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July 11, 2025
We have updated the MHCP Provider Manual Individualized Education Program Services – Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology on the MHCP Provider website. Information was added to reflect that effective July 1, 2025, a speech language pathology assistant (SLPA) who meets the requirements under Minnesota Statutes, 148.511 to 148.5198 and is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is eligible to provide services under the direction of a qualified Minnesota Health Care Programs enrolled speech language pathologist (SLP.) The changes include the following:
- Under Covered Services, we added two new sections – Supervising SLP Role and Responsibilities and Covered SLPA Services When Delegated by a Supervising SLP.
- Under Noncovered Services, we added information about what services are not covered when provided by an SLPA.
- Updated language for clarity.
Annual Physical Holding and Quarter Four seclusion reporting is now due in Stepwell MN. Please complete your reporting as soon as possible, but no later than July 15, 2025. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding restrictive procedures reporting, please reach out directly to Ellen Seibert (ellen.seibert@state.mn.us) for assistance.
Below are the planned dates for our Special Education Directors' Forums for the coming school year. Agendas and registration information will be sent out in advance of each date.
- August 15, 2025
- October 10, 2025
- December 12, 2025
- February 13, 2026
- April 17, 2026 – Prerecorded
- June 5, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Division of Special Education in collaboration with other program and finance divisions have developed the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Personnel Support Qualification Requirements for Paraprofessionals Serving in Special Education Programs document to address questions raised by employees and school districts regarding the state personnel requirements for paraprofessionals serving in special education programs.
This guidance may be updated as additional questions arise. Currently, this guidance only applies to paraprofessionals who are not working in a Title I, Part A Schoolwide Program or programs with other minimum requirements. View the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title Program Paraprofessionals webpage for questions about paraprofessionals working in ESEA Title programs.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Division of Special Education is actively partnering with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to support school districts and charter schools in accessing available Medicaid payments for mental health services in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) through the new Mental Health Services in Special Education option. For the vast majority of school districts and charter schools, this will be an expansion of their current program to access Medicaid payments. Special Education and DHS have provided information and technical assistance for this effort at the School Mental Health Services website. Recently, Healthy Students, Promising Futures published a guide to help schools implement their Medicaid expansion, Partnering for Success: School District Strategies for Improving and Expanding School Medicaid. For more information and assistance with initial implementation or expansion of your Medicaid program, contact Tom Delaney (thomas.delaney@state.mn.us), Supervisor, Interagency Partnerships.
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