The bill amends and reenacts several sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning the North Dakota state hospital. It introduces the term "policies" alongside "rules" in sections 25-01.1-07 and 25-02-03, allowing for greater flexibility in the administration and management of the institutions under the supervising department's control. Additionally, it modifies section 25-02-01.1 by removing the term "Rulemaking" and replacing it with "Authority," while also allowing the governing body of the state hospital to be described through "policies or bylaws."

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services in maintaining the state hospital's accreditation and establishes a governing body composed of various stakeholders, including department officials, a behavioral health consumer, and a legislator. The governing body is tasked with overseeing the hospital's operations and ensuring it serves individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders, in alignment with community-based treatment programs. The state hospital is designated as a critical component of North Dakota's mental health delivery system, providing necessary care and support to eligible individuals.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 25-01.1-07, 25-02-01.1, 25-02-03
Enrollment: 25-01.1-07, 25-02-01.1, 25-02-03
INTRODUCED: 25-01.1-07, 25-02-01.1, 25-02-03