S.F. No. 4420 Summary

• State medical review team must review all medical evidence and assist applicants in obtaining missing evidence before denying disability determinations due to insufficient evidence.

• Appeals of disability determinations must be decided within timelines specified in section 256.0451, subdivision 22, with immediate chief judge review if timelines are missed.

• Commissioner must accept disability referrals from hospital-based or clinic-based licensed social workers regardless of county or Tribal agency employment.

• Lead agencies must provide waiver participants with accessible information about consumer-directed community supports budget calculations, formulas, traditional service alternatives, and appeal rights.

• Only the commissioner may create consumer-directed community supports policies; lead agency handbooks and procedures cannot create additional policies or receive deference in fair hearings.

• Commissioner must seek waiver plan changes by December 31, 2024, including eliminating the 0.7 base rate adjustment, clarifying allowable goods and services, and permitting enhanced rates for personal assistance when participants have assessed needs.