The bill establishes a three-year pilot project for direct support professional certification in Minnesota, led by the commissioner of human services in collaboration with various educational and community organizations. The project aims to implement a direct support curriculum that meets specific training requirements and leads to the credential of certified direct support professionals. The curriculum will consist of at least 80 hours of instruction over a minimum of eight weeks and will be based on established competencies for the direct service workforce. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for scholarships to support individuals pursuing this certification, as well as enhanced payment rates for services provided by certified professionals in covered programs.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot project, the commissioner of human services will hire an independent evaluator to assess its impact on the direct care workforce in Anoka and Dakota Counties, as well as the economic contributions of the project. A report detailing the evaluation findings and accreditation criteria for the program will be submitted to relevant legislative committees within six months of the project's completion. The bill also appropriates funds from the general fund to support the pilot project, including a specific grant for the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living to assist in its development and coordination. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.