Minneslate Logo

SF815 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Community first services and supports requirements for support workers to qualify for enhanced rate modifications

Related bill: HF1348

AI Generated Summary

The proposed Senate bill SF No. 815 addresses changes in the requirements for support workers under Minnesota's community first services and supports (CFSS) system. Key points of the bill include:

  1. Background Checks and Qualifications: Support workers must undergo a background study and be cleared or granted a disqualification set-aside to enroll as a support worker.

  2. Training Requirements: Workers are required to complete CFSS basic training, which includes first aid, understanding of abuse and maltreatment, safety precautions, and other essential care functions. The training must be accessible in multiple languages and accommodate those with disabilities.

  3. Client-Centered Care: Support workers need skills to effectively communicate and meet the specific needs of participants as outlined in their individualized service plan.

  4. Employer-Directed Orientation: Additional training on the specific needs of the participant must be completed, guided by the employer.

  5. Privacy and Ethical Standards: Workers must maintain confidentiality and are prohibited from making independent decisions about medication dosages or schedules.

  6. Prohibitions and Grounds for Termination: The bill lists conditions under which a support worker's enrollment can be terminated, such as failure to meet requirements, substance abuse while on duty, or illegal activities related to drugs.

  7. Appeals Process: Support workers have the right to appeal a termination decision in writing.

  8. Work Hour Limitations: A cap is set on the number of hours a support worker can bill per month to prevent overwork and ensure quality of care.

  9. Enhanced Rate Eligibility: Support workers can qualify for higher pay rates if they meet specific service provision criteria, including training and competency as aligned with current Medicare standards or equivalent.

In summary, the bill aims to ensure that support workers are well-trained, appropriately vetted, and act in the best interests of the individuals they support, while also setting provisions for fair labor practices and enhanced compensation under certain conditions.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHuman Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new provision allowing CFSS to qualify for an enhanced rate if the support worker meets specific criteria."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies community first services and supports requirements for support workers to qualify for an enhanced rate under section 256B.85 subdivision 16.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of requirements for support workers' training and qualifications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B.85 subdivision 16"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill refers to section 245C.14 for support worker disqualification criteria.",
      "modified": [
        "References background study disqualification criteria for support workers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245C.14"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill refers to section 245C.22 for support worker disqualification set-aside criteria.",
      "modified": [
        "References criteria for setting aside disqualifications for support workers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245C.22"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references 42 CFR 483.151 for Medicare training and competency requirements.",
      "modified": [
        "Incorporates federal standards for training and competency evaluations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "42 CFR 483.151"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references 42 CFR 484.36 for Medicare training and competency requirements.",
      "modified": [
        "Incorporates federal standards for training and competency evaluations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "42 CFR 484.36"
  }
]

Sponsors