This bill amends various provisions of Minnesota law concerning the Department of Human Services, particularly focusing on licensing for home and community-based services, behavioral health, and child care providers. Key changes include the introduction of new definitions and prohibitions regarding kickbacks in child care assistance programs, defining receiving or providing a kickback as an intentional program violation. The bill also modifies the administrative disqualification process for child care providers accused of such violations, outlining the conditions for disqualification and the appeal process. Additionally, it updates the definition of "patient" to include individuals receiving various treatments and streamlines the licensing process by repealing certain provisions.

Further amendments address the regulation of alcohol and drug counseling, enhancing the requirements for treatment plans and counselor qualifications, particularly for those working with adolescents. The bill allows for cumulative treatment services in increments of no less than 15 minutes and establishes documentation requirements for opioid treatment programs. It also defines prohibited payments related to fraud in human services programs, establishing penalties for violations and clarifying that claims resulting from such violations are noncompensable. The bill aims to improve the integrity and accountability of human services programs while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245A.11, 142E.51, 144.651, 245A.04, 245A.16, 245A.242, 245C.05, 245C.08, 245C.22, 245D.02, 245G.05, 245G.06, 245G.07, 245G.08, 245G.09, 245G.11, 245G.18, 245G.19, 245G.22, 256.98, 256B.12, 480.40