Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to make modifications to crisis services and community-based program locations in Minnesota. It seeks to create more access to these services by removing certain limitations and making statutory adjustments. Additionally, it intends to update data privacy and transparency laws related to investigations within the welfare system.

Main Provisions

• Crisis Services & Community Programs: The bill modifies the availability criteria for crisis services and the location criteria for community-based programs, aiming to expand access and eliminate certain barriers that were previously in place.
• 48-Hour Admission Requirement: The bill proposes to remove the expiration of the 48-hour admission requirement for certain services, intending to provide more flexible and immediate access to care.
• Data Privacy Amendments: Changes are made to how investigative data is handled within the welfare system, particularly concerning confidentiality, access, and the sharing of information during investigations.
  • Data on investigations involving vendors, licensees, and service applicants will be treated as confidential or nonpublic unless certain conditions are met.
  • Certain investigative data can be disclosed under specific circumstances, such as court orders or necessary notifications.
  • The commissioner of human services is required to share investigative data with the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities upon request.
• Public Disclosure: Investigative data will become public when it is submitted in administrative or judicial proceedings.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill includes the repeal of certain outdated sections in Minnesota Statutes to streamline and update the statutory framework concerning human services.
• It influences several statutes across various sections, amending how services are managed, how investigations are conducted, and how information is shared with relevant parties.

Relevant Terms

crisis services, community-based programs, 48-hour admission, welfare investigations, data privacy, public disclosure, ombudsman for mental health, developmental disabilities, Department of Human Services, Minnesota Statutes.