2007 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 253B. CIVIL COMMITMENT

253B.001 APPLICATION OF LAWS 2005, CHAPTER 56, TERMINOLOGY CHANGES.
State agencies shall use the terminology changes specified in Laws 2005, chapter 56, section
1, when printed material and signage are replaced and new printed material and signage are
obtained. State agencies do not have to replace existing printed material and signage to comply
with Laws 2005, chapter 56, sections 1 and 2. Language changes made according to Laws 2005,
chapter 56, sections 1 and 2, shall not expand or exclude eligibility to services.
History: 2005 c 56 s 3

253B.01 CITATION.
This chapter may be cited as the "Minnesota Commitment and Treatment Act."
History: 1982 c 581 s 1; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 5

253B.02 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section
have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 1a. Case manager. "Case manager" has the definition given in section 245.462,
subdivision 4 , for persons with mental illness.
    Subd. 2. Chemically dependent person. "Chemically dependent person" means any
person (a) determined as being incapable of self-management or management of personal
affairs by reason of the habitual and excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering
substances; and (b) whose recent conduct as a result of habitual and excessive use of alcohol,
drugs, or other mind-altering substances poses a substantial likelihood of physical harm to self
or others as demonstrated by (i) a recent attempt or threat to physically harm self or others,
(ii) evidence of recent serious physical problems, or (iii) a failure to obtain necessary food,
clothing, shelter, or medical care. "Chemically dependent person" also means a pregnant woman
who has engaged during the pregnancy in habitual or excessive use, for a nonmedical purpose,
of any of the following substances or their derivatives: opium, cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine,
methamphetamine, amphetamine, tetrahydrocannabinol, or alcohol.
    Subd. 3. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services or the
commissioner's designee.
    Subd. 4. Committing court. "Committing court" means the district court where a petition for
commitment was decided. In a case where commitment proceedings are commenced following an
acquittal of a crime or offense under section 611.026, "committing court" means the district court
in which the acquittal took place.
    Subd. 4a. Crime against the person. "Crime against the person" means a violation of or
attempt to violate any of the following provisions: sections 609.185 (murder in the first degree);
609.19 (murder in the second degree); 609.195 (murder in the third degree); 609.20 (manslaughter
in the first degree); 609.205 (manslaughter in the second degree); 609.21 (criminal vehicular
homicide and injury); 609.215 (suicide); 609.221 (assault in the first degree); 609.222 (assault in
the second degree); 609.223 (assault in the third degree); 609.224 (assault in the fifth degree);
609.2242 (domestic assault); 609.23 (mistreatment of persons confined); 609.231 (mistreatment
of residents or patients); 609.2325 (criminal abuse); 609.233 (criminal neglect); 609.2335
(financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult); 609.235 (use of drugs to injure or facilitate crime);
609.24 (simple robbery); 609.245 (aggravated robbery); 609.25 (kidnapping); 609.255 (false
imprisonment); 609.265 (abduction); 609.27, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2) (coercion); 609.28
(interfering with religious observance) if violence or threats of violence were used; 609.322,
subdivision 1 , clause (2) (solicitation); 609.342 (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree);
609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree); 609.344 (criminal sexual conduct in the
third degree); 609.345 (criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree); 609.365 (incest); 609.498,
subdivision 1 (tampering with a witness); 609.50, clause (1) (obstructing legal process, arrest, and
firefighting); 609.561 (arson in the first degree); 609.562 (arson in the second degree); 609.595
(damage to property); and 609.72, subdivision 3 (disorderly conduct by a caregiver).
    Subd. 4b. Community-based treatment. "Community-based treatment" means community
support services programs defined in section 245.462, subdivision 6; day treatment services
defined in section 245.462, subdivision 8; outpatient services defined in section 245.462,
subdivision 21 ; and residential treatment services as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 23.
    Subd. 5. Designated agency. "Designated agency" means an agency selected by the county
board to provide the social services required under this chapter.
    Subd. 6. Emergency treatment. "Emergency treatment" means the treatment of a patient
pursuant to section 253B.05 which is necessary to protect the patient or others from immediate
harm.
    Subd. 7. Examiner. "Examiner" means a person who is knowledgeable, trained, and
practicing in the diagnosis and assessment or in the treatment of the alleged impairment, and
who is:
(1) a licensed physician;
(2) a licensed psychologist who has a doctoral degree in psychology or who became a
licensed consulting psychologist before July 2, 1975; or
(3) an advanced practice registered nurse certified in mental health, except that only a
physician or psychologist meeting these requirements may be appointed by the court as described
by sections 253B.07, subdivision 3; 253B.092, subdivision 8, paragraph (b); 253B.17, subdivision
3 ; 253B.18, subdivision 2; and 253B.19, subdivisions 1 and 2, and only a physician or psychologist
may conduct an assessment as described by Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 20.
    Subd. 7a. Harmful sexual conduct. (a) "Harmful sexual conduct" means sexual conduct
that creates a substantial likelihood of serious physical or emotional harm to another.
(b) There is a rebuttable presumption that conduct described in the following provisions
creates a substantial likelihood that a victim will suffer serious physical or emotional harm:
section 609.342 (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree), 609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in
the second degree), 609.344 (criminal sexual conduct in the third degree), or 609.345 (criminal
sexual conduct in the fourth degree). If the conduct was motivated by the person's sexual impulses
or was part of a pattern of behavior that had criminal sexual conduct as a goal, the presumption
also applies to conduct described in section 609.185 (murder in the first degree), 609.19 (murder
in the second degree), 609.195 (murder in the third degree), 609.20 (manslaughter in the first
degree), 609.205 (manslaughter in the second degree), 609.221 (assault in the first degree),
609.222 (assault in the second degree), 609.223 (assault in the third degree), 609.24 (simple
robbery), 609.245 (aggravated robbery), 609.25 (kidnapping), 609.255 (false imprisonment),
609.365 (incest), 609.498 (tampering with a witness), 609.561 (arson in the first degree), 609.582,
subdivision 1 (burglary in the first degree), 609.713 (terroristic threats), or 609.749, subdivision 3
or 5 (harassment and stalking).
    Subd. 8. Head of the treatment facility. "Head of the treatment facility" means the person
who is charged with overall responsibility for the professional program of care and treatment of
the facility or the person's designee.
    Subd. 9. Health officer. "Health officer" means a licensed physician, licensed psychologist,
licensed social worker, registered nurse working in an emergency room of a hospital, or
psychiatric or public health nurse as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 18, or an advanced
practice registered nurse (APRN) as defined in section 148.171, subdivision 3, and formally
designated members of a prepetition screening unit established by section 253B.07.
    Subd. 10. Interested person. "Interested person" means:
(1) an adult, including but not limited to, a public official, including a local welfare agency
acting under section 626.5561, and the legal guardian, spouse, parent, legal counsel, adult child,
next of kin, or other person designated by a proposed patient; or
(2) a health plan company that is providing coverage for a proposed patient.
    Subd. 11. Licensed psychologist. "Licensed psychologist" means a person licensed by the
Board of Psychology and possessing the qualifications for licensure provided in section 148.907.
    Subd. 12. Licensed physician. "Licensed physician" means a person licensed in Minnesota
to practice medicine or a medical officer of the government of the United States in performance of
official duties.
    Subd. 12a. Mental illness. "Mental illness" has the meaning given in section 245.462,
subdivision 20 .
    Subd. 13. Person who is mentally ill. (a) A "person who is mentally ill" means any
person who has an organic disorder of the brain or a substantial psychiatric disorder of thought,
mood, perception, orientation, or memory which grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity
to recognize reality, or to reason or understand, which is manifested by instances of grossly
disturbed behavior or faulty perceptions and poses a substantial likelihood of physical harm to
self or others as demonstrated by:
(1) a failure to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical care as a result of the
impairment;
(2) an inability for reasons other than indigence to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter, or
medical care as a result of the impairment and it is more probable than not that the person will
suffer substantial harm, significant psychiatric deterioration or debilitation, or serious illness,
unless appropriate treatment and services are provided;
(3) a recent attempt or threat to physically harm self or others; or
(4) recent and volitional conduct involving significant damage to substantial property.
(b) A person is not mentally ill under this section if the impairment is solely due to:
(1) epilepsy;
(2) developmental disability;
(3) brief periods of intoxication caused by alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering substances;
or
(4) dependence upon or addiction to any alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering substances.
    Subd. 14. Developmentally disabled person. "Developmentally disabled person" means
any person:
(a) who has been diagnosed as having significantly subaverage intellectual functioning
existing concurrently with demonstrated deficits in adaptive behavior and who manifests these
conditions prior to the person's 22nd birthday; and
(b) whose recent conduct is a result of a developmental disability and poses a substantial
likelihood of physical harm to self or others in that there has been (i) a recent attempt or threat to
physically harm self or others, or (ii) a failure and inability to obtain necessary food, clothing,
shelter, safety, or medical care.
    Subd. 15. Patient. "Patient" means any person who is receiving treatment or committed
under this chapter.
    Subd. 16. Peace officer. "Peace officer" means a sheriff, or municipal or other local police
officer, or a State Patrol officer when engaged in the authorized duties of office.
    Subd. 17. Person who is mentally ill and dangerous to the public. A "person who is
mentally ill and dangerous to the public" is a person (a) who is mentally ill; and (b) who as a result
of that mental illness presents a clear danger to the safety of others as demonstrated by the facts
that (i) the person has engaged in an overt act causing or attempting to cause serious physical
harm to another and (ii) there is a substantial likelihood that the person will engage in acts capable
of inflicting serious physical harm on another. A person committed as a sexual psychopathic
personality or sexually dangerous person as defined in subdivisions 18a and 18b is subject to the
provisions of this chapter that apply to persons who are mentally ill and dangerous to the public.
    Subd. 18. Regional treatment center. "Regional treatment center" means any state-operated
facility for persons who are mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent
under the direct administrative authority of the commissioner.
    Subd. 18a. Secure treatment facility. "Secure treatment facility" means the Minnesota
Security Hospital and the Minnesota sex offender program facility in Moose Lake and any portion
of the Minnesota sex offender program operated by the Minnesota sex offender program at the
Minnesota Security Hospital, but does not include services or programs administered by the
secure treatment facility outside a secure environment.
    Subd. 18b. Sexual psychopathic personality. "Sexual psychopathic personality" means the
existence in any person of such conditions of emotional instability, or impulsiveness of behavior,
or lack of customary standards of good judgment, or failure to appreciate the consequences of
personal acts, or a combination of any of these conditions, which render the person irresponsible
for personal conduct with respect to sexual matters, if the person has evidenced, by a habitual
course of misconduct in sexual matters, an utter lack of power to control the person's sexual
impulses and, as a result, is dangerous to other persons.
    Subd. 18c. Sexually dangerous person. (a) A "sexually dangerous person" means a person
who:
(1) has engaged in a course of harmful sexual conduct as defined in subdivision 7a;
(2) has manifested a sexual, personality, or other mental disorder or dysfunction; and
(3) as a result, is likely to engage in acts of harmful sexual conduct as defined in subdivision
7a.
(b) For purposes of this provision, it is not necessary to prove that the person has an inability
to control the person's sexual impulses.
    Subd. 19. Treatment facility. "Treatment facility" means a hospital, community mental
health center, or other treatment provider qualified to provide care and treatment for persons who
are mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent.
    Subd. 20. Verdict. "Verdict" means a jury verdict or a general finding by the trial court
sitting without a jury pursuant to the Rules of Criminal Procedure.
    Subd. 21. Pass. "Pass" means any authorized temporary, unsupervised absence from a
treatment facility.
    Subd. 22. Pass plan. "Pass plan" means the part of a treatment plan for a person who has
been committed as mentally ill and dangerous that specifies the terms and conditions under
which the patient may be released on a pass.
    Subd. 23. Pass-eligible status. "Pass-eligible status" means the status under which a person
committed as mentally ill and dangerous may be released on passes after approval of a pass plan
by the head of a treatment facility.
    Subd. 24. Administrative restriction. "Administrative restriction" means any measure
utilized by the commissioner to maintain safety and security, protect possible evidence, and
prevent the continuation of suspected criminal acts. Administrative restriction does not mean
protective isolation as defined by Minnesota Rules, part 9515.3090, subpart 4. Administrative
restriction may include increased monitoring, program limitations, loss of privileges, restricted
access to and use of possessions, and separation of a patient from the normal living environment,
as determined by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. Administrative restriction
applies only to patients in a secure treatment facility as defined in subdivision 18a who:
(1) are suspected of committing a crime or charged with a crime;
(2) are the subject of a criminal investigation;
(3) are awaiting sentencing following a conviction of a crime; or
(4) are awaiting transfer to a correctional facility.
The commissioner shall establish policies and procedures according to section 246.014, paragraph
(d) , regarding the use of administrative restriction. The policies and procedures shall identify the
implementation and termination of administrative restrictions. Use of administrative restriction
and the reason associated with the use shall be documented in the patient's medical record.
    Subd. 25. Safety. "Safety" means protection of persons or property from potential danger,
risk, injury, harm, or damage.
    Subd. 26. Security. "Security" means the measures necessary to achieve the management
and accountability of patients of the facility, staff, and visitors, as well as property of the facility.
History: 1981 c 37 s 2; 1982 c 581 s 2; 1983 c 251 s 1-4; 1983 c 348 s 1-3; 1984 c 623 s
1-3; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 351 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 66; 1987 c 309 s 24;
1988 c 623 s 1-4; 1989 c 290 art 5 s 2,3; 1990 c 378 s 1; 1991 c 255 s 17,19; 1Sp1994 c 1 art 1 s
1-3; art 2 s 29; 1995 c 189 s8; 1995 c 229 art 4 s 12; 1995 c 259 art 3 s 2; 1996 c 277 s 1; 1996 c
424 s 23; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 6-18; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 20,21; 2002 c 221 s 18-21; 2002 c 379
art 1 s 113; 2003 c 22 s 1,2; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 6 s 44; 2004 c 288 art 3 s 14-16; 2005 c 56 s 1;
2005 c 165 art 3 s 1,2; 2006 c 260 art 2 s 18; 2007 c 69 s 1

