The bill establishes the Department of Direct Care and Treatment, appointing a commissioner to oversee its operations and effectively repealing the existing direct care and treatment executive board. It amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to incorporate the new department and commissioner, transferring custody and authority over civilly committed individuals from the commissioner of human services to the new commissioner, effective July 1, 2025. The bill also creates the Advisory Council on Direct Care and Treatment, consisting of up to 15 members from diverse backgrounds, tasked with providing guidance and recommendations to the commissioner, with its first meeting required by September 15, 2025.

Additionally, the bill modifies the appointment process for the chief executive officer of the Department of Direct Care and Treatment, transferring authority from the executive board to the commissioner and outlining the qualifications and responsibilities for this position. It introduces new accounts within the state treasury's special revenue fund for facilities management and direct care and treatment systems, effective July 1, 2025. The bill also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the commissioners in overseeing treatment programs and financial responsibilities, streamlining processes, enhancing patient rights, and ensuring appropriate coverage for employees in direct contact with patients or inmates under the correctional retirement plan.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 10.65, 15.01, 15.06, 246C.01, 246C.015, 246C.02, 246C.04, 246C.07, 246C.09, 246C.091, 15A.0815, 15A.082, 43A.08, 245.021, 245.073, 246.13, 246B.01, 252.021, 252.50, 253.195, 253B.02, 253B.03, 253B.041, 253B.09, 253B.18, 253B.19, 253B.20, 253D.02, 254B.05, 256.045, 256G.09, 352.91, 524.3, 611.57
1st Engrossment: 10.65, 15.01, 15.06, 246C.01, 246C.015, 246C.02, 246C.04, 246C.07, 246C.09, 246C.091, 15A.0815, 15A.082, 43A.08, 245.021, 245.073, 246.13, 246B.01, 252.021, 252.50, 253.195, 253B.02, 253B.03, 253B.041, 253B.09, 253B.18, 253B.19, 253B.20, 253D.02, 254B.05, 256.045, 256G.09, 352.91, 524.3, 611.57
2nd Engrossment: 10.65, 15.01, 15.06, 43A.241, 246C.01, 246C.015, 246C.02, 246C.04, 246C.07, 246C.08, 246C.09, 246C.091, 15A.0815, 15A.082, 43A.08, 245.021, 245.073, 246.13, 246B.01, 252.021, 252.50, 253.195, 253B.02, 253B.03, 253B.041, 253B.09, 253B.18, 253B.19, 253B.20, 253D.02, 254B.05, 256.045, 256G.09, 352.91, 524.3, 611.57