This bill seeks to improve crisis services and adjust the criteria for community-based program locations within Minnesota's human services system. A significant change is the removal of the 48-hour admission requirement, which previously hindered timely access to necessary services. The bill also includes technical amendments to support the establishment of the Direct Care and Treatment agency, ensuring its operations comply with current legal standards. Additionally, it amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to enhance the confidentiality of welfare investigation data and includes a representative from the Direct Care and Treatment executive board in the e-Health Advisory Committee, highlighting the integration of health information technology in patient care. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments that streamline the regulatory framework for hospitals and nursing homes by replacing references to the commissioner of human services with the Direct Care and Treatment executive board. It expands definitions related to patient care and rights, particularly for minors, and emphasizes the importance of treatment plans and grievance procedures. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which physical restraint and isolation may be used, ensuring these measures are applied only in emergencies and with proper authorization. Other provisions include enhanced authority for the board to obtain medical data without consent under certain conditions, and updates to the processes surrounding fair hearings and appeals in human services. The effective date for many of these provisions is also set for 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