253B.03 RIGHTS OF PATIENTS.
    Subdivision 1. Restraints. (a) A patient has the right to be free from restraints. Restraints
shall not be applied to a patient in a treatment facility unless the head of the treatment facility, a
member of the medical staff, or a licensed peace officer who has custody of the patient determines
that they are necessary for the safety of the patient or others.
(b) Restraints shall not be applied to patients with developmental disabilities except as
permitted under section 245.825 and rules of the commissioner of human services. Consent must
be obtained from the person or person's guardian except for emergency procedures as permitted
under rules of the commissioner adopted under section 245.825.
(c) Each use of a restraint and reason for it shall be made part of the clinical record of the
patient under the signature of the head of the treatment facility.
    Subd. 1a. Administrative restriction. (a) A patient has the right to be free from unnecessary
or excessive administrative restriction. Administrative restriction shall not be used for the
convenience of staff, for retaliation for filing complaints, or as a substitute for program treatment.
Administrative restriction may not involve any further deprivation of privileges than is necessary.
(b) Administrative restriction may include separate and secure housing.
(c) Patients under administrative restriction shall not be limited in access to their attorney.
(d) If a patient is placed on administrative restriction because the patient is suspected
of committing a crime, the secure treatment facility must report the crime to the appropriate
police agency within 24 hours of the beginning of administrative restriction. The patient must
be released from administrative restriction if a police agency does not begin an investigation
within 72 hours of the report.
(e) A patient placed on administrative restriction because the patient is a subject of a
criminal investigation must be released from administrative restriction when the investigation
is completed. If the patient is charged with a crime following the investigation, administrative
restriction may continue until the charge is disposed of.
(f) The secure treatment facility must notify the patient's attorney of the patient being placed
on administrative restriction within 24 hours after the beginning of administrative restriction.
    Subd. 2. Correspondence. A patient has the right to correspond freely without censorship.
The head of the treatment facility may restrict correspondence if the patient's medical welfare
requires this restriction. For patients in regional treatment centers, that determination may
be reviewed by the commissioner. Any limitation imposed on the exercise of a patient's
correspondence rights and the reason for it shall be made a part of the clinical record of the patient.
Any communication which is not delivered to a patient shall be immediately returned to the sender.
    Subd. 3. Visitors and phone calls. Subject to the general rules of the treatment facility, a
patient has the right to receive visitors and make phone calls. The head of the treatment facility
may restrict visits and phone calls on determining that the medical welfare of the patient requires
it. Any limitation imposed on the exercise of the patient's visitation and phone call rights and the
reason for it shall be made a part of the clinical record of the patient.
    Subd. 4. Special visitation; religion. A patient has the right to meet with or call a personal
physician, spiritual advisor, and counsel at all reasonable times. The patient has the right to
continue the practice of religion.
    Subd. 4a. Disclosure of patient's admission. Upon admission to a facility where federal
law prohibits unauthorized disclosure of patient or resident identifying information to callers and
visitors, the patient or resident, or the legal guardian of the patient or resident, shall be given the
opportunity to authorize disclosure of the patient's or resident's presence in the facility to callers
and visitors who may seek to communicate with the patient or resident. To the extent possible,
the legal guardian of a patient or resident shall consider the opinions of the patient or resident
regarding the disclosure of the patient's or resident's presence in the facility.
    Subd. 5. Periodic assessment. A patient has the right to periodic medical assessment,
including assessment of the medical necessity of continuing care and, if the treatment facility
declines to provide continuing care, the right to receive specific written reasons why continuing
care is declined at the time of the assessment. The treatment facility shall assess the physical and
mental condition of every patient as frequently as necessary, but not less often than annually. If
the patient refuses to be examined, the facility shall document in the patient's chart its attempts to
examine the patient. If a person is committed as developmentally disabled for an indeterminate
period of time, the three-year judicial review must include the annual reviews for each year as
outlined in Minnesota Rules, part 9525.0075, subpart 6.
    Subd. 6. Consent for medical procedure. A patient has the right to prior consent to any
medical or surgical treatment, other than treatment for chemical dependency or nonintrusive
treatment for mental illness.
The following procedures shall be used to obtain consent for any treatment necessary to
preserve the life or health of any committed patient:
(a) The written, informed consent of a competent adult patient for the treatment is sufficient.
(b) If the patient is subject to guardianship which includes the provision of medical care, the
written, informed consent of the guardian for the treatment is sufficient.
(c) If the head of the treatment facility determines that the patient is not competent to consent
to the treatment and the patient has not been adjudicated incompetent, written, informed consent
for the surgery or medical treatment shall be obtained from the nearest proper relative. For this
purpose, the following persons are proper relatives, in the order listed: the patient's spouse, parent,
adult child, or adult sibling. If the nearest proper relatives cannot be located, refuse to consent
to the procedure, or are unable to consent, the head of the treatment facility or an interested
person may petition the committing court for approval for the treatment or may petition a court
of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a guardian. The determination that the patient
is not competent, and the reasons for the determination, shall be documented in the patient's
clinical record.
(d) Consent to treatment of any minor patient shall be secured in accordance with sections
144.341 to 144.346. A minor 16 years of age or older may consent to hospitalization, routine
diagnostic evaluation, and emergency or short-term acute care.
(e) In the case of an emergency when the persons ordinarily qualified to give consent cannot
be located, the head of the treatment facility may give consent.
No person who consents to treatment pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision shall be
civilly or criminally liable for the performance or the manner of performing the treatment. No
person shall be liable for performing treatment without consent if written, informed consent was
given pursuant to this subdivision. This provision shall not affect any other liability which may
result from the manner in which the treatment is performed.
    Subd. 6a.MS 1990 [Renumbered subd 6c]
    Subd. 6a. Consent for treatment for developmental disability. A patient with a
developmental disability, or the patient's guardian, has the right to give or withhold consent before:
(1) the implementation of any aversive or deprivation procedure except for emergency
procedures permitted in rules of the commissioner adopted under section 245.825; or
(2) the administration of psychotropic medication.
    Subd. 6b. Consent for mental health treatment. A competent person admitted voluntarily
to a treatment facility may be subjected to intrusive mental health treatment only with the person's
written informed consent. For purposes of this section, "intrusive mental health treatment"
means electroshock therapy and neuroleptic medication and does not include treatment for a
developmental disability. An incompetent person who has prepared a directive under subdivision
6d regarding treatment with intrusive therapies must be treated in accordance with this section,
except in cases of emergencies.
    Subd. 6c.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 6d. Adult mental health treatment. (a) A competent adult may make a declaration
of preferences or instructions regarding intrusive mental health treatment. These preferences or
instructions may include, but are not limited to, consent to or refusal of these treatments.
(b) A declaration may designate a proxy to make decisions about intrusive mental health
treatment. A proxy designated to make decisions about intrusive mental health treatments and
who agrees to serve as proxy may make decisions on behalf of a declarant consistent with any
desires the declarant expresses in the declaration.
(c) A declaration is effective only if it is signed by the declarant and two witnesses. The
witnesses must include a statement that they believe the declarant understands the nature and
significance of the declaration. A declaration becomes operative when it is delivered to the
declarant's physician or other mental health treatment provider. The physician or provider must
comply with it to the fullest extent possible, consistent with reasonable medical practice, the
availability of treatments requested, and applicable law. The physician or provider shall continue
to obtain the declarant's informed consent to all intrusive mental health treatment decisions if the
declarant is capable of informed consent. A treatment provider may not require a person to make
a declaration under this subdivision as a condition of receiving services.
(d) The physician or other provider shall make the declaration a part of the declarant's
medical record. If the physician or other provider is unwilling at any time to comply with the
declaration, the physician or provider must promptly notify the declarant and document the
notification in the declarant's medical record. If the declarant has been committed as a patient
under this chapter, the physician or provider may subject a declarant to intrusive treatment in a
manner contrary to the declarant's expressed wishes, only upon order of the committing court. If
the declarant is not a committed patient under this chapter, the physician or provider may subject
the declarant to intrusive treatment in a manner contrary to the declarant's expressed wishes, only
if the declarant is committed as mentally ill or mentally ill and dangerous to the public and a court
order authorizing the treatment has been issued.
(e) A declaration under this subdivision may be revoked in whole or in part at any time
and in any manner by the declarant if the declarant is competent at the time of revocation. A
revocation is effective when a competent declarant communicates the revocation to the attending
physician or other provider. The attending physician or other provider shall note the revocation as
part of the declarant's medical record.
(f) A provider who administers intrusive mental health treatment according to and in good
faith reliance upon the validity of a declaration under this subdivision is held harmless from any
liability resulting from a subsequent finding of invalidity.
(g) In addition to making a declaration under this subdivision, a competent adult may
delegate parental powers under section 524.5-211 or may nominate a guardian under sections
524.5-101 to 524.5-502.
    Subd. 7. Program plan. A person receiving services under this chapter has the right
to receive proper care and treatment, best adapted, according to contemporary professional
standards, to rendering further supervision unnecessary. The treatment facility shall devise a
written program plan for each person which describes in behavioral terms the case problems, the
precise goals, including the expected period of time for treatment, and the specific measures to
be employed. Each plan shall be reviewed at least quarterly to determine progress toward the
goals, and to modify the program plan as necessary. The program plan shall be devised and
reviewed with the designated agency and with the patient. The clinical record shall reflect the
program plan review. If the designated agency or the patient does not participate in the planning
and review, the clinical record shall include reasons for nonparticipation and the plans for future
involvement. The commissioner shall monitor the program plan and review process for regional
centers to insure compliance with the provisions of this subdivision.
    Subd. 8. Medical records. A patient has the right to access to personal medical records.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 144.292, every person subject to a proceeding or
receiving services pursuant to this chapter and the patient's attorney shall have complete access to
all medical records relevant to the person's commitment. A provider may require an attorney to
provide evidence of representation of the patient or an authorization signed by the patient.
    Subd. 9.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 10. Notification. All persons admitted or committed to a treatment facility shall
be notified in writing of their rights regarding hospitalization and other treatment at the time
of admission. This notification must include:
(1) patient rights specified in this section and section 144.651, including nursing home
discharge rights;
(2) the right to obtain treatment and services voluntarily under this chapter;
(3) the right to voluntary admission and release under section 253B.04;
(4) rights in case of an emergency admission under section 253B.05, including the right to
documentation in support of an emergency hold and the right to a summary hearing before a judge
if the patient believes an emergency hold is improper;
(5) the right to request expedited review under section 62M.05 if additional days of inpatient
stay are denied;
(6) the right to continuing benefits pending appeal and to an expedited administrative hearing
under section 256.045 if the patient is a recipient of medical assistance, general assistance
medical care, or MinnesotaCare; and
(7) the right to an external appeal process under section 62Q.73, including the right to a
second opinion.
    Subd. 11. Proxy. A legally authorized health care proxy, agent, or guardian may exercise the
patient's rights on the patient's behalf.
History: 1982 c 581 s 3; 1983 c 251 s 5,6; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 185 art 2 s 2,3; 1988 c 623 s
5; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 118,119; 1989 c 282 art 2 s 100; 1990 c 568 art 5 s 31; 1991 c 148 s 2; 1993
c 54 s 4,5; 1995 c 136 s 5,6; 1995 c 189 s 2,3; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 19-28; 1998 c 313 s 1; 2001 c 26
s 1; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 22-24; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 11; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 21-25; 2004 c 288 art 3
s 17; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2007 c 147 art 10 s 15

253B.04 VOLUNTARY TREATMENT AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES.
    Subdivision 1. Voluntary admission and treatment. (a) Voluntary admission is preferred
over involuntary commitment and treatment. Any person 16 years of age or older may request to
be admitted to a treatment facility as a voluntary patient for observation, evaluation, diagnosis,
care and treatment without making formal written application. Any person under the age of 16
years may be admitted as a patient with the consent of a parent or legal guardian if it is determined
by independent examination that there is reasonable evidence that (1) the proposed patient has
a mental illness, or is developmentally disabled or chemically dependent; and (2) the proposed
patient is suitable for treatment. The head of the treatment facility shall not arbitrarily refuse any
person seeking admission as a voluntary patient. In making decisions regarding admissions,
the facility shall use clinical admission criteria consistent with the current applicable inpatient
admission standards established by the American Psychiatric Association or the American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. These criteria must be no more restrictive than, and
must be consistent with, the requirements of section 62Q.53. The facility may not refuse to admit
a person voluntarily solely because the person does not meet the criteria for involuntary holds
under section 253B.05 or the definition of mental illness under section 253B.02, subdivision 13.
(b) In addition to the consent provisions of paragraph (a), a person who is 16 or 17 years
of age who refuses to consent personally to admission may be admitted as a patient for mental
illness or chemical dependency treatment with the consent of a parent or legal guardian if it is
determined by an independent examination that there is reasonable evidence that the proposed
patient is chemically dependent or has a mental illness and is suitable for treatment. The person
conducting the examination shall notify the proposed patient and the parent or legal guardian
of this determination.
(c) A person who is voluntarily participating in treatment for a mental illness is not subject to
civil commitment under this chapter if the person:
(1) has given informed consent or, if lacking capacity, is a person for whom legally valid
substitute consent has been given; and
(2) is participating in a medically appropriate course of treatment, including clinically
appropriate and lawful use of neuroleptic medication and electroconvulsive therapy. The
limitation on commitment in this paragraph does not apply if, based on clinical assessment,
the court finds that it is unlikely that the person will remain in and cooperate with a medically
appropriate course of treatment absent commitment and the standards for commitment are
otherwise met. This paragraph does not apply to a person for whom commitment proceedings are
initiated pursuant to rule 20.01 or 20.02 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, or a person found by
the court to meet the requirements under section 253B.02, subdivision 17.
Legally valid substitute consent may be provided by a proxy under a health care directive,
a guardian or conservator with authority to consent to mental health treatment, or consent to
admission under subdivision 1a or 1b.
    Subd. 1a. Voluntary treatment or admission for persons with mental illness. (a) A person
with a mental illness may seek or voluntarily agree to accept treatment or admission to a facility.
If the mental health provider determines that the person lacks the capacity to give informed
consent for the treatment or admission, and in the absence of a health care power of attorney that
authorizes consent, the designated agency or its designee may give informed consent for mental
health treatment or admission to a treatment facility on behalf of the person.
(b) The designated agency shall apply the following criteria in determining the person's
ability to give informed consent:
(1) whether the person demonstrates an awareness of the person's illness, and the reasons
for treatment, its risks, benefits and alternatives, and the possible consequences of refusing
treatment; and
(2) whether the person communicates verbally or nonverbally a clear choice concerning
treatment that is a reasoned one, not based on delusion, even though it may not be in the person's
best interests.
(c) The basis for the designated agency's decision that the person lacks the capacity to
give informed consent for treatment or admission, and that the patient has voluntarily accepted
treatment or admission, must be documented in writing.
(d) A mental health provider that provides treatment in reliance on the written consent given
by the designated agency under this subdivision or by a substitute decision maker appointed
by the court is not civilly or criminally liable for performing treatment without consent. This
paragraph does not affect any other liability that may result from the manner in which the
treatment is performed.
(e) A person who receives treatment or is admitted to a facility under this subdivision or
subdivision 1b has the right to refuse treatment at any time or to be released from a facility as
provided under subdivision 2. The person or any interested person acting on the person's behalf
may seek court review within five days for a determination of whether the person's agreement to
accept treatment or admission is voluntary. At the time a person agrees to treatment or admission
to a facility under this subdivision, the designated agency or its designee shall inform the person
in writing of the person's rights under this paragraph.
(f) This subdivision does not authorize the administration of neuroleptic medications.
Neuroleptic medications may be administered only as provided in section 253B.092.
    Subd. 1b. Court appointment of substitute decision maker. If the designated agency
or its designee declines or refuses to give informed consent under subdivision 1a, the person
who is seeking treatment or admission, or an interested person acting on behalf of the person,
may petition the court for appointment of a substitute decision maker who may give informed
consent for voluntary treatment and services. In making this determination, the court shall apply
the criteria in subdivision 1a, paragraph (b).
    Subd. 2. Release. Every patient admitted for mental illness or developmental disability under
this section shall be informed in writing at the time of admission that the patient has a right to
leave the facility within 12 hours of making a request, unless held under another provision of this
chapter. Every patient admitted for chemical dependency under this section shall be informed in
writing at the time of admission that the patient has a right to leave the facility within 72 hours,
exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, of making a request, unless held under another
provision of this chapter. The request shall be submitted in writing to the head of the treatment
facility or the person's designee.
History: 1982 c 581 s 4; 1983 c 251 s 7; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 29; 1998 c 399 s 28;
1999 c 32 s 1; 2000 c 316 s 2; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 25-27; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c
14 art 6 s 45; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.045 TEMPORARY CONFINEMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Restriction. Except when ordered by the court pursuant to a finding of
necessity to protect the life of the proposed patient or others, no person subject to the provisions
of this chapter shall be confined in a jail or correctional institution, except pursuant to chapter
242 or 244.
    Subd. 2. Facilities. Each county or a group of counties shall maintain or provide by contract
a facility for confinement of persons held temporarily for observation, evaluation, diagnosis,
treatment, and care. When the temporary confinement is provided at a regional treatment center,
the commissioner shall charge the county of financial responsibility for the costs of confinement
of persons hospitalized under section 253B.05, subdivisions 1 and 2, and section 253B.07,
subdivision 2b , except that the commissioner shall bill the responsible health plan first. If the
person has health plan coverage, but the hospitalization does not meet the criteria in subdivision
6 or section 62M.07, 62Q.53, or 62Q.535, the county is responsible. "County of financial
responsibility" means the county in which the person resides at the time of confinement or, if the
person has no residence in this state, the county which initiated the confinement. The charge shall
be based on the commissioner's determination of the cost of care pursuant to section 246.50,
subdivision 5 . When there is a dispute as to which county is the county of financial responsibility,
the county charged for the costs of confinement shall pay for them pending final determination of
the dispute over financial responsibility. Disputes about the county of financial responsibility shall
be submitted to the commissioner to be settled in the manner prescribed in section 256G.09.
    Subd. 3. Cost of care. Notwithstanding subdivision 2, a county shall be responsible for the
cost of care as specified under section 246.54 for persons hospitalized at a regional treatment
center in accordance with section 253B.09 and the person's legal status has been changed to a
court hold under section 253B.07, subdivision 2b, pending a judicial determination regarding
continued commitment pursuant to sections 253B.12 and 253B.13.
    Subd. 4. Treatment. The designated agency shall take reasonable measures to assure proper
care and treatment of a person temporarily confined pursuant to this section.
    Subd. 5. Health plan company; definition. For purposes of this section, "health plan
company" has the meaning given it in section 62Q.01, subdivision 4, and also includes a
demonstration provider as defined in section 256B.69, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), a county or
group of counties participating in county-based purchasing according to section 256B.692, and a
children's mental health collaborative under contract to provide medical assistance for individuals
enrolled in the prepaid medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs according to sections
245.493 to 245.495.
    Subd. 6. Coverage. (a) For purposes of this section, "mental health services" means all
covered services that are intended to treat or ameliorate an emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric
condition and that are covered by the policy, contract, or certificate of coverage of the enrollee's
health plan company or by law.
(b) All health plan companies that provide coverage for mental health services must cover or
provide mental health services ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction under a court order
that is issued on the basis of a behavioral care evaluation performed by a licensed psychiatrist or a
doctoral level licensed psychologist, which includes a diagnosis and an individual treatment plan
for care in the most appropriate, least restrictive environment. The health plan company must
be given a copy of the court order and the behavioral care evaluation. The health plan company
shall be financially liable for the evaluation if performed by a participating provider of the health
plan company and shall be financially liable for the care included in the court-ordered individual
treatment plan if the care is covered by the health plan company and ordered to be provided by a
participating provider or another provider as required by rule or law. This court-ordered coverage
must not be subject to a separate medical necessity determination by a health plan company under
its utilization procedures.
History: 1982 c 581 s 11; 1983 c 141 s 1; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1996 c 451 art 5 s 8; 1997 c
217 art 1 s 64,65,117; 1998 c 313 s 2,3; 1999 c 245 art 5 s 12,13; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 28; 2002 c
277 s 4; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 11; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 12

