Recommendations

In 2019 DHS began a multi-year project, commonly known as the VAA Redesign, to review the Vulnerable Adult Act (VAA). 

The first phase of the VAA Redesign included research on best practices and stakeholder engagement. To make the redesign process stakeholder driven, a wide variety of people and groups participated in policy re-development. The first phase of the redesign was successfully concluded in 2022 with legislation passed that supported prevention of maltreatment and clarification of state, local, and Tribal partnerships. 

The second phase of the VAA Redesign focuses on statewide equity and consistency in outcomes for adults referred to adult protective services. A goal in Minnesota’s state supervised, county administered social service system is that people receive a consistent service regardless of where they are in the state. Challenges include: 

• Minnesota counties have the authority under the VAA to decide which adults will be accepted for adult protective services,
• Tribal Nations receive no federal or state funding for adult protective services, and 
• Inequities in service outcomes exist in the APS system, including geographic, racial, and disability-based inequities.

The second phase supports increased resources to local agencies, counties, and Tribal Nations and allows DHS to establish performance measures associated with the funding. 

The final phase of the Redesign will include outcome evaluation from policy and resource changes..

Nursing facilities have been challenged by staffing shortages, increasing costs and a decline in occupancy. Maintaining access to nursing facility care within a reasonable distance from people’s homes is important. We will work to preserve access to necessary care and specialized services throughout Minnesota. We will also improve infection control, dignity, and overall quality of life for residents through new initiatives that support the conversion of shared to single occupancy rooms in nursing facilities.