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SF2647 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Substance use disorder comprehensive assessment requirements and treatment provider qualifications modifications

Related bill: HF1993

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the requirements for substance use disorder assessments and the qualifications for treatment providers in Minnesota. It also mandates a study on eliminating practice limitations for licensed health professionals in substance use disorder treatment.

Main Provisions

  1. Comprehensive Assessment Requirements:

    • A comprehensive assessment of a client’s substance use disorder must be completed face-to-face by an alcohol and drug counselor within five calendar days of service initiation.
    • If not completed on time, the reason for delay and the new completion date must be documented.
    • Qualified individuals who can conduct these assessments include:
      • Alcohol and drug counselors.
      • Mental health professionals with necessary training.
      • Clinical trainees supervised by qualified mental health professionals.
      • Licensed registered nurses with specific training.

  2. Treatment Provider Qualifications:

    • Treatment coordination must be executed by individuals with specific qualifications, such as:
      • Skills in assessing client needs and knowledge of community resources.
      • Completion of 30 hours of training in substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder treatment.
      • Either a bachelor’s degree in a related field with 1,000 hours of experience, certification as an alcohol and drug counselor, or being a mental health practitioner with required qualifications and 2,000 hours of experience.
    • Treatment coordinators must receive at least one hour of monthly supervision from a qualified professional.

  3. Study on Practice Limitations:

    • The Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with studying and recommending changes to eliminate restrictions on health professionals regarding substance use disorder treatment.
    • A report with findings and recommendations is to be submitted by January 15, 2027.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill updates who can perform comprehensive assessments and under what conditions they may do so, expanding the roles allowed in conducting assessments.
  • It redefines qualifications for treatment coordinators, adding specific educational and training requirements.
  • Introduces a new directive to study and potentially change the legal framework to optimize the provision of substance use disorder treatment by licensed professionals.

Relevant Terms

  • Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
  • Comprehensive Assessment
  • Alcohol and Drug Counselor
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Treatment Coordination
  • Clinical Trainee
  • Registered Nurse
  • Co-occurring Disorders
  • Supervised Experience
  • Evidence-based Practices

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 16, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHuman Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows for comprehensive assessments to be conducted by additional qualified professionals, not just alcohol and drug counselors."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies comprehensive assessment requirements for substance use disorders under section 245G.05, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies timelines and documentation requirements for comprehensive assessments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245G.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional qualification requirements for treatment coordinators."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies treatment provider qualifications under section 245G.11, subdivision 7.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies supervision requirements for treatment coordinators."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245G.11",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References qualifications and practice scope under section 245I.04, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245I.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References qualifications for clinical trainees under section 245I.04, subdivision 6.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245I.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References qualifications for mental health practitioners under section 245I.04, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245I.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References definition of a licensed registered nurse under section 148.171, subdivision 20.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "148.171",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 20"
  }
]

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