253B.05 EMERGENCY ADMISSION.
    Subdivision 1. Emergency hold. (a) Any person may be admitted or held for emergency
care and treatment in a treatment facility with the consent of the head of the treatment facility
upon a written statement by an examiner that:
(1) the examiner has examined the person not more than 15 days prior to admission;
(2) the examiner is of the opinion, for stated reasons, that the person is mentally ill,
developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent, and is in danger of causing injury to self or
others if not immediately detained; and
(3) an order of the court cannot be obtained in time to prevent the anticipated injury.
(b) If the proposed patient has been brought to the treatment facility by another person, the
examiner shall make a good faith effort to obtain a statement of information that is available from
that person, which must be taken into consideration in deciding whether to place the proposed
patient on an emergency hold. The statement of information must include, to the extent available,
direct observations of the proposed patient's behaviors, reliable knowledge of recent and past
behavior, and information regarding psychiatric history, past treatment, and current mental health
providers. The examiner shall also inquire into the existence of health care directives under
chapter 145, and advance psychiatric directives under section 253B.03, subdivision 6d.
(c) The examiner's statement shall be: (1) sufficient authority for a peace or health officer
to transport a patient to a treatment facility, (2) stated in behavioral terms and not in conclusory
language, and (3) of sufficient specificity to provide an adequate record for review. If danger
to specific individuals is a basis for the emergency hold, the statement must identify those
individuals, to the extent practicable. A copy of the examiner's statement shall be personally
served on the person immediately upon admission and a copy shall be maintained by the
treatment facility.
    Subd. 2. Peace or health officer authority. (a) A peace or health officer may take a person
into custody and transport the person to a licensed physician or treatment facility if the officer
has reason to believe, either through direct observation of the person's behavior, or upon reliable
information of the person's recent behavior and knowledge of the person's past behavior or
psychiatric treatment, that the person is mentally ill or developmentally disabled and in danger of
injuring self or others if not immediately detained. A peace or health officer or a person working
under such officer's supervision, may take a person who is believed to be chemically dependent or
is intoxicated in public into custody and transport the person to a treatment facility. If the person
is intoxicated in public or is believed to be chemically dependent and is not in danger of causing
self-harm or harm to any person or property, the peace or health officer may transport the person
home. The peace or health officer shall make written application for admission of the person to the
treatment facility. The application shall contain the peace or health officer's statement specifying
the reasons for and circumstances under which the person was taken into custody. If danger to
specific individuals is a basis for the emergency hold, the statement must include identifying
information on those individuals, to the extent practicable. A copy of the statement shall be
made available to the person taken into custody.
(b) As far as is practicable, a peace officer who provides transportation for a person placed
in a facility under this subdivision may not be in uniform and may not use a vehicle visibly
marked as a law enforcement vehicle.
(c) A person may be admitted to a treatment facility for emergency care and treatment under
this subdivision with the consent of the head of the facility under the following circumstances:
(1) a written statement shall only be made by the following individuals who are knowledgeable,
trained, and practicing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness or developmental
disability; the medical officer, or the officer's designee on duty at the facility, including a licensed
physician, a registered physician assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse who after
preliminary examination has determined that the person has symptoms of mental illness or
developmental disability and appears to be in danger of harming self or others if not immediately
detained; or (2) a written statement is made by the institution program director or the director's
designee on duty at the facility after preliminary examination that the person has symptoms of
chemical dependency and appears to be in danger of harming self or others if not immediately
detained or is intoxicated in public.
    Subd. 2a.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 2b. Notice. Every person held pursuant to this section must be informed in writing at
the time of admission of the right to leave after 72 hours, to a medical examination within 48
hours, and to request a change to voluntary status. The treatment facility shall, upon request, assist
the person in exercising the rights granted in this subdivision.
    Subd. 3. Duration of hold. (a) Any person held pursuant to this section may be held up to 72
hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays after admission. If a petition for the
commitment of the person is filed in the district court in the county of the person's residence or of
the county in which the treatment facility is located, the court may issue a judicial hold order
pursuant to section 253B.07, subdivision 2b.
(b) During the 72-hour hold period, a court may not release a person held under this section
unless the court has received a written petition for release and held a summary hearing regarding
the release. The petition must include the name of the person being held, the basis for and location
of the hold, and a statement as to why the hold is improper. The petition also must include copies
of any written documentation under subdivision 1 or 2 in support of the hold, unless the person
holding the petitioner refuses to supply the documentation. The hearing must be held as soon as
practicable and may be conducted by means of a telephone conference call or similar method
by which the participants are able to simultaneously hear each other. If the court decides to
release the person, the court shall direct the release and shall issue written findings supporting the
decision. The release may not be delayed pending the written order. Before deciding to release the
person, the court shall make every reasonable effort to provide notice of the proposed release to:
(1) any specific individuals identified in a statement under subdivision 1 or 2 or individuals
identified in the record who might be endangered if the person was not held;
(2) the examiner whose written statement was a basis for a hold under subdivision 1; and
(3) the peace or health officer who applied for a hold under subdivision 2.
(c) If a person is intoxicated in public and held under this section for detoxification, a
treatment facility may release the person without providing notice under paragraph (d) as soon
as the treatment facility determines the person is no longer a danger to themselves or others.
Notice must be provided to the peace officer or health officer who transported the person, or the
appropriate law enforcement agency, if the officer or agency requests notification.
(d) If a treatment facility releases a person during the 72-hour hold period, the head of the
treatment facility shall immediately notify the agency which employs the peace or health officer
who transported the person to the treatment facility under this section.
(e) A person held under a 72-hour emergency hold must be released by the facility within
72 hours unless a court order to hold the person is obtained. A consecutive emergency hold
order under this section may not be issued.
    Subd. 4. Change of status. Any person admitted pursuant to this section shall be changed to
voluntary status provided by section 253B.04 upon the person's request in writing and with the
consent of the head of the treatment facility.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
History: 1982 c 581 s 5; 1983 c 251 s 8,9; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 64 s 1-3; 1995 c 189 s 4,5,8;
1996 c 277 s 1; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 30-34; 1998 c 313 s 4; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 29; 2002 c 335 s 1;
2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 108 s 3; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 6 s 46; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 165 art 3 s 3

253B.06 INITIAL ASSESSMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled. Every patient
hospitalized as mentally ill or developmentally disabled pursuant to section 253B.04 or 253B.05
must be examined by a physician as soon as possible but no more than 48 hours following
admission. The physician shall be knowledgeable and trained in the diagnosis of the alleged
disability related to the need for admission as a person who is mentally ill or developmentally
disabled.
    Subd. 2. Chemically dependent persons. Patients hospitalized as chemically dependent
pursuant to section 253B.04 or 253B.05 shall also be examined within 48 hours of admission. At
a minimum, the examination shall consist of a physical evaluation by facility staff according to
procedures established by a physician and an evaluation by staff knowledgeable and trained in the
diagnosis of the alleged disability related to the need for admission as a chemically dependent
person.
    Subd. 2a. Patient refusal. If a patient refuses to be examined, the determination of the
patient's need for treatment may be based on other available information and documented in
the patient's medical record.
    Subd. 3. Discharge. At the end of a 48-hour period, any patient admitted pursuant to section
253B.05 shall be discharged if an examination has not been held or if the examiner or evaluation
staff person fails to notify the head of the treatment facility in writing that in the examiner's or
staff person's opinion the patient is apparently in need of care, treatment, and evaluation as a
mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent person.
History: 1982 c 581 s 6; 1983 c 251 s 10; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 35; 2002 c 221
s 22; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.064 COURT-ORDERED EARLY INTERVENTION; PRELIMINARY
PROCEDURES.
    Subdivision 1. General. (a) An interested person may apply to the designated agency for
early intervention of a proposed patient in the county of the patient's residence or presence. If the
designated agency determines that early intervention may be appropriate, a prepetition screening
report must be prepared pursuant to section 253B.07, subdivision 1. The county attorney may file
a petition for early intervention following the procedures of section 253B.07, subdivision 2.
(b) The proposed patient is entitled to representation by counsel, pursuant to section
253B.03, subdivision 9. The proposed patient shall be examined by an examiner, and has the right
to a second independent examiner, pursuant to section 253B.07, subdivisions 3 and 5.
    Subd. 2. Prehearing examination; failure to appear. If a proposed patient fails to appear
for the examination, the court may:
(1) reschedule the examination; or
(2) deem the failure to appear as a waiver of the proposed patient's right to an examination
and consider the failure to appear when deciding the merits of the petition for early intervention.
    Subd. 3. County option. Nothing in sections 253B.064 to 253B.066 requires a county to
use early intervention procedures.
History: 1997 c 217 art 1 s 36

253B.065 COURT-ORDERED EARLY INTERVENTION; HEARING PROCEDURES.
    Subdivision 1. Time for early intervention hearing. The hearing on the petition for early
intervention shall be held within 14 days from the date of the filing of the petition. For good cause
shown, the court may extend the time of hearing up to an additional 30 days. When any proposed
patient has not had a hearing on a petition filed for early intervention within the allowed time,
the proceedings shall be dismissed.
    Subd. 2. Notice of hearing. The proposed patient, the patient's counsel, the petitioner, the
county attorney, and any other persons as the court directs shall be given at least five days' notice
that a hearing will be held and at least two days' notice of the time and date of the hearing,
except that any person may waive notice. Notice to the proposed patient may be waived by
patient's counsel.
    Subd. 3. Failure to appear. If a proposed patient fails to appear at the hearing, the court
may reschedule the hearing within five days and direct a health officer, peace officer, or other
person to take the proposed patient to an appropriate treatment facility designated by the court and
transport the person to the hearing.
    Subd. 4. Procedures. The hearing must be conducted pursuant to section 253B.08,
subdivisions 3 to 8 .
    Subd. 5. Early intervention criteria. (a) A court shall order early intervention treatment
of a proposed patient who meets the criteria under paragraph (b) or (c). The early intervention
treatment must be less intrusive than long-term inpatient commitment and must be the least
restrictive treatment program available that can meet the patient's treatment needs.
(b) The court shall order early intervention treatment if the court finds all of the elements of
the following factors by clear and convincing evidence:
(1) the proposed patient is mentally ill;
(2) the proposed patient refuses to accept appropriate mental health treatment; and
(3) the proposed patient's mental illness is manifested by instances of grossly disturbed
behavior or faulty perceptions and either:
(i) the grossly disturbed behavior or faulty perceptions significantly interfere with the
proposed patient's ability to care for self and the proposed patient, when competent, would have
chosen substantially similar treatment under the same circumstances; or
(ii) due to the mental illness, the proposed patient received court-ordered inpatient
treatment under section 253B.09 at least two times in the previous three years; the patient is
exhibiting symptoms or behavior substantially similar to those that precipitated one or more of
the court-ordered treatments; and the patient is reasonably expected to physically or mentally
deteriorate to the point of meeting the criteria for commitment under section 253B.09 unless
treated.
For purposes of this paragraph, a proposed patient who was released under section 253B.095
and whose release was not revoked is not considered to have received court-ordered inpatient
treatment under section 253B.09.
(c) The court may order early intervention treatment if the court finds by clear and convincing
evidence that a pregnant woman is a chemically dependent person. A chemically dependent
person for purposes of this section is a woman who has during pregnancy engaged in excessive
use, for a nonmedical purpose, of controlled substances or their derivatives, alcohol, or inhalants
that will pose a substantial risk of damage to the brain or physical development of the fetus.
(d) For purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c), none of the following constitute a refusal to
accept appropriate mental health treatment:
(1) a willingness to take medication but a reasonable disagreement about type or dosage;
(2) a good-faith effort to follow a reasonable alternative treatment plan, including treatment
as specified in a valid advance directive under chapter 145C or section 253B.03, subdivision 6d;
(3) an inability to obtain access to appropriate treatment because of inadequate health care
coverage or an insurer's refusal or delay in providing coverage for the treatment; or
(4) an inability to obtain access to needed mental health services because the provider will
only accept patients who are under a court order or because the provider gives persons under a
court order a priority over voluntary patients in obtaining treatment and services.
History: 1997 c 217 art 1 s 37; 1999 c 118 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 30; 2002 c 379 art 1
s 113; 2007 c 69 s 2

253B.066 COURT-ORDERED EARLY INTERVENTION; DECISION; TREATMENT
ALTERNATIVES; DURATION.
    Subdivision 1. Treatment alternatives. If the court orders early intervention under section
253B.065, subdivision 5, the court may include in its order a variety of treatment alternatives
including, but not limited to, day treatment, medication compliance monitoring, and short-term
hospitalization not to exceed 21 days.
If the court orders short-term hospitalization and the proposed patient will not go voluntarily,
the court may direct a health officer, peace officer, or other person to take the person into custody
and transport the person to the hospital.
    Subd. 2. Findings. The court shall find the facts specifically and separately state its
conclusions of law in its order. Where early intervention is ordered, the findings of fact and
conclusions of law shall specifically state the proposed patient's conduct which is a basis for
determining that each of the requisites for early intervention is met.
The court shall also determine the nature and extent of the property of the patient and of the
persons who are liable for the patient's care.
    Subd. 3. Duration. The order for early intervention shall not exceed 90 days.
History: 1997 c 217 art 1 s 38; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 31; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113

