This bill amends various provisions of Minnesota Statutes related to home and community-based waiver services, specifically focusing on the establishment of rates for these services and increasing room and board rates for certain individuals. Key changes include the requirement for lead agencies to approve final payment rates within 30 business days of receiving necessary data from service providers, with penalties for late approvals. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision for a single-occupancy monthly room and board rate add-on for individuals who cannot live with others, capped at $1,000 per month, and mandates that the determination of this need be documented in the individual's support plan.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder consultation and training for county personnel involved in administering the rate-setting framework. It requires the commissioner to periodically review and update the process for collecting information on individuals with exceptional needs. Furthermore, it directs the commissioner to submit amendments to federal waiver plans to include the repair of property damage caused by individuals receiving services as a covered service under environmental accessibility adaptations. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, with some provisions contingent upon federal approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.4914, 256I.05