This bill seeks to enhance the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program in Minnesota by clarifying the requirements for shared services. It mandates that personal care assistants document their services daily and redefines "shared services" to allow personal care assistance for two or three recipients simultaneously in the same setting. The legislation emphasizes the importance of increasing wages for support workers involved in shared services, ensuring that any additional revenue generated is allocated towards their wages and related costs. New subdivisions are introduced to outline the authorization process, rate structures, and responsibilities of provider agencies, with specific rate limits established for shared services based on the number of participants.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to require the commissioner to include shared services authorization in the CFSS approval process, ensuring that participants opting for shared services do not face a reduction in their total authorized dollar amount. It mandates the collaborative development of shared service agreements, allowing for withdrawal at any time. The bill also introduces new definitions related to shared services and specifies the allocation of budget savings for support worker wages, explicitly prohibiting their use for other employee benefits. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the quality and accessibility of personal care assistance while ensuring fair compensation for support workers.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0659, 256B.85