253B.07 JUDICIAL COMMITMENT; PRELIMINARY PROCEDURES.
    Subdivision 1. Prepetition screening. (a) Prior to filing a petition for commitment of or
early intervention for a proposed patient, an interested person shall apply to the designated
agency in the county of the proposed patient's residence or presence for conduct of a preliminary
investigation, except when the proposed patient has been acquitted of a crime under section
611.026 and the county attorney is required to file a petition for commitment. The designated
agency shall appoint a screening team to conduct an investigation. The petitioner may not be a
member of the screening team. The investigation must include:
(i) a personal interview with the proposed patient and other individuals who appear to have
knowledge of the condition of the proposed patient. If the proposed patient is not interviewed,
specific reasons must be documented;
(ii) identification and investigation of specific alleged conduct which is the basis for
application;
(iii) identification, exploration, and listing of the specific reasons for rejecting or
recommending alternatives to involuntary placement;
(iv) in the case of a commitment based on mental illness, the following information, if it
is known or available, that may be relevant to the administration of neuroleptic medications,
including the existence of a declaration under section 253B.03, subdivision 6d, or a health care
directive under chapter 145C or a guardian, conservator, proxy, or agent with authority to make
health care decisions for the proposed patient; information regarding the capacity of the proposed
patient to make decisions regarding administration of neuroleptic medication; and whether the
proposed patient is likely to consent or refuse consent to administration of the medication;
(v) seeking input from the proposed patient's health plan company to provide the court with
information about services the enrollee needs and the least restrictive alternatives; and
(vi) in the case of a commitment based on mental illness, information listed in clause (iv) for
other purposes relevant to treatment.
(b) In conducting the investigation required by this subdivision, the screening team shall
have access to all relevant medical records of proposed patients currently in treatment facilities.
The interviewer shall inform the proposed patient that any information provided by the proposed
patient may be included in the prepetition screening report and may be considered in the
commitment proceedings. Data collected pursuant to this clause shall be considered private
data on individuals. The prepetition screening report is not admissible as evidence except by
agreement of counsel or as permitted by this chapter or the rules of court and is not admissible in
any court proceedings unrelated to the commitment proceedings.
(c) The prepetition screening team shall provide a notice, written in easily understood
language, to the proposed patient, the petitioner, persons named in a declaration under chapter
145C or section 253B.03, subdivision 6d, and, with the proposed patient's consent, other
interested parties. The team shall ask the patient if the patient wants the notice read and shall read
the notice to the patient upon request. The notice must contain information regarding the process,
purpose, and legal effects of civil commitment and early intervention. The notice must inform
the proposed patient that:
(1) if a petition is filed, the patient has certain rights, including the right to a court-appointed
attorney, the right to request a second examiner, the right to attend hearings, and the right to
oppose the proceeding and to present and contest evidence; and
(2) if the proposed patient is committed to a state regional treatment center or group home,
the patient may be billed for the cost of care and the state has the right to make a claim against the
patient's estate for this cost.
The Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities shall develop a form for
the notice which includes the requirements of this paragraph.
(d) When the prepetition screening team recommends commitment, a written report shall be
sent to the county attorney for the county in which the petition is to be filed. The statement of
facts contained in the written report must meet the requirements of subdivision 2, paragraph (b).
(e) The prepetition screening team shall refuse to support a petition if the investigation does
not disclose evidence sufficient to support commitment. Notice of the prepetition screening team's
decision shall be provided to the prospective petitioner and to the proposed patient.
(f) If the interested person wishes to proceed with a petition contrary to the recommendation
of the prepetition screening team, application may be made directly to the county attorney, who
shall determine whether or not to proceed with the petition. Notice of the county attorney's
determination shall be provided to the interested party.
(g) If the proposed patient has been acquitted of a crime under section 611.026, the county
attorney shall apply to the designated county agency in the county in which the acquittal took
place for a preliminary investigation unless substantially the same information relevant to the
proposed patient's current mental condition, as could be obtained by a preliminary investigation,
is part of the court record in the criminal proceeding or is contained in the report of a mental
examination conducted in connection with the criminal proceeding. If a court petitions for
commitment pursuant to the Rules of Criminal or Juvenile Procedure or a county attorney petitions
pursuant to acquittal of a criminal charge under section 611.026, the prepetition investigation, if
required by this section, shall be completed within seven days after the filing of the petition.
    Subd. 2. The petition. (a) Any interested person, except a member of the prepetition
screening team, may file a petition for commitment in the district court of the county of the
proposed patient's residence or presence. If the head of the treatment facility believes that
commitment is required and no petition has been filed, the head of the treatment facility shall
petition for the commitment of the person.
(b) The petition shall set forth the name and address of the proposed patient, the name and
address of the patient's nearest relatives, and the reasons for the petition. The petition must contain
factual descriptions of the proposed patient's recent behavior, including a description of the
behavior, where it occurred, and the time period over which it occurred. Each factual allegation
must be supported by observations of witnesses named in the petition. Petitions shall be stated in
behavioral terms and shall not contain judgmental or conclusory statements.
(c) The petition shall be accompanied by a written statement by an examiner stating that the
examiner has examined the proposed patient within the 15 days preceding the filing of the petition
and is of the opinion that the proposed patient is suffering a designated disability and should be
committed to a treatment facility. The statement shall include the reasons for the opinion. In
the case of a commitment based on mental illness, the petition and the examiner's statement
shall include, to the extent this information is available, a statement and opinion regarding the
proposed patient's need for treatment with neuroleptic medication and the patient's capacity to
make decisions regarding the administration of neuroleptic medications, and the reasons for the
opinion. If use of neuroleptic medications is recommended by the treating physician, the petition
for commitment must, if applicable, include or be accompanied by a request for proceedings
under section 253B.092. Failure to include the required information regarding neuroleptic
medications in the examiner's statement, or to include a request for an order regarding neuroleptic
medications with the commitment petition, is not a basis for dismissing the commitment petition.
If a petitioner has been unable to secure a statement from an examiner, the petition shall include
documentation that a reasonable effort has been made to secure the supporting statement.
    Subd. 2a. Petition following acquittal; referral. Following an acquittal of a person of a
criminal charge under section 611.026, the petition shall be filed by the county attorney of the
county in which the acquittal took place and the petition shall be filed with the court in which the
acquittal took place, and that court shall be the committing court for purposes of this chapter.
When a petition is filed pursuant to subdivision 2 with the court in which acquittal of a criminal
charge took place, the court shall assign the judge before whom the acquittal took place to hear
the commitment proceedings unless that judge is unavailable.
    Subd. 2b. Apprehend and hold orders. The court may order the treatment facility to hold
the person in a treatment facility or direct a health officer, peace officer, or other person to take
the proposed patient into custody and transport the proposed patient to a treatment facility for
observation, evaluation, diagnosis, care, treatment, and, if necessary, confinement, when:
(1) there has been a particularized showing by the petitioner that serious physical harm to the
proposed patient or others is likely unless the proposed patient is immediately apprehended;
(2) the proposed patient has not voluntarily appeared for the examination or the commitment
hearing pursuant to the summons; or
(3) a person is held pursuant to section 253B.05 and a request for a petition for commitment
has been filed.
The order of the court may be executed on any day and at any time by the use of all necessary
means including the imposition of necessary restraint upon the proposed patient. Where possible,
a peace officer taking the proposed patient into custody pursuant to this subdivision shall not be in
uniform and shall not use a motor vehicle visibly marked as a police vehicle.
    Subd. 2c. Right to counsel. A patient has the right to be represented by counsel at any
proceeding under this chapter. The court shall appoint a qualified attorney to represent the
proposed patient if neither the proposed patient nor others provide counsel. The attorney shall be
appointed at the time a petition for commitment is filed. In all proceedings under this chapter, the
attorney shall:
(1) consult with the person prior to any hearing;
(2) be given adequate time and access to records to prepare for all hearings;
(3) continue to represent the person throughout any proceedings under this chapter unless
released as counsel by the court; and
(4) be a vigorous advocate on behalf of the person.
    Subd. 2d. Change of venue. Either party may move to have the venue of the petition
changed to the district court of the county of the person's residence, if the person is a resident of
Minnesota. If the petition has been filed pursuant to the Rules of Criminal or Juvenile Procedure,
venue may not be changed without the approval of the court in which the juvenile or criminal
proceedings are pending.
    Subd. 3. Examiners. After a petition has been filed, the court shall appoint an examiner.
Prior to the hearing, the court shall inform the proposed patient of the right to an independent
second examination. At the proposed patient's request, the court shall appoint a second examiner
of the patient's choosing to be paid for by the county at a rate of compensation fixed by the court.
    Subd. 4. Prehearing examination; notice and summons procedure. (a) A summons
to appear for a prehearing examination and the commitment hearing shall be served upon the
proposed patient. A plain language notice of the proceedings and notice of the filing of the petition
shall be given to the proposed patient, patient's counsel, the petitioner, any interested person, and
any other persons as the court directs.
(b) The prepetition screening report, the petition, and the examiner's supporting statement
shall be distributed to the petitioner, the proposed patient, the patient's counsel, the county
attorney, any person authorized by the patient, and any other person as the court directs.
(c) All papers shall be served personally on the proposed patient. Unless otherwise ordered
by the court, the notice shall be served on the proposed patient by a nonuniformed person.
    Subd. 5. Prehearing examination; report. The examination shall be held at a treatment
facility or other suitable place the court determines is not likely to harm the health of the proposed
patient. The county attorney and the patient's attorney may be present during the examination.
Either party may waive this right. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a court-appointed
examiner shall file the report with the court not less than 48 hours prior to the commitment
hearing. The court shall ensure that copies of the examiner's report are provided to the county
attorney, the proposed patient, and the patient's counsel.
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 7. Preliminary hearing. (a) No proposed patient may be held in a treatment facility
under a judicial hold pursuant to subdivision 6 longer than 72 hours, exclusive of Saturdays,
Sundays, and legal holidays, unless the court holds a preliminary hearing and determines that the
standard is met to hold the person.
(b) The proposed patient, patient's counsel, the petitioner, the county attorney, and any other
persons as the court directs shall be given at least 24 hours written notice of the preliminary
hearing. The notice shall include the alleged grounds for confinement. The proposed patient shall
be represented at the preliminary hearing by counsel. The court may admit reliable hearsay
evidence, including written reports, for the purpose of the preliminary hearing.
(c) The court, on its motion or on the motion of any party, may exclude or excuse a proposed
patient who is seriously disruptive or who is incapable of comprehending and participating in
the proceedings. In such instances, the court shall, with specificity on the record, state the
behavior of the proposed patient or other circumstances which justify proceeding in the absence
of the proposed patient.
(d) The court may continue the judicial hold of the proposed patient if it finds, by a
preponderance of the evidence, that serious physical harm to the proposed patient or others is
likely if the proposed patient is not immediately confined. If a proposed patient was acquitted
of a crime against the person under section 611.026 immediately preceding the filing of the
petition, the court may presume that serious physical harm to the patient or others is likely if the
proposed patient is not immediately confined.
(e) Upon a showing that a person subject to a petition for commitment may need treatment
with neuroleptic medications and that the person may lack capacity to make decisions regarding
that treatment, the court may appoint a substitute decision-maker as provided in section
253B.092, subdivision 6. The substitute decision-maker shall meet with the proposed patient
and provider and make a report to the court at the hearing under section 253B.08 regarding
whether the administration of neuroleptic medications is appropriate under the criteria of section
253B.092, subdivision 7. If the substitute decision-maker consents to treatment with neuroleptic
medications and the proposed patient does not refuse the medication, neuroleptic medication may
be administered to the patient. If the substitute decision-maker does not consent or the patient
refuses, neuroleptic medication may not be administered without a court order, or in an emergency
as set forth in section 253B.092, subdivision 3.
History: 1982 c 581 s 7; 1983 c 251 s 11-13; 1983 c 348 s 4-8; 1984 c 623 s 4; 1986 c 444;
1995 c 189 s 8; 1996 c 277 s 1; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 39-48; 1998 c 313 s 5,6; 1998 c 399 s 29; 1999
c 245 art 5 s 14; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 32-34; 2002 c 335 s 2; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.08 JUDICIAL COMMITMENT; HEARING PROCEDURES.
    Subdivision 1. Time for commitment hearing. The hearing on the commitment petition
shall be held within 14 days from the date of the filing of the petition, except that the hearing
on a commitment petition pursuant to section 253B.185 shall be held within 90 days from the
date of the filing of the petition. For good cause shown, the court may extend the time of hearing
up to an additional 30 days. The proceeding shall be dismissed if the proposed patient has not
had a hearing on a commitment petition within the allowed time. The proposed patient, or the
head of the treatment facility in which the person is held, may demand in writing at any time that
the hearing be held immediately. Unless the hearing is held within five days of the date of the
demand, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, the petition shall be automatically
discharged if the patient is being held in a treatment facility pursuant to court order. For good
cause shown, the court may extend the time of hearing on the demand for an additional ten days.
    Subd. 2. Notice of hearing. The proposed patient, patient's counsel, the petitioner, the county
attorney, and any other persons as the court directs shall be given at least five days' notice that a
hearing will be held and at least two days' notice of the time and date of the hearing, except that
any person may waive notice. Notice to the proposed patient may be waived by patient's counsel.
    Subd. 2a. Place of hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in a manner consistent with
orderly procedure. The hearing shall be held at a courtroom meeting standards prescribed by local
court rule which may be at a treatment facility.
    Subd. 3. Right to attend and testify. All persons to whom notice has been given may attend
the hearing and, except for the proposed patient's counsel, may testify. The court shall notify
them of their right to attend the hearing and to testify. The court may exclude any person not
necessary for the conduct of the proceedings from the hearings except any person requested to be
present by the proposed patient. Nothing in this section shall prevent the court from ordering the
sequestration of any witness or witnesses other than the petitioner or the proposed patient.
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 5. Absence permitted. (a) The court may permit the proposed patient to waive the
right to attend the hearing if it determines that the waiver is freely given. At the time of the
hearing the patient shall not be so under the influence of drugs, medication, or other treatment so
as to be hampered in participating in the proceedings. When the licensed physician or licensed
psychologist attending the patient is of the opinion that the discontinuance of drugs, medication,
or other treatment is not in the best interest of the patient, the court, at the time of the hearing,
shall be presented a record of all drugs, medication or other treatment which the patient has
received during the 48 hours immediately prior to the hearing.
(b) The court, on its own motion or on the motion of any party, may exclude or excuse
a proposed patient who is seriously disruptive or who is incapable of comprehending and
participating in the proceedings. In such instances, the court shall, with specificity on the record,
state the behavior of the proposed patient or other circumstances justifying proceeding in the
absence of the proposed patient.
    Subd. 5a. Witnesses. The proposed patient or the patient's counsel and the county attorney
may present and cross-examine witnesses, including examiners, at the hearing. The court may in
its discretion receive the testimony of any other person. Opinions of court-appointed examiners
may not be admitted into evidence unless the examiner is present to testify, except by agreement
of the parties.
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 7. Evidence. The court shall admit all relevant evidence at the hearing. The court shall
make its determination upon the entire record pursuant to the Rules of Evidence.
In any case where the petition was filed immediately following a criminal proceeding in
which the proposed patient was acquitted under section 611.026, the court shall take judicial
notice of the record of the criminal proceeding.
    Subd. 8. Record required. The court shall keep accurate records containing, among other
appropriate materials, notations of appearances at the hearing, including witnesses, motions made
and their disposition, and all waivers of rights made by the parties. The court shall take and
preserve an accurate stenographic record or tape recording of the proceedings.
History: 1982 c 581 s 8; 1983 c 348 s 9; 1984 c 623 s 5; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 255 s 19;
1997 c 217 art 1 s 49-54; 2005 c 136 art 14 s 2

