The Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD) have rolled out some crucial updates this week concerning the welfare of those living with disabilities in our community. According to an announcement published on August 20th by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, starting August 26, there's a new policy requiring that all individuals aged 18 and older on the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver be provided with materials to help recognize and report maltreatment, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
The change signifies an enhanced commitment to protect some of the most vulnerable members of society. Ensuring that the information is provided during each MnCHOICES assessment or reassessment is a proactive move toward greater awareness and prevention of abuse. In addition, the Disability Services Division announced that a new law passed during the 2023 session mandates a minimum compensation for direct care workers, a change that will be monitored starting January 1, 2025, with implementation set for the following year.
This update indicates a systemic pivot towards increased transparency and responsibility in caring for those with disabilities. Alongside these changes, the Department of Human Services is also set to commence tracking for compliance with the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) compensation thresholds, ensuring that funds allocated for services are indeed reaching those who provide direct care. This compensation tracking, set to go into effect during the 2026 reporting period, represents a long-term commitment to the economic stability of the workforce in direct care.
