Particular expenditure" means a substantial expenditure as defined below, for a specified term, involving specific parties. The renewal of an existing contract for the substantial expenditure of Medicaid funds is considered a separate, particular expenditure from the original contract.

(d) "Source selection information" means any of the following information prepared for use by the state, county, or independent contractor for the purpose of evaluating a bid or proposal to enter into a Medicaid procurement contract, if that information has not been previously made available to the public or disclosed publicly:

(1) bid prices submitted in response to a solicitation for sealed bids, or lists of the bid prices before bid opening;

(2) proposed costs or prices submitted in response to a solicitation, or lists of those proposed costs or prices;

(3) source selection plans;

(4) technical evaluations plans;

(5) technical evaluations of proposals;

(6) cost or price evaluation of proposals;

(7) competitive range determinations that identify proposals that have a reasonable chance of being selected for award of a contract;

(8) rankings of bids, proposals, or competitors;

(9) the reports and evaluations of source selection panels, boards, or advisory councils; and

(10) other information marked as "source selection information" based on a case-by-case determination by the head of the agency, contractor, designees, or the contracting officer that disclosure of the information would jeopardize the integrity or successful completion of the Medicaid procurement to which the information relates.

(e) "Substantial expenditure" and "substantial amounts" mean a purchase of goods or services in excess of $10,000,000 in Medicaid funding under this chapter or chapter 256L.

Subd. 2.Applicability.

(a) Unless provided otherwise, this section applies to:

(1) any state or local officer, employee, or independent contractor who is responsible for the substantial expenditures of medical assistance or MinnesotaCare funding under this chapter or chapter 256L for which federal Medicaid matching funds are available;

(2) any individual who formerly was such an officer, employee, or independent contractor; and

(3) any partner of such a state or local officer, employee, or independent contractor.

(b) This section is intended to meet the requirements of state participation in the Medicaid program at United States Code, title 42, sections 1396a(a)(4) and 1396u-2(d)(3), which require that states have in place restrictions against conflicts of interest in the Medicaid procurement process, that are at least as stringent as those in effect under United States Code, title 41, section 423, and title 18, sections 207 and 208, as they apply to federal employees.

Subd. 3.Disclosure of procurement information.

A person described in subdivision 2 may not knowingly disclose contractor bid or proposal information, or source selection information before the award by the state, county, or independent contractor of a Medicaid procurement contract to which the information relates unless the disclosure is otherwise authorized by law. No person, other than as provided by law, shall knowingly obtain contractor bid or proposal information or source selection information before the award of a Medicaid procurement contract to which the information relates.

Subd. 4.Offers of employment.

When a person described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), is participating personally and substantially in a Medicaid procurement for a contract contacts or is contacted by a person who is a bidder or offeror in the same procurement regarding possible employment outside of the entity by which the person is currently employed, the person must:

(1) report the contact in writing to the person's supervisor and employer's ethics officer; and

(2) either:

(i) reject the possibility of employment with the bidder or offeror; or

(ii) be disqualified from further participation in the procurement until the bidder or offeror is no longer involved in that procurement, or all discussions with the bidder or offeror regarding possible employment have terminated without an arrangement for employment. A bidder or offeror may not engage in employment discussions with an official who is subject to this subdivision, until the bidder or offeror is no longer involved in that procurement.

Subd. 5.Acceptance of compensation by a former official.

(a) A former official of the state or county, or a former independent contractor, described in subdivision 2 may not accept compensation from a Medicaid contractor of a substantial expenditure as an employee, officer, director, or consultant of the contractor within one year after the former official or independent contractor:

(1) served as the procuring contracting officer, the source selection authority, a member of the source selection evaluation board, or the chief of a financial or technical evaluation team in a procurement in which the contractor was selected for award;

(2) served as the program manager, deputy program manager, or administrative contracting officer for a contract awarded to the contractor; or

(3) personally made decisions for the state, county, or independent contractor to:

(i) award a contract, subcontract, modification of a contract or subcontract, or a task order or delivery order to the contractor;

(ii) establish overhead or other rates applicable to a contract or contracts with the contractor;

(iii) approve issuance of a contract payment or payments to the contractor; or

(iv) pay or settle a claim with the contractor.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit a former official of the state, county, or independent contractor from accepting compensation from any division or affiliate of a contractor not involved in the same or similar products or services as the division or affiliate of the contractor that is responsible for the contract referred to in paragraph (a), clause (1), (2), or (3).

(c) A contractor shall not provide compensation to a former official knowing that the former official is accepting that compensation in violation of this subdivision.

Subd. 6.Permanent restrictions on representation and communication.

(a) A person described in subdivision 2, after termination of service with the state, county, or independent contractor, is permanently restricted from knowingly making, with the intent to influence, any communication to or appearance before an officer or employee of a department, agency, or court of the United States, the state of Minnesota and its counties in connection with a particular expenditure:

(1) in which the United States, the state of Minnesota, or a Minnesota county is a party or has a direct and substantial interest;

(2) in which the person participated personally and substantially as an officer, employee, or independent contractor; and

(3) which involved a specific party or parties at the time of participation.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision and subdivisions 7 and 9, "participated" means an action taken through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or other such action.