253B.09 DECISION; STANDARD OF PROOF; DURATION.
    Subdivision 1. Standard of proof. (a) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the proposed patient is a person who is mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically
dependent and after careful consideration of reasonable alternative dispositions, including but not
limited to, dismissal of petition, voluntary outpatient care, voluntary admission to a treatment
facility, appointment of a guardian or conservator, or release before commitment as provided for
in subdivision 4, it finds that there is no suitable alternative to judicial commitment, the court
shall commit the patient to the least restrictive treatment program or alternative programs which
can meet the patient's treatment needs consistent with section 253B.03, subdivision 7.
(b) In deciding on the least restrictive program, the court shall consider a range of treatment
alternatives including, but not limited to, community-based nonresidential treatment, community
residential treatment, partial hospitalization, acute care hospital, and regional treatment center
services. The court shall also consider the proposed patient's treatment preferences and willingness
to participate voluntarily in the treatment ordered. The court may not commit a patient to a facility
or program that is not capable of meeting the patient's needs.
(c) If the commitment as mentally ill, chemically dependent, or developmentally disabled
is to a service facility provided by the commissioner of human services, the court shall order
the commitment to the commissioner. The commissioner shall designate the placement of the
person to the court.
(d) If the court finds a proposed patient to be a person who is mentally ill under
section 253B.02, subdivision 13, paragraph (a), clause (2) or (4), the court shall commit to
a community-based program that meets the proposed patient's needs. For purposes of this
paragraph, a community-based program may include inpatient mental health services at a
community hospital.
    Subd. 2. Findings. The court shall find the facts specifically, and separately state its
conclusions of law. Where commitment is ordered, the findings of fact and conclusions of law
shall specifically state the proposed patient's conduct which is a basis for determining that each of
the requisites for commitment is met.
If commitment is ordered, the findings shall also identify less restrictive alternatives
considered and rejected by the court and the reasons for rejecting each alternative.
If the proceedings are dismissed, the court may direct that the person be transported back
to a suitable location.
    Subd. 3. Financial determination. The court shall determine the nature and extent of the
property of the patient and of the persons who are liable for the patient's care. If the patient is
committed to a regional treatment center, the court shall send a copy of the commitment order
to the commissioner.
    Subd. 3a. Reporting judicial commitments; private treatment program or facility.
Notwithstanding section 253B.23, subdivision 9, when a court commits a patient to a treatment
program or facility other than a state-operated program or facility, the court shall report the
commitment to the commissioner through the Supreme Court information system for purposes of
providing commitment information for firearm background checks under section 245.041.
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1988 c 623 s 17]
    Subd. 5. Initial commitment period. The initial commitment begins on the date that the
court issues its order or warrant under section 253B.10, subdivision 1. For persons committed as
mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent the initial commitment shall not
exceed six months.
History: 1982 c 581 s 9; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 623 s 6; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 55-59; 1998 c 313 s
7; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 35; 2002 c 221 s 23; 2002 c 335 s 3; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c
14 art 6 s 47; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.091 [Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]

253B.092 ADMINISTRATION OF NEUROLEPTIC MEDICATION.
    Subdivision 1. General. Neuroleptic medications may be administered to patients subject
to early intervention or civil commitment as mentally ill or mentally ill and dangerous only as
provided in this section. For purposes of this section, "patient" includes a proposed patient who is
the subject of a petition for early intervention or commitment.
    Subd. 2. Administration without judicial review. Neuroleptic medications may be
administered without judicial review in the following circumstances:
(1) the patient has the capacity to make an informed decision under subdivision 4;
(2) the patient does not have the present capacity to consent to the administration of
neuroleptic medication, but prepared a health care directive under chapter 145C or a declaration
under section 253B.03, subdivision 6d, requesting treatment or authorizing an agent or proxy to
request treatment, and the agent or proxy has requested the treatment;
(3) a substitute decision-maker appointed by the court consents to the administration of the
neuroleptic medication and the patient does not refuse administration of the medication; or
(4) the substitute decision-maker does not consent or the patient is refusing medication,
and the patient is in an emergency situation.
    Subd. 3. Emergency administration. A treating physician may administer neuroleptic
medication to a patient who does not have capacity to make a decision regarding administration of
the medication if the patient is in an emergency situation. Medication may be administered for so
long as the emergency continues to exist, up to 14 days, if the treating physician determines that
the medication is necessary to prevent serious, immediate physical harm to the patient or to others.
If a request for authorization to administer medication is made to the court within the 14 days,
the treating physician may continue the medication through the date of the first court hearing,
if the emergency continues to exist. If the request for authorization to administer medication is
made to the court in conjunction with a petition for commitment or early intervention and the
court makes a determination at the preliminary hearing under section 253B.07, subdivision 7,
that there is sufficient cause to continue the physician's order until the hearing under section
253B.08, the treating physician may continue the medication until that hearing, if the emergency
continues to exist. The treatment facility shall document the emergency in the patient's medical
record in specific behavioral terms.
    Subd. 4. Patients with capacity to make informed decision. A patient who has the
capacity to make an informed decision regarding the administration of neuroleptic medication
may consent or refuse consent to administration of the medication. The informed consent of a
patient must be in writing.
    Subd. 5. Determination of capacity. (a) A patient is presumed to have capacity to make
decisions regarding administration of neuroleptic medication.
(b) In determining a person's capacity to make decisions regarding the administration of
neuroleptic medication, the court shall consider:
(1) whether the person demonstrates an awareness of the nature of the person's situation,
including the reasons for hospitalization, and the possible consequences of refusing treatment
with neuroleptic medications;
(2) whether the person demonstrates an understanding of treatment with neuroleptic
medications and the risks, benefits, and alternatives; and
(3) whether the person communicates verbally or nonverbally a clear choice regarding
treatment with neuroleptic medications that is a reasoned one not based on delusion, even though
it may not be in the person's best interests.
Disagreement with the physician's recommendation is not evidence of an unreasonable
decision.
    Subd. 6. Patients without capacity to make informed decision; substitute decision-maker.
(a) Upon request of any person, and upon a showing that administration of neuroleptic medications
may be recommended and that the person may lack capacity to make decisions regarding the
administration of neuroleptic medication, the court shall appoint a substitute decision-maker with
authority to consent to the administration of neuroleptic medication as provided in this section. A
hearing is not required for an appointment under this paragraph. The substitute decision-maker
must be an individual or a community or institutional multidisciplinary panel designated by the
local mental health authority. In appointing a substitute decision-maker, the court shall give
preference to a guardian or conservator, proxy, or health care agent with authority to make health
care decisions for the patient. The court may provide for the payment of a reasonable fee to the
substitute decision-maker for services under this section or may appoint a volunteer.
(b) If the person's treating physician recommends treatment with neuroleptic medication, the
substitute decision-maker may give or withhold consent to the administration of the medication,
based on the standards under subdivision 7. If the substitute decision-maker gives informed
consent to the treatment and the person does not refuse, the substitute decision-maker shall
provide written consent to the treating physician and the medication may be administered. The
substitute decision-maker shall also notify the court that consent has been given. If the substitute
decision-maker refuses or withdraws consent or the person refuses the medication, neuroleptic
medication may not be administered to the person without a court order or in an emergency.
(c) A substitute decision-maker appointed under this section has access to the relevant
sections of the patient's health records on the past or present administration of medication. The
designated agency or a person involved in the patient's physical or mental health care may disclose
information to the substitute decision-maker for the sole purpose of performing the responsibilities
under this section. The substitute decision-maker may not disclose health records obtained under
this paragraph except to the extent necessary to carry out the duties under this section.
(d) At a hearing under section 253B.08, the petitioner has the burden of proving incapacity
by a preponderance of the evidence. If a substitute decision-maker has been appointed by the
court, the court shall make findings regarding the patient's capacity to make decisions regarding
the administration of neuroleptic medications and affirm or reverse its appointment of a substitute
decision-maker. If the court affirms the appointment of the substitute decision-maker, and if the
substitute decision-maker has consented to the administration of the medication and the patient
has not refused, the court shall make findings that the substitute decision-maker has consented
and the treatment is authorized. If a substitute decision-maker has not yet been appointed, upon
request the court shall make findings regarding the patient's capacity and appoint a substitute
decision-maker if appropriate.
(e) If an order for civil commitment or early intervention did not provide for the appointment
of a substitute decision-maker or for the administration of neuroleptic medication, the treatment
facility may later request the appointment of a substitute decision-maker upon a showing that
administration of neuroleptic medications is recommended and that the person lacks capacity to
make decisions regarding the administration of neuroleptic medications. A hearing is not required
in order to administer the neuroleptic medication unless requested under subdivision 10 or if the
substitute decision-maker withholds or refuses consent or the person refuses the medication.
(f) The substitute decision-maker's authority to consent to treatment lasts for the duration of
the court's order of appointment or until modified by the court.
If the substitute decision-maker withdraws consent or the patient refuses consent, neuroleptic
medication may not be administered without a court order.
(g) If there is no hearing after the preliminary hearing, then the court shall, upon the request
of any interested party, review the reasonableness of the substitute decision-maker's decision
based on the standards under subdivision 7. The court shall enter an order upholding or reversing
the decision within seven days.
    Subd. 7. When person lacks capacity to make decisions about medication. (a) When a
person lacks capacity to make decisions regarding the administration of neuroleptic medication,
the substitute decision-maker or the court shall use the standards in this subdivision in making a
decision regarding administration of the medication.
(b) If the person clearly stated what the person would choose to do in this situation when
the person had the capacity to make a reasoned decision, the person's wishes must be followed.
Evidence of the person's wishes may include written instruments, including a durable power of
attorney for health care under chapter 145C or a declaration under section 253B.03, subdivision
6d .
(c) If evidence of the person's wishes regarding the administration of neuroleptic medications
is conflicting or lacking, the decision must be based on what a reasonable person would do,
taking into consideration:
(1) the person's family, community, moral, religious, and social values;
(2) the medical risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed treatment;
(3) past efficacy and any extenuating circumstances of past use of neuroleptic medications;
and
(4) any other relevant factors.
    Subd. 8. Procedure when patient refuses medication. (a) If the substitute decision-maker
or the patient refuses to consent to treatment with neuroleptic medications, and absent an
emergency as set forth in subdivision 3, neuroleptic medications may not be administered without
a court order. Upon receiving a written request for a hearing, the court shall schedule the hearing
within 14 days of the request. The matter may be heard as part of any other district court
proceeding under this chapter. By agreement of the parties or for good cause shown, the court
may extend the time of hearing an additional 30 days.
(b) The patient must be examined by a court examiner prior to the hearing. If the patient
refuses to participate in an examination, the examiner may rely on the patient's medical records to
reach an opinion as to the appropriateness of neuroleptic medication. The patient is entitled to
counsel and a second examiner, if requested by the patient or patient's counsel.
(c) The court may base its decision on relevant and admissible evidence, including the
testimony of a treating physician or other qualified physician, a member of the patient's treatment
team, a court-appointed examiner, witness testimony, or the patient's medical records.
(d) If the court finds that the patient has the capacity to decide whether to take neuroleptic
medication or that the patient lacks capacity to decide and the standards for making a decision
to administer the medications under subdivision 7 are not met, the treating facility may not
administer medication without the patient's informed written consent or without the declaration of
an emergency, or until further review by the court.
(e) If the court finds that the patient lacks capacity to decide whether to take neuroleptic
medication and has applied the standards set forth in subdivision 7, the court may authorize
the treating facility and any other community or treatment facility to which the patient may be
transferred or provisionally discharged, to involuntarily administer the medication to the patient.
A copy of the order must be given to the patient, the patient's attorney, the county attorney, and
the treatment facility. The treatment facility may not begin administration of the neuroleptic
medication until it notifies the patient of the court's order authorizing the treatment.
(f) A finding of lack of capacity under this section must not be construed to determine the
patient's competence for any other purpose.
(g) The court may authorize the administration of neuroleptic medication until the
termination of a determinate commitment. If the patient is committed for an indeterminate period,
the court may authorize treatment of neuroleptic medication for not more than two years, subject
to the patient's right to petition the court for review of the order. The treatment facility must submit
annual reports to the court, which shall provide copies to the patient and the respective attorneys.
(h) The court may limit the maximum dosage of neuroleptic medication that may be
administered.
(i) If physical force is required to administer the neuroleptic medication, force may only take
place in a treatment facility or therapeutic setting where the person's condition can be reassessed
and appropriate medical staff are available.
    Subd. 9. Immunity. A substitute decision-maker who consents to treatment is not civilly or
criminally liable for the performance of or the manner of performing the treatment. A person is
not liable for performing treatment without consent if the substitute decision-maker has given
written consent. This provision does not affect any other liability that may result from the manner
in which the treatment is performed.
    Subd. 10. Review. A patient or other person may petition the court under section 253B.17 for
review of any determination under this section or for a decision regarding the administration of
neuroleptic medications, appointment of a substitute decision-maker, or the patient's capacity to
make decisions regarding administration of neuroleptic medications.
History: 1997 c 217 art 1 s 60; 1998 c 313 s 8,9; 1998 c 399 s 30,31

253B.0921 ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS.
A treating physician who makes medical decisions regarding the prescription and
administration of medication for treatment of a mental illness has access to the relevant sections
of a patient's health records on past administration of medication at any treatment facility, if the
patient lacks the capacity to authorize the release of records. Upon request of a treating physician
under this section, a treatment facility shall supply complete information relating to the past
records on administration of medication of a patient subject to this chapter. A patient who has the
capacity to authorize the release of data retains the right to make decisions regarding access to
medical records as provided by sections 144.291 to 144.298.
History: 1997 c 217 art 1 s 61; 1998 c 313 s 10; 2007 c 147 art 10 s 15

253B.093 [Renumbered 253B.097]

253B.095 RELEASE BEFORE COMMITMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Court release. (a) After the hearing and before a commitment order has been
issued, the court may release a proposed patient to the custody of an individual or agency upon
conditions that guarantee the care and treatment of the patient.
(b) A person against whom a criminal proceeding is pending may not be released.
(c) A continuance for dismissal, with or without findings, may be granted for up to 90 days.
(d) When the court stays an order for commitment for more than 14 days beyond the date of
the initially scheduled hearing, the court shall issue an order that must include:
(1) a written plan for services to which the proposed patient has agreed;
(2) a finding that the proposed treatment is available and accessible to the patient and that
public or private financial resources are available to pay for the proposed treatment; and
(3) conditions the patient must meet to avoid revocation of the stayed commitment order and
imposition of the commitment order.
(e) A person receiving treatment under this section has all rights under this chapter.
    Subd. 2. Case manager. When a court releases a patient under this section, the court shall
direct the case manager to report to the court at least once every 90 days and shall immediately
report a substantial failure of a patient or provider to comply with the conditions of the release.
    Subd. 3. Duration. The maximum duration of a stayed order under this section is six months.
The court may continue the order for a maximum of an additional 12 months if, after notice and
hearing, under sections 253B.08 and 253B.09 the court finds that (1) the person continues to be
mentally ill, chemically dependent, or developmentally disabled, and (2) an order is needed to
protect the patient or others.
    Subd. 4. Modification of order. An order under this section may be modified upon
agreement of the parties and approval of the court.
    Subd. 5. Revocation of order. The court, on its own motion or upon the motion of any party
that the patient has not complied with a material condition of release, and after notice and a
hearing unless otherwise ordered by the court, may revoke any release and commit the proposed
patient under this chapter.
    Subd. 6.[Renumbered subd 4]
    Subd. 7.[Renumbered subd 5]
History: 1988 c 623 s 8; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 62; 1998 c 313 s 11; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.097 COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Findings. In addition to the findings required under section 253B.09,
subdivision 2 , an order committing a person to community-based treatment must include:
(1) a written plan for services to the patient;
(2) a finding that the proposed treatment is available and accessible to the patient and that
public or private financial resources are available to pay for the proposed treatment;
(3) conditions the patient must meet in order to obtain an early release from commitment or
to avoid a hearing for further commitment; and
(4) consequences of the patient's failure to follow the commitment order. Consequences may
include commitment to another setting for treatment.
    Subd. 2. Case manager. When a court commits a patient with mental illness to
community-based treatment, the court shall appoint a case manager from the county agency or
other entity under contract with the county agency to provide case management services.
    Subd. 3. Reports. The case manager shall report to the court at least once every 90 days.
The case manager shall immediately report a substantial failure of the patient or provider to
comply with the conditions of the commitment.
    Subd. 4. Modification of order. An order for community-based treatment may be modified
upon agreement of the parties and approval of the court.
    Subd. 5. Noncompliance. The case manager may petition for a reopening of the commitment
hearing if a patient or provider fails to comply with the terms of an order for community-based
treatment.
    Subd. 6. Immunity from liability. No facility or person is financially liable, personally or
otherwise, for actions of the patient if the facility or person follows accepted community standards
of professional practice in the management, supervision, and treatment of the patient. For
purposes of this subdivision, "person" means official, staff, employee of the facility, physician, or
other individual who is responsible for the management, supervision, or treatment of a patient's
community-based treatment under this section.
History: 1988 c 623 s 7; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 117

