Legislative Session

The Senate and House passed an amended Health and Human Services Omnibus bill off their respective floors around 3 am this morning (did you note the photo of the Speaker yawning on the front page of the Star Tribune – results of a multi-day & night special session?!). The bill now heads to Governor Dayton for his signature or veto. While we do not have reason to believe Governor Dayton will veto the bill, there remain a number of moving pieces yet and we can’t predict for certain what Governor Dayton will do with the bills he is sent. The last week was spent primarily behind closed doors with little information being shared. There will be further details coming once Kevin and Anni have time to fully review and digest the bill. Some update that are of interest to MHCA are as follows:

Face to Face Legislation – included
Electronic Visit Verification – included
Raising of the Medical Assistance Spenddown Income and Asset Limits - included at a 1% increase
Required Report on Resource-Based Relative Value System and Alternate Payment Methodologies – not included
Best Life Alliance Bill to Raise Wages for Direct Support Professionals – not included
Requiring State Uniformity for Employment Mandates (“Preemtion”) – Governor Dayton has said he will veto when he is sent this bill
Addition of Housing With Services and Homecare Settings to Professional Loan Forgiveness Program for Nurses – included
Reforms to the Elderly Waiver Program – included
Vulnerable Adult Support (increased fees to enhance staffing ) – included
Creation of Complex PCA Category and Payment - not included
PCA Providers and Surety Bond Requirements - not included
SEIU PCA Contract - small portion of funds included
Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center – included but only at partial funding levels
DHS Policy Bill (including documentation changes) – not passed this session
Taskforce on Home Care Nursing Shortage (formerly legislation to create new category of Certified Paraprofessional) – included

Already signed into law:

Community Medical Response Emergency Medical Technician Service Definition Change (SF 93 Hayden; Eken; Schoen / HF 106 Zerwas; Dean, M.) - This bill was signed into law May 12th

Hearing Loss Care Requirements - This bill was signed into law by Governor Dayton on 5/12

Other Advocacy Issues

Home Care licensure revisions: MDH will be recommending revisions to the home care licensure next session. They are seeking provider input. MHCA has formed a workgroup to review suggestions and will then collaborate with LeadingAge MN and CareProviders of MN on recommendations.
MA F2F: DHS has reached out gather input for a template to be used for the F2F, which is effective July 1^st. A small MHCA workgroup will meet to provide recommendations/tips to DHS. There will be a short turnaround so be watching so details!
I spent time with DHS as they were planning the expansion of the Return to Community program (the next phase will include clients who may need additional support after being discharged from Medicare home care services. There may be marketing dollars available for MHCA as a part of this expansion so I am remaining engaged.
We are making progress on gaining support for the Home Health Planning Improvement Planning Act (non-physicians providers). The only two Minnesotan’s that have not yet signed are Rep Paulson and Lewis. We will be sending an email to the members in their districts, encouraging grassroots advocacy.

Organizational

Jay has asked the Executive Committee to work on the Bylaws project. They will meet with Barb Blumer and bring a recommendation to the board.
The Workforce met and created workgroups to focus on the three recommendations.
I am working on team leader recommendations for the board.
We are accepting team applications through next Friday. Please be sure to have your teams apply!

Membership

I have reached out to the new CEO of Accurate Home Care and will be meeting with him in a month.
We have been reaching out to the newer members, encouraging them to get engaged with the teams.

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!!

Kathy Messerli

Executive Director | Minnesota HomeCare Association

2550 University Ave. W., Ste. 350 S | St. Paul, MN 55114-1900

Direct: 651.635.0038 | Main: 651.635.0607

Toll-free: 866.607.0607 | Fax: 651.635.0043