Contact your Legislators ASAP!

ACTION NEEDED - SF4200

Our Governor and legislature are focused on our health care system as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak - rightfully so - but they have not done enough to ensure continued care for children, youth, and families with mental health, basic care, disability, and other needs in our communities.

Many people may experience more acute mental health symptoms due to the stressors brought on by COVID-19. As Minnesota moves forward with social distancing, it is imperative that mental health providers have the flexibility to continue safely providing mental health services - including telemedicine.

In addition, regulatory flexibility is needed for disability service providers. This includes necessary language to protect social workers providing certified assessment, case management and direct services to individuals receiving PCA and Home and Community Based Services.

That's why it was so disappointing that the legislature was unable to pass SF4200 last night.

This legislation allows the commissioner of human services the authority to temporarily waive or modify regulatory, administrative, and program requirements in order to preserve access to crucial health services during Governor Walz's declaration of emergency for COVID-19. The most important change for the mental health community would be additional flexibility to provide services via telemedicine instead of face-to-face contact, as well as temporarily waiving the Medical Assistance coverage limit of three telemedicine visits per week. Also included is flexibility in the timelines for processing MA renewals - where face-to-face contact was required - and more.

The Way Forward

Any potential changes under this temporary legislation would require approval from the chairs and ranking minority members of committees with jurisdiction over human services.

The bill passed the Senate Human Services and Reform Finance and Policy late yesterday afternoon during an emotional hearing with Senator Abeler clearly impacted by the enormity of the problems facing the disability, mental health and social services communities. Unfortunately, negotiations fell apart late in the evening and into the early morning hours with the House. Despite this setback, we believe there is still a path forward to pass this vital legislation in the coming days with your help. The legislature is not slated to come back for 10 days - but 10 days is too long, our crisis is here. While they passed a bill last night to help hospitals, pharmacies, EMTs, public health and nursing homes, we still need help with the mental health and disability systems.

Please Email your Legislators Tonight or Tomorrow!

Find Your Legislators HERE

Due to office closures, we recommend that you email and not call your Legislators - and share this important message:

My name is ____________ and I am a Social Worker and your constituent from ________. I'm contacting you today to urge the legislature to reconvene immediately and pass SF4200. Many people may experience more acute mental health symptoms due to the stressors brought on by COVID-19, and the situation greatly impacts individuals with disabilities, their family members, and professionals including our state’s social workers.

Mental health providers need more flexibility to continue offering needed mental health services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the expanded use of telemedicine. In addition, SF4200 speaks to mental health, disability services, basic needs, child care, health care services, and related community support that assists Minnesotans statewide. Without the flexibility needed to provide services the basic safety and well-being of countless Minnesotans is put at risk.

This legislation allows the Commissioner of Human Services to temporarily waive or modify regulatory, administrative, and program requirements to preserve access to crucial services during this peacetime emergency. It also outlines checks and balances needed for strong legislative oversight, and important consumer protections.

Please return to the Capitol NOW to pass SF4200. Your action is critical as this crisis deepens with each passing day, and is vital for the health and stability of Minnesotans.

Thank you,

Your Signature & credentials

MN Social Worker