253B.10 PROCEDURES UPON COMMITMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Administrative requirements. When a person is committed, the court shall
issue a warrant or an order committing the patient to the custody of the head of the treatment
facility. The warrant or order shall state that the patient meets the statutory criteria for civil
commitment. Upon the arrival of a patient at the designated treatment facility, the head of the
facility shall retain the duplicate of the warrant and endorse receipt upon the original warrant or
acknowledge receipt of the order. The endorsed receipt or acknowledgment must be filed in
the court of commitment. After arrival, the patient shall be under the control and custody of
the head of the treatment facility.
Copies of the petition for commitment, the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law,
the court order committing the patient, the report of the examiners, and the prepetition report shall
be provided promptly to the treatment facility.
    Subd. 2. Transportation. When a patient is about to be placed in a treatment facility,
the court may order the designated agency, the treatment facility, or any responsible adult to
transport the patient to the treatment facility. Whenever possible, a peace officer who provides
the transportation shall not be in uniform and shall not use a vehicle visibly marked as a police
vehicle. The proposed patient may be accompanied by one or more interested persons.
When a patient who is at a regional treatment center requests a hearing for adjudication of a
patient's status pursuant to section 253B.17, the commissioner shall provide transportation.
    Subd. 3. Notice of admission. Whenever a committed person has been admitted to a
treatment facility under the provisions of sections 253B.09 or 253B.18, the head of the treatment
facility shall immediately notify the patient's spouse or parent and the county of the patient's legal
residence if the county may be liable for a portion of the cost of treatment. If the committed
person was admitted upon the petition of a spouse or parent the head of the treatment facility shall
notify an interested person other than the petitioner.
    Subd. 4. Private treatment. Patients or other responsible persons are required to pay the
necessary charges for patients committed or transferred to private treatment facilities. Private
treatment facilities may not refuse to accept a committed person solely based on the person's
court-ordered status. Insurers must provide treatment and services as ordered by the court under
section 253B.045, subdivision 6, or as required under chapter 62M.
    Subd. 5. Transfer to voluntary status. At any time prior to the expiration of the initial
commitment period, a patient who has not been committed as mentally ill and dangerous to
the public may be transferred to voluntary status upon the patient's application in writing with
the consent of the head of the facility. Upon transfer, the head of the treatment facility shall
immediately notify the court in writing and the court shall terminate the proceedings.
History: 1982 c 581 s 10; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 63; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 9 s 36;
2002 c 379 art 1 s 113

253B.11    Subdivision 1.[Renumbered 253B.045, subdivision 1]
    Subd. 2.[Renumbered 253B.045, subd 2]
    Subd. 2a.[Renumbered 253B.045, subd 3]
    Subd. 3.[Renumbered 253B.045, subd 4]

253B.12 TREATMENT REPORT; REVIEW; HEARING.
    Subdivision 1. Reports. (a) If a patient who was committed as a person who is mentally ill,
developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent is discharged from commitment within the
first 60 days after the date of the initial commitment order, the head of the treatment facility shall
file a written report with the committing court describing the patient's need for further treatment.
A copy of the report must be provided to the county attorney, the patient, and the patient's counsel.
(b) If a patient who was committed as a person who is mentally ill, developmentally
disabled, or chemically dependent remains in treatment more than 60 days after the date of the
commitment, then at least 60 days, but not more than 90 days, after the date of the order, the head
of the facility that has custody of the patient shall file a written report with the committing court
and provide a copy to the county attorney, the patient, and the patient's counsel. The report must
set forth in detailed narrative form at least the following:
(1) the diagnosis of the patient with the supporting data;
(2) the anticipated discharge date;
(3) an individualized treatment plan;
(4) a detailed description of the discharge planning process with suggested after care plan;
(5) whether the patient is in need of further care and treatment, the treatment facility which is
needed, and evidence to support the response;
(6) whether the patient satisfies the statutory requirement for continued commitment to a
treatment facility, with documentation to support the opinion; and
(7) whether the administration of neuroleptic medication is clinically indicated, whether the
patient is able to give informed consent to that medication, and the basis for these opinions.
(c) Prior to the termination of the initial commitment order or final discharge of the patient,
the head of the treatment facility that has custody or care of the patient shall file a written report
with the committing court with a copy to the county attorney, the patient, and the patient's counsel
that sets forth the information required in paragraph (b).
(d) If the patient has been provisionally discharged from a treatment facility, the report shall
be filed by the designated agency, which may submit the discharge report as part of its report.
(e) If no written report is filed within the required time, or if a report describes the patient as
not in need of further institutional care and treatment, the proceedings must be terminated by the
committing court and the patient discharged from the treatment facility.
    Subd. 2. Basis for discharge. If no written report is filed within the required time or if the
written statement describes the patient as not in need of further institutional care and treatment,
the proceedings shall be terminated by the committing court, and the patient shall be discharged
from the treatment facility.
    Subd. 2a. Time for hearing. Unless the proceedings are terminated under subdivision 1,
paragraph (e), a review hearing must be held within 14 days after receipt by the committing
court of the report required under subdivision 1, paragraph (c) or (d), and before the time the
commitment expires. For good cause shown, the court may continue the hearing for up to an
additional 14 days and extend any orders until the review hearing is held.
The patient, the patient's counsel, the petitioner, and other persons as the court directs must
be given at least five days' notice of the time and place of the hearing.
    Subd. 3. Examination. Prior to the review hearing, the court shall inform the patient of the
right to an independent examination by an examiner chosen by the patient and appointed in
accordance with provisions of section 253B.07, subdivision 3. The report of the examiner may
be submitted at the hearing.
    Subd. 4. Hearing; standard of proof. The committing court shall not make a final
determination of the need to continue commitment unless the court finds by clear and convincing
evidence that (1) the person continues to be mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically
dependent; (2) involuntary commitment is necessary for the protection of the patient or others;
and (3) there is no alternative to involuntary commitment.
In determining whether a person continues to be mentally ill, chemically dependent, or
developmentally disabled, the court need not find that there has been a recent attempt or threat to
physically harm self or others, or a recent failure to provide necessary personal food, clothing,
shelter, or medical care. Instead, the court must find that the patient is likely to attempt to
physically harm self or others, or to fail to provide necessary personal food, clothing, shelter,
or medical care unless involuntary commitment is continued.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 6. Waiver. A patient, after consultation with counsel, may waive any hearing under
this section or section 253B.13 in writing. The waiver shall be signed by the patient and counsel.
The waiver must be submitted to the committing court.
    Subd. 7. Record required. Where continued commitment is ordered, the findings of fact
and conclusions of law shall specifically state the conduct of the proposed patient which is the
basis for the final determination, that the statutory criteria of commitment continue to be met,
and that less restrictive alternatives have been considered and rejected by the court. Reasons for
rejecting each alternative shall be stated. A copy of the final order for continued commitment
shall be forwarded to the head of the treatment facility.
    Subd. 8.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
History: 1982 c 581 s 12; 1983 c 251 s 14; 1983 c 348 s 10; 1986 c 444; 1990 c 378 s 2;
1995 c 189 s 6; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 66-69; 1998 c 313 s 12; 2002 c 221 s 24; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.13 DURATION OF CONTINUED COMMITMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Mentally ill or chemically dependent persons. If at the conclusion of a
review hearing the court finds that the person continues to be mentally ill or chemically dependent
and in need of treatment or supervision, the court shall determine the length of continued
commitment. No period of commitment shall exceed this length of time or 12 months, whichever
is less.
At the conclusion of the prescribed period, commitment may not be continued unless a
new petition is filed pursuant to section 253B.07 and hearing and determination made on it.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 253B.09, subdivision 5, the initial commitment period
under the new petition shall be the probable length of commitment necessary or 12 months,
whichever is less. The standard of proof at the hearing on the new petition shall be the standard
specified in section 253B.12, subdivision 4.
    Subd. 2. Persons who are developmentally disabled. If, at the conclusion of a review
hearing the court finds that the person continues to be developmentally disabled, the court shall
order commitment of the person for an indeterminate period of time, subject to the reviews
required by section 253B.03, subdivisions 5 and 7, and subject to the right of the patient to
seek judicial review of continued commitment.
    Subd. 3.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
History: 1982 c 581 s 13; 1983 c 251 s 15; 1985 c 231 s 1; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 70,71;
2005 c 56 s 1

253B.14 TRANSFER OF COMMITTED PERSONS.
The commissioner may transfer any committed person, other than a person committed as
mentally ill and dangerous to the public, from one regional treatment center to any other treatment
facility under the commissioner's jurisdiction which is capable of providing proper care and
treatment. When a committed person is transferred from one treatment facility to another, written
notice shall be given to the committing court, the county attorney, the patient's counsel, and to the
person's parent or spouse or, if none is known, to an interested person, and the designated agency.
History: 1982 c 581 s 14; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 72

253B.141 AUTHORITY TO DETAIN AND TRANSPORT A MISSING PATIENT.
    Subdivision 1. Report of absence. (a) If a patient committed under this chapter or detained
under a judicial hold is absent without authorization, and either: (1) does not return voluntarily
within 72 hours of the time the unauthorized absence began; or (2) is considered by the head of
the treatment facility to be a danger to self or others, then the head of the treatment facility shall
report the absence to the local law enforcement agency. The head of the treatment facility shall
also notify the committing court that the patient is absent and that the absence has been reported
to the local law enforcement agency. The committing court may issue an order directing the law
enforcement agency to transport the patient to an appropriate facility.
(b) Upon receiving a report that a patient subject to this section is absent without
authorization, the local law enforcement agency shall enter information on the patient through
the criminal justice information system into the missing persons file of the National Crime
Information Center computer according to the missing persons practices.
    Subd. 2. Apprehension; return to facility. (a) Upon receiving the report of absence from
the head of the treatment facility or the committing court, a patient may be apprehended and
held by a peace officer in any jurisdiction pending return to the facility from which the patient
is absent without authorization. A patient may also be returned to any facility operated by the
commissioner. A person who is mentally ill and dangerous, a sexual psychopathic personality
patient, or a sexually dangerous person committed under section 253B.18 and detained under this
subdivision may be held in a jail or lockup only if:
(1) there is no other feasible place of detention for the patient;
(2) the detention is for less than 24 hours; and
(3) there are protections in place, including segregation of the patient, to ensure the safety of
the patient.
(b) If a patient is detained under this subdivision, the head of the treatment facility from
which the patient is absent shall arrange to pick up the patient within 24 hours of the time
detention was begun and shall be responsible for securing transportation for the patient to the
facility. The expense of detaining and transporting a patient shall be the responsibility of the
treatment facility from which the patient is absent. The expense of detaining and transporting a
patient to a treatment facility operated by the Department of Human Services shall be paid by the
commissioner unless paid by the patient or persons on behalf of the patient.
    Subd. 3. Notice of apprehension. Immediately after an absent patient is located, the head of
the treatment facility from which the patient is absent, or the law enforcement agency that located
or returned the absent patient, shall notify the law enforcement agency that first received the
absent patient report under this section and that agency shall cancel the missing persons entry
from the National Crime Information Center computer.
History: 1997 c 217 art 1 s 73; 1998 c 313 s 13; 2002 c 221 s 25

253B.15 PROVISIONAL DISCHARGE; PARTIAL INSTITUTIONALIZATION.
    Subdivision 1. Provisional discharge. The head of the treatment facility may provisionally
discharge any patient without discharging the commitment, unless the patient was found by the
committing court to be a person who is mentally ill and dangerous to the public.
Each patient released on provisional discharge shall have a written aftercare plan developed
which specifies the services and treatment to be provided as part of the aftercare plan, the financial
resources available to pay for the services specified, the expected period of provisional discharge,
the precise goals for the granting of a final discharge, and conditions or restrictions on the patient
during the period of the provisional discharge. The aftercare plan shall be provided to the patient,
the patient's attorney, and the designated agency.
The aftercare plan shall be reviewed on a quarterly basis by the patient, designated agency
and other appropriate persons. The aftercare plan shall contain the grounds upon which a
provisional discharge may be revoked. The provisional discharge shall terminate on the date
specified in the plan unless specific action is taken to revoke or extend it.
    Subd. 1a. Representative of designated agency. Before a provisional discharge is granted,
a representative of the designated agency must be identified to ensure continuity of care by
being involved with the treatment facility and the patient prior to the provisional discharge.
The representative of the designated agency shall coordinate plans for and monitor the patient's
aftercare program. When the patient is on a provisional discharge, the representative of the
designated agency shall provide the treatment report to the court required under section 253B.12,
subdivision 1 .
    Subd. 2. Revocation of provisional discharge. The designated agency may revoke a
provisional discharge if:
(i) the patient has violated material conditions of the provisional discharge, and the violation
creates the need to return the patient to a more restrictive setting; or,
(ii) there exists a serious likelihood that the safety of the patient or others will be jeopardized,
in that either the patient's need for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care are not being met,
or will not be met in the near future, or the patient has attempted or threatened to seriously
physically harm self or others; and
(iii) revocation is the least restrictive alternative available.
Any interested person may request that the designated agency revoke the patient's provisional
discharge. Any person making a request shall provide the designated agency with a written
report setting forth the specific facts, including witnesses, dates and locations, supporting a
revocation, demonstrating that every effort has been made to avoid revocation and that revocation
is the least restrictive alternative available.
    Subd. 3. Procedure; notice. Revocation shall be commenced by the designated agency's
written notice of intent to revoke provisional discharge given or sent to the patient, the patient's
attorney, and the treatment facility. The notice shall set forth the grounds upon which the intention
to revoke is based, and shall inform the patient of the rights of a patient under this chapter.
    Subd. 3a. Report to the court. Within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, of giving
notice to the patient, the designated agency shall file with the court a copy of the notice and a
report setting forth the specific facts, including witnesses, dates and locations, which (1) support
revocation, (2) demonstrate that revocation is the least restrictive alternative available, and (3)
show that specific efforts were made to avoid revocation. The designated agency shall provide
copies of the report to the patient, the patient's attorney, the county attorney, and the treatment
facility within 48 hours of giving notice to the patient under subdivision 3.
    Subd. 3b. Review. The patient or patient's attorney may request judicial review of the
intended revocation by filing a petition for review and an affidavit with the committing court.
The affidavit shall state specific grounds for opposing the revocation. If the patient does not file
a petition for review within five days of receiving the notice under subdivision 3, revocation
of the provisional discharge is final and the court, without hearing, may order the patient into
a treatment facility. If the patient files a petition for review, the court shall review the petition
and determine whether a genuine issue exists as to the propriety of the revocation. The burden of
proof is on the designated agency to show that no genuine issue exists as to the propriety of the
revocation. If the court finds that no genuine issue exists as to the propriety of the revocation, the
revocation of the provisional discharge is final.
    Subd. 3c. Hearing. If the court finds under subdivision 3b that a genuine issue exists as to
the propriety of the revocation, the court shall hold a hearing on the petition within three days
after the patient files the petition. The court may continue the review hearing for an additional
five days upon any party's showing of good cause. At the hearing, the burden of proof is on the
designated agency to show a factual basis for the revocation. At the conclusion of the hearing, the
court shall make specific findings of fact. The court shall affirm the revocation if it finds:
(1) a factual basis for revocation due to:
(i) a violation of the material conditions of the provisional discharge that creates a need for
the patient to return to a more restrictive setting; or
(ii) a probable danger of harm to the patient or others if the provisional discharge is not
revoked; and
(2) that revocation is the least restrictive alternative available.
If the court does not affirm the revocation, the court shall order the patient returned to
provisional discharge status.
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 5. Return to facility. When the designated agency gives or sends notice of the intent
to revoke a patient's provisional discharge, it may also apply to the committing court for an order
directing that the patient be returned to a facility. The court may order the patient returned to a
facility prior to a review hearing only upon finding that immediate return to a facility is necessary
because there is a serious likelihood that the safety of the patient or others will be jeopardized, in
that (1) the patient's need for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care is not being met, or will not
be met in the near future, or (2) the patient has attempted or threatened to seriously harm self or
others. If a voluntary return is not arranged, the head of the treatment facility may request a health
officer or a peace officer to return the patient to the treatment facility from which the patient was
released or to any other treatment facility which consents to receive the patient. If necessary, the
head of the treatment facility may request the committing court to direct a health or peace officer
in the county where the patient is located to return the patient to the treatment facility or to another
treatment facility which consents to receive the patient. The expense of returning the patient to
a regional treatment center shall be paid by the commissioner unless paid by the patient or the
patient's relatives. If the court orders the patient to return to the treatment facility, or if a health or
peace officer returns the patient to the treatment facility, and the patient wants judicial review of
the revocation, the patient or the patient's attorney must file the petition for review and affidavit
required under subdivision 3b within 14 days of receipt of the notice of the intent to revoke.
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 7. Modification and extension of provisional discharge. (a) A provisional discharge
may be modified upon agreement of the parties.
(b) A provisional discharge may be extended only in those circumstances where the patient
has not achieved the goals set forth in the provisional discharge plan or continues to need the
supervision or assistance provided by an extension of the provisional discharge. In determining
whether the provisional discharge is to be extended, the head of the facility shall consider the
willingness and ability of the patient to voluntarily obtain needed care and treatment.
(c) The designated agency shall recommend extension of a provisional discharge only after a
preliminary conference with the patient and other appropriate persons. The patient shall be given
the opportunity to object or make suggestions for alternatives to extension.
(d) Any recommendation for extension shall be made in writing to the head of the facility
and to the patient at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the provisional discharge. The written
recommendation submitted shall include: the specific grounds for recommending the extension,
the date of the preliminary conference and results, the anniversary date of the provisional
discharge, the termination date of the provisional discharge, and the proposed length of extension.
If the grounds for recommending the extension occur less than 30 days before its expiration, the
written recommendation shall occur as soon as practicable.
(e) The head of the facility shall issue a written decision regarding extension within five days
after receiving the recommendation from the designated agency.
    Subd. 8. Effect of extension. No provisional discharge, revocation, or extension shall extend
the term of the commitment beyond the period provided for in the commitment order.
    Subd. 9. Expiration of provisional discharge. Except as otherwise provided, a provisional
discharge is absolute when it expires. If, while on provisional discharge or extended provisional
discharge, a patient is discharged as provided in section 253B.16, the discharge shall be absolute.
Notice of the expiration of the provisional discharge shall be given by the head of the
treatment facility to the committing court; the petitioner, if known; the patient's attorney; the
county attorney in the county of commitment; the commissioner; and the designated agency.
    Subd. 10. Voluntary return. With the consent of the head of the treatment facility, a patient
may voluntarily return to inpatient status at the treatment facility as follows:
(a) As a voluntary patient, in which case the patient's commitment is discharged;
(b) As a committed patient, in which case the patient's provisional discharge is voluntarily
revoked; or
(c) On temporary return from provisional discharge, in which case both the commitment
and the provisional discharge remain in effect.
Prior to readmission, the patient shall be informed of status upon readmission.
    Subd. 11. Partial institutionalization. The head of a treatment facility may place any
committed person on a status of partial institutionalization. The status shall allow the patient to be
absent from the facility for certain fixed periods of time. The head of the facility may terminate
the status at any time.
History: 1982 c 581 s 15; 1983 c 251 s 16-18; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 623 s 9-14; 1997 c 217
art 1 s 74-82; 1998 c 313 s 14-19; 2002 c 221 s 26

