This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representative Noor, seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256I.04, subdivision 2b concerning housing support agreements between agencies and housing support providers.

Key changes proposed in the bill:

1. Formalized Housing Support Agreements:

   • Agreements between agencies and housing support providers must be in writing using a form developed and approved by the commissioner.
   • The agreement must include information such as:
     • The provider’s name, address, and license details (whether licensed by the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services).
     • The number of beds covered under the license.
     • The location(s) where housing support is provided.
     • The per diem or monthly rates paid for each resident.
     • Whether the provider is a nonprofit under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
     • A statement that the agreement is subject to relevant Minnesota statutes (Sections 256I.01 to 256I.06) and any future statutory changes.

2. Minimum Verification Requirements for Providers:

   • Providers must verify compliance with the following conditions in the agreement:
     • A current license or registration, including proper authorization if managing or monitoring medications.
     • Staff working directly with recipients meet qualifications.
     • Provision of housing support services.
     • Provision of supplementary services, if applicable.
     • Reporting of adverse events, including resident death or serious injury.
     • Compliance with residency requirements that could lead to eviction.
     • Assurance that providers cannot limit or restrict employment hours for recipients (as specified in subdivision 5).

3. Agreement Termination Terms:

   • Agreements may be terminated with or without cause by the commissioner, the agency, or the provider with two months’ prior notice.
   • The commissioner can immediately terminate an agreement under certain circumstances, as laid out in subdivision 2d.

4. Restrictions on Agency Limitations:

   • Agencies cannot refuse to enter into housing support agreements or limit availability based solely on:
     1. The medical assistance or publicly funded program that a resident uses for services, regardless of whether those services are provided on-site or elsewhere.
     2. The size, capacity, location, zoning classification, or building type of the provider’s establishment, unless otherwise prohibited under subdivision 2a.

Overall Purpose of the Bill:

This legislation clarifies and strengthens rules regarding housing support agreements, ensuring transparency, protecting recipients, and preventing discrimination against certain housing providers based on program funding sources or facility characteristics. It also introduces more formalized termination procedures while reinforcing oversight mechanisms.