S.F. No. 840 modifies statutory provisions relating to mood disorder and psychotic episode services, introduces a Transition to Community Initiative for individuals in residential treatment centers, and updates rates and budget limits for individuals in nursing facilities.

Section 1 (245.4889, subdivision 1) authorizes the commissioner of human services to make grants for evidence-based interventions for youth who are at risk of experiencing their first episode of a mood disorder, as well as for a campaign to raise public awareness of mood disorder signs and symptoms.

Section 2 (256.478) introduces the Transition to Community Initiative, which permits the commissioner of human services to make grants to assist certain individuals with transitioning out of treatment facilities (including the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, state-operated community behavioral health hospitals, or the Minnesota Security Hospital) and back into the community.

Section 3 (256B.0915, subdivision 3b) sets the monthly conversion budget limit for the cost of elderly waiver services at the per diem nursing facility rate according to the resident assessment system. Individuals who meet elderly waiver criteria and qualify for the Transition to Community Initiative are eligible for a special monthly budget limit of up to $21,610 per month. The commissioner of human services may provide a payment for documented costs between a certain threshold and the special monthly budget limit. Service rate limits may be exceeded when necessary for the provider to meet identified needs as part of a coordinated service and support plan, so long as the total costs do not exceed the monthly conversion budget limit or the special monthly budget limit. These provisions apply to nursing facilities and other eligible facilities and are effective upon federal approval.

Section 4 (256B.092, subdivision 13) and Section 5 (256B.49, subdivision 24) direct the commissioner of human services to make additional waiver allocations and resources available for individuals eligible for discharge under the Transition to Community Initiative.

Section 6 directs the commissioner of human services to consult with stakeholders to develop recommendations to implement the flexible assertive community treatment model in Minnesota, and to develop recommendations to improve the consistency and effectiveness of intensive nonresidential rehabilitative mental health services. The recommendations must be reported to the legislature by February 1, 2020.

Section 7 appropriates funds to the commissioner of human services for mental health grants to expand assertive community treatment and forensic assertive community treatment services.

Section 8 appropriates funds to the commissioner of human services for grants to fund evidence-based interventions for individuals who are at risk of experiencing their first psychotic episode, including treatment, support, psychoeducation, case management, employment and education supports, cognitive behavioral approaches, social skills training, peer support, crisis planning, and stress management. Funds may also be used to provide outreach, training, and guidance to providers regarding identifying and screening psychosis symptoms, to ensure access to psychosis services in rural areas, and to pay for housing or travel for individuals receiving services for their first psychotic episode.

Section 9 appropriates funds to the commissioner of human services for grants to fund evidence-based interventions for youth who are at risk of experiencing their first episode of a mood disorder, including treatment, support, psychoeducation, case management, employment and education supports, cognitive behavioral approaches, social skills training, peer support, crisis planning, and stress management. Funds may also be used to provide outreach, training, and guidance to providers regarding identifying and screening mood disorders, to ensure access to mood disorder services in rural areas, and to pay for housing or travel for individuals receiving services for their first mood disorder episode.