HF2406

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to streamline the process of annual reassessments for individuals receiving disability waiver services in Minnesota. It aims to make these reassessments more convenient and flexible by allowing remote options, which can reduce the need for in-person meetings.

Main Provisions

• Remote Reassessments: The bill authorizes the use of remote reassessments via interactive video or telephone for certain waiver services, replacing the need for in-person assessments under specified conditions.

• Specific Service Programs:

  • For services under the developmental disabilities waiver, community access for disability inclusion, community alternative care, and brain injury waiver programs, remote reassessments can be used twice consecutively but must be followed by an in-person reassessment.
  • For alternative care, essential community supports, and elderly waiver programs, one remote reassessment is allowed, which must be followed by an in-person reassessment.
  • For personal care assistance and community first services and supports, two consecutive remote reassessments are permitted before requiring an in-person evaluation.

• Informed Choice and Consent: The lead agency must offer the option of a remote reassessment, and informed consent must be obtained from the individual or their legal representative. Documentation of this informed choice is required.

• Right to Refuse: Individuals or their legal representatives have the right to refuse a remote reassessment at any time.

• Switching to In-Person Reassessment: If during a remote reassessment, it is deemed necessary by the certified assessor, an in-person reassessment must be scheduled.

• Compliance with Existing Standards: All the existing requirements that apply to in-person reassessments, such as updates to an individual's support plan, also apply to remote reassessments.

Significant Changes

• The bill introduces the option for remote reassessments, providing flexibility and potentially reducing the need for in-person meetings, subject to certain conditions. This is a shift from the current law that requires most reassessments to be conducted in person.

Relevant Terms

• Remote reassessments
• In-person reassessments
• Developmental disabilities waiver
• Community access for disability inclusion
• Brain injury waiver programs
• Personal care assistance
• Informed consent
• Lead agency