MN HF3970

Amends Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 62Q.19, subdivision 1 to add home health care agencies and home and community-based services providers to the list of essential community providers eligible for designation by the commissioner.

Home health care agencies licensed under chapter 144 or home and community-based services providers licensed under chapter 245D must provide culturally sensitive and competent services to high-risk and special needs populations to qualify for essential community provider status.

Qualifying providers must serve refugees who have resided in Minnesota for three or fewer years, provide services to 100 or more refugees, and have the ability to provide services in clients' preferred languages for those with limited English proficiency.

Adds linguistic services providers as essential community providers if they employ only health care interpreters from the statewide roster, provide services in 100 or more languages, make rare language services available to other essential community providers, and maintain contracts with at least two managed care organizations contracted with the Department of Human Services.

Requires the commissioner to publish applicant names in the State Register and allow 30 days for public comment before designating any provider as an essential community provider.