This bill amends various provisions concerning the Department of Human Services, particularly focusing on licensing and operational requirements 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, as well as the establishment of administrative disqualification processes for child care providers accused of intentional program violations. The bill also modifies the definition of "patient" to encompass individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment and expands licensure application requirements, mandating grievance procedures and employee training on drug and alcohol policies. Additionally, it repeals a specific provision regarding child care assistance and updates hiring practices to prevent conflicts of interest.

Further amendments address the qualifications for alcohol and drug counselors, requiring them to sign comprehensive assessments and complete individual treatment plans for opioid treatment programs within 14 days. The bill also introduces new documentation requirements for treatment sessions and clarifies responsibilities for supervising children. It enhances the quality and accountability of substance use disorder treatment services by allowing cumulative treatment services in increments of no less than 15 minutes and modifying the legal framework surrounding wrongful assistance claims to impose stricter penalties for fraudulent activities. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen oversight and accountability within the Department of Human Services and its licensed providers, with certain provisions set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

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