MN HF2389

Commissioner of human services shall develop and implement a pilot program directing patients toward nonpharmacologic treatments for musculoskeletal pain, including acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathic manipulative treatment, massage, physical therapy, yoga, taiji, meditation, relaxation therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Commissioner shall establish a working group with equal representation from acupuncture practitioners, chiropractors, physical therapists, and psychologists to develop clinical guidelines and determine a single integrative reimbursement rate for all participating providers.

Working group shall submit guideline recommendations to the commissioner by August 1, 2018, and the commissioner shall contract with a managed care plan to implement the pilot program beginning January 1, 2019.

Commissioner and managed care plan shall establish outcome measures assessing reductions in pain levels, medication use, emergency room visits, and functional improvements, with measures reviewed by the working group before implementation.

Commissioner shall submit an evaluation of the pilot program and recommendations for implementing guidelines as standard pain protocol to legislative committees with health and human services jurisdiction by December 15, 2020.