Uniform Service Standards (USS)
The Uniform Service Standards (USS) project is a multi-phase reform of the regulatory structure and requirements of state-funded mental health services in Minnesota. This project is necessary because the current regulatory structure and requirements are complex, confusing and outdated, hampering the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (DHS) ability to regulate services effectively and support providers in delivering high-quality care to Minnesotans.
Current regulatory requirements come from various state laws, rules and other authorities, some dating to the 1950s. As a result, basic requirements of similar services can vary without a clear justification. For example, there are currently 47 different definitions of “mental health professional.”
The USS project will simplify and clarify the regulatory requirements of state-funded mental health services. Specifically, the project will align common standards across different service lines and eliminate requirements that do not add value. This will ensure providers can understand the regulations that apply to their services and allow them to design common workflows for staff, electronic medical records and compliance.
Additionally, the current regulatory structure is inefficient. It is not unified or consistent. For example, different areas of DHS — such as provider enrollment, behavioral health and licensing — may conduct similar reviews of the same program at different times, leading to significant costs and confusion for providers.
The USS project will transition the regulatory structure of state-funded mental health services to a unified licensing structure, incorporating all licensed and certified mental health services. This will improve accountability and ensure greater consistency in the guidance given to providers.