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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 DHS released a second draft of revised licensing standards 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.
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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