SF3223

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish timelines and requirements for the certification of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) providers in Minnesota. The ACT program is designed to provide intensive, community-based mental health services to individuals with severe mental illness, ensuring they receive the necessary support to live successfully in the community.

Main Provisions

• Certification Timeline: The bill mandates that the state completes the processing of ACT certification applications within 45 calendar days. This is to ensure timely approval and operational capacity of ACT teams.

• Certification Standards: ACT teams must meet specific standards, including adhering to assertive community treatment requirements, compliance with standards in chapter 245I, and maintaining minimum program fidelity standards as measured by a nationally recognized tool.

• Recertification Requirements: ACT teams are required to undergo recertification at least every three years to ensure continued compliance with these standards.

• Operational Capabilities of ACT Teams: Certified ACT teams must have the capacity to recruit, hire, manage, and train team members; ensure administrative capability for service availability; offer flexible service delivery based on client needs; maintain required records; be enrolled Medicaid providers; and establish a quality assurance plan for evaluating service outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Decertification and Compliance: The commissioner has the authority to intervene and decertify an ACT team if it fails to meet required standards. There is a structured process for decertification, which includes corrective action, repayment of medical assistance, or appeal options if a team no longer meets the specified standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a specific timeline of 45 days for processing ACT certification applications, which was not previously established. It also provides for a regular recertification process every three years, alongside the possibility of decertification with established procedures for appeal, enhancing the compliance and accountability of ACT teams.

Relevant Terms

• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
• Certification and Recertification
• Mental Health
• Standards Compliance
• Medicaid Provider
• Decertification Process
• Quality Assurance Plan
• Fidelity Standards