The bill revises the regulations governing Category D assisted living facilities in Montana, allowing them to operate independently or in conjunction with other licensed facilities, while capping the number of residents at 15. It specifies that these facilities are not required to use seclusion, chemical restraints, or physical restraints, but must seek prior authorization if they opt to implement such measures. Additionally, the Department of Public Health and Human Services is tasked with providing technical assistance and developing a specialized reimbursement model to support these facilities, particularly for those accommodating residents with higher behavioral support needs.

Moreover, the legislation introduces a process for diverting individuals from involuntary commitment to the Montana State Hospital to Category D assisted living facilities, including a court-ordered commitment process. It amends existing laws to enhance operational standards for these facilities, ensuring they can effectively meet the needs of residents with cognitive impairments and other challenges. The bill includes specific legal language regarding the commitment process, emphasizing the importance of the least restrictive alternatives for both the individual and public safety, and inserts new provisions to facilitate this diversion.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(1): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(10): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(11): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(12): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(13): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(14): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(15): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(16): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(2): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(3): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(4): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(5): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(6): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(7): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(8): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1(9): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_1: 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(1): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(10): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(11): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(2): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(3): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(4): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(5): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(6): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(7): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(8): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2(9): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_2: 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_3(1): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_3(2): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_3(3): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_3: 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X(1): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X(2): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X(3): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X(4): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X(5): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X(6): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X(7): 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199
SB0524_X: 50-5-226, 53-21-127, 53-21-199