Under Minnesota’s Rule 25, all counties and tribal agencies must provide a chemical dependency assessment to any individual who requests one or for whom an assessment is requested by another person. In order to receive public funding for treatment of chemical dependency, an individual must complete an assessment conducted by a Rule 25 assessor. Many health care plans cover these assessments, and plans that serve Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare clients must provide chemical dependency assessments.
Chemical Dependency Assessments
A chemical dependency assessment determines both an individual’s use of chemicals and its impact on one’s day-to-day life. An assessment includes a thorough interview with an assessor, and it may also include:
- An extensive review of legal, medical, and mental health treatment records
- A diagnostic test
- Interviews with people in the individual’s life
- A physical screening
- A determination of need for services
If an assessment determines an individual requires services, there are four levels of treatment: primary inpatient, primary outpatient, extended care, and halfway house.
Finding a Rule 25 Assessor
Chemical dependency assessments are conducted by qualified counselors. To request a chemical dependency assessment, you have options. If you have health insurance, contact your provider to determine the options your coverage provides. If you do not have health insurance or your plan does not cover an assessment, contact your county to review specific protocol for setting up an appointment. You can also direct questions to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
For more information on Rule 25, including individual county contact information and the appeals process, click here.