Subd. 7.Two-year restrictions on representation and communication.

No person described in subdivision 2, within two years after termination of service with the state, county, or independent contractor, shall knowingly make, with the intent to influence, any communication to or appearance before any officer or employee of any government department, agency, or court in connection with a particular expenditure:

(1) in which the United States, the state of Minnesota, or a Minnesota county is a party or has a direct and substantial interest;

(2) which the person knows or reasonably should know was actually pending under the official's responsibility as an officer, employee, or independent contractor within one year before the termination of the official's service with the state, county, or independent contractor; and

(3) which involved a specific party or parties at the time the expenditure was pending.

Subd. 8.Exceptions to restrictions on representation and communication.

Subdivisions 6 and 7 do not apply to:

(1) communications or representations made in carrying out official duties on behalf of the United States, the state of Minnesota or local government, or as an elected official of the state or local government;

(2) communications made solely for the purpose of furnishing scientific or technological information; or

(3) giving testimony under oath. A person subject to subdivisions 6 and 7 may serve as an expert witness in that matter, without restriction, for the state, county, or independent contractor. Under court order, a person subject to subdivisions 6 and 7 may serve as an expert witness for others. Otherwise, the person may not serve as an expert witness in that matter.

Subd. 9.Waiver.

The commissioner of human services, or the governor in the case of the commissioner, may grant a waiver of a restriction in subdivisions 6 and 7 upon determining that a waiver is in the public interest and that the services of the officer or employee are critically needed for the benefit of the state or county government.

Subd. 10.Acts affecting a personal financial interest.

A person described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (1), who participates in a particular expenditure in which the person has knowledge or has a financial interest, is subject to the penalties in subdivision 12. For purposes of this subdivision, "financial interest" also includes the financial interest of a spouse, minor child, general partner, organization in which the officer or employee is serving as an officer, director, trustee, general partner, or employee, or any person or organization with whom the individual is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning prospective employment.

Subd. 11.Exceptions to prohibitions regarding financial interest.

Subdivision 10 does not apply if:

(1) the person first advises the person's supervisor and the employer's ethics officer regarding the nature and circumstances of the particular expenditure and makes full disclosure of the financial interest and receives in advance a written determination made by the commissioner of human services, or the governor in the case of the commissioner, that the interest is not so substantial as to likely affect the integrity of the services which the government may expect from the officer, employee, or independent contractor;

(2) the financial interest is listed as an exemption at Code of Federal Regulations, title 5, sections 2640.201 to 2640.203, as too remote or inconsequential to affect the integrity of the services of the office, employee, or independent contractor to which the requirement applies.

Subd. 12.Criminal penalties.

(a) A person who violates subdivisions 3 to 5 for the purpose of either exchanging the information covered by this section for anything of value, or for obtaining or giving anyone a competitive advantage in the award of a Medicaid contract, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or payment of a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation, or the amount of compensation which the person received or offered for the prohibited conduct, whichever is greater, or both.

(b) A person who violates a provision of subdivisions 6 to 11 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or payment of a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation or the amount of compensation which the person received or offered for the prohibited conduct, whichever amount is greater, or both. A person who willfully engages in conduct in violation of subdivisions 6 to 11 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation or the amount of compensation which the person received or offered for the prohibited conduct, whichever amount is greater, or both.

(c) Nothing in this section precludes prosecution under other laws such as section 609.43.

Subd. 13.Civil penalties and injunctive relief.

(a) The Minnesota attorney general may bring a civil action in Ramsey county district court against a person who violates this section. Upon proof of such conduct by a preponderance of evidence, the person is subject to a civil penalty. An individual who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for each violation plus twice the amount of compensation which the individual received or offered for the prohibited conduct. An organization that violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $500,000 for each violation plus twice the amount of compensation which the organization received or offered for the prohibited conduct.

(b) If the Minnesota attorney general has reason to believe that a person is engaging in conduct in violation of this section, the attorney general may petition the Ramsey county district court for an order prohibiting that person from engaging in such conduct. The court may issue an order prohibiting that person from engaging in such conduct if the court finds that the conduct constitutes such a violation. The filing of a petition under this subdivision does not preclude any other remedy which is available by law.

Subd. 14.Administrative actions.

(a) If a state agency, local agency, or independent contractor receives information that a contractor or a person has violated this section, the state agency, local agency, or independent contractor may:

(1) cancel the procurement if a contract has not already been awarded;

(2) rescind the contract; or

(3) initiate suspension or debarment proceedings according to applicable state or federal law.

(b) If the contract is rescinded, the state agency, local agency, or independent contractor is entitled to recover, in addition to any penalty prescribed by law, the amount expended under the contract.

(c) This section does not:

(1) restrict the disclosure of information to or from any person or class of persons authorized to receive that information;

(2) restrict a contractor from disclosing the contractor's bid or proposal information or the recipient from receiving that information;

(3) restrict the disclosure or receipt of information relating to a Medicaid procurement after it has been canceled by the state agency, county agency, or independent contractor before the contract award unless the agency or independent contractor plans to resume the procurement; or

(4) limit the applicability of any requirements, sanctions, contract penalties, and remedies established under any other law or regulation.

