The bill establishes the Department of Direct Care and Treatment in Minnesota, 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 responsibilities related to civil commitment from the commissioner of human services to the new commissioner, with a transition period ending on 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 the first meeting required by September 15, 2025.

Additionally, the bill modifies the governance structure by designating the chief executive officer of Direct Care and Treatment as the deputy agency head and clarifying the commissioner’s role in various contexts. It replaces references to the "executive board" with "commissioner" in multiple sections, centralizing authority within the commissioner’s office. The bill also outlines procedures for patient treatment and transfer, ensuring coordination between agencies, and establishes clearer guidelines for patient petitions regarding mental health commitments. Overall, the bill aims to streamline operations within the state’s mental health and treatment services while ensuring effective oversight and representation from various stakeholders.

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