This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes concerning children's mental health programs and nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT). It introduces provisions that enable grant activities to assist families in accessing mental health services for caregiving. Additionally, it mandates that NEMT providers offer assisted transport to clients aged 20 and younger who qualify for unassisted transport, unless declined by the client or their guardian. A new reimbursement rate structure is established for NEMT services provided to clients under 21, set at 125% of standard rates. The bill also requires managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans to comply with specific NEMT provisions, including a fuel adjustment for rates when fuel prices exceed $3 per gallon, and it outlines conditions for the termination or suspension of NEMT providers.

Moreover, the bill updates laws related to children's therapeutic services by adding new definitions and service components, including "transition to community living services," which focuses on maintaining contact between service providers and clients, facilitating discharge from institutions, and supporting community integration. It revises the list of covered services to include "children's day treatment" and "transition to community living services," while removing the previous standalone mention of children's day treatment. The bill also allocates unspecified funds for school-linked behavioral health grants for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to enhance access to mental health services for children in educational settings, promoting their well-being and community integration.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245.4901, 256B.0625, 256B.0943