Advisory councils and task forces

Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office to be considered for appointment to a state council, board or commission. Each month a list of vacancies appears at www.sos.state.mn.us. An application form also is available on the site. For more information, contact the Secretary of State's Office at 651-297-5845 or open.appointments@state.mn.us.

Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling

The 16-member committee advises the department on design and development of the statewide problem gambling program. The program is culturally responsive and recovery focused. The group meets every two months throughout the year. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64981
St. Paul, MN 55164-0981
651-431-2245
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council

The 10-member council advises the commissioners of Health and Human Services concerning problems of alcohol and other drug dependency and abuse. Membership includes five people with interest in alcohol dependency and abuse, and five people interested in abuse of drugs other than alcohol. One member must be over 60 years old. The council meets quarterly. Appointing authority: Five members are appointed by the DHS commissioner and five are appointed by the Health commissioner. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses. (Minnesota Statutes 254A.04.)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64977
St. Paul, MN 55164-0977
651-431-2460
American Indian Advisory Council on Chemical Dependency

This 17-member council establishes policies and procedures for American Indian chemical dependency programs, and reviews and recommends proposals for funding. The council includes one member from each of the 11 reservations, two members from Minneapolis, two members from St. Paul, one member from Duluth and one member from International Falls. Meetings are held around the state every other month, with each reservation taking turns hosting the meetings. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses. (Minnesota Statutes 254A.035.)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64977
St. Paul, MN 55164-0977
651-431-2460
American Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council

This council assists the Human Services commissioner in formulating policies and procedures relating to American Indian child welfare services and makes recommendations regarding grant approval. The council includes representatives from each of the 11 Minnesota reservations authorized by Tribal Resolution, plus one representative from the Duluth Urban Indian Community, three from the Minneapolis Urban Indian Community and two from the St. Paul Urban Indian Community. The council holds six to eight meetings each year. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: Limited expenses. (Minnesota Statutes 260.751 to 260.835.) Council Web page.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64943
St. Paul, MN 55164-0963
651-431-4675
American Indian Mental Health Advisory Council

The American Indian Mental Health Advisory Council advises the DHS Behavioral Health Division on policies and procedures relating to American Indian mental health services and programs in Minnesota. The council is comprised of 15 American Indian individuals representing each of the seven Ojibwe bands and four Dakota communities, and four individuals representing the urban American Indian populations of Duluth, St. Paul and Minneapolis. Representatives are selected for appointment by the governing body of each tribal and urban community.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64981
St. Paul, MN 55164-0981
651-431-2246
Child Foster Care Work Group

The newly formed Child Foster Care Work Group, appointed by Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, addresses concerns about the child foster care system to provide guidance on the complex network of decision makers, service providers, federal regulations, state statutes, state rules, policies and procedures in the foster care system. Experts from child protection, law enforcement, community supports, licensing, corrections, education, counties, tribes and courts as well as foster youth and parents are tackling the shortage of qualified foster care providers, and disproportionate number of African-American and American Indian children removed from their homes and placed in foster care. The task force will make initial recommendations on recruitment, applications, licensing, policies, staffing and resources in a report to Commissioner Jesson, department leaders and the public by Nov. 1, 2015, and final recommendations by March 1, 2016.
Children's Justice Act (CJA) Task Force

The CJA Task Force is a federally mandated, multidisciplinary advisory board that reviews and evaluates statewide front-end child welfare policies and practices and makes recommendations to the department about systematic, equitable improvements to promote children's justice and well-being. For details about past and upcoming CJA Task Force meetings.
Child Support Task Force

Established by the 2016 Legislature, the Child Support Task Force is responsible for making recommendations to the department on maintaining and improving child support guidelines and objectively discussing complex economic data and policy issues. Task force members will include parents, legislators, court and child support professionals, and staff from organizations that work with families paying and receiving child support. The task force must submit a report to the Legislature in February 2018. Child Support Task Force web page.
Child Trafficking and Exploitation Work Group

