Efforts to simplify Minnesota mental health services advances

Abstract

A Minnesota House committee unanimously approved March 3 a longstanding attempt to simplify and align how Minnesota administers mental health treatment, The Free Press reported. The so‐called uniform service standards bill, at 257 pages, would cut down on provider and patient paper‐work, update mental health treatment language that's been around in some cases since the 1950s and ‘60s, and align definitions and standards within the state's mental health care system. “Proponents of the bill hope simplifying Minnesota's mental health system and requiring less paperwork for certain treatments will lead to better outcomes for patients and their families. The new bill aims to simplify Minnesota's mental health licensing process, align certain treatment standards for children and adults, and align standards for training and even patient information gathering. These changes have been in the works since 2017 as state officials have worked with mental health experts, advocates and professionals to align policies across the board.