This bill amends various aspects of Minnesota's human services laws, particularly focusing on child foster care licensing, assessment requirements, and case management processes. It clarifies exceptions to the licensing moratorium for child foster care, allowing licenses for settings with at least 80% of residents aged 55 or older. New requirements for MnCHOICES assessors are introduced, including a certification process and the option for Tribal Nations to establish their own qualifications. The bill also expands eligibility criteria for targeted case management services to include Tribal agencies, allowing them to determine eligibility for adult protection and developmental disabilities under their governance codes. Additionally, it mandates that Tribal case managers be certified by a federally recognized Tribal government, with changes effective January 1, 2027, or upon federal approval.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the responsibilities of county social services agencies in investigating maltreatment against vulnerable adults, introducing a common entry point for reporting suspected maltreatment and establishing guidelines for screening and responding to reports. It expands the definition of "abuse" to include non-consensual sexual interactions and strengthens protections for vulnerable adults. The bill also streamlines existing language related to neglect and financial exploitation, while emphasizing the rights of vulnerable adults to refuse consent for therapeutic conduct. It includes provisions for payment rate adjustments for facilities under the ICF/DD program and outlines the responsibilities of county social service agencies in conducting investigations and offering protective services. Overall, the bill aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of human services in Minnesota, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245A.03, 256B.0625, 256B.0911, 256B.0924, 256B.0949, 256B.4905, 256B.5012, 256B.851, 256S.21, 626.557, 626.5572