253B.16 DISCHARGE OF COMMITTED PERSONS.
    Subdivision 1. Date. The head of a treatment facility shall discharge any patient admitted as
a person who is mentally ill or chemically dependent, or a person with a developmental disability
admitted under Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, rules 20.01 and 20.02, to the secure bed
component of the Minnesota extended treatment options when the head of the facility certifies
that the person is no longer in need of care and treatment or at the conclusion of any period of
time specified in the commitment order, whichever occurs first. The head of a treatment facility
shall discharge any person admitted as developmentally disabled, except those admitted under
Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, rules 20.01 and 20.02, to the secure bed component of
the Minnesota extended treatment options, when that person's screening team has determined,
under section 256B.092, subdivision 8, that the person's needs can be met by services provided in
the community and a plan has been developed in consultation with the interdisciplinary team to
place the person in the available community services.
    Subd. 2. Notification of discharge. Prior to the discharge or provisional discharge of any
committed person, the head of the treatment facility shall notify the designated agency and the
patient's spouse, or if there is no spouse, then an adult child, or if there is none, the next of kin
of the patient, of the proposed discharge. The notice shall be sent to the last known address
of the person to be notified by certified mail with return receipt. The notice shall include the
following: (1) the proposed date of discharge or provisional discharge; (2) the date, time and place
of the meeting of the staff who have been treating the patient to discuss discharge and discharge
planning; (3) the fact that the patient will be present at the meeting; and (4) the fact that the next
of kin may attend that staff meeting and present any information relevant to the discharge of the
patient. The notice shall be sent at least one week prior to the date set for the meeting.
History: 1982 c 581 s 16; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 623 s 15; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 83; 2002 c 221
s 27; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.17 RELEASE; JUDICIAL DETERMINATION.
    Subdivision 1. Petition. Any patient, except one committed as a person who is mentally
ill and dangerous to the public or as a sexually dangerous person or person with a sexual
psychopathic personality as provided in section 253B.18, subdivision 3, or any interested person
may petition the committing court or the court to which venue has been transferred for an order
that the patient is not in need of continued care and treatment or for an order that an individual
is no longer a person who is mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent,
or for any other relief. A patient committed as a person who is mentally ill or mentally ill and
dangerous may petition the committing court or the court to which venue has been transferred for
a hearing concerning the administration of neuroleptic medication.
    Subd. 2. Notice of hearing. Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall fix the time and
place for the hearing on it. Ten days' notice of the hearing shall be given to the county attorney,
the patient, patient's counsel, the person who filed the initial commitment petition, the head of the
treatment facility, and other persons as the court directs. Any person may oppose the petition.
    Subd. 3. Examiners. The court shall appoint an examiner and, at the patient's request, shall
appoint a second examiner of the patient's choosing to be paid for by the county at a rate of
compensation to be fixed by the court. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the examiners shall
file a report with the court not less than 48 hours prior to the hearing under this section.
    Subd. 4. Evidence. The patient, patient's counsel, the petitioner and the county attorney shall
be entitled to be present at the hearing and to present and cross-examine witnesses, including
examiners. The court may hear any relevant testimony and evidence which is offered at the
hearing.
    Subd. 5. Order. Upon completion of the hearing, the court shall enter an order stating its
findings and decision and mail it to the head of the treatment facility.
History: 1982 c 581 s 17; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 120; 1990 c 568 art 5 s 32; 1995 c
189 s 7; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 84,85; 1999 c 118 s 2; 2002 c 221 s 28; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.18 PERSONS WHO ARE MENTALLY ILL AND DANGEROUS TO THE PUBLIC.
    Subdivision 1. Procedure. (a) Upon the filing of a petition alleging that a proposed patient
is a person who is mentally ill and dangerous to the public, the court shall hear the petition as
provided in sections 253B.07 and 253B.08. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the proposed patient is a person who is mentally ill and dangerous to the public, it shall
commit the person to a secure treatment facility or to a treatment facility willing to accept the
patient under commitment. The court shall commit the patient to a secure treatment facility unless
the patient establishes by clear and convincing evidence that a less restrictive treatment program is
available that is consistent with the patient's treatment needs and the requirements of public safety.
In any case where the petition was filed immediately following the acquittal of the proposed
patient for a crime against the person pursuant to a verdict of not guilty by reason of mental
illness, the verdict constitutes evidence that the proposed patient is a person who is mentally ill
and dangerous within the meaning of this section. The proposed patient has the burden of going
forward in the presentation of evidence. The standard of proof remains as required by this chapter.
Upon commitment, admission procedures shall be carried out pursuant to section 253B.10.
(b) Once a patient is admitted to a treatment facility pursuant to a commitment under this
subdivision, treatment must begin regardless of whether a review hearing will be held under
subdivision 2.
    Subd. 2. Review; hearing. (a) A written treatment report shall be filed by the treatment
facility with the committing court within 60 days after commitment. If the person is in the custody
of the commissioner of corrections when the initial commitment is ordered under subdivision 1,
the written treatment report must be filed within 60 days after the person is admitted to a secure
treatment facility. The court shall hold a hearing to make a final determination as to whether the
person should remain committed as a person who is mentally ill and dangerous to the public. The
hearing shall be held within the earlier of 14 days of the court's receipt of the written treatment
report, or within 90 days of the date of initial commitment or admission, unless otherwise agreed
by the parties.
(b) The court may, with agreement of the county attorney and attorney for the patient:
(1) waive the review hearing under this subdivision and immediately order an indeterminate
commitment under subdivision 3; or
(2) continue the review hearing for up to one year.
(c) If the court finds that the patient should be committed as a person who is mentally ill,
but not as a person who is mentally ill and dangerous to the public, the court may commit the
person as a person who is mentally ill and the person shall be deemed not to have been found
to be dangerous to the public for the purposes of subdivisions 4a to 15. Failure of the treatment
facility to provide the required report at the end of the 60-day period shall not result in automatic
discharge of the patient.
    Subd. 3. Indeterminate commitment. If the court finds at the final determination hearing
held pursuant to subdivision 2 that the patient continues to be a person who is mentally ill and
dangerous, then the court shall order commitment of the proposed patient for an indeterminate
period of time. After a final determination that a patient is a person who is mentally ill and
dangerous to the public, the patient shall be transferred, provisionally discharged or discharged,
only as provided in this section.
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 4a. Release on pass; notification. A patient who has been committed as a person who
is mentally ill and dangerous and who is confined at a secure treatment facility or has been
transferred out of a state-operated services facility according to section 253B.18, subdivision 6,
shall not be released on a pass unless the pass is part of a pass plan that has been approved by the
medical director of the secure treatment facility. The pass plan must have a specific therapeutic
purpose consistent with the treatment plan, must be established for a specific period of time, and
must have specific levels of liberty delineated. The county case manager must be invited to
participate in the development of the pass plan. At least ten days prior to a determination on the
plan, the medical director shall notify the designated agency, the committing court, the county
attorney of the county of commitment, an interested person, the local law enforcement agency
where the facility is located, the local law enforcement agency in the location where the pass is to
occur, the petitioner, and the petitioner's counsel of the plan, the nature of the passes proposed,
and their right to object to the plan. If any notified person objects prior to the proposed date of
implementation, the person shall have an opportunity to appear, personally or in writing, before the
medical director, within ten days of the objection, to present grounds for opposing the plan. The
pass plan shall not be implemented until the objecting person has been furnished that opportunity.
Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to give a patient an affirmative right to a pass plan.
    Subd. 4b. Pass-eligible status; notification. The following patients committed to a secure
treatment facility shall not be placed on pass-eligible status unless that status has been approved
by the medical director of the secure treatment facility:
(a) a patient who has been committed as a person who is mentally ill and dangerous and who:
(1) was found incompetent to proceed to trial for a felony or was found not guilty by reason
of mental illness of a felony immediately prior to the filing of the commitment petition;
(2) was convicted of a felony immediately prior to or during commitment as a person who is
mentally ill and dangerous; or
(3) is subject to a commitment to the commissioner of corrections; and
(b) a patient who has been committed as a psychopathic personality, a sexually psychopathic
personality, or a sexually dangerous person.
At least ten days prior to a determination on the status, the medical director shall notify the
committing court, the county attorney of the county of commitment, the designated agency, an
interested person, the petitioner, and the petitioner's counsel of the proposed status, and their
right to request review by the special review board. If within ten days of receiving notice any
notified person requests review by filing a notice of objection with the commissioner and the head
of the treatment facility, a hearing shall be held before the special review board. The proposed
status shall not be implemented unless it receives a favorable recommendation by a majority of
the board and approval by the commissioner. The order of the commissioner is appealable as
provided in section 253B.19.
Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to give a patient an affirmative right to seek
pass-eligible status from the special review board.
    Subd. 4c. Special review board. (a) The commissioner shall establish one or more panels of
a special review board for persons committed as mentally ill and dangerous to the public. The
board shall consist of three members experienced in the field of mental illness. One member of
each special review board panel shall be a psychiatrist and one member shall be an attorney.
No member shall be affiliated with the Department of Human Services. The special review
board shall meet at least every six months and at the call of the commissioner. It shall hear and
consider all petitions for transfer from a secure treatment facility; all petitions for discharge,
provisional discharge, and revocation of provisional discharge; and make recommendations to
the commissioner concerning them. Patients may be transferred by the commissioner between
secure treatment facilities without a special review board hearing.
(b) Members of the special review board shall receive compensation and reimbursement for
expenses as established by the commissioner.
    Subd. 5. Petition; notice of hearing; attendance; order. (a) A petition for an order of
transfer, discharge, provisional discharge, or revocation of provisional discharge shall be filed
with the commissioner and may be filed by the patient or by the head of the treatment facility. A
patient may not petition the special review board for six months following commitment under
subdivision 3 or following the final disposition of any previous petition and subsequent appeal
by the patient. The medical director may petition at any time.
(b) Fourteen days prior to the hearing, the committing court, the county attorney of
the county of commitment, the designated agency, interested person, the petitioner, and the
petitioner's counsel shall be given written notice by the commissioner of the time and place
of the hearing before the special review board. Only those entitled to statutory notice of the
hearing or those administratively required to attend may be present at the hearing. The patient
may designate interested persons to receive notice by providing the names and addresses to the
commissioner at least 21 days before the hearing. The board shall provide the commissioner with
written findings of fact and recommendations within 21 days of the hearing. The commissioner
shall issue an order no later than 14 days after receiving the recommendation of the special review
board. A copy of the order shall be sent by certified mail to every person entitled to statutory
notice of the hearing within five days after it is signed. No order by the commissioner shall be
effective sooner than 30 days after the order is signed, unless the county attorney, the patient, and
the commissioner agree that it may become effective sooner.
(c) The special review board shall hold a hearing on each petition prior to making its
recommendation to the commissioner. The special review board proceedings are not contested
cases as defined in chapter 14. Any person or agency receiving notice that submits documentary
evidence to the special review board prior to the hearing shall also provide copies to the patient,
the patient's counsel, the county attorney of the county of commitment, the case manager, and the
commissioner.
(d) Prior to the final decision by the commissioner, the special review board may be
reconvened to consider events or circumstances that occurred subsequent to the hearing.
(e) In making their recommendations and order, the special review board and commissioner
must consider any statements received from victims under subdivision 5a.
    Subd. 5a. Victim notification of petition and release; right to submit statement. (a)
As used in this subdivision:
(1) "crime" has the meaning given to "violent crime" in section 609.1095, and includes
criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree and offenses within the definition of "crime against the
person" in section 253B.02, subdivision 4a, and also includes offenses listed in section 253B.02,
subdivision 7a , paragraph (b), regardless of whether they are sexually motivated;
(2) "victim" means a person who has incurred loss or harm as a result of a crime the behavior
for which forms the basis for a commitment under this section or section 253B.185; and
(3) "convicted" and "conviction" have the meanings given in section 609.02, subdivision
5 , and also include juvenile court adjudications, findings under Minnesota Rules of Criminal
Procedure, Rule 20.02, that the elements of a crime have been proved, and findings in commitment
cases under this section or section 253B.185 that an act or acts constituting a crime occurred.
(b) A county attorney who files a petition to commit a person under this section or section
253B.185 shall make a reasonable effort to provide prompt notice of filing the petition to any
victim of a crime for which the person was convicted. In addition, the county attorney shall make
a reasonable effort to promptly notify the victim of the resolution of the petition.
(c) Before provisionally discharging, discharging, granting pass-eligible status, approving
a pass plan, or otherwise permanently or temporarily releasing a person committed under this
section or section 253B.185 from a treatment facility, the head of the treatment facility shall make
a reasonable effort to notify any victim of a crime for which the person was convicted that the
person may be discharged or released and that the victim has a right to submit a written statement
regarding decisions of the medical director, special review board, or commissioner with respect to
the person. To the extent possible, the notice must be provided at least 14 days before any special
review board hearing or before a determination on a pass plan.
(d) This subdivision applies only to victims who have requested notification by contacting, in
writing, the county attorney in the county where the conviction for the crime occurred. A county
attorney who receives a request for notification under this paragraph shall promptly forward the
request to the commissioner of human services.
(e) The rights under this subdivision are in addition to rights available to a victim under
chapter 611A. This provision does not give a victim all the rights of a "notified person" or a
person "entitled to statutory notice" under subdivision 4a, 4b, or 5.
    Subd. 6. Transfer. A patient who is mentally ill and dangerous shall not be transferred out
of a secure treatment facility unless it appears to the satisfaction of the commissioner, after a
hearing and favorable recommendation by a majority of the special review board, that the transfer
is appropriate. Transfer may be to other regional centers under the commissioner's control. In
those instances where a commitment also exists to the Department of Corrections, transfer may
be to a facility designated by the commissioner of corrections.
The following factors must be considered in determining whether a transfer is appropriate:
(i) the person's clinical progress and present treatment needs;
(ii) the need for security to accomplish continuing treatment;
(iii) the need for continued institutionalization;
(iv) which facility can best meet the person's needs; and
(v) whether transfer can be accomplished with a reasonable degree of safety for the public.
    Subd. 7. Provisional discharge. A patient who is mentally ill and dangerous shall not be
provisionally discharged unless it appears to the satisfaction of the commissioner, after a hearing
and a favorable recommendation by a majority of the special review board, that the patient is
capable of making an acceptable adjustment to open society.
The following factors are to be considered in determining whether a provisional discharge
shall be recommended: (a) whether the patient's course of hospitalization and present mental
status indicate there is no longer a need for treatment and supervision in the patient's current
treatment setting; and (b) whether the conditions of the provisional discharge plan will provide a
reasonable degree of protection to the public and will enable the patient to adjust successfully to
the community.
    Subd. 8. Provisional discharge plan. A provisional discharge plan shall be developed,
implemented and monitored by the designated agency in conjunction with the patient, the
treatment facility and other appropriate persons. The designated agency shall, at least quarterly,
review the plan with the patient and submit a written report to the commissioner and the treatment
facility concerning the patient's status and compliance with each term of the plan.
    Subd. 9. Provisional discharge; review. A provisional discharge pursuant to this section
shall not automatically terminate. A full discharge shall occur only as provided in subdivision 15.
The commissioner shall notify the patient that the terms of a provisional discharge continue unless
the patient requests and is granted a change in the conditions of provisional discharge or unless
the patient petitions the special review board for a full discharge and the discharge is granted.
    Subd. 10. Provisional discharge; revocation. The head of the treatment facility may revoke
a provisional discharge if any of the following grounds exist:
(i) the patient has departed from the conditions of the provisional discharge plan;
(ii) the patient is exhibiting signs of a mental illness which may require in-hospital evaluation
or treatment; or
(iii) the patient is exhibiting behavior which may be dangerous to self or others.
Revocation shall be commenced by a notice of intent to revoke provisional discharge, which
shall be served upon the patient, patient's counsel, and the designated agency. The notice shall
set forth the grounds upon which the intention to revoke is based, and shall inform the patient
of the rights of a patient under this chapter.
In all nonemergency situations, prior to revoking a provisional discharge, the head of the
treatment facility shall obtain a report from the designated agency outlining the specific reasons
for recommending the revocation, including but not limited to the specific facts upon which the
revocation recommendation is based.
The patient must be provided a copy of the revocation report and informed orally and in
writing of the rights of a patient under this section.
    Subd. 11. Exceptions. If an emergency exists, the head of the treatment facility may revoke
the provisional discharge and, either orally or in writing, order that the patient be immediately
returned to the treatment facility. In emergency cases, a report documenting reasons for revocation
shall be submitted by the designated agency within seven days after the patient is returned to
the treatment facility.
    Subd. 12. Return of patient. After revocation of a provisional discharge or if the patient is
absent without authorization, the head of the treatment facility may request the patient to return to
the treatment facility voluntarily. The head of the facility may request a health officer, a welfare
officer, or a peace officer to return the patient to the treatment facility. If a voluntary return is not
arranged, the head of the treatment facility shall inform the committing court of the revocation
or absence and the court shall direct a health or peace officer in the county where the patient is
located to return the patient to the treatment facility or to another treatment facility. The expense
of returning the patient to a regional treatment center shall be paid by the commissioner unless
paid by the patient or other persons on the patient's behalf.
    Subd. 13. Appeal. Any patient aggrieved by a revocation decision or any interested person
may petition the special review board within seven days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and
legal holidays, after receipt of the revocation report for a review of the revocation. The matter
shall be scheduled within 30 days. The special review board shall review the circumstances
leading to the revocation and shall recommend to the commissioner whether or not the revocation
shall be upheld. The special review board may also recommend a new provisional discharge
at the time of a revocation hearing.
    Subd. 14. Voluntary readmission. (a) With the consent of the head of the treatment facility,
a patient may voluntarily return from provisional discharge for a period of up to 30 days, or up to
60 days with the consent of the designated agency. If the patient is not returned to provisional
discharge status within 60 days, the provisional discharge is revoked. Within 15 days of receiving
notice of the change in status, the patient may request a review of the matter before the special
review board. The board may recommend a return to a provisional discharge status.
(b) The treatment facility is not required to petition for a further review by the special review
board unless the patient's return to the community results in substantive change to the existing
provisional discharge plan. All the terms and conditions of the provisional discharge order shall
remain unchanged if the patient is released again.
    Subd. 15. Discharge. A patient who is mentally ill and dangerous shall not be discharged
unless it appears to the satisfaction of the commissioner, after a hearing and a favorable
recommendation by a majority of the special review board, that the patient is capable of making
an acceptable adjustment to open society, is no longer dangerous to the public, and is no longer in
need of inpatient treatment and supervision.
In determining whether a discharge shall be recommended, the special review board and
commissioner shall consider whether specific conditions exist to provide a reasonable degree of
protection to the public and to assist the patient in adjusting to the community. If the desired
conditions do not exist, the discharge shall not be granted.
History: 1982 c 581 s 18; 1983 c 216 art 1 s 83; 1983 c 251 s 19-22; 1983 c 348 s 11; 1984
c 623 s 6,7; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 148 s 3,4; 1992 c 571 art 3 s 4; 1997 c
217 art 1 s 86-99; 1998 c 313 s 20,21; 1999 c 118 s 3-5; 2000 c 260 s 97; 2002 c 221 s 29-36;
2005 c 136 art 3 s 19,20; art 5 s 3

