House passes bill to change regulations on new mental health providers

Potential new mental health facilities may face more streamlined regulations.

Sponsored by Rep. Roz Peterson (R-Lakeville), HF2945, as amended, would delete a requirement that an intensive residential treatment services provider have a contract with a host county in order to operate. It would also add some requirements: first, that a provider must specify the geographic area its facility will serve and establish that the area needs its services.

Rep. Roz Peterson

Passed 126-0 Monday by the House, it goes to the Senate where Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) is the sponsor.

The Department of Human Services defines such providers as “time-limited mental health services provided in a residential setting.” In order to qualify for services, a patient has to also be eligible for Medical Assistance.

Crisis centers were amended onto the bill. Similar to intensive residential treatment services, they generally offer services for shorter periods.

The bill would also add a requirement that the provider request a “statement of need” from all county boards and/or tribal authorities in its service area. The statement would state whether a particular local government feels a new provider is needed for their constituents.

Peterson said the bill would help free up mental health hospital beds by creating more intensive residential treatment services facilities and would streamline the application process to create a facility.