[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6363863,"mediaKeyId","2165616-304cd49551c51d617de101c55911453e","parentId",2165616,"title","DHS council urges sustained, data‑driven push to reduce avoidable hospital stays and improve complex transitions","audioSeconds",2894,"startMs",1561000,"endMs",4455000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165616-304cd49551c51d617de101c55911453e&start=1561&end=4455","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165616-304cd49551c51d617de101c55911453e/thumbnail_1561000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6363863/Minnesota/DHS-council-urges-sustained-datadriven-push-to-reduce-avoidable-hospital-stays-and-improve-complex-transitions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363863-bc7bb4b3114dc0145b66346cc007b62c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163227&Signature=KFI8sltTLVcbN3uJPtb9FLvZ-c2soFfAUxJZUaLGL~tTx~dsRHLgJ95mNtVav-WOLiDagI9IBtogwUHfBeBV6yBuL8Jg4xI414SjVIoUZO~phj4Wme5R8EBQfyMHMtpZsuqmlTCch24Ly1NabaAR-T-31IB7ixeQ9EW-WPOhcDmxvTz8VzvXZW3VVnV43JGZeuSf2EpGiNUXngvO712MM3NWgU95GfMhYjA6Uf3yOZw~mDJ9PNY0UkIyqs2d1Ze8GL6jbX1pVmCgEGDRqB04hHJexEUUGNasI8vLjc2XCazlnEfjGVbrtBc2dhmn0ITsFKzHg9JMqHpkoZWQeVXdAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Senate Media Services","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Department of Human Services and the Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council presented recommendations and preliminary data to the committee, urging sustained investment in regional capacity, a unified measurement system and short‑term policy changes to reduce avoidable hospital stays for people who lack appropriate community supports.

Assistant Commissioner Natasha Mers said DHS used federal funding to stand up a complex transitions team and has established three pilot regions with transition coordinators who follow people for about six months after discharge. \"We have been successful in establishing kind of three regions of the state and hiring transition coordinators ... This team will also follow folks for about six months post discharge to make sure that they're not getting readmitted,\" Mers said.

What the data show

DHS presented preliminary referral data indicating the most common reason hospitals request assistance is the lack of appropriate community supports — meaning no provider or program in the community could safely serve the person. Presenters said avoidable hospital stays after clinical readiness can be substantial; committee members and DHS staff pointed to individual cases exceeding 50 days beyond clinical readiness.

Josh Berg, co‑chair of the advisory council, summarized the council's work and membership, noting participation by commissioners, county and hospital association representatives, unions, tribal governments, mental‑health and public‑health stakeholders and people with lived experience. The council's major recommendations include continuing the council as a standing, funded body; expanding regional care navigation; building statewide data and communication infrastructure; integrating measurement and action plans to address disparities; and identifying immediate policy or licensing barriers that prevent timely discharges.

Drivers and barriers

DHS staff explained recurring causes of prolonged stays: staffing shortages (especially overnight staffing), workforce retention challenges when residents exhibit aggressive behaviors, municipal opposition to siting new group homes (\"NIMBY\"), and gaps in services for people who need in‑home staffing supports. Assistant Commissioner Mers singled out the intersection of race and disability as a core measurement focus: the council recommended monitoring geographic, racial and ethnic disparities and the intersectionality of disability in outcome metrics.

Federal funding uncertainty

Committee members raised concerns after a federal memo and technical issues with CMS portals prompted questions about temporary disruptions to grant processing. DHS officials said the situation was fluid, that they had prioritized rapid analysis of potential impacts and that Medicaid eligibility and ongoing MA payments were not known to be broadly cut off. \"We were surprised by the scope and reach of the original memo ... we were trying to adapt to that as well and just understand impacts,\" the assistant commissioner said. DHS also told the committee it would follow up with specifics about any federal grants or payments potentially affected.

Council next steps and fiscal considerations

Council leaders and DHS staff urged legislative support to keep the council operating and to fund the data infrastructure and regional teams. Josh Berg and other presenters warned that expanding capacity could incur costs and that moving people out of hospitals into appropriate community services may increase some short‑term spending even as it reduces avoidable hospital utilization.

