This bill seeks to improve crisis services and modify community-based program criteria within Minnesota's human services framework. A significant change is the removal of the 48-hour admission requirement, which previously hindered timely access to necessary services. The bill also introduces technical amendments to support the operations of the Direct Care and Treatment agency, aligning them with current legal standards. Additionally, it amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to enhance the confidentiality of investigative data and streamline the licensing process for healthcare facilities by replacing references to the commissioner of human services with the Direct Care and Treatment executive board. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Moreover, the bill expands definitions related to patient care and rights, particularly for minors, emphasizing the importance of patient involvement in treatment plans and the proper use of restraints. It also enhances the authority of the Direct Care and Treatment executive board in obtaining medical data and health records without consent under specific circumstances, while ensuring that such information remains private. The bill includes provisions for the treatment of individuals across state lines and mandates the establishment of citizen advisory committees for local welfare boards. Overall, the bill aims to enhance patient rights, streamline regulatory processes, and improve the oversight of mental health services and community supervision, with many provisions effective from July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.46, 15.471, 16A.103, 62J.495, 97A.441, 144.53, 144.651, 144A.07, 146A.08, 147.091, 147A.13, 148.10, 148.261, 148.754, 148B.5905, 148F.09, 150A.08, 151.071, 153.21, 153B.70, 168.012, 244.052, 245.50, 245.91, 246.585, 246C.06, 246C.12, 246C.20, 252.291, 252.50, 253B.09, 253B.10, 256.01, 256.019, 256.0281, 256.0451, 256.4825, 256.93, 256.98, 256B.092, 256G.09, 299F.77, 342.04, 352.91, 401.17, 507.071, 611.57, 624.7131, 624.7132, 624.714, 631.40, 246.41