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HF 1044

Occupational therapy services, occupational therapists, and occupational therapy assistants added to mental health uniform service standards, mental health services, and children's mental health grants.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandra Feist and 10 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill adds occupational therapy to state mental health standards and grants, expanding covered services for adults and children receiving publicly funded mental health treatment.

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Bill Summary · HF 1044

Legislative bill overview

HF 1044 expands Minnesota's mental health service standards and funding programs to explicitly include occupational therapy services, occupational therapists, and occupational therapy assistants. The bill integrates occupational therapy into state-funded mental health initiatives, uniform service standards, and children's mental health grant programs that previously did not formally include these services.

Why is this important

Occupational therapy addresses functional life skills, daily activities, and behavioral health—services that complement traditional mental health treatment. This expansion could improve access to integrated mental health care for Minnesotans while potentially increasing treatment options for children and adults with mental health conditions who might benefit from occupational therapy interventions.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding implications: Expanding covered services increases state expenditures on mental health programs unless offset by budget adjustments or fee restructuring
  • Workforce readiness: Minnesota must have sufficient occupational therapists and assistants available to meet demand created by expanded coverage and reimbursement
  • Scope and supervision questions: Unclear boundaries between occupational therapists' autonomous practice versus supervision requirements for occupational therapy assistants in mental health settings could create implementation challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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