Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Orders 20-28 and 20-29 to authorize out-of-state mental health providers to provide telehealth services to Minnesota patients and to provide immediate relief to employers and unemployed workers during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency.
Executive Order 20-28 authorizes out-of-state mental health providers to treat Minnesota patients via telehealth services to help ensure that the mental health needs of Minnesotans are met during the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Minnesotans receive mental healthcare services from providers in neighboring states. Executive Order 20-28 ensures that care can continue. Executive Order 20-28 also waives certain late fees and deadlines for licensure of dentists, barbers, and cosmetologists.
To provide relief to Minnesota’s workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, Executive Order 20-29 makes two amendments to Executive Order 20-05 (Providing Immediate Relief to Employers and Unemployed Workers During the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency). The first amendment provides an administrative fix to streamline applications for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. The second amendment implements a federal notification requirement that will help Minnesota qualify for additional federal UI funds.
Parts of Executive Order 20-28 and all of Executive Order 20-29 are subject to approval by the Executive Council and will have the full force and effect of law upon approval.
