The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division invites qualified substance use disorder (SUD) treatment professionals, who reflect the diversity of those in the treatment system, to serve as independent peer reviewers.

The independent peer review process is required for Minnesota to receive federal block grant dollars and has been conducted annually for over 20 years.

Peer reviewers will meet with a group of SUD treatment programs determined by DHS. The selected reviewers, state staff and programs will discuss ways to improve and assure appropriate, equity-driven care within Minnesota’s SUD treatment service delivery system. Peer reviewers are paid for time and expenses according to annual plan contracts and can share or integrate into practice what they’ve learned from the peer review process.

The Behavioral Health Division will select the group of peer reviewers from applicants who meet the qualifications outlined in Minnesota Statutes, section 245G.11 as well as the following qualifications:  

• Knowledgeable about the treatment modality being reviewed and its underlying theoretical clinical approach
• Sensitive to cultural and environmental issues that may influence service quality
• Reflect on the diversity of gender and culture in the current SUD treatment service system
• Have program administrator and clinical experience
• Have basic computer skills
• Can travel to assigned provider review sites

The Behavioral Health Division is looking for individuals who are also able to participate in the onboarding process for new peer reviewers, which includes:

• An overview of SUD reform and related systems
• An overview of the 1115 Waiver Project
• A review of annual plan deliverables
• A review of what is considered “conflict of interest”
• Invoice submission process

If you’re interested in being a peer reviewer for the remaining State Fiscal Year 2024 ending on June 10, 2024, please send your current resume to sud.peer.review.dhs@state.mn.us by Feb. 27, 2024. Include a cover letter stating why you’re interested, how you meet the criteria and a description of your understanding of the basics of recent SUD reform.