253B.185 SEXUAL PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY; SEXUALLY DANGEROUS.
    Subdivision 1. Commitment generally. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the
provisions of this chapter pertaining to persons who are mentally ill and dangerous to the public
apply with like force and effect to persons who are alleged or found to be sexually dangerous
persons or persons with a sexual psychopathic personality. Before commitment proceedings are
instituted, the facts shall first be submitted to the county attorney, who, if satisfied that good cause
exists, will prepare the petition. The county attorney may request a prepetition screening report.
The petition is to be executed by a person having knowledge of the facts and filed with the
committing court of the county in which the patient has a settlement or is present. If the patient is
in the custody of the commissioner of corrections, the petition may be filed in the county where the
conviction for which the person is incarcerated was entered. Upon the filing of a petition alleging
that a proposed patient is a sexually dangerous person or is a person with a sexual psychopathic
personality, the court shall hear the petition as provided in section 253B.18. In commitments
under this section, the court shall commit the patient to a secure treatment facility unless the
patient establishes by clear and convincing evidence that a less restrictive treatment program is
available that is consistent with the patient's treatment needs and the requirements of public safety.
    Subd. 1a. Temporary confinement. During any hearing held under this section, or pending
emergency revocation of a provisional discharge, the court may order the patient or proposed
patient temporarily confined in a jail or lockup but only if:
(1) there is no other feasible place of confinement for the patient within a reasonable distance;
(2) the confinement is for less than 24 hours or, if during a hearing, less than 24 hours prior
to commencement and after conclusion of the hearing; and
(3) there are protections in place, including segregation of the patient, to ensure the safety of
the patient.
    Subd. 1b. County attorney access to data. Notwithstanding sections 144.291 to 144.298;
245.467, subdivision 6; 245.4876, subdivision 7; 260B.171; 260B.235, subdivision 8; 260C.171;
and 609.749, subdivision 6, or any provision of chapter 13 or other state law, prior to filing a
petition for commitment as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person,
and upon notice to the proposed patient, the county attorney or the county attorney's designee may
move the court for an order granting access to any records or data, to the extent it relates to the
proposed patient, for the purpose of determining whether good cause exists to file a petition and,
if a petition is filed, to support the allegations set forth in the petition.
The court may grant the motion if: (1) the Department of Corrections refers the case for
commitment as a sexual psychopathic personality or a sexually dangerous person; or (2) upon a
showing that the requested category of data or records may be relevant to the determination by
the county attorney or designee. The court shall decide a motion under this subdivision within
48 hours after a hearing on the motion. Notice to the proposed patient need not be given upon
a showing that such notice may result in harm or harassment of interested persons or potential
witnesses.
Data collected pursuant to this subdivision shall retain their original status and, if not
public, are inadmissible in any court proceeding unrelated to civil commitment, unless otherwise
permitted.
    Subd. 2. Transfer to correctional facility. (a) If a person has been committed under this
section and later is committed to the custody of the commissioner of corrections for any reason,
including but not limited to, being sentenced for a crime or revocation of the person's supervised
release or conditional release under section 244.05; 609.3455, subdivision 6, 7, or 8; Minnesota
Statutes 2004, section 609.108, subdivision 6; or Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.109,
subdivision 7 , the person shall be transferred to a facility designated by the commissioner of
corrections without regard to the procedures provided in section 253B.18.
    (b) If a person is committed under this section after a commitment to the commissioner of
corrections, the person shall first serve the sentence in a facility designated by the commissioner
of corrections. After the person has served the sentence, the person shall be transferred to a
treatment program designated by the commissioner of human services.
    Subd. 3. Not to constitute defense. The existence in any person of a condition of a sexual
psychopathic personality or the fact that a person is a sexually dangerous person shall not in
any case constitute a defense to a charge of crime, nor relieve such person from liability to be
tried upon a criminal charge.
    Subd. 4. Statewide judicial panel; commitment proceedings. (a) The Supreme Court
may establish a panel of district judges with statewide authority to preside over commitment
proceedings of sexual psychopathic personalities and sexually dangerous persons. Only one judge
of the panel is required to preside over a particular commitment proceeding. Panel members
shall serve for one-year terms. One of the judges shall be designated as the chief judge of the
panel, and is vested with the power to designate the presiding judge in a particular case, to set
the proper venue for the proceedings, and to otherwise supervise and direct the operation of the
panel. The chief judge shall designate one of the other judges to act as chief judge whenever the
chief judge is unable to act.
(b) If the Supreme Court creates the judicial panel authorized by this section, all petitions
for civil commitment brought under subdivision 1 shall be filed with the supreme court instead
of with the district court in the county where the proposed patient is present, notwithstanding
any provision of subdivision 1 to the contrary. Otherwise, all of the other applicable procedures
contained in this chapter apply to commitment proceedings conducted by a judge on the panel.
    Subd. 5. Financial responsibility. (a) For purposes of this subdivision, "state facility" has
the meaning given in section 246.50.
(b) Notwithstanding sections 246.54, 253B.045, and any other law to the contrary, when
a petition is filed for commitment under this section pursuant to the notice required in section
244.05, subdivision 7, the state and county are each responsible for 50 percent of the cost of the
person's confinement at a state facility or county jail, prior to commitment.
(c) The county shall submit an invoice to the state court administrator for reimbursement of
the state's share of the cost of confinement.
(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the state's responsibility for reimbursement is limited
to the amount appropriated for this purpose.
    Subd. 6. Aftercare and case management. The state, in collaboration with the designated
agency, is responsible for arranging and funding the aftercare and case management services for
persons under commitment as sexual psychopathic personalities and sexually dangerous persons
discharged after July 1, 1999.
    Subd. 7. Rights of patients committed under this section. (a) The commissioner or the
commissioner's designee may limit the statutory rights described in paragraph (b) for patients
committed to the Minnesota sex offender program under this section or with the commissioner's
consent under section 246B.02. The statutory rights described in paragraph (b) may be limited
only as necessary to maintain a therapeutic environment or the security of the facility or to protect
the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and the public.
(b) The statutory rights that may be limited in accordance with paragraph (a) are those set
forth in section 144.651, subdivision 19, personal privacy; section 144.651, subdivision 21,
private communications; section 144.651, subdivision 22, retain and use of personal property;
section 144.651, subdivision 25, manage personal financial affairs; section 144.651, subdivision
26 , meet with visitors and participate in groups; section 253B.03, subdivision 2, correspond with
others; and section 253B.03, subdivision 3, receive visitors and make telephone calls. Other
statutory rights enumerated by sections 144.651 and 253B.03, or any other law, may be limited as
provided in those sections.
    Subd. 8. Petition and report required. (a) Within 120 days of receipt of a preliminary
determination from a court under section 609.1351, or a referral from the commissioner of
corrections pursuant to section 244.05, subdivision 7, a county attorney shall determine whether
good cause under this section exists to file a petition, and if good cause exists, the county attorney
or designee shall file the petition with the court.
    (b) Failure to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) does not bar filing a petition under
subdivision 1 any time the county attorney determines pursuant to subdivision 1 that good cause
for such a petition exists.
    (c) By February 1 of each year, the commissioner of human services shall annually report to
the respective chairs of the divisions or committees of the senate and house of representatives that
oversee human services finance regarding compliance with this subdivision.
History: 1Sp1994 c 1 art 1 s 4; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 100; 1998 c 313 s 22; 1999 c 118 s 6;
1999 c 216 art 6 s 6; 1999 c 245 art 5 s 15; 2000 c 359 s 1; 2000 c 480 s 1; 2002 c 221 s 37; 2004
c 288 art 3 s 18; 2007 c 13 art 3 s 37; 2007 c 147 art 8 s 14; art 10 s 15; art 11 s 9

253B.19 JUDICIAL APPEAL PANEL; PATIENTS WHO ARE MENTALLY ILL AND
DANGEROUS TO THE PUBLIC.
    Subdivision 1. Creation. The Supreme Court shall establish an appeal panel composed of
three judges and four alternate judges appointed from among the acting judges of the state. Panel
members shall serve for terms of one year each. Only three judges need hear any case. One of the
regular three appointed judges shall be designated as the chief judge of the appeal panel. The
chief judge is vested with power to fix the time and place of all hearings before the panel, issue all
notices, subpoena witnesses, appoint counsel for the patient, if necessary, and supervise and direct
the operation of the appeal panel. The chief judge shall designate one of the other judges or an
alternate judge to act as chief judge in any case where the chief judge is unable to act. No member
of the appeal panel shall take part in the consideration of any case in which that judge committed
the patient. The chief justice of the Supreme Court shall determine the compensation of the judges
serving on the appeal panel. The compensation shall be in addition to their regular compensation
as judges. All compensation and expenses of the appeal panel and all allowable fees and costs of
the patient's counsel shall be established and paid by the Department of Human Services.
    Subd. 2. Petition; hearing. The committed person or the county attorney of the county from
which a patient was committed as a person who is mentally ill and dangerous to the public, or
as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person may petition the appeal
panel for a rehearing and reconsideration of a decision by the commissioner. The petition shall be
filed with the Supreme Court within 30 days after the decision of the commissioner is signed.
The Supreme Court shall refer the petition to the chief judge of the appeal panel. The chief judge
shall notify the patient, the county attorney of the county of commitment, the designated agency,
the commissioner, the head of the treatment facility, any interested person, and other persons the
chief judge designates, of the time and place of the hearing on the petition. The notice shall be
given at least 14 days prior to the date of the hearing. The hearing shall be within 45 days of the
filing of the petition unless an extension is granted for good cause. Any person may oppose the
petition. The appeal panel may appoint examiners and may adjourn the hearing from time to time.
It shall hear and receive all relevant testimony and evidence and make a record of all proceedings.
The patient, patient's counsel, and the county attorney of the committing county may be present
and present and cross-examine all witnesses. The petitioning party bears the burden of going
forward with the evidence. The party opposing discharge bears the burden of proof by clear and
convincing evidence that the respondent is in need of commitment.
    Subd. 3. Decision. A majority of the appeal panel shall rule upon the petition. The order
of the appeal panel shall supersede the order of the commissioner in the cases. No order of the
appeal panel granting a transfer, discharge or provisional discharge shall be made effective
sooner than 15 days after it is issued. The panel may not consider petitions for relief other than
those considered by the commissioner from which the appeal is taken. The panel may not
grant a transfer or provisional discharge on terms or conditions that were not presented to the
commissioner or the special review board.
    Subd. 4. Effect of petition. The filing of a petition shall immediately suspend the operation
of any order for transfer, discharge or provisional discharge of the patient. The patient shall not be
discharged in any manner except upon order