MARRCH September 2015 Public Policy Committee Meeting Minutes
The meeting began at 9:30 am with Patrick Lobejko opening the meeting followed by introductions.
MDH Update: Dana Farley, first responders obtaining naloxone soon, there is a discussion between distributors. There has been some discussion on expanding the law to make it available to over the counter that may be proposed. Listening sessions on medical cannabis is being offered throughout the state. One can also provide written comments if somebody cannot be in attendance. They had an RFP for literature review on the use of cannabis on retractable pain. Dana mentioned that smokeable marijuana is not a part of the legality of medical cannabis. Dan Cain asked why do we as an organization care?
Minnesota Recovery Connection Update: Jill Petsel, September is Recovery Month and she provided an update on the activities, including the Recovery Walk. October 4th, United to Face Addiction is occurring in Washington. Jill encouraged those in attendance to be a part of this. Hundreds of thousands are looking to be a part of this event. MRC is hosting recovery meetings while in DC. 100-150 from Minnesota will be there as of that day. Bob Rohret and Jill will be doing a presentation regarding Ramsey County Detox. Recovery Coach Academy will be up and running soon if others were interested. MRC is working with about 320 people in coaching.
DHS Update: Charlie Mishek, listening sessions from ADAD will be taking place throughout the state. This is in anticipation for 2017, the year of chemical health. The Model of Care report is still guiding what DHS is working to do. The use of telehealth and care coordination as well as tiered licensure is also a part of this report. September 25th at the Rondo Center is the first session. There is one in Mille Lacs for the Indian American community as well. The Commissioner or Asst. Commissioner will be there for all of them. It is truly a listening session, so the department can hear from providers, patients and families. This will be for all of Minnesota, not just those in the room at public policy committee members.
Committed and complex rate, 254b.1482. The rate is $150 over the base. Changes were proposed last year, eligible clients were be for those that are placed in a care facility or committed and have a severity level of at least 4 on at least 2 dimensions. On October 1 the rate change takes into effect. There will be something on the DHS website that will explain these changes.
LARRS Update: They continue to meet twice a month, it takes a commitment of time so a number of people aren’t available. The strategic plan will be finalized soon and hopefully would be sent to the Board in October. Discussion points have been included in the written update, and LARRS will be at the state conference in late October. The strategic plan includes parity and tiered licensing.
BBHT Update: Kari from the Board, tiered licensure meetings have been taking place, a report will be out by October 23rd. They are not looking to change anything. They will also be at the MARRCH conference in October as well. A clarification from last month, minutes are not taking place but you can contact the Board on any questions. Not asking for tiered licensing changes are based on previous legislative activities and laws. The temporary permit was established for those who are waiting to take the written exam, and the Board is not looking to eliminate that.
Legislative Update: Patrick Lobejko and Heidi Kammer provided an update on the process of formulating MARRCH’s legislative agenda for 2016. With a lot of work to be done for the 2017 session, the short 2016 session will be short and concise. A number of topics were brought up, including withdrawal management, workforce, Medicaid waivers and background checks for consideration.
The meeting ended at 11:02 am.