(d) No person may file a protest against the award or proposed award of a Medicaid contract alleging a violation of this section unless that person reported the information the person believes constitutes evidence of the offense to the applicable state agency, local agency, or independent contractor responsible for the procurement. The report must be made no later than 14 days after the person first discovered the possible violation.

History:

1986 c 444; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 60

256B.0915 MEDICAID WAIVER FOR ELDERLY SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

The commissioner is authorized to apply for a home and community-based services waiver for the elderly, authorized under section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, in order to obtain federal financial participation to expand the availability of services for persons who are eligible for medical assistance. The commissioner may apply for additional waivers or pursue other federal financial participation which is advantageous to the state for funding home care services for the frail elderly who are eligible for medical assistance. The provision of waivered services to elderly and disabled medical assistance recipients must comply with the criteria for service definitions and provider standards approved in the waiver.

Subd. 1a.Elderly waiver case management services.

(a) Elderly case management services under the home and community-based services waiver for elderly individuals are available from providers meeting qualification requirements and the standards specified in subdivision 1b. Eligible recipients may choose any qualified provider of elderly case management services.

(b) Case management services assist individuals who receive waiver services in gaining access to needed waiver and other state plan services, as well as needed medical, social, educational, and other services regardless of the funding source for the services to which access is gained.

(c) A case aide shall provide assistance to the case manager in carrying out administrative activities of the case management function. The case aide may not assume responsibilities that require professional judgment including assessments, reassessments, and care plan development. The case manager is responsible for providing oversight of the case aide.

(d) Case managers shall be responsible for ongoing monitoring of the provision of services included in the individual's plan of care. Case managers shall initiate and oversee the process of assessment and reassessment of the individual's care and review plan of care at intervals specified in the federally approved waiver plan.

(e) The county of service or tribe must provide access to and arrange for case management services. County of service has the meaning given it in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0015, subpart 11.

Subd. 1b.Provider qualifications and standards.

The commissioner must enroll qualified providers of elderly case management services under the home and community-based waiver for the elderly under section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. The enrollment process shall ensure the provider's ability to meet the qualification requirements and standards in this subdivision and other federal and state requirements of this service. An elderly case management provider is an enrolled medical assistance provider who is determined by the commissioner to have all of the following characteristics:

(1) the demonstrated capacity and experience to provide the components of case management to coordinate and link community resources needed by the eligible population;

(2) administrative capacity and experience in serving the target population for whom it will provide services and in ensuring quality of services under state and federal requirements;

(3) a financial management system that provides accurate documentation of services and costs under state and federal requirements;

(4) the capacity to document and maintain individual case records under state and federal requirements; and

(5) the lead agency may allow a case manager employed by the lead agency to delegate certain aspects of the case management activity to another individual employed by the lead agency provided there is oversight of the individual by the case manager. The case manager may not delegate those aspects which require professional judgment including assessments, reassessments, and care plan development. Lead agencies include counties, health plans, and federally recognized tribes who authorize services under this section.

Subd. 1c.

[Repealed by amendment, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 15]

Subd. 1d.Posteligibility treatment of income and resources for elderly waiver.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 256B.056, the commissioner shall make the following amendment to the medical assistance elderly waiver program effective July 1, 1999, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.

A recipient's maintenance needs will be an amount equal to the Minnesota supplemental aid equivalent rate as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 5, plus the medical assistance personal needs allowance as defined in section 256B.35, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), when applying posteligibility treatment of income rules to the gross income of elderly waiver recipients, except for individuals whose income is in excess of the special income standard according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 435.236. Recipient maintenance needs shall be adjusted under this provision each July 1.

Subd. 2.Spousal impoverishment policies.

The commissioner shall apply the spousal impoverishment criteria as authorized under United States Code, title 42, section 1396r-5, and as implemented in sections 256B.0575, 256B.058, and 256B.059, except that individuals with income at or below the special income standard according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 435.236, receive the maintenance needs amount in subdivision 1d.

Subd. 3.Limits of cases.

The number of medical assistance waiver recipients that a lead agency may serve must be allocated according to the number of medical assistance waiver cases open on July 1 of each fiscal year. Additional recipients may be served with the approval of the commissioner.

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 76; art 4 s 34]

Subd. 3a.Elderly waiver cost limits.

(a) The monthly limit for the cost of waivered services to an individual elderly waiver client except for individuals described in paragraph (b) shall be the weighted average monthly nursing facility rate of the case mix resident class to which the elderly waiver client would be assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, less the recipient's maintenance needs allowance as described in subdivision 1d, paragraph (a), until the first day of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented. Effective on the first day of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented and the first day of each subsequent state fiscal year, the monthly limit for the cost of waivered services to an individual elderly waiver client shall be the rate of the case mix resident class to which the waiver client would be assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, in effect on the last day of the previous state fiscal year, adjusted by the greater of any legislatively adopted home and community-based services percentage rate increase or the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility payment rates.