Ending

The committee received the report and engaged in extended questioning. Members asked DHS to provide technical assistance and follow‑up materials, including the council's recommendations in bill form, fiscal estimates, and further detail on the preliminary data and regional pilot outcomes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Human Services - 01/29/25","oneSentenceSummary","DHS and the Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council asked the committee to support a standing, data‑driven effort to expand regional capacity and reduce avoidable hospital days for people who lack appropriate community supports.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363867,"Senate committee advances SF 626 with amendment creating Direct Care and Treatment advisory council",1191,368000,1559000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165616-304cd49551c51d617de101c55911453e&start=368&end=1559","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165616-304cd49551c51d617de101c55911453e/thumbnail_368000.jpg","/articles/6363867/Minnesota/Senate-committee-advances-SF-626-with-amendment-creating-Direct-Care-and-Treatment-advisory-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363867-985b66e7f31fab89ebca11a25078e919/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163227&Signature=MSUpkbc8ZueBkI8XOsqXtC1PRmhbHNvTUNfcS~qNwIMiemBgvD~jOy~xvY1v0Az0cqkBUAPq8Iu7CIQlhYxqMyugBz3aMpiTxMGSA1uIfxmo~GvPFE94GXhwvMpJ3lSx3HWGfpvuluwwZ91xwAUlox43fdU9TpcnutdW3T6sse21gt~7JIGJui5iz39~Yut8512ooNlEQq8X16ogBGGiGWo~Dakeox33CzUDcMdH0a7dljP5kgyb-86nKurnIDF0Egoq0c-LWImRp8rcgTWDIKvz8nNsTqLj1EwjfRR2~lYq2S3Wg1dPfVHfmer3Z5~jwfwRob4-P6gNHlyZ91VjjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Jordan moved that Senate File 626 be recommended to pass and be re‑referred to the committee on state and local government, and the panel approved the bill as amended.

The bill, as amended by the A2 author's amendment, makes a technical correction and establishes a capped, 15‑member advisory council on Direct Care and Treatment (DCT). \"The A2 does two things. One is it makes a technical correction ... the second ... establishes an advisory council on direct care and treatment,\" Senator Jordan said, describing the new membership mix that includes licensed health professionals, a physician with behavioral‑health experience, a union representative, a counties association designee and a National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota appointee.

Why it matters: the measure changes governance for DCT — the state agency that operates state‑run treatment and care programs — and determines whether oversight will rest with an executive board, a single appointed commissioner, or a governance/configuration that includes stakeholder advisory input. That governance choice affects accountability, how leaders are selected and when authority transfers from the commissioner of Human Services to a board or commissioner under current statute.

Debate and concerns

Senators split over the direction of the governance change. Senator Wicklund said she would not support the bill in its current form, arguing for the executive‑board model with a chief executive officer. \"I think the executive board with a CEO that is running a system like that is more appropriate and has a better chance of succeeding,\" Wicklund said, expressing concern that an appointed commissioner could change more frequently and destabilize care.

Senator Mohammed, Senator Abler and other members echoed requests for further discussion and for fiscal information. Senator Mohammed asked whether the executive board had already hired an executive director; Senator Jordan and Mr. Dan Storkamp, a staff member involved in implementation, responded that a CEO is expected to be empowered when the board formally assumes authority on July 1 under current statute, and that some board appointments and organizing work have already occurred.

Department perspective

Dan Storkamp, who the committee invited to comment, said the department had received the amendment at the same time as legislators and was still digesting it. \"As we look through it ... it's the best of all put together into one advisory group here. That's a very extensive advisory group,\" Storkamp said, noting the council would approach 15 members and raising concerns about the practical difficulty of operating a very large advisory body.

Storkamp and other staff described current status: six gubernatorial appointees had been named, the board held an initial meeting in January, a chair has been appointed per statute, five site tours and orientation meetings are planned, and the statutory transfer of authority is scheduled for July 1. He also said one appointee had resigned and the governor's office was filling that seat.

Procedural outcome

Senator Jordan moved the A2 amendment, the committee approved it by voice vote, and then the committee voted to recommend SF 626 as amended be referred to the Committee on State and Local Government. The chair called the voice vote \"Aye\" and announced the bill passed as amended. The committee discussed that the bill will likely need a fiscal note and further work in state government and finance committees before final action.

What remains unresolved

Lawmakers repeatedly told staff they want more detail on costs and implementation timelines. Several senators asked for additional stakeholder input and for the department to work with the committee as the bill proceeds. Multiple members said the committee was evenly divided on structure and that conversations would continue in State & Local Government and in finance if a fiscal note is required.