The DHS Child Trafficking and Exploitation Work Group met from October 2017- October 2019 to develop a more effective child welfare system response to trafficking and exploitation. More than 150 collaborative partners and survivor subject matter experts from around the state participated. The work group now meets quarterly to monitor implementation and co-create solutions to upcoming needs related to training, resources and policy changes. There is broad stakeholder involvement in implementation and ongoing development of child welfare policy, practice and training. For further information about the Child Trafficking and Exploitation Work Group DHS-7641B (PDF). To learn more contact dhs.safeharbor@state.mn.us.
Citizen Review Panels
Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans

This 15-member commission serves as the principal agency of the state to advocate on behalf of Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing by working to ensure those persons have equal access to the services, programs and opportunities available to others. The board, whose members are appointed by the governor, include seven members who are appointed at large, plus one member from each advisory committee. At least 50 percent of the members must be deaf, deaf blind or hard of hearing. Four or five full commission meetings are held each year with numerous subcommittee meetings. Meetings are usually held in St. Paul at 130 E. Seventh St., with occasional meetings in other cities around the state. Appointing authority: Governor. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses. (Minnesota Statutes 256C.28.) Commission website.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64969
St. Paul, MN 55164-0969
651-431-2357
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Development and Implementation Council

This 24-member council exists to consult and collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Human Services on the development and eventual implementation of the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program, which will replace Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) in Minnesota. Members are passionate about promoting self-direction and working to enhance and improve the quality of services as the program is developed and implemented. The council collaborates with various stakeholders to advance ideas and bring forth concerns that impact successful program development. Over 50% of council members are persons living with a disability, elderly, or their representatives. Four quarterly meetings are held each year. Meetings are currently held remotely via virtual technology. Appointing authority: DHS Commissioner. Compensation: None (Minnesota Statutes 256B85.) Commission website.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64969
St. Paul, MN 55164-0969
651-502-0317
Community Resource Center Advisory Council

The council will advise the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services on the development, implementation, evaluation and ongoing governance of a statewide network of community resource centers. These are community-based points of entry that provide culturally responsive, relationship-based service navigation and other supportive services for expecting and parenting families and youth. Get further information about the initiative to develop a statewide network of these centers and advisory council's work.
Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council

The purpose of the Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council is to advise the commissioner on reducing disparities that affect racial and ethnic groups within department programs. The council, consisting of 15 to 25 members appointed by the commissioner, is charged with reviewing DHS policies for racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic and tribal disparities and providing an annual report regarding equitable delivery of services. Council Web page.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committees

Each of the eight Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division offices has a regional advisory committee of consumers, advocates and professionals who work with people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. At least half of the members must have a hearing loss or be the parent of a child who has a hearing loss. One member of each regional advisory committee also serves as the regional representative to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committees. Appointing authority: Director of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division. Compensation: Mileage and parking expenses.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64969
St. Paul, MN 55164-0969
651-431-5945
Dental Services Advisory Committee

A subcommittee of the Health Services Advisory Council (HSAC), this 13-member group consists of a variety of dental providers, representatives from health plans and public health, health researchers and a health care consumer. The committee provides clinical guidance to enhance the department's ability to design dental care benefit and coverage policies for Minnesota Health Care Programs. Like HSAC, DSAC uses evidence-based research to inform recommendations used to advise the DHS Commissioner on pertinent dental policy topics. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: $200 honorarium plus reimbursement for mileage and parking. (Minnesota Statutes 256B.0625, subd.3c(b) Committee web page.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
PO Box 64984
St. Paul, MN 55164-0984

Dental Home Advisory Committee

The Dental Home Advisory Committee (DHAC) is a subcommittee of the Dental Services Advisory Committee (DSAC). This group consists of specific representatives designated by the Minnesota Legislature. This group is charged with designing a dental home demonstration project and presenting recommendations by Feb. 1, 2022, to the DHS commissioner, the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health finance and policy. (Article 1, Section 33 of the 2021 Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
PO Box 64984
St. Paul, MN 55164-0984
Drug Formulary Committee

