Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to introduce a system of alternative licensing inspections for certain human services programs in Minnesota. The bill aims to streamline the licensing process for facilities that are already accredited by recognized accrediting bodies, aiming to reduce redundancy and regulatory burdens.

Main Provisions

• Eligibility for Alternative Inspections: Facilities eligible for alternative inspections must already be accredited by recognized bodies like the Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, or the Council on Accreditation. They must have had at least one inspection by the commissioner and be in good standing with no recent major violations.

• Types of Facilities: This alternative applies to qualified residential treatment programs, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, and certified community behavioral health clinics.

• Accreditation Review Process: The commissioner will determine if the accrediting standards are similar to state licensing requirements. If they are, the commissioner can accept alternative inspections as long as the facility maintains its accreditation.

• Requests and Approvals: Facilities must request alternative inspections through prescribed forms and provide all necessary documentation. The commissioner will notify them of the decision within 90 days.

• Ongoing Compliance: Even with alternative inspections, facilities must still comply with all licensing standards and report certain changes to their policies. The state can still conduct necessary inspections not covered by the accrediting body, routine checks every five years, and investigations into complaints or issues of maltreatment.

• Loss of Accreditation: If a facility loses its accredited status, it must inform the commissioner promptly.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a system that acknowledges and potentially reduces regulatory checks on well-accredited human services programs, by allowing state inspectors to rely on existing accreditation checks. It requires certain state-level inspections and actions to remain, especially in areas not covered by accreditation, or in cases of complaints or maltreatment reports.

Relevant Terms

• Human services programs
• Licensing inspections
• Alternative inspections
• Accreditation
• Commissioner
• Qualified residential treatment programs
• Psychiatric residential treatment facilities
• Community behavioral health clinics
• Joint Commission
• Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
• Council on Accreditation
• Maltreatment investigation