As can be expected, most of the updates for late March are advocacy related. Things are picking up at the Capitol as deadlines approach and legislators look forward to the Easter break.
Advocacy:
Rates Bill: Jay will be testifying on the medical assistance rates for therapy and nursing at today’s House Health and Human Services Finance Committee meeting.
Bill of Rights language: Kevin has been diligently working on the Unified Bill of Rights (BOR) issue, as MHCA took a position against Class A notification requirements changing from a ten-day notice to a thirty-day notice. We were
striving for a compromise due to unifying multiple BOR versions. MHCA Regulatory and Legislative Teams reviewed and expressed concern regarding the 30 days. We had asked for 21 days or an additional workforce-related exception. MDH submitted the 30-day language
that MHCA opposed. Senator Eken pulled the BOR language from the bill due to our concerns and I understand two other organizations expressed some concerns about the BOR. Kevin worked with Josh Berg on language that would address our concerns so that the BOR
could be passed this session. We have subsequently heard that there is concern from another group that wasn’t included in the Unified BOR development process so we are in a wait and see mode. The submitted language that concerned MHCA is below:
8) at least 30 calendar days' written notice of the termination of services by the
license holder, along with the reason for termination, that shall include: (i) the effective
date of termination; (ii) contact information for a reasonable number of other home care
providers in the geographic area of the client; (iii) the name and contact information of a
representative of the license holder with whom the client may discuss the termination;
and (iv) other information required in section 144A.4791, subdivision 10. The 30-day
requirement is not required in cases where:
(A) the client engages in conduct that significantly alters the terms of the service
plan with the licensed provider;
(B) the client, person who lives with the client, or others create an abusive or unsafe
work environment for the individuals providing the services;
(C) an emergency or significant change in the client's condition has resulted in
service needs that exceed the current service plan and that cannot be safely met by the
licensed provider; or
(D) the provider has not received payment for services, for which at least ten calendar days' advance notice of the termination of a service shall be provided;
March on Washington – After discussion with Jan and Jay, I cancelled the March on Washington trip due to a family emergency that I had. I am very grateful for your understanding. If you are interested in participating in meetings
with the MN staff for our congressional delegation, please let me know. I have been out of the office some but keeping up with time sensitive emails.
Organizational:
Baby Acord: We are excited about Elliott Acord joining the MCHA family. Jason is out this week – a special thanks to Annie for getting the MHCA Weekly Informer out yesterday! Annie and Allison are also helping cover team meetings.
Education Survey: Please watch for MHCA’s Education Survey and use this opportunity to provide feedback. Allison has put a great deal of work into this and sought input from the Education Team. We plan to send it this week.
As always…..questions and input are welcome!
Warm Regards,
Kathy Messerli
Executive Director
Minnesota HomeCare Association
Office: 651-635-0038 | Cell: 612-590-4180
MHCA Mission: MHCA represents and supports Minnesota home care providers committed to high quality home care services