The Drug Formulary Committee (DFC) is charged with reviewing and recommending which drugs require authorization. The DFC also reviews drugs for which coverage is optional under federal and state law for possible inclusion in the Medicaid fee-for-service formulary. The DFC is composed of four physicians, at least three pharmacists, a consumer representative and knowledgeable health care professionals. DFC meetings are open to the public. Public comments are taken for an additional 15 days after the DFC recommends requiring prior authorization for a drug. The Department of Human Services provides the DFC with information regarding the impact that placing a drug on authorization will have on the quality and cost of patient care. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: $100 per member per meeting plus mileage (Minnesota Statutes 256B.0625, subd. 13) Committee webpage.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64984
St. Paul, MN 55164-0984
651-431-2510
Drug Utilization Review Board

The Drug Utilization Review (DUR) board selects specific drug entities or therapeutic classes to be targeted for provider and recipient educational interventions, and provides guidelines for their use. The DUR board is composed of four licensed physicians, at least three licensed pharmacists and one consumer representative, with the remaining members being licensed health care professionals with clinically appropriate knowledge in prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring outpatient drugs. DUR board meetings are held four times a year. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: $100 per member per meeting plus mileage. (Minnesota Statutes 256B.0625, subd. 13a) Board web page.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64984
St. Paul, MN 55164-0984
651-431-2505
Early Intensive Development and Behavior Intervention (EIDBI) advisory group

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) created an Early Intensive Development and Behavior Intervention (EIDBI) advisory group in 2017. The group is made up of experts, parents, primary caregivers and individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions. The purpose of the group is to help with on-going development and implementation of the EIDBI benefit. Advisory group web page.
Governor's Task Force on Mental Health
Governor's Task Force on the Protection of Children
Health Services Advisory Council

The 13-member Health Services Advisory Council, made up of physicians, other health care providers, and a consumer representative, provides leadership in designing health care benefit and coverage policies for Minnesota's public health care programs. A particular focus of HSAC is evidence-based coverage policy, in which decisions regarding health care services paid for by public programs are made using the best available research on their effectiveness. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: $200 honorarium plus reimbursement for mileage and parking. (Minnesota Statutes 256B.0625, subd.3c) Council web page.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64984
St. Paul, MN 55164-0984
hsac@state.mn.us
Hospital Review Boards

The boards review admission and retention of patients receiving services within state operated facilities under DHS jurisdiction. Each member must meet specific qualifications to serve on the board. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: Compensation for services and expenses is provided. (Minnesota Statutes 253B.22)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64979
St. Paul, MN 55164-0979
651-431-3688
Human Services Performance Council

The Human Services Performance Council advises the commissioners of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families on the implementation and operation of the human services performance management system, a joint effort of the two departments. The system includes county performance management and departmental procedures. The council also provides annual reviews and reports to the Legislature related to human services performance management. (Minnesota Statutes, section 402A.16).

Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
444 Lafayette Road N.
St. Paul, MN 55155
dcyf.mn.us/contact-us

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64997
St. Paul, MN 55164-0997
651-431-5780
Institutional Review Board

The board was established to comply with federal regulations that set policy safeguarding and respecting the rights and welfare of individuals involved as human subjects in research conducted at the Department of Human Services. Each member must meet specific qualifications to serve on the board. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: Per diem and expenses. (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46) Board Web page.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64979
St. Paul, MN 55164-0979
651-431-3688
Long-term Care Advisory Committee

A broad-based stakeholder advisory group on nursing facility issues. It has four subgroups: reimbursement system, staff time measurement study, staffing standards and quality profiles. Appointing authority: DHS staff. Compensation: None. (Minnesota Statutes 256B.439 subd. 1b.)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64973
St. Paul, MN 55164-0973
651-431-2263
Medicaid Services Advisory Committee

