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
- Counties and tribes must use the Behavioral Health Fund Request for Behavioral Health Fund eligibility determination.
- Please add Thursday Connections with SUD at DHS to your calendars the 3rd Thursday of every month for updates from the Substance Use Disorder unit of the Behavioral Health Division.
- DHS e-memos provide the latest news on a variety of topics, delivered directly to your inbox.
- Guidance for Incarcerated individuals and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services process for jails, counties, tribes and SUD service providers (PDF).
- We have added a new ASAM resources webpage for providers. This page includes essential tools, guidelines and information to support Minnesota providers using ASAM criteria in SUD treatment.
Legislative
Below are side-by-side comparisons of SUD-related statutory language passed in the legislative session structured by chapter or topic.
2025
- Substance Use Disorder Services (PDF)
- Behavioral Health Fund Reform (PDF)
- Miscellaneous-SUD Related (PDF)
- Peer Recovery Services and Recovery Community Organizations (PDF)
- Recovery Residences (PDF)
- Substance Use Disorder Billing (PDF)
2024
- All Changes (PDF)
- Minnesota Statutes 245F (PDF)
- Minnesota Statutes 245G (PDF)
- Minnesota Statutes 254B (PDF)
- Demonstrations (PDF)
- Recovery Community Organizations (PDF)
- Peer Recovery Services (PDF)
2023
- Minnesota Statutes 245F (PDF)
- Minnesota Statutes 245G (PDF)
- Minnesota Statutes 254B (PDF)
- Minnesota Statutes 245I (PDF)
- Direct Access changes (PDF)
- Opioid related (PDF)
- Sober Homes (PDF)
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
- DAANES training is available. Contact dhs.daanes@state.mn.us
- OO Span Training, (For counties and tribes), click ‘class schedule’ then ‘MMIS/System’ to find the schedule. If there are questions, email dhs.bhf@state.mn.us
Resources
- Acentra/MHCP - Utilization Review
- 2025 Service Rate Grid with Dollar Amount (DHS-7612)
- Behavioral Health Fund Request (DHS- 2780A)
- 2025 Behavioral Health Fund Eligibility Guidelines (DHS-6770)
- Substance Use Disorder Provider Manual pages
- SUD Telehealth
- DHS licensing
- Licensing Information Lookup
- Direct Access (DA) process for dates of service on or after October 1, 2020 (PDF)
- MN 245G Comprehensive Assessment Reference Guide (PDF)
- State and Federal Regulations
- Minnesota Statutes 254B (Substance Use Disorder Treatment)
- Minnesota Statutes 245F (Withdrawal Management Programs)
- Minnesota Statutes 245G (Chemical Dependency Licensed Treatment Facilities)
- Minnesota Statutes 254A (Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Abuse)
- Minnesota Statutes 245A (Human Services Licensing)
- Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6510 to 9530.6590 (Rule 32)
- Minnesota Rules 2960
- Code of Federal Regulations 42 Part 2 (Confidentiality of SUD patient records)