This bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the services provided by the life skills and transition center for individuals with developmental disabilities. Key changes include the introduction of definitions for "noneligible" individuals and the expansion of services to encompass both eligible and noneligible individuals who may benefit from residential or nonresidential care. The bill allows the center to offer consultation services to public and private providers serving noneligible individuals and emphasizes that North Dakota residents and minors with developmental disabilities should be prioritized for these services. Additionally, it outlines qualifications for accessing care based on the superintendent's assessment of individual needs and establishes guidelines for discharging individuals from the center.

The bill also addresses care and treatment expenses for individuals served by the life skills and transition centers, specifically including provisions for noneligible individuals. It mandates that expenses align with the individual's ability to pay and allows the department to recover costs from individuals or their estates, particularly if they receive social security benefits or veteran compensation. Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit biannual reports on services provided to ineligible children and to study alternatives to placement at the center, focusing on youth mental health needs. The provisions of this act are set to expire on June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Ruby: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
Enrollment: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
INTRODUCED: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17