(b) The monthly limit for the cost of waivered services to an individual elderly waiver client assigned to a case mix classification A under paragraph (a) with (1) no dependencies in activities of daily living, (2) only one dependency in bathing, dressing, grooming, or walking, or (3) a dependency score of less than three if eating is the only dependency, shall be the lower of the case mix classification amount for case mix A as determined under paragraph (a) or the case mix classification amount for case mix A effective on October 1, 2008, per month for all new participants enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2009. This monthly limit shall be applied to all other participants who meet this criteria at reassessment.

(c) If extended medical supplies and equipment or environmental modifications are or will be purchased for an elderly waiver client, the costs may be prorated for up to 12 consecutive months beginning with the month of purchase. If the monthly cost of a recipient's waivered services exceeds the monthly limit established in paragraph (a) or (b), the annual cost of all waivered services shall be determined. In this event, the annual cost of all waivered services shall not exceed 12 times the monthly limit of waivered services as described in paragraph (a) or (b).

Subd. 3b.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 76; art 4 s 34]

Subd. 3b.Cost limits for elderly waiver applicants who reside in a nursing facility.

(a) For a person who is a nursing facility resident at the time of requesting a determination of eligibility for elderly waivered services, a monthly conversion limit for the cost of elderly waivered services may be requested. The monthly conversion limit for the cost of elderly waiver services shall be the resident class assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, for that resident in the nursing facility where the resident currently resides until July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented. Effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented, the monthly conversion limit for the cost of elderly waiver services shall be the per diem nursing facility rate as determined by the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for that resident in the nursing facility where the resident currently resides multiplied by 365 and divided by 12, less the recipient's maintenance needs allowance as described in subdivision 1d. The initially approved conversion rate may be adjusted by the greater of any subsequent legislatively adopted home and community-based services percentage rate increase or the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility payment rates. The limit under this subdivision only applies to persons discharged from a nursing facility after a minimum 30-day stay and found eligible for waivered services on or after July 1, 1997. For conversions from the nursing home to the elderly waiver with consumer directed community support services, the conversion rate limit is equal to the nursing facility rate reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage difference between the consumer directed services budget limit that would be assigned according to the federally approved waiver plan and the corresponding community case mix cap, but not to exceed 50 percent.

(b) The following costs must be included in determining the total monthly costs for the waiver client:

(1) cost of all waivered services, including extended medical supplies and equipment and environmental modifications and adaptations; and

(2) cost of skilled nursing, home health aide, and personal care services reimbursable by medical assistance.

Subd. 3c.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 76; art 4 s 34]

Subd. 3c.Service approval and contracting provisions.

(a) Medical assistance funding for skilled nursing services, private duty nursing, home health aide, and personal care services for waiver recipients must be approved by the case manager and included in the individual care plan.

(b) A lead agency is not required to contract with a provider of supplies and equipment if the monthly cost of the supplies and equipment is less than $250.

Subd. 3d.Adult foster care rate.

The adult foster care rate shall be considered a difficulty of care payment and shall not include room and board. The adult foster care service rate shall be negotiated between the lead agency and the foster care provider. The elderly waiver payment for the foster care service in combination with the payment for all other elderly waiver services, including case management, must not exceed the limit specified in subdivision 3a, paragraph (a).

Subd. 3e.Customized living service rate.

(a) Payment for customized living services shall be a monthly rate authorized by the lead agency within the parameters established by the commissioner. The payment agreement must delineate the amount of each component service included in the recipient's customized living service plan. The lead agency shall ensure that there is a documented need within the parameters established by the commissioner for all component customized living services authorized.

(b) The payment rate must be based on the amount of component services to be provided utilizing component rates established by the commissioner. Counties and tribes shall use tools issued by the commissioner to develop and document customized living service plans and rates.

(c) Component service rates must not exceed payment rates for comparable elderly waiver or medical assistance services and must reflect economies of scale. Customized living services must not include rent or raw food costs.

(d) The individualized monthly authorized payment for the customized living service plan shall not exceed 50 percent of the greater of either the statewide or any of the geographic groups' weighted average monthly nursing facility rate of the case mix resident class to which the elderly waiver eligible client would be assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, less the maintenance needs allowance as described in subdivision 1d, paragraph (a), until the July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented. Effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented and July 1 of each subsequent state fiscal year, the individualized monthly authorized payment for the services described in this clause shall not exceed the limit which was in effect on June 30 of the previous state fiscal year updated annually based on legislatively adopted changes to all service rate maximums for home and community-based service providers.

(e) Customized living services are delivered by a provider licensed by the Department of Health as a class A or class F home care provider and provided in a building that is registered as a housing with services establishment under chapter 144D.

Subd. 3f.Individual service rates; expenditure forecasts.

(a) The lead agency shall negotiate individual service rates with vendors and may authorize payment for actual costs up to the lead agency's current approved rate. Persons or agencies must be employed by or under a contract with the lead agency or the public health nursing agency of the local board of health in order to receive funding under the elderly waiver program, except as a provider of supplies and equipment when the monthly cost of the supplies and equipment is less than $250.

(b) Reimbursement for the medical assistance recipients under the approved waiver shall be made from the medical assistance account through the invoice processing procedures of the department's Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), only with the approval of the client's case manager. The budget for the state share of the Medicaid expenditures shall be forecasted with the medical assistance budget, and shall be consistent with the approved waiver.

