MN HF3550

Establishes interim housing facilities for disabled veterans waiting for residency in state-operated veterans homes, including definitions of "client" and "interim housing facility" in Minnesota Statutes chapter 198.

Requires interim housing facilities to have utilization review committees and admissions committees with preadmission screening programs, applying the same quality assurance and eligibility standards as veterans homes.

Extends existing veterans home regulations to interim housing facilities, including rules on Medicare Part D pharmacy costs, privacy protections, deposit accounts, personal property handling, and employee commissary privileges.

Authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to contract with the Minnesota Veterans Housing Corporation to manage and operate an interim housing facility on a nonprofit basis, with annual financial reporting and audit requirements.

Transfers land in Minneapolis (bounded by 42nd Street East, 32nd Avenue South, and Hiawatha Avenue) from the commissioner of transportation to the commissioner of veterans affairs at no cost for constructing an interim housing facility, with an appropriation in fiscal year 2017 for design and construction.