The Medicaid Services Advisory Committee, mandated by federal Medicaid law and regulation, advises the state Medicaid agency (the Department of Human Services is Minnesota's Medicaid agency) on issues affecting populations served by Medicaid, as well as those enrolled in MinnesotaCare. This includes eligibility, health care services covered in each program, and payment for services. The committee evaluates policies, makes specific recommendations, and contributes to the formulation of agency policy and standards. Appointing authority: Assistant commissioner of Health Care. Compensation: None. (42 CFR 431.12)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64983
St. Paul, MN 55164-0983
651-431-2298
Merit System Council

This council hears personnel appeals, sets policy for administration of examinations, reviews classification and compensation plans and proposed rule changes. Its three members are appointed by the governor. No member may have held political office, been a member of a political organization, an employee of a state agency, or an employee or member of an appointing authority for one year preceding appointment. The council meets approximately three or four times a year. Appointing authority: Governor. Compensation: $50 per diem. (Minnesota Statutes 256.012, 12.22 subd. 3 and 144.071 and rules.)

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64997
St. Paul, MN 55164-0997
651-431-3030
Minnesota Board on Aging

This 25-member board develops, coordinates, evaluates and administers federal and state funds for programs for the aging; makes grants to 14 area agencies on aging and nonprofit agencies; and serves as advocate for older persons. The board, whose members are appointed by the governor, includes at least one member from each congressional district. Monthly meetings on the third Friday of each month, committee meetings are the preceding day. Appointing authority: Governor. Compensation: $55 per diem. (Minnesota Statutes 256.975.) Minnesota Board on Aging website

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64976
St. Paul, MN 55164-0976
651-431-2500
Minnesota Health Care Financing Task Force

The Minnesota Health Care Financing Task Force was created to advise the governor and Legislature on strategies to increase access and improve the quality of health care for Minnesotans. The task force will evaluate opportunities, options under section 1332 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and options under a section 1115 waiver of the Social Security Act. Task force website
Opioid Prescribing Work Group

The Opioid Prescribing Work Group (OPWG) is an advisory body of experts convened to forward DHS’ Opioid Prescribing Improvement Program (OPIP). The OPIP plays a crucial role in Minnesota’s response to the crisis of prescription opioid misuse and abuse, namely addressing inappropriate prescribing behavior among Minnesota health care providers.

The work group will help shape the program by recommending statewide opioid prescribing protocols for various pain scenarios, such as acute, post-acute, and chronic pain. They will also recommend a quality improvement program within the Minnesota Health Care Programs. The OPIP was created in 2015 at the direction of the governor and the Legislature, and the OPWG is convened through 2017.

Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: $200 honorarium plus reimbursement for mileage and parking. (Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0638). OPWG web page

Minnesota Department of Human Services
PO Box 64983
St. Paul, MN 55164-0983
dhs.opioid@state.mn.us
Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC) Advisory Committee
State Advisory Council on Mental Health

This 30-member council advises the governor, the Legislature and state agencies about policy, programs and services affecting people with mental illness. The council includes a designee of the assistant commissioner of mental health for DHS, a representative of DHS responsible for the Medical Assistance program, one member from each of the four core mental health professional disciplines (psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing) and one representative from each of the following advocacy groups: Mental Health Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Minnesota Disability Law Center, Minnesota Consumer/Survivor Network. Additional members are providers of mental health services, consumers of mental health services, family members of persons with mental illnesses, legislators, social service agency directors, county commissioners, and others who reflect a broad range of community interest as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services may prescribe by regulation or as may be selected by the governor. Meetings are held monthly. Appointing authority: Governor. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses. (Minnesota Statutes 245.697.) Council website

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64981
St. Paul, MN 55164-0981
651-431-2249
State Quality Council

The Minnesota State Quality Council, in collaboration with DHS, exists to support a system of quality assurance and improvement of services for people with disabilities. The council works collaboratively with all affected parties to achieve measurable positive outcomes in health and welfare for people with disabilities. The council is committed to a system that is person-directed, outcome-based, quality-driven and cost-effective. Members include people who receive services and their family members, disability advocates, Region 10 Quality Assurance Commission, providers, county agencies, staff from the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and DHS. (Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.097).

