HF 4230

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/14/2022 03:09pm

A bill for an act
relating to corrections; establishing mental health unit pilot program for individuals
with mental illness and incarcerated in jails; requiring a report.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin MENTAL HEALTH UNIT PILOT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of corrections shall establish a pilot program with interested
counties to provide mental health care to individuals with serious and persistent mental
illness who are incarcerated in county jails. The pilot program must require the participating
counties to pay according to Minnesota Statutes, section 243.51, a per diem for
reimbursement of the Mental Health Unit at the Minnesota Correctional Facility - Oak Park
Heights, and other costs incurred by the Department of Corrections.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner in consultation with the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association shall
develop program protocols, guidelines, and procedures and qualifications for participating
counties and incarcerated individuals to be treated in the Mental Health Unit. The program
is limited to a total of five incarcerated individuals from the participating counties at any
one time. Incarcerated individuals must volunteer to be treated in the unit and be able to
participate in programming with other incarcerated individuals.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Minnesota Correctional Facility - Oak Park Heights warden, director of
psychology, and associate director of behavioral health, or a designee of each, in consultation
with the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, the Minnesota branch of the National Association
on Mental Illness, and the Department of Human Services, shall oversee the pilot program.
new text end

new text begin (d) On November 15, 2023 the warden shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over
corrections describing the protocols, guidelines, and procedures for participation in the pilot
program by counties and incarcerated individuals, challenges with staffing, cost sharing
with counties, capacity of the program, services provided to the incarcerated individuals,
program outcomes, concerns regarding the program, and recommendations for the viability
of a long-term program.
new text end

new text begin (e) The pilot program expires November 16, 2023.
new text end