Subd. 3g.Service rate limits; state assumption of costs.

(a) To improve access to community services and eliminate payment disparities between the alternative care program and the elderly waiver, the commissioner shall establish statewide maximum service rate limits and eliminate lead agency-specific service rate limits.

(b) Effective July 1, 2001, for service rate limits, except those described or defined in subdivisions 3d and 3e, the rate limit for each service shall be the greater of the alternative care statewide maximum rate or the elderly waiver statewide maximum rate.

(c) Lead agencies may negotiate individual service rates with vendors for actual costs up to the statewide maximum service rate limit.

Subd. 3h.Service rate limits; 24-hour customized living services.

(a) The payment rate for 24-hour customized living services is a monthly rate authorized by the lead agency within the parameters established by the commissioner of human services. The payment agreement must delineate the amount of each component service included in each recipient's customized living service plan. The lead agency shall ensure that there is a documented need within the parameters established by the commissioner for all component customized living services authorized. The lead agency shall not authorize 24-hour customized living services unless there is a documented need for 24-hour supervision.

(b) For purposes of this section, "24-hour supervision" means that the recipient requires assistance due to needs related to one or more of the following:

(1) intermittent assistance with toileting, positioning, or transferring;

(2) cognitive or behavioral issues;

(3) a medical condition that requires clinical monitoring; or

(4) for all new participants enrolled in the program on or after January 1, 2011, and all other participants at their first reassessment after January 1, 2011, dependency in at least two of the following activities of daily living as determined by assessment under section 256B.0911: bathing; dressing; grooming; walking; or eating; and needs medication management and at least 50 hours of service per month. The lead agency shall ensure that the frequency and mode of supervision of the recipient and the qualifications of staff providing supervision are described and meet the needs of the recipient.

(c) The payment rate for 24-hour customized living services must be based on the amount of component services to be provided utilizing component rates established by the commissioner. Counties and tribes will use tools issued by the commissioner to develop and document customized living plans and authorize rates.

(d) Component service rates must not exceed payment rates for comparable elderly waiver or medical assistance services and must reflect economies of scale.

(e) The individually authorized 24-hour customized living payments, in combination with the payment for other elderly waiver services, including case management, must not exceed the recipient's community budget cap specified in subdivision 3a. Customized living services must not include rent or raw food costs.

(f) The individually authorized 24-hour customized living payment rates shall not exceed the 95 percentile of statewide monthly authorizations for 24-hour customized living services in effect and in the Medicaid management information systems on March 31, 2009, for each case mix resident class under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, to which elderly waiver service clients are assigned. When there are fewer than 50 authorizations in effect in the case mix resident class, the commissioner shall multiply the calculated service payment rate maximum for the A classification by the standard weight for that classification under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, to determine the applicable payment rate maximum. Service payment rate maximums shall be updated annually based on legislatively adopted changes to all service rates for home and community-based service providers.

(g) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (d) and (f), the commissioner may establish alternative payment rate systems for 24-hour customized living services in housing with services establishments which are freestanding buildings with a capacity of 16 or fewer, by applying a single hourly rate for covered component services provided in either:

(1) licensed corporate adult foster homes; or

(2) specialized dementia care units which meet the requirements of section 144D.065 and in which:

(i) each resident is offered the option of having their own apartment; or

(ii) the units are licensed as board and lodge establishments with maximum capacity of eight residents, and which meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 9555.6205, subparts 1, 2, 3, and 4, item A.

Subd. 3i.Rate reduction for customized living and 24-hour customized living services.

(a) Effective July 1, 2010, the commissioner shall reduce service component rates and service rate limits for customized living services and 24-hour customized living services, from the rates in effect on June 30, 2010, by five percent.

(b) To implement the rate reductions in this subdivision, capitation rates paid by the commissioner to managed care organizations under section 256B.69 shall reflect a ten percent reduction for the specified services for the period January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2011, and a five percent reduction for those services on and after July 1, 2011.

Subd. 4.Termination notice.

The case manager must give the individual a ten-day written notice of any denial, reduction, or termination of waivered services.

Subd. 5.Assessments and reassessments for waiver clients.

(a) Each client shall receive an initial assessment of strengths, informal supports, and need for services in accordance with section 256B.0911, subdivisions 3, 3a, and 3b. A reassessment of a client served under the elderly waiver must be conducted at least every 12 months and at other times when the case manager determines that there has been significant change in the client's functioning. This may include instances where the client is discharged from the hospital. There must be a determination that the client requires nursing facility level of care as defined in section 144.0724, subdivision 11, at initial and subsequent assessments to initiate and maintain participation in the waiver program.

(b) Regardless of other assessments identified in section 144.0724, subdivision 4, as appropriate to determine nursing facility level of care for purposes of medical assistance payment for nursing facility services, only face-to-face assessments conducted according to section 256B.0911, subdivisions 3a and 3b, that result in a nursing facility level of care determination will be accepted for purposes of initial and ongoing access to waiver service payment.

Subd. 6.Implementation of care plan.

Each elderly waiver client shall be provided a copy of a written care plan that meets the requirements outlined in section 256B.0913, subdivision 8. The care plan must be implemented by the county of service when it is different than the county of financial responsibility. The county of service administering waivered services must notify the county of financial responsibility of the approved care plan.

