Duties transferred from Department of Human Services to Direct Care and Treatment

A new law aims to improve programs and services for people with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

Sponsored by Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL-Maplewood) and Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin), the law breaks off the behavioral health care system from the Department of Human Services to create Direct Care and Treatment, a new state agency.

The system serves individuals whose conditions are complex and challenging to treat, such that other health care providers cannot or will not serve them. The system includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities, inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities. Services are delivered at about 200 sites throughout the state.

An executive board will be charged with establishing and maintaining a system of state-operated, community-based programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. This includes community group homes, foster care, supportive living services, day training and habilitation programs, and respite care arrangements.

The portion of the law to establish the new agency’s executive board and lays out its powers and duties take effect July 1, 2024. All other portions of the law relating to the creation of the department are effective Jan. 1, 2025.

In 2023, the Legislature appropriated $7.8 million for the agency’s creation.

HF3987*/SF3936/CH79

HF3987* / SF3936 / CH79