S.F. No. 4955 - Long-Term Care Consultation Services Summary

• Extends the validity period for MnCHOICES assessments from 60 to 365 calendar days for determining eligibility across alternative care, elderly waiver, developmental disabilities, and other waiver programs.

• Removes the requirement for annual needs reassessments by certified assessors for individuals receiving waiver services with no significant changes in function or needs, replacing it with reassessments once every three years.

• Allows remote reassessments via video or telephone to substitute for in-person reassessments, with frequency limits varying by program type (up to two consecutive remote assessments for some programs, one for others), provided informed consent is obtained.

• Eliminates the expiration date tied to statewide MnCHOICES implementation for lead agencies not yet using the system, making those exemptions permanent.

• Clarifies that annual reassessments are not required for people receiving Rule 185 case management services; case managers must instead develop person-centered service plans reviewed annually.

• Effective date: January 1, 2025, or upon federal approval, whichever occurs later.