This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning state-operated human services, particularly focusing on Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) procedures and data management. Key changes include the establishment of classification alignment for DCT employees, updates to patient consent procedures for medical treatments, and modifications to voluntary patient transfer protocols. The bill introduces new provisions for data disclosure, allowing DCT to share welfare system data to facilitate guardianship services for clients, while clarifying that medical data does not include information maintained by DCT. Additionally, it specifies that claims related to property loss or damage in state institutions and correctional facilities of $7,000 or less can be addressed by the DCT executive board, while larger claims must follow legislative procedures.

The bill also makes significant amendments regarding consent for medical treatment and the rights of next of kin following an employee's death. It requires DCT to obtain a client's consent for disclosure unless the client is unable to consent or has an unavailable legal guardian. The definition of "next of kin" is updated to reflect a new reference clause. Furthermore, the bill allows for the conversion of certain unclassified DCT employees into the classified service without a salary reduction and outlines detailed consent procedures for medical treatment, especially for patients lacking decision-making capacity. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of documenting consent processes and patient rights in treatment decisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 3.7381, 13.04, 13.384, 13.46, 182.6545, 253B.03, 253B.18
1st Engrossment: 3.7381, 13.04, 13.384, 13.46, 182.6545, 253B.03, 253B.18