State Quality Council
P.O. Box 64967
St. Paul, MN 55164-0967
651-431-2386
State Innovation Model (SIM) Community Advisory Task Force

The State Innovation Model (SIM) Community Advisory Task Force provides strategic direction for, engages in, and champions the Minnesota Accountable Health Model. Activities include advising on priorities, providing input on the development of strategies, and identifying resources and support necessary to implement strategies and achieve SIM goals; providing guidance on communications, consumer engagement and culturally appropriate outreach; discussing strategies for integration of services and alignment of approaches; providing guidance on opportunities to leverage or build upon existing investments in technical infrastructure; offering guidance and assistance in educating communities on new models of care delivery and strategies for patient engagement; developing strategies to identify and share best practices, success stories and evidence of local impact; and guiding discussions to identify approaches for continuous improvement. Appointing authority: commissioners of the state departments of Health and of Human Services. (Minnesota Statutes section 15.014) Task force website.

State Innovation Model (SIM) Community Advisory Task Force
Minnesota Department of Human Services
540 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-431-7297
State Innovation Model (SIM) Multi-Payer Alignment Task Force

The SIM Multi-Payer Alignment Task Force engages a mix of public and commercial payers to create and improve health care in Minnesota. The task force identifies financial incentives, measures and goals for health outcomes and cost reduction. Membership includes trade associations for self-insured employers representative; seven health plans/insurance carriers, private insurers and county-based purchasing plans representatives; two local government or association of local government payers or insurance pools representatives; one self-insured employers representative. In addition to members appointed through this process, the commissioner shall designate members from the following payers: State Employees Group Insurance Program (SEGIP), Medicare, Medicaid and the University of Minnesota. Appointing authority: commissioners of the state departments of Health and of Human Services. (Minnesota Statutes section 15.014) Task force website.

State Innovation Model (SIM) Multi-Payer Alignment Task Force
Minnesota Department of Human Services
540 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-431-7297
Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health

The 31-member subcommittee makes recommendations to the advisory council on policies, law regulations and services relating to children's mental health. Its membership includes the commissioners or designees of departments of Commerce, Corrections, Education and Human Services; representatives of children's mental health advocacy groups; providers of children's mental health services (preadolescent, adolescent, and hospital-based); parents of children who have emotional disturbances; a present or former consumer of adolescent mental health services; educators currently working with emotionally disturbed children; people knowledgeable about the needs of emotionally disturbed children of minority races and cultures; people experienced in working with emotionally disturbed children who have committed status offenses; members of the advisory council; social service representatives; county commissioners; one representative of the local corrections system; and one representative from the Minnesota District Judges Association Juvenile Committee. Meetings are held once a month. Appointing authority: State Advisory Council on Mental Health. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses. (Minnesota Statutes 245.697, subd. 2a.) Subcommittee website

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64981
St. Paul, MN 55164-0981
651-431-2249
Traumatic Brain Injury State Advisory Committee

The 30-member Traumatic Brain Injury State Advisory Committee advises the commissioner regarding policies, program and service needs of and potential models for service delivery for people with traumatic brain injury. Committee members are appointed for a one or two-year term and must include people with brain injury, family members, advocates and professionals. Meetings are held six times per year. Appointing authority: Commissioner of Human Services. Compensation: Expenses. (Minnesota Statutes 256B.093) Committee Web page.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64967
St. Paul, MN 55164-0967
651-431-2400
800-747-5484