SF1953 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Mental illness definition modification provision, medical assistance transportation reimbursement rates modification modifications provision, children at risk of bipolar disorder grant program establishment provision, and children's first episode of psychosis program appropriation
Related bill: HF2143
AI Generated Summary
The bill, S.F. No. 1953, introduced in the Minnesota Senate, focuses on mental health policy changes, medical assistance transportation reimbursement rates, and new mental health initiatives. Below are the key provisions:
Definition of Mental Illness
- Amends the definition of mental illness in Minnesota law to include a broader range of serious mental health disorders.
- Updates criteria for determining serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) to allow individuals with fewer hospitalizations or crisis team visits to qualify for services.
Medical Assistance Transportation Reimbursement
- Adjusts reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT).
- Adds provisions for public transit, taxicabs, and volunteer drivers as eligible modes of transportation.
- Establishes new rate adjustments based on gasoline prices.
Early Episode Bipolar Disorder Grant Program
- Creates a state-funded program to provide early intervention services for youth and young adults (ages 15-40) at risk for or experiencing an early episode of bipolar disorder.
- Services include medication management, case management, peer and family support, education and employment assistance, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Provides funding for housing and travel assistance to support participation.
- Requires annual reporting to the state legislature on program outcomes.
Children’s First Episode of Psychosis Program
- Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to expand and sustain the first episode of psychosis treatment program.
- Ensures program continuity and allows for expansion outside the metropolitan counties if needed.
In summary, the bill strengthens mental health services, expands financial support for early intervention programs, updates the definition of mental illness, and modifies medical transportation reimbursement to improve accessibility to care in Minnesota.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| February 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| February 26, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Referred to | Health and Human Services |
| February 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Health and Human Services |
| March 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to | Human Services |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies criteria related to complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)."
],
"removed": [
"Specific previous time period for certain criteria reduced from five to three years."
],
"summary": "This bill modifies the definition of mental illness in Minnesota Statutes section 245.462, subdivision 20.",
"modified": [
"Redefines criteria for serious and persistent mental illness, reducing reference period from 24 to 12 months for certain care episodes."
]
},
"citation": "245.462",
"subdivision": "subdivision 20"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Includes new provisions for transportation reimbursement adjustments."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Adjustments are made to the provisions for medical assistance transportation reimbursement rates under section 245.467, subdivision 4.",
"modified": [
"Changes the rates or criteria for medical assistance transportation reimbursement."
]
},
"citation": "245.467",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Introduction of new criteria for accessing certain services."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Amendments to section 245.4711 involve mental health services provision changes.",
"modified": [
"Alters existing service provision requirements for eligibility."
]
},
"citation": "245.4711",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 1, 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New subsection related to service access for youth."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Modifications to mental health services access under section 245.4712.",
"modified": [
"Updates to existing subsections regarding eligibility criteria."
]
},
"citation": "245.4712",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 1, 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Introduction of grant program targeting specific disorders."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Changes made to grants for children's mental health crisis services under section 245.4889, subdivision 1.",
"modified": [
"Modifications in grant eligibility and allocation criteria."
]
},
"citation": "245.4889",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New qualifications for mental health professionals."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill amends provisions related to mental health professional qualifications and services in section 245I.05, subdivisions 3 and 5.",
"modified": [
"Changes in required qualifications and experience parameters."
]
},
"citation": "245I.05",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 3, 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New operational requirements for mental health clinics."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Modifications regarding mental health clinics and centers under section 245I.11, subdivision 5.",
"modified": [
"Changes in licensing or operational standards."
]
},
"citation": "245I.11",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Includes new services covered under medical assistance."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill revises aspects of medical assistance coverage under section 256B.0625.",
"modified": [
"Revisions to existing medical assistance coverage criteria."
]
},
"citation": "256B.0625",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 3b, 17, 20"
}
]