MN HF3887

Commissioner of health awards grants to community health boards, nonprofit organizations, Tribal nations, and health care providers (including doulas, community health workers, perinatal health educators, early childhood family education providers, and public health nurses) to establish voluntary home visiting services for families expecting or caring for infants.

Grant recipients must provide 1-6 visits prenatally or within the first four months of birth or adoption, with services addressing at least two of six outcome areas: maternal and newborn health, school readiness and achievement, family economic self-sufficiency, community resource coordination, reduction in child injuries/abuse/neglect, or reduction in crime/domestic violence.

Home visiting services must be voluntary and free, offering information on infant care, child development, parenting, health care referrals, assistance with health coverage applications, and connections to community resources; services may be provided by telephone or video when necessary.

Services must be available statewide by June 30, 2025, with initial grant awards prioritizing high-risk or high-need populations, including those with insufficient prenatal care access, mental illness, substance use disorder, or low socioeconomic status.

$110,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025, with up to 7% available for administrative costs, training, technical assistance, and program evaluation.