Subd. 7.Prepaid elderly waiver services.

An individual for whom a prepaid health plan is liable for nursing home services or elderly waiver services according to section 256B.69, subdivision 6a, is not eligible to also receive county-administered elderly waiver services.

Subd. 8.Services and supports.

(a) Services and supports shall meet the requirements set out in United States Code, title 42, section 1396n.

(b) Services and supports shall promote consumer choice and be arranged and provided consistent with individualized, written care plans.

(c) The state of Minnesota, county, managed care organization, or tribal government under contract to administer the elderly waiver shall not be liable for damages, injuries, or liabilities sustained through the purchase of direct supports or goods by the person, the person's family, or the authorized representatives with funds received through consumer-directed community support services under the federally approved waiver plan. Liabilities include, but are not limited to, workers' compensation liability, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), or the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).

Subd. 9.Tribal management of elderly waiver.

Notwithstanding contrary provisions of this section, or those in other state laws or rules, the commissioner may develop a model for tribal management of the elderly waiver program and implement this model through a contract between the state and any of the state's federally recognized tribal governments. The model shall include the provision of tribal waiver case management, assessment for personal care assistance, and administrative requirements otherwise carried out by lead agencies but shall not include tribal financial eligibility determination for medical assistance.

Subd. 10.Waiver payment rates; managed care organizations.

The commissioner shall adjust the elderly waiver capitation payment rates for managed care organizations paid under section 256B.69, subdivisions 6a and 23, to reflect the maximum service rate limits for customized living services and 24-hour customized living services under subdivisions 3e and 3h for the contract period beginning October 1, 2009. Medical assistance rates paid to customized living providers by managed care organizations under this section shall not exceed the maximum service rate limits determined by the commissioner under subdivisions 3e and 3h.

History:

1991 c 292 art 7 s 16; 1992 c 513 art 7 s 62-64; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 5 s 68-72; 1Sp1993 c 6 s 13; 1995 c 207 art 6 s 70-74; 1995 c 263 s 9; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 26-28; art 5 s 23,24; 1997 c 113 s 18; 1997 c 203 art 4 s 40-43; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 37,38; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 4 s 28-30; 2002 c 277 s 16,17; 2002 c 375 art 2 s 26-30; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 2 s 26; art 3 s 30; 2004 c 288 art 5 s 5,6; 2005 c 68 art 2 s 2-4; 2007 c 147 art 7 s 15; 2008 c 277 art 1 s 36,37; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 45-49; 2009 c 159 s 95; 1Sp2010 c 1 art 17 s 11

256B.0916 EXPANSION OF HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 14 s 20]

Subd. 2.Distribution of funds; partnerships.

(a) Beginning with fiscal year 2000, the commissioner shall distribute all funding available for home and community-based waiver services for persons with developmental disabilities to individual counties or to groups of counties that form partnerships to jointly plan, administer, and authorize funding for eligible individuals. The commissioner shall encourage counties to form partnerships that have a sufficient number of recipients and funding to adequately manage the risk and maximize use of available resources.

(b) Counties must submit a request for funds and a plan for administering the program as required by the commissioner. The plan must identify the number of clients to be served, their ages, and their priority listing based on:

(1) requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 9525.1880; and

(2) statewide priorities identified in section 256B.092, subdivision 12.

The plan must also identify changes made to improve services to eligible persons and to improve program management.

(c) In allocating resources to counties, priority must be given to groups of counties that form partnerships to jointly plan, administer, and authorize funding for eligible individuals and to counties determined by the commissioner to have sufficient waiver capacity to maximize resource use.

(d) Within 30 days after receiving the county request for funds and plans, the commissioner shall provide a written response to the plan that includes the level of resources available to serve additional persons.

(e) Counties are eligible to receive medical assistance administrative reimbursement for administrative costs under criteria established by the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Failure to develop partnerships or submit a plan.

(a) By October 1 of each year the commissioner shall notify the county board if any county determined by the commissioner to have insufficient capacity to maximize use of available resources fails to develop a partnership with other counties or fails to submit a plan as required in subdivision 2. The commissioner shall provide needed technical assistance to a county or group of counties that fails to form a partnership or submit a plan. If a county has not joined a county partnership or submitted a plan within 30 days following the notice by the commissioner of its failure, the commissioner shall require and assist that county to develop a plan or contract with another county or group of counties to plan and administer the waiver services program in that county.

(b) Counties may request technical assistance, management information, and administrative support from the commissioner at any time. The commissioner shall respond to county requests within 30 days. Priority shall be given to activities that support the administrative needs of newly formed county partnerships.

Subd. 4.Allowed reserve.

Counties or groups of counties participating in partnerships that have submitted a plan under this section may develop an allowed reserve amount to meet crises and other unmet needs of current home and community-based waiver recipients. The amount of the allowed reserve shall be a county specific amount based upon documented past experience and projected need for the coming year described in an allowed reserve plan submitted for approval to the commissioner with the allocation request for the fiscal year.

Subd. 5.Allocation of new diversions and priorities for reassignment of resources for developmental disabilities.

