The bill introduces comprehensive amendments to various sections of Minnesota Statutes, focusing on enhancing human services, particularly for aging populations, individuals with disabilities, and those facing substance use disorders. Key provisions include the establishment of minimum employment standards for nursing home workers, effective January 1, 2025, and an increase in the annual nursing home license surcharge from $620 to $2,815, with a future increase to $5,900 by January 1, 2026. The bill also modifies the long-term services and supports loan program to allow ongoing applications and clarifies eligibility criteria for loan applicants. Additionally, it mandates the creation of a dashboard to track assessment completions and establishes a task force to evaluate the Waiver Reimagine initiative, ensuring stakeholder involvement in the process.

Further amendments address funding and reimbursement structures for various services, including enhanced rates for personal care assistance and the introduction of a positive supports competency program. The bill also emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive case management and outlines new qualifications for treatment providers in substance use disorder services. Notably, it replaces the term "sober homes" with "recovery residences" and establishes a certification program for these facilities. The bill aims to improve the quality of care and support for vulnerable populations while ensuring compliance with updated standards and financial mechanisms to sustain these services.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 181.213, 256.4792, 256.9657, 256.9752, 256B.431, 256B.434, 256R.02, 256R.23, 256R.24, 256R.25, 256R.26, 256R.27, 256R.41, 256R.43, 256S.205, 179A.54, 245A.042, 245A.06, 245D.091, 252.32, 256.476, 256B.0659, 256B.0911, 256B.092, 256B.0924, 256B.49, 256B.4914, 256B.85, 256B.851, 256.01, 256B.766, 245.735, 245.91, 245F.08, 245G.01, 245G.02, 245G.07, 245G.11, 245G.22, 254A.19, 254B.01, 254B.02, 254B.03, 254B.04, 254B.05, 254B.052, 254B.09, 254B.19, 256.043, 256B.0625, 256B.0757, 256B.761, 256I.04, 325F.725, 254B.181, 246.54, 246C.07, 253B.10, 256G.08, 256G.09, 611.43, 245C.03, 245C.04, 245C.13, 245C.16, 256B.04, 256B.0949, 260E.14, 626.5572, 245C.10, 256B.051, 256B.0701, 256I.05, 144A.01, 144A.474, 144A.4799, 144G.08, 144G.31, 144G.52, 144G.54, 144G.55, 144.0724, 245A.03, 245A.04, 245A.043, 245A.10