SF1811

This bill proposes expanding Minnesota's behavioral health services by incorporating occupational therapy (OT) into mental health programs. Specifically, it includes occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in mental health service definitions, children’s mental health grants, and various Medicaid-covered services. The bill:

1. Adds Occupational Therapy to Behavioral Health Services: It explicitly includes OT services in various behavioral health programs to assist individuals, particularly children, with emotional disturbances.

2. Defines OT Roles and Qualifications: Establishes qualification requirements for OTs and OTAs in mental health settings, including licensing and supervised work experience.

3. Authorizes OT Services in Mental Health Programs:

   • OT services are included in children's mental health treatment, crisis stabilization programs, and intensive residential treatment services.
   • OT services may be part of psychiatric residential treatment and children's therapeutic services and supports (CTSS).

4. Expands Eligible Providers in Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams:

   • It allows OTs and OTAs to be part of ACT teams, which provide community-based mental health care.
   • It includes OT services as part of nonresidential rehabilitative mental health services.

5. Incorporates OT Services into Medicaid-Covered Behavioral Health Treatments: The bill ensures that OT services are eligible for Medicaid reimbursement under Minnesota's mental health programs.

Overall, this legislation aims to enhance mental health treatment by recognizing and funding occupational therapy as a critical component of behavioral health care.