This bill aims to enhance payment rates for personal care assistants (PCAs) and community first services and supports (CFSS) professionals in Minnesota by establishing new professional competency and shift wage differentials. Key provisions include an increase in the enhanced rate for personal care assistance services from $107.50 to $143 for those qualifying for ten or more hours of service per day. Additionally, the bill introduces a 25% enhanced rate for services provided by certified or licensed support workers, a 10% increase for services rendered during specific weekend hours, and mandates that any additional revenue from these enhanced rates be allocated solely for PCA wages, excluding other employee benefits.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a temporary 20% rate increase for personal care assistance and CFSS services, funded entirely by state money, to support direct support professionals. Providers receiving this increase must use the additional revenue to raise wages for these professionals and cover related employer taxes. The bill also includes provisions for managed care plans to adjust capitation rates accordingly and requires provider agencies to submit distribution plans detailing how the increased funds will be utilized. The appropriations for these enhanced rates and temporary increases are specified for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with effective dates set for July 1, 2023, or upon federal approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0659, 256B.85