SF2168

This bill, S.F. No. 2168, proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.4914, subdivision 10d, which governs compensation requirements for direct care staff in human services.

Key Provisions:

• Currently, providers receiving Medicaid reimbursement must allocate a percentage of their revenue to direct care staff compensation, depending on the specific rate determination method:

  • 66% for providers paid under subdivision 6
    
  • 45% for providers paid under subdivision 7
    
  • 60% for providers paid under subdivisions 8 or 9
    

• Compensation includes wages, insurance benefits, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, paid leave, and other monetary benefits for direct care staff.

Proposed Change:

• Exempts assisted living service providers (licensed under Minnesota Chapter 144G) from these direct care staff compensation requirements.
  

Impact:

• Assisted living providers would no longer be required to allocate specific percentages of their Medicaid payments to direct care compensation, potentially allowing more flexibility in budget allocation but also raising concerns about wage and benefit protections for care staff in these facilities.