The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division is notifying interested parties that the Minnesota 2023 Legislative Session removed the requirement for the administration of the Early Childhood Services Intensity Instrument (ECSII) for children under the age of six and the Child and Adolescent Services Intensity Instrument (CASII) for children ages six to 18 when children receive a diagnostic assessment through Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) and/or Medicaid.

This change in requirement became effective on July 1, 2023. Sec. 245I.10 MN Statutes continues to define the CASII and ECSII as level of care assessment (LOC) tools for children under 18 years of age. A completed CASII/ECSII may still be required for children insured through Medicaid and MHCPs to access some services, for example:

• The CASII is required to establish eligibility for Intensive Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (IRMHS/Youth ACT) Sec. 256B.0947 MN Statutes
• The CASII or ECSII are required for eligibility for the Children’s Intensive Behavioral Health Services (CIBHS) formerly known as Intensive Treatment in Foster Care (ITFC) Sec. 256B.0946 MN Statutes.

The CASII or ECSII within the Diagnostic Assessment will continue to be used as the level of care tool when considering an out-of-home placement. The completed CASII/ECSII must be shared with the juvenile treatment screening team and the qualified individual (QI).

Please email Nancy Just (nancy.just@state.mn.us) with any further questions.