Dear friends and neighbors,
Several constituents have been reaching out to my office to share concerns and express the urgent need for SF 4200, a bill to help support our disability community as well as individuals struggling with mental illness. These are very challenging and uncertain times for all of us and I understand that this crisis has a significant impact on our most vulnerable populations. In addition, service providers are facing unique challenges with the on-going coronavirus pandemic. I’m a strong supporter and an author of this legislation. The Minnesota Senate will continuing working diligently with the House and Governor on bipartisan solutions to help combat the spread and protect Minnesotans. We have worked across then aisle to provide emergency funding for the unsung heroes on the front lines and to put money into the health care system. We will continue to work together to help protect the health and well-being of all Minnesotans.
As far as SF 4200, we have been working with the House and Governor to get this passed and signed into law as quickly as possible. With the discovery of COVID-19 at the State Capitol last week, the legislature could not come into session to pass the bill as originally planned. So we took a slight pivot and worked with the Governor on language for an Executive Order to get SF 4200 implemented as quickly as possible. The bill has been moving through the committee process in the Senate, but in order to address the regulatory concerns in an expedited manner, Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-12, which implements the regulatory relief contained in SF 4200. This Executive Order gives the Department of Human Services discretion to provide the necessary regulatory relief to care providers by waiving or modifying the following:
- Requirement of in-person assessment, application for services, or case management
- Application for eligibility and eligibility renewal time frames, processes, and verification, except that the commissioner shall establish processes to verify a client’s eligibility as soon as practicable;
- Reporting and verification requirements
- Assessment renewal timeframes, verifications, and processes
- Work or community engagement activity requirements for eligibility
- Limits on the use of telehealth or other restrictions on electronic communication with providers
- Service delivery standards, locations, settings, or staff ratios
- Provider standards, including staffing ratios
- Timing of provider reporting requirements
- Payment procedures, including but not limited to the use of prepayments, partial payment for additional absent days, and payment for closed days
- Service agreement length; and provisions related to appeals
For additional information, I encourage you to visit the Department of Human Services webpage on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Human Services has created a Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center hotline for care providers and staff at: 1-888-234-1268. Department of Human Services staff are available to field your concerns from 7:00am to 7:00pm. We will continue to work with the House and Governor Walz to explore additional relief options for Minnesotans and our businesses in these challenging times.
Our response to the coronavirus crisis must continue to be smart, measured, and responsible. Experts have done a great job emphasizing the precautions that individuals can take, including washing hands, social distancing, and staying home (especially when you are feeling sick). In addition, many businesses have been stepping up to help. It’s going to take some time, but I’m confident that we will persevere through this incredibly difficult time.
As always, I’m available via email (sen.jeremy.miller@senate.mn) or by telephone (651-296-5649). Please continue to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas.
Sincerely,
Jeremy