DHS enacts stricter oversight measures for autism services and housing programs

In a recent meeting of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, significant steps were taken to enhance oversight and prevent fraud in Minnesota's healthcare services. The discussions centered around new regulations aimed at improving compliance and accountability among service providers, particularly in the areas of autism services and housing stabilization programs.

One of the key decisions made was the introduction of a provisional license for Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services. This temporary measure is designed to strengthen oversight while more comprehensive licensing standards are developed with input from the community. EIDBI providers will now be required to revalidate their Medicaid enrollment every three years, a change from the previous five-year requirement. This increased frequency aims to ensure that providers maintain high standards of care and compliance.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will also gain new authority to investigate allegations of maltreatment within EIDBI services. This includes implementing stricter background checks for individuals working in these roles, ensuring that only qualified personnel are involved in the care of children and families.

In addition to autism services, the committee discussed changes to the housing stabilization services program. New legislative measures will limit billing to a maximum of 100 hours annually per client and restrict remote support to no more than 20% of all housing transition services. Compliance training will now be mandatory for enrollers and managers before they can participate in day-to-day operations, covering essential topics such as billing, documentation, and fraud prevention.

To further enhance oversight, providers will undergo pre-enrollment risk assessments to evaluate their capacity and compliance with state and federal requirements. This includes a review of their financial information and internal controls. Additionally, service recipients will now be required to confirm receipt of billed hours, adding another layer of accountability.

The meeting concluded with a focus on ensuring that providers demonstrate financial responsibility through surety bonds, which will protect the state and guarantee performance. These measures reflect a commitment to improving service quality and safeguarding public funds, ultimately benefiting Minnesota residents who rely on these essential services.