SF2988

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify how fees are determined and assessed by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health for various health-related licenses, permits, and services.

Main Provisions

• Fee Procedures: The Commissioner of Health can set procedures and fees for original and renewal permits, licenses, registrations, and certifications. Fees might include application, examination, and late renewal penalties.
• Voluntary and Lab Services: Fees can be charged for the voluntary certification of medical and environmental laboratories and must cover the cost of services provided.
• Children's Services: Fees derived from diagnostic evaluations for children with disabilities will fund maternal and child health programs.
• Facility Licensure Fees: Specific fees are set for hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient surgical centers, boarding care homes, and assisted living facilities, among others.
• Medicare and Medicaid Certification Surveys: The health commissioner can charge fees to cover costs of initial certification surveys required for providers seeking eligibility in federal programs.
• Differential Fee Based on Clientele: Assisted living facilities with different percentages of residents on home and community-based services face varied fees to ensure revenue neutrality.
• Annual Licensing for Hospitals: Hospitals are charged an annual base fee plus an additional fee per licensed bed or bassinet, which will be used towards trauma hospital designations.

Significant Changes

• Adjustments are proposed to the fee assessment structure based on the type of facility, services offered, and types of certifications sought.
• Revision of fees to ensure they approximate the cost of administration in a revenue-neutral manner, especially regarding assisted living facilities.
• Introduction of potential fee adjustments based on the percentage of residents receiving specific services.

Relevant Terms

• Health commissioner
• Licenses and permits
• Certification fees
• Nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living
• Medicare and Medicaid eligibility
• Revenue-neutral adjustments
• Home and community-based services