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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL)

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Legislative Update – May 21, 2021

Friday, May 21, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

As we continue to make progress in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s never been easier to get your vaccine. Eligibility is open to everyone age 12 or older, and a full map of locations to get your shot is available here.

On Sunday from noon-4pm, the community vaccination site at the DECC is open to those age 18 or older. Walk-in opportunities are available, or you can make an appointment here.


State Budget Agreement

On Monday, Governor Tim Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka announced a bipartisan agreement on an outline for a new two-year state budget. While we still have some work left in front of us to agree on the details, the framework will help us prioritize those impacted the worst by the pandemic, especially students, workers, families, and small businesses.

As we continue to turn the corner beyond COVID-19, this budget framework enables us to make sizable investments in education, health care, and everything else Minnesotans value from state government. It will take a good-faith commitment from both sides, but I’m confident in the coming weeks we will have a final state budget that helps our state recover from the pandemic and enables Minnesotans to succeed well into the future.


HHS Policy Bill

While we were waiting for the budget outline announced Monday, House and Senate Health and Human Services conferees worked to reach consensus on Health and Human Services policy legislation. Both bodies passed the bill Monday, which included bipartisan agreement on many important proposals to improve health care and human services in Minnesota, including for those with disabilities, older adults and children.

Among many other provisions, the bill includes measures to:

  • Make prescription drugs more affordable through changes to the Prescription Drug Repository Program and expansion of the prohibition on pharmacy “gag clauses” that prevent pharmacists from informing patients when they are paying prices for drugs that are greater than what they would pay out-of-pocket.
  • Establish a directed payment arrangement to help Hennepin County Medical Center, an important safety-net system.
  • Improve Minnesota’s medical cannabis program, including allowing the use of dried raw cannabis.
  • Make important changes related to child support payments, including recommended changes that come from the Child Support Task Force.
  • Create mental health uniform service standards to help providers focus more on serving their clients and providing high-quality mental health services.
  • Implement the Family First Prevention Services Act in Minnesota.

This is an example of our ability to collaborate on a bipartisan basis for the good of our state. We will continue our work to invest in a healthy future for all Minnesotans, and I’m hopeful we can soon reach an agreement on an HHS finance package that not only helps Minnesotans recover from COVID-19, but strengthens everyone’s health, wellbeing, and economic security over the long-term.


Assisted Living Licensure

On August 1, 2021, Minnesota’s assisted living licensure law will take effect. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is encouraging families and residents at assisted living-type facilities to connect with their care providers as soon as possible about their plans and any impacts to the care provided beginning in August. Assisted living providers will also need to notify families and residents if they will no longer provide certain services, or if contracts are updated to meet license changes.

Approximately 60,000 Minnesotans live in 1,800 assisted living-type facilities that mostly serve seniors. Most of those who live in an assisted living-type facility, dementia care or housing with home care will not experience significant changes in their services due to the new licensing program. However, some residents may see changes by this August, and in some cases those changes may make it necessary for residents to find a new service provider or even a new place to live.

When I chaired the House Long Term Care Division in 2019, I was proud to help get this groundbreaking legislation across the finish line. Minnesotans deserve peace of mind to know their loved ones are receiving the level of care they deserve, and this new law will greatly improve safety and care in Minnesota’s long-term care settings. More information about assisted living licensure is available from the Minnesota Department of Health.


PSYPACT

Our state currently doesn’t have enough mental health professionals to meet the needs of Minnesotans. To help address this problem, the House and Senate have both approved legislation that will allow Minnesota to join PSYPACT, an interstate compact under which licensed psychologists may practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person psychology across state boundaries. Right now, 20 states have joined the compact, with additional states joining soon. At a time when mental health support is needed now more than ever, passage of this measure will help address psychologist shortages and get Minnesotans the care they need.

Please continue to stay in touch with your viewpoints, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. Thank you for the honor to work as your public servant.

Sincerely,

Jen Schultz
State Representative