Bill > SF1062

This bill establishes a three-year direct support professional certification pilot project in partnership with Anoka County, Dakota County, the Office of Higher Education, and local postsecondary institutions. The project aims to create a comprehensive certification program for direct support professionals who provide assistance to older adults and people with disabilities. The curriculum will consist of at least 80 hours of training over eight weeks, based on national workforce competency standards. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certification and be eligible for a scholarship that includes a $20 per hour work stipend. An important feature of the bill is that certified professionals may receive an enhanced medical assistance reimbursement rate of 118.75%, pending federal approval. The participating institutions will collaborate to develop accreditation criteria that could be used by other colleges to create similar programs. An independent evaluator will assess the pilot project's effectiveness in addressing workforce needs, analyzing its economic impact, and exploring potential statewide expansion. The commissioner of human services must submit a comprehensive report to legislative committees within six months of the project's completion. The pilot project is set to begin on July 1, 2025, with $150,000 allocated to the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living to help develop and coordinate the implementation.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1062&ssn=0&y=2025