Purpose

This bill focuses on vocational rehabilitation and asks state regulators to expand who can get extended employment services. Specifically, it requires rulemaking to allow individuals who are on a Medical Assistance (MA) waiver to receive extended employment services through the Extended Employment Program (EEP), regardless of which waiver service they are receiving.

Main Provisions

• The Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development must adopt rules to allow MA waiver recipients, no matter what waiver service they get, to participate in the Extended Employment Program.
• Participation can be conditioned on submitting a form created by the Commissioner. This form would show that the person is receiving separate services from each program and that no services are being paid for by more than one program (no double reimbursement).
• The Commissioner must adopt rules repealing Minnesota Rules part 3300.6005 subpart 1 item B.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands eligibility for the Extended Employment Program to include individuals on MA waivers.
• Adds a documentation requirement to ensure services from different programs are kept separate and not reimbursed by more than one program.
• Removes a specific provision in Minnesota Rules (part 3300.6005 subpart 1 item B).

Implementation & Practical Effects

• The changes rely on new rulemaking by the Commissioner, which will define how MA waiver recipients can access EEP and what documentation is needed.
• The repeal of the referenced rule suggests a shift in regulatory structure, allowing the expanded access to proceed.

Potential Impacts

• Beneficiaries: People with MA waivers may gain access to extended employment services they previously could not receive through EEP.
• Agencies and providers: May need to coordinate to ensure separate services are tracked and that no duplicate payments occur.
• Oversight: Increased documentation to confirm eligibility and prevent cross-program reimbursement.

Notes on Scope

• The bill concentrates on rulemaking for the Extended Employment Program and does not create new funding or alter eligibility outside the MA waiver context, beyond repealing a specific rule.

Relevant Terms - extended employment program - vocational rehabilitation - Medical Assistance waiver - MA waiver - waiver services - rulemaking - Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development - Minnesota Rules part 3300.6005 subpart 1 item B - reimbursement - separate services - program