Minnesota lawmakers advance multiple health policies addressing workforce and opioid settlements

The Minnesota House convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss and pass the human services policy bill, HF2115, which encompasses a range of provisions aimed at enhancing support for individuals with disabilities, improving health care access, and addressing substance use disorders.

The meeting began with an overview of the bill's articles. Article 1 focuses on disability services, proposing to expand qualifications for positive support analysts and establish a review process for individuals denied long-term care services. It also aims to ensure smaller assisted living providers comply with new cost reporting measures within the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS).

Article 2, presented by Representative Zelensakar, addresses health policy by establishing medication training protocols for nursing facility staff and ensuring access to designated support persons in long-term care settings.

The third article pertains to direct care and treatment, highlighting ongoing efforts by members to find long-term solutions to persistent issues in this area.

Article 4 targets behavioral health, with provisions to support mental health providers facing workforce challenges and inadequate reimbursement rates. This includes ensuring access to the 988 lifeline without charges to residents, as well as clarifying regulations around substance use disorder assessments and the preservation of client records by recovery organizations.

Subsequent articles addressed the Human Services Office of Inspector General and community treatment services, along with updates to mental health terminology. The final article included miscellaneous provisions for agency notifications regarding federal approvals.

The meeting also featured several amendments to the bill. Representative Schumacher introduced a technical amendment to clarify reporting requirements, which was adopted without opposition. Representative Baker proposed an amendment to align state legislation with upcoming opioid settlement funds, emphasizing the importance of directing these resources effectively to combat substance use disorders. This amendment received support from multiple members and was also adopted.

The session concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the pressing issues within Minnesota's human services framework, ensuring that the necessary resources and regulations are in place to support vulnerable populations effectively. The passage of HF2115 marks a significant step towards enhancing the state's approach to health and human services.