Monthly news digest from the Department of Human Services



Minnesota Department of Human Services logo [ [link removed] ]



NEWS FROM DHS



*February 2025*




*News from DHS archive [ [link removed] ]*





In this issue:

* Shireen Gandhi appointed temporary commissioner [ #link_3 ]
* State releases 2nd draft of child care licensing changes [ #link_4 ]
* In social media: Minnesota Care Force Incentive update [ #link_5 ]
* New fact sheets on Medicaid in Minnesota available [ #link_2 ]
* Legislative fact sheets now online [ #link_1 ]
* In the news [ #link_6 ]

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Shireen Gandhi appointed temporary commissioner

Photo of Shireen Gandhi

Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan announced on Feb. 3 the appointment of Shireen Gandhi to serve as temporary commissioner of DHS, until a permanent commissioner is appointed. Gandhi succeeds Jodi Harpstead, who served as commissioner for more than five years.

“I am honored that Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan have put their trust in me to lead the department as temporary commissioner,” said Gandhi. “DHS has talented staff and leaders across the agency, who are dedicated to delivering critical services to the people of Minnesota. Together we will continue the momentum of continuously improving our processes and strengthening our internal controls.”

Gandhi joined DHS in 2017, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in health care to the agency. Gandhi previously served as a DHS deputy commissioner overseeing budgeting and financial operations, agency operations strategy, and other agency operations. Since 2022, Gandhi has served on the Technology Advisory Council, which advises the commissioner of Minnesota IT Services.

Before her appointment as deputy commissioner in 2022, Gandhi served as assistant commissioner and chief compliance officer. She led the creation of a new compliance infrastructure and oversight program to improve operations and compliance with federal laws, regulations and rules. She led and continues to champion agencywide process improvement initiatives to strengthen the internal controls of DHS.



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State releases 2nd draft of child care licensing changes
Stock photo of child care

DHS released a second draft of revised licensing standards [ [link removed] ] for family child care and child care centers this month. The new draft incorporates extensive community input gathered over summer 2024.

The second draft reflects input from providers, licensors, parents and others while maintaining the state’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of children in care.

The effort – in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families – is part of the ongoing Child Care Regulation Modernization Project.

“We’re taking a deliberate approach and gathering multiple rounds of input because it’s important to get these standards right,” said Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi. “Our goal is to balance the needs of families, providers and licensors while prioritizing the well-being of children.”

The new draft, as well as reports summarizing key themes heard in the first round of engagement, are on the project webpage [ [link removed] ].

DHS held information sessions this month highlighting significant updates in the second draft and sharing information about numerous opportunities to give feedback in the coming months.

Feedback received on this second draft will guide the development of a third draft, which will be released before the 2026 legislative session.

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In social media: Minnesota Care Force Incentive update
Minnesota Care Force Incentive program update posted to Facebook

">> Follow DHS on X (formerly Twitter) [ [link removed] ] and Facebook [ [link removed] ] f"or timely updates on DHS news and events.""

">> For announcements of hiring events, job postings, internships and more, follow us on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] and the "DHS Careers Facebook page [ [link removed] ].""

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Accessible formats

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New fact sheets on Medicaid in Minnesota available

Major changes to the Medicaid program are being discussed at the federal level, prompting many questions from policymakers, Tribal Nations, counties and a wide variety of partner organizations.

New fact sheets will help inform the discussion about the state’s public health care programs: Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) and MinnesotaCare. 

These materials explain why Medicaid matters in Minnesota and also address common misconceptions. They offer a comprehensive look at the people who receive Medicaid and MinnesotaCare services and how these programs help the state’s health care providers.


* 10 ways Minnesota Medicaid matters to you (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Medicaid Matters: Investing in Minnesota’s health care (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Medicaid Matters: We’re all healthier when we’re all covered (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

More information about Medicaid in Minnesota is online at mn.gov/dhs/medicaid-matters [ [link removed] ].

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Legislative fact sheets now online

The Walz administration’s FY 2026-27 budget focuses on responsible stewardship of public dollars, including anti-fraud measures and efforts to curb spending growth while preserving access to services.

The Human Services budget aims to stop fraud, strengthen program integrity and reduce spending growth (PDF) [ [link removed] ] fact sheet summarizes budget proposals related to DHS programs and services.

Additional fact sheets [ [link removed] ] with more details are now on the DHS website.

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In the news
newspaper beside a coffee cup

**What is Medicaid, and what could federal cuts mean for Minnesotans? **More than 1 in 5 Minnesotans rely on the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care coverage for low-income residents, pays for nursing facilities for older adults and allows people with disabilities and seniors to continue living in the community. With potential changes to the program on the horizon, a Minnesota Star Tribune article [ [link removed] ] reviews who the program serves and what may be coming.

**Healthier kids, less red tape: **An editorial in the Minnesota Star Tribune [ [link removed] ] praised Minnesota’s new continuous Medical Assistance coverage for kids up to age 6, calling it a big step forward for children’s health “deserving both a spotlight and applause.”

*Find out if you’re eligible for MinnesotaCare 24/7/365:* Did you know you can apply for MinnesotaCare health insurance year-round? That’s right. Find out if you qualify any time. Learn more in a Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder article [ [link removed] ] sponsored by DHS.

*New behavioral health clinic focusing on rural communities opens doors in Mankato: *The new Rural Behavioral Health Clinic will provide outpatient mental health care and act as an academic training center. DHS Assistant Commissioner John Connolly lauded the innovative solution that helps bridge gaps in care in Greater Minnesota. Learn more in an MPR News article [ [link removed] ].

*Dakota County expands mental health services with new Crisis and Recovery Center:* Dakota County and Guild, a mental health service provider, debuted their new Crisis and Recovery Center. The center serves adults in need of mental health care, services, treatment and short-term residency. Funding for the center came from multiple sources, including DHS. Learn more in a Pioneer Press article [ [link removed] ].

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