This bill seeks to modernize mental health terminology and improve mental health services in Minnesota by replacing outdated terms such as "emotional disturbance" with "mental illness" across various sections of the Minnesota Statutes. Key amendments include ensuring health plans provide coverage for antipsychotic medications without imposing additional payment requirements for mental health conditions, and emphasizing the importance of ongoing care for patients receiving prescribed treatments. The bill also mandates that schools implement procedures for addressing students with serious mental health issues and clarifies the qualifications and training requirements for case management service providers, ensuring they are equipped to support individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of county boards in establishing local children's mental health advisory councils and mandates that mental health screenings be conducted by trained professionals. It emphasizes the need for family involvement in treatment plans and the coordination of services among various providers. The legislation also introduces provisions for voluntary foster care arrangements, ensuring that children's rights are upheld and that their mental health needs are prioritized. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of mental health services for individuals, particularly children, while aligning legal language with contemporary understanding and practices in mental health care.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62Q.527, 121A.61, 128C.02, 142G.02, 142G.27, 142G.42, 245.462, 245.4682, 245.4835, 245.4863, 245.487, 245.4871, 245.4873, 245.4874, 245.4875, 245.4876, 245.4877, 245.488, 245.4881, 245.4882, 245.4884, 245.4885, 245.4889, 245.4907, 245.491, 245.492, 245.697, 245.814, 245.826, 245.91, 245.92, 245.94, 245A.03, 245A.26, 245I.05, 245I.11, 246C.12, 252.27, 256B.02, 256B.055, 256B.0616, 256B.0757, 256B.0943, 256B.0945, 256B.0946, 256B.0947, 256B.69, 256B.77, 260B.157, 260C.007, 260C.157, 260C.201, 260C.301, 260D.01, 260D.02, 260D.03, 260D.04, 260D.06, 260D.07, 260E.11, 295.50