(a) The commissioner shall monitor county utilization of allocated resources and, as appropriate, reassign resources not utilized.

(b) Effective July 1, 2002, the commissioner shall authorize the spending of new diversion resources beginning January 1 of each year.

(c) Effective July 1, 2002, the commissioner shall manage the reassignment of waiver resources that occur from persons who have left the waiver in a manner that results in the cost reduction equivalent to delaying the reuse of those waiver resources by 180 days.

(d) Priority consideration for reassignment of resources shall be given to counties that form partnerships. In addition to the priorities listed in Minnesota Rules, part 9525.1880, the commissioner shall also give priority consideration to persons whose living situations are unstable due to the age or incapacity of the primary caregiver and to children to avoid out-of-home placement.

Subd. 6.Waiver request.

(a) The commissioner shall submit to the federal Health Care Financing Administration by September 1, 1999, a request for a waiver to include an option that would allow waiver service recipients to directly receive 95 percent of the funds that would be allocated to individuals based on written county criteria and procedures approved by the commissioner for the purchase of services to meet their long-term care needs. The waiver request must include a provision requiring recipients who receive funds directly to provide to the commissioner annually, a description of the type of services used, the amount paid for the services purchased, and the amount of unspent funds.

(b) The commissioner, in cooperation with county representatives, waiver service providers, recipients, recipients' families, legal guardians, and advocacy groups, shall develop criteria for:

(1) eligibility to receive funding directly;

(2) determination of the amount of funds made available to each eligible person based on need; and

(3) the accountability required of persons directly receiving funds.

(c) If this waiver is approved and implemented, any unspent money from the waiver services allocation, including the five percent not directly allocated to recipients and any unspent portion of the money that is directly allocated, shall be used to meet the needs of other eligible persons waiting for services funded through the waiver.

(d) The commissioner, in consultation with county social services agencies, waiver services providers, recipients, recipients' families, legal guardians, and advocacy groups shall evaluate the effectiveness of this option within two years of its implementation.

Subd. 6a.Statewide availability of consumer-directed community support services.

(a) The commissioner shall submit to the federal Health Care Financing Administration by August 1, 2001, an amendment to the home and community-based waiver for persons with developmental disabilities to make consumer-directed community support services available in every county of the state by January 1, 2002.

(b) If a county declines to meet the requirements for provision of consumer-directed community supports, the commissioner shall contract with another county, a group of counties, or a private agency to plan for and administer consumer-directed community supports in that county.

(c) The state of Minnesota, county agencies, tribal governments, or administrative entities under contract to participate in the implementation and administration of the home and community-based waiver for persons with developmental disabilities, shall not be liable for damages, injuries, or liabilities sustained through the purchase of support by the individual, the individual's family, legal representative, or the authorized representative with funds received through the consumer-directed community support service under this section. Liabilities include but are not limited to: workers' compensation liability, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), or the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).

Subd. 7.Annual report by commissioner.

Beginning November 1, 2001, and each November 1 thereafter, the commissioner shall issue an annual report on county and state use of available resources for the home and community-based waiver for persons with developmental disabilities. For each county or county partnership, the report shall include:

(1) the amount of funds allocated but not used;

(2) the county specific allowed reserve amount approved and used;

(3) the number, ages, and living situations of individuals screened and waiting for services;

(4) the urgency of need for services to begin within one, two, or more than two years for each individual;

(5) the services needed;

(6) the number of additional persons served by approval of increased capacity within existing allocations;

(7) results of action by the commissioner to streamline administrative requirements and improve county resource management; and

(8) additional action that would decrease the number of those eligible and waiting for waivered services.

The commissioner shall specify intended outcomes for the program and the degree to which these specified outcomes are attained.

Subd. 8.Financial information by county.

The commissioner shall make available to interested parties, upon request, financial information by county including the amount of resources allocated for the home and community-based waiver for persons with developmental disabilities, the resources committed, the number of persons screened and waiting for services, the type of services requested by those waiting, and the amount of allocated resources not committed.

Subd. 9.Legal representative participation exception.

The commissioner, in cooperation with representatives of counties, service providers, service recipients, family members, legal representatives and advocates, shall develop criteria to allow legal representatives to be reimbursed for providing specific support services to meet the person's needs when a plan which assures health and safety has been agreed upon and carried out by the legal representative, the person, and the county. Legal representatives providing support under the home and community-based waiver for persons with developmental disabilities or the consumer support grant program pursuant to section 256.476, shall not be considered to have a direct or indirect service provider interest under section 256B.092, subdivision 7, if a health and safety plan which meets the criteria established has been agreed upon and implemented. By August 1, 2001, the commissioner shall submit, for federal approval, amendments to allow legal representatives to provide support and receive reimbursement under the home and community-based waiver plan.

Subd. 10.Transitional supports allowance.

