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Date: March 17, 2020
To: Service providers, lead agency staff and interested stakeholders
From: DHS Disability Services Division
Effective date: Immediately
Purpose: To provide COVID-19 updates from the Disability Services Division
Contact information: dsd.responsecenter@state.mn.us
On March 13, 2020, Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration has broad implications for people served by Minnesota Department of Human Services programs, and the situation changes daily.
DHS is aware of concerns related to service and support changes related to the pandemic. We very much understand that service providers would like more clarity and certainty around a variety of questions. We share that desire and will provide those answers as quickly as we can. We currently are determining methods, within the constraints of state and federal law, to support providers and lead agencies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the following ways:
- Alternative service and staffing options in the event of day program closures.
- Funding to support increased service costs related to COVID-19 (Please note that rate exceptions related to a person’s extraordinary support needs should continue to be submitted consistent with current guidelines).
- Temporary service authorizations for alternative service needs.
DHS also is working to provide information quickly as changes evolve at federal and state levels.
To find the most up-to-date information for providers, counties, tribal nations and members of the public, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage.
To be notified when changes occur, sign up for COVID-19-related email notifications.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to ensure people on home and community-based services and programs receive essential services while we fight the spread of COVID-19.
Visit CBSM – What's new often for a list of policies/pages we've recently updated
in the Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM).
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