new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES; DIRECT CARE WORKFORCE RATE METHODOLOGY STUDY. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services, in consultation with stakeholders, shall evaluate the feasibility of developing a rate methodology for the personal care assistance program under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0659, and community first services and supports under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.85, similar to the disability waiver rate system under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.4914, including determining the component values and factors to include in such a rate methodology; consider aligning any rate methodology with the collective bargaining agreement and negotiation cycle under Minnesota Statutes, section 179A.54; recommend strategies for ensuring adequate, competitive wages for direct care workers; develop methods and determine the necessary resources for the commissioner to more consistently collect and audit data from the direct care industry; and report recommendations, including proposed draft legislation, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over human services policy and finance by February 1, 2020. new text end