Substance Use Disorder Reform

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with individuals, providers, counties and stakeholders to update our substance use disorder (SUD) treatment system. To effectively address the chronic nature of substance use disorders, it is necessary to transform our state’s SUD treatment system from an acute, episodic model of treatment to a chronic disease, longitudinal model of care. Systemic and practice reforms must ensure a full continuum of care is available for individuals with substance use disorders, with the right level of service at the right time in the right amount, to effectively treat the physical, behavioral and mental dimensions of substance use disorders.

Creating a person-centered recovery-oriented system of care in Minnesota will expand and enhance the nature of services available for substance use disorder, while improving integration and coordination with the rest of the health care system. Services that support a person’s recovery process over time, such as care coordination and peer recovery support services, must be included in the state’s continuum of care. In addition, the availability of culturally specific, special population and inclusive programs and culturally and linguistically appropriate services across the care continuum is essential to ensure effective treatment for every individual in the state.

News and Current Reminders

Legislative

Below are side-by-side comparisons of SUD-related statutory language passed in the legislative session structured by chapter or topic.

2025

2024

2023

Direct Access

Direct Access allows an individual to go directly to a provider they choose to receive a comprehensive assessment and access care immediately. Direct Access removes barriers of timing associated with going through a placing authority, allows for individual choice and removes duplication of comprehensive assessments. Consult the Direct Access: Frequently Asked Questions page for information about issues such as (but not limited to) client choice, comprehensive assessments, counties and tribes, accessing treatment.

Trainings

Resources

Subscribe to our eMemo to receive updates

Sign up for substance use disorder reform updates