This bill amends various provisions of Minnesota Statutes 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 against 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 disqualifications and the appeal process. Additionally, it updates the definition of "patient" to encompass individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment and emphasizes the necessity of training employees on drug and alcohol policies prior to their direct contact with program beneficiaries.

Further amendments include a five-year prohibition on individuals whose licenses have been revoked from holding new licenses, with exceptions for those demonstrating substantial compliance. The bill introduces requirements for maintaining opiate antagonists for emergency overdose treatment, mandates staff training, and allows electronic signatures in documentation. It also clarifies the delegation of licensing authority to county agencies and specifies conditions for setting aside disqualifications. Notably, the bill establishes a child care license exemption for those supervising children for less than three hours a day under certain conditions, and it modifies legal language regarding the prosecution of theft related to assistance programs, defining prohibited payments and establishing penalties for violations. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the integrity, accountability, and quality of care within Minnesota's human services programs.

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