A transitional supports allowance shall be available to all persons under a home and community-based waiver who are moving from a licensed setting to a community setting. "Transitional supports allowance" means a onetime payment of up to $3,000, to cover the costs, not covered by other sources, associated with moving from a licensed setting to a community setting. Covered costs include:

(1) lease or rent deposits;

(2) security deposits;

(3) utilities setup costs, including telephone;

(4) essential furnishings and supplies; and

(5) personal supports and transports needed to locate and transition to community settings.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 4 s 8; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 39; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 61; 2000 c 488 art 11 s 7; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 43-45; 2002 c 220 art 14 s 6; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2004 c 288 art 3 s 24; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 46; 2009 c 79 art 8 s 50

256B.0917 SENIORS' AGENDA FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (SAIL) PROJECTS.

Subdivision 1.Purpose, mission, goals, and objectives.

(a) The purpose of implementing seniors' agenda for independent living (SAIL) projects under this section is to demonstrate a new cooperative strategy for the long-term care system in the state of Minnesota.

The projects are part of the initial plan for a 20-year strategy. The mission of the 20-year strategy is to create a new community-based care paradigm for long-term care in Minnesota in order to maximize independence of the older adult population, and to ensure cost-effective use of financial and human resources. The goals for the 20-year strategy are to:

(1) achieve a broad awareness and use of low-cost home care and other residential alternatives to nursing homes;

(2) develop a statewide system of information and assistance to enable easy access to long-term care services;

(3) develop sufficient alternatives to nursing homes to serve the increased number of people needing long-term care;

(4) maintain the moratorium on new construction of nursing home beds and to lower the percentage of elderly persons served in institutional settings; and

(5) build a community-based approach and community commitment to delivering long-term care services for elderly persons in their homes.

(b) The objective for the fiscal years 1994 and 1995 biennial plan is to continue at least four but not more than six projects in anticipation of a statewide program. These projects will continue the process of implementing:

(1) a coordinated planning and administrative process;

(2) a refocused function of the preadmission screening program;

(3) the development of additional home, community, and residential alternatives to nursing homes;

(4) a program to support the informal caregivers for elderly persons;

(5) programs to strengthen the use of volunteers; and

(6) programs to support the building of community commitment to provide long-term care for elderly persons.

The services offered through these projects are available to those who have their own funds to pay for services, as well as to persons who are eligible for medical assistance and to persons who are 180-day eligible clients to the extent authorized in this section.

Subd. 2.Design of SAIL projects; local long-term care coordinating team.

(a) The commissioner of human services shall contract with SAIL projects in four to six counties or groups of counties to demonstrate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a local long-term care strategy that is consistent with the state's long-term care goals identified in subdivision 1. The commissioner shall publish a notice in the State Register announcing the availability of project funding and giving instructions for making an application. The instructions for the application shall identify the amount of funding available for project components.

(b) To be selected for the project, a county board or boards must establish a long-term care coordinating team consisting of county social service agencies, public health nursing service agencies, local boards of health, a representative of local nursing home providers, a representative of local home care providers, and the area agencies on aging in a geographic area which is responsible for:

(1) developing a local long-term care strategy consistent with state goals and objectives;

(2) submitting an application to be selected as a project;

(3) coordinating planning for funds to provide services to elderly persons, including funds received under Title III of the Older Americans Act, Title XX of the Social Security Act and the Local Public Health Act; and

(4) ensuring efficient services provision and nonduplication of funding.

(c) The board or boards shall designate a public agency to serve as the lead agency. The lead agency receives and manages the project funds from the state and is responsible for the implementation of the local strategy. If selected as a project, the local long-term care coordinating team must semiannually evaluate the progress of the local long-term care strategy in meeting state measures of performance and results as established in the contract.

(d) Each member of the local coordinating team must indicate its endorsement of the local strategy. The local long-term care coordinating team may include in its membership other units of government which provide funding for services to the frail elderly. The team must cooperate with consumers and other public and private agencies, including nursing homes, in the geographic area in order to develop and offer a variety of cost-effective services to the elderly and their caregivers.

(e) The board or boards shall apply to be selected as a project. If the project is selected, the commissioner of human services shall contract with the lead agency for the project and shall provide additional administrative funds for implementing the provisions of the contract, within the appropriation available for this purpose.

(f) Projects shall be selected according to the following conditions.

No project may be selected unless it demonstrates that:

(i) the objectives of the local project will help to achieve the state's long-term care goals as defined in subdivision 1;

(ii) in the case of a project submitted jointly by several counties, all of the participating counties are contiguous;

(iii) there is a designated local lead agency that is empowered to make contracts with the state and local vendors on behalf of all participants;

(iv) the project proposal demonstrates that the local cooperating agencies have the ability to perform the project as described and that the implementation of the project has a reasonable chance of achieving its objectives;

(v) the project will serve an area that covers at least four counties or contains at least 2,500 persons who are 85 years of age or older, according to the projections of the state demographer or the census if the data is more recent; and

(vi) the local coordinating team documents efforts of cooperation with consumers and other agencies and organizations, both public and private, in planning for service delivery.

Subd. 3.Local long-term care strategy.

The local long-term care strategy must list performance outcomes and indicators which meet the state's objectives. The local strategy must provide for:

(1) accessible information, assessment, and preadmission screening activities as described in subdivision 4;

(2) an increase in numbers of alternative care clients served under section 256B.0913, including those who are relocated from nursing homes, which results in a reduction of the medical assistance nursing home caseload; and

(3) the development of a