Adult mental health: news, initiatives, reports, work groups

MHIS User Calls are monthly webinars for all providers that use MHIS. Each month's agenda will include MHIS updates, MHIS special topics, and other relevant updates from the Behavioral Health Division. MHIS User calls are held on the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 am. Email dhs.amhis@state.mn.us for instructions on how to obtain call information.

The 2019-2020 Mental Health Grants report evaluates the programs that are funded under Minnesota Statutes, section 245.4661, subdivision 10 and Minnesota Statutes, section 245.4889, subdivision 3. This report was requested on a biennial basis by the legislature for both adult mental health grants (MS 245.4661) and children’s mental health grants (MS 245.4991). This report was developed by the Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division and includes both adult and children’s mental health state grant funded services.

This report includes for each grant an explanation of the program, an overview of the activities that the grants funded between fiscal years 2019 and 2020 and outcomes data for the programs in either fiscal year or calendar year, depending upon how specific grant data are collected. The report starts with identified gaps in the adult mental health system and follows with a page for each of the grant funded programs.

The report notes instances where additional resources for a program that are working well would address service gaps in the continuum of mental health services in Minnesota. There are also several programs that are undergoing reforms or the Department is evaluating the most impactful way to use these state grant funds to better improve the mental health services in Minnesota. In these cases, future efforts have been outlined.

The Behavioral Health Division continues to review processes for collecting outcomes data on each of the grants to reduce missing or incomplete data. This report contains new outcomes measures for a variety of grants, and reporting will improve further as additional years of data are gathered for the next Mental Health Grants Legislative Report in 2022.

Legislative Report: Mental Health Grants Fiscal Years 2019-2020 DHS-8096 (PDF)

This report is submitted in response to 2019 legislation which directs the commissioner of human services to work with Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) providers and other stakeholders who also receive prospective payment system (PPS) rates—to study the various payment methodologies and ensure that payment is not duplicated across the continuum as Minnesota advances the integrated service model across health care sectors.

Prospective Payment System (PPS) is a method of reimbursement that falls in the category of alternative payment models (APM), also referred to as alternative payment methodologies. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has supported states’ use of alternative payment models because they reward providers for efficiency and incentivize outcomes. A PPS rate is bundled in nature. Under a bundled payment model, providers and/or healthcare facilities are paid a single payment for all the allowable services performed within a defined unit (e.g. daily or monthly).

With increased use of alternative payment methodologies, an important consideration is how the alternative payment model aligns with other payers and service models—for example, the payer must ensure that payments are not duplicated across multiple, integrated care service models. Ensuring that payment for behavioral health services and supports is not duplicated across Minnesota’s service continuum is the focus of this report.

Legislative Report: Preventing Duplication of Payment in Behavioral Health Integrated Treatment Models DHS-8099 (PDF)

This report examines benefits and costs associated with adult mental health services. Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and county human services agencies administer a range of programs that provide mental health services and promote wellness. These investments also have the opportunity to decrease hospitalizations and increase employment, thereby generating benefits to participants and the state.

2016 Results First Adult Mental Health Benefit-Cost Analysis (PDF)

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) gathers local information about the current capacity and gaps in services and housing needs to support older persons in Minnesota. Since 2001 all counties in Minnesota have been requested to respond to a biennial survey of local capacity to meet long-term care needs of current residents, including any significant “gaps” in services or supports. This information is submitted to DHS through a County Gaps Analysis Survey.

On March 17, 2014, Riverwood Centers Community Behavioral Healthcare (Riverwood), a six-site community mental health center in east central Minnesota, closed its doors. The abrupt closure severed client/agency relationships, displaced employees, and created a hole in the mental health safety net in the five-county Adult Mental Health Initiative region 7E. Several steps were immediately taken by county social service departments, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), mental health services providers, advocacy organizations, and consumers to address the most immediate impacts of the closure. Read the report.

The Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Divisions submit a combined application for the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Block Grants every two years. The Fiscal Year 2018 – 2019 Combined Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan application was submitted on September 1, 2017. It describes the public mental and substance use disorder systems in Minnesota; identifies needs, priorities, goals and indicators; and proposes uses of block grant funds. 

In accordance with grant requirements, states must submit an annual report on the previous year’s utilization of the grant funds, progress toward the goal targets, and data required for the federal Universal Reporting System Basic and Developmental Tables. Public input is sought in developing and updating application on an ongoing basis. 

For public comments on the Mental Health Block Grant, please provide input in writing via our P.O.Box or E-mail: 

• Heron Abegaze and Gloria Smith
  Mental Health Division
  Minnesota Department of Human Services
  P.O. Box 64981
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0981

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a web-based application/reporting system called the Web Block Grant Application System (WebBGAS) for this grant program. 

To view Minnesota’s Fiscal Year 2018- 2019 Combined Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan application and 2018 MHBG Behavioral Health Report, Minnesota citizens can log in at the SAMHSA Block Grants website. 

• Username: citizenmn
• Password: citizen

Note: The exact Username and Password must be used. We suggest copying and pasting from above. 

1. Click on View an Existing Application 
2. Click on the Application, Report, or Behavioral Assessment and Plan that you want to view
3. You will be able to review Minnesota’s current and past applications and reports. 

To read or print the entire application or report: 

• Click the Print button to the right of your selection. This generates a PDF printout of the entire application or report. It also can create a copy in the Print Queue.  
  or
  
• Click on the link for a specific selection under Application Name and open each section separately

The Minnesota Behavioral Health Planning Council (BHPC) is an integrated mental health and substance use disorder council that advises DHS regarding Minnesota’s combined Mental Health and Substance Abuse Federal Block Grant.

The Community Competency Restoration Taskforce will evaluate and study community competency restoration programs and develop recommendations to address the needs of individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial.

The State Advisory Council on Mental Health and its Children’s Subcommittee were established by statute to advise the Governor on mental health issues. Members are appointed by the Governor. The Council and Subcommittee have the following work groups:

• Primary Care and Mental Health Reforms
• Housing and Homelessness
• Mental Health and Schools
• Mental Health and Juvenile Justice
• Outreach to Diverse Communities

The Council and Subcommittee submit a report to the Governor and Legislature every even-numbered year.

Report (PDF)

Report Summary (PDF)

The Governor's Task Force on Mental Health was established to provide the governor and Legislature with comprehensive recommendations to improve Minnesota’s mental health system. Task force website.