SF141

This legislative bill aims to establish a review process for cases where access to, or eligibility for, long-term services and supports in Minnesota is denied, reduced, suspended, or terminated. Key elements of the bill include:

1. Notice Requirement: Before taking any action to deny, reduce, suspend, or terminate services, the respective agency must notify the affected individual or their legal representative at least ten days in advance, explaining the intent and reasons.

2. Response Opportunity: Individuals or their representatives will have ten days to respond to the preliminary notice. If they choose to respond, a decision review process will be triggered.

3. Decision Review: Upon request, the agency must schedule a review conference within five days where the individual can interact directly with agency representatives who are knowledgeable about the case. This can be via phone, written exchange, in-person meeting, or another accessible format.

4. Continuation of Services: While the review is pending, the affected individual will continue to receive the services they were previously getting until a final decision is issued.

5. Final Decision Notice: After the decision review, the agency may issue a formal notice of action based on the discussions and new information obtained during the review. This notice will be detailed and include necessary information on appeal rights, ensuring it is in an understandable format and includes language assistance if required.

6. Appeal Rights: The bill explicitly states that it does not change any existing appeal rights, ensuring individuals can still challenge decisions through appropriate legal channels.

Overall, the bill emphasizes clearer communication, due process, and continued access to services during reviews, aiming to make the process more transparent and fair for individuals dependent on long-term services and supports.