Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to update and standardize terminology related to mental health across various Minnesota statutes. It aims to replace terms like "emotional disturbance" with more comprehensive phrases such as "mental illness," reflecting contemporary understandings and language in mental health discussions.

Main Provisions

• Updated Terminology: The bill amends multiple sections of Minnesota Statutes to align with updated mental health terminology, replacing "emotional disturbance" with "mental illness."
• Health Care Coverage: It mandates that health plans providing drug coverage must cover prescribed antipsychotic drugs used to treat mental illnesses, even if these drugs are not on the plan’s formulary, given specific conditions are met.
• School Policies: Modifies policies to ensure students removed from class due to behavioral issues, including those related to mental health, are given appropriate consideration for assessments and support services.
• Mental Health Services Coordination: Enhances coordination of mental health services by outlining responsibilities for case management and support services specific to children and adults with severe mental illnesses.
• Service Guidelines: Establishes specific requirements for crisis planning, mental health education, and prevention services to be integrated into community support systems.
• Ongoing Care Access: Supporting continuous access to medications and treatments for individuals changing health plans or when drug formularies change.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill revises numerous legal sections to update references and definitions related to mental health, focusing on using uniform language to eliminate outdated terms like "emotional disturbance."
• It adjusts eligibility criteria and service definitions under health plans to ensure ongoing support for individuals with mental health needs.
• Moreover, it sets new standards and requirements for the ongoing assessment and treatment planning for individuals with mental illnesses within school systems and social services.

Relevant Terms

mental health updates, mental illness, emotional disturbance, antipsychotic drug coverage, school behavior policy, Minnesota mental health statutes, crisis intervention, outpatient services, voluntary foster care for treatment, terminology standardization, residential treatment facilities, care coordination.