Ending

The committee forwarded SF 626, as amended by the A2 advisory‑council language, to the Committee on State and Local Government with a voice vote. Members said they expect the bill to return for further consideration after additional review, fiscal analysis and stakeholder engagement.","Senator Jordan moved that Senate File 626 be recommended to pass and be re‑referred to the Committee on State and Local Government, and the committee approved the measure as amended to create a 15‑member advisory council for Direct Care and Treatment.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363858,"DHS outlines PACE implementation steps; providers urge equitable rate structure and regional access",1953,4456000,6409000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165616-304cd49551c51d617de101c55911453e&start=4456&end=6409","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165616-304cd49551c51d617de101c55911453e/thumbnail_4456000.jpg","/articles/6363858/Minnesota/DHS-outlines-PACE-implementation-steps-providers-urge-equitable-rate-structure-and-regional-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363858-344a780195ec38fb40d2205220a8397e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163227&Signature=kUpPkVFXOSurEMNK~OIn9lecHQA-hMm5z~AgHCySnnU8dp1AOdtBAbR-CWL5fEc~HbZNhQsFnKpobw5wf4CogRiuYgHCvSl6GdHh-Waxv7Q88oO-nIPEdSldrJOXSfuJQV8LjbWcijeolthy49cJCcUoVIgmJMNAdvtRGV3C4SczKQbDCHUR2JnOIgsJBCHcbI7at8-FJ7lZ4utX5zh6idnRDidhRiWi1ifapA3oUIv0fjoQ1h~D0n7V6F~q8DSWpBytcgtxoO~k67XJyDvFVnNn9CE3FrjOwoMG8yTEeW7PmEF54ZAMZHP-A2P2bRXHYABgN7~~gC-cISDTAKXk~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Human Services briefed the committee on PACE (Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly) implementation, actuarial work and an RFI to gauge provider interest. DHS said PACE would require a state plan amendment with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, that PACE serves people 55 and older who meet nursing‑facility level of care, and that the model uses a per‑member‑per‑day capitated payment covering Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

Assistant Commissioner (presenting DHS analysis) said the department completed an implementation analysis and actuarial review as directed by the legislature and issued a request for information to potential providers; RFI responses were due February 28. DHS said administrative resources and a state readiness review would be required and that timeline estimates (a best‑case implementation date cited in the report was January 1, 2027) depend on CMS review, provider readiness, and state administrative capacity.

Provider testimony

Mary Austin, a registered nurse and CEO of Bold Age PACE (a multistate PACE provider), called PACE \"life changing\" for older adults and caregivers and urged Minnesota to adopt an equitable, nuanced Medicaid capitated rate that accounts for the program's high‑acuity population. \"PACE puts its arms around its members,\" Austin said, describing integrated care, transportation and the social supports that reduce hospitalizations and nursing‑home placements.

How PACE fits in Minnesota

DHS noted Minnesota already operates integrated dual‑eligible products (MSHO) and that PACE would be a distinct option that can fully coordinate Medicare, Medicaid and waiver services for eligible adults 55+. DHS estimated roughly 25,000 seniors in Minnesota meet criteria comparable to PACE eligibility under existing programs. DHS staff emphasized the need for detailed fiscal analysis and said any capitation structure must be less than the state's expected spend for comparable enrollees.

Costs, timeline and next steps

DHS staff told senators they can compile more detailed examples from other states, provide actuarial detail and pursue a fiscal note if the committee directs. DHS signaled the need for legislative appropriations to fund administrative start‑up and data work, and warned that initial spending may increase in some accounts as individuals move from uncompensated or hospital‑borne costs into appropriate community services.

Ending

Committee members expressed interest in further analysis of savings and rates, rural access and timeline tradeoffs. DHS asked for direction on technical assistance and said it will compile additional materials and respond to RFI returns to inform possible next steps.","DHS presented its PACE implementation and actuarial analyses, said a state plan amendment and CMS approvals would be required, and solicited provider interest through an RFI. Testimony from a national PACE operator urged nuanced capitated rates and emphasized PACE's ability to serve rural and culturally specific populations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DHS council urges sustained, data‑driven push to reduce avoidable hospital stays and improve complex transitions

Senate committee advances SF 626 with amendment creating Direct Care and Treatment advisory council

DHS outlines PACE implementation steps; providers urge equitable rate structure and regional access