1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; establishing specialized foster care for people with 
1.3 	autism.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. FOSTER CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM.
 1.6 	The commissioner of human services shall identify and coordinate with one or more 
1.7 	counties that agree to issue a foster care license and authorize funding for people with 
1.8 	autism who are currently receiving home and community-based services under Minnesota 
1.9 	Statutes, section 256B.092 or 256B.49. Children eligible under this section must be in an 
1.10 	out-of-home placement approved by the lead agency that has legal responsibility for the 
1.11 	placement. Nothing in this section must be construed as restricting an individual's choice 
1.12 	of provider. The commissioner will assist the interested county or counties with obtaining 
1.13 	necessary capacity within the moratorium under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.03, 
1.14 	subdivision 7. The commissioner shall coordinate with the interested counties and issue a 
1.15 	request for information to identify providers who have the training and skills to meet the 
1.16 	needs of the individuals identified in this section.

1.17 	Sec. 2. DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER.
 1.18 	The commissioner of human services shall develop an optional certification for 
1.19 	providers of home and community-based services waivers under Minnesota Statutes, 
1.20 	section 256B.092 or 256B.49, that demonstrates competency in working with individuals 
1.21 	with autism. Recommended language and an implementation plan must be provided to the 
1.22 	chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
2.1 	health and human services policy and finance by February 15, 2013, as part of the Quality 
2.2 	Outcome Standards required under Laws 2010, chapter 352, article 1, section 24.