The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.4914, to revise the disability waiver rates by updating the calculations for staffing wage indices and payment rates for various support services, including community residential services, family residential services, integrated community supports, and adult day services. A significant change is the introduction of a competitive workforce factor of 16.76 percent, effective January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval, which replaces the previous workforce factor of 6.7 percent. Additionally, the base wage index for supervisory staff will now be calculated based on median wages for specific job categories rather than a flat percentage.

The bill also establishes new effective dates for these changes, with some provisions taking effect immediately upon final enactment and others contingent on federal approval. The commissioner of human services is responsible for notifying the revisor of statutes once federal approval is secured. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the compensation structure for staff providing services to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that payment rates are aligned with current wage standards and regional service costs, thereby reflecting the actual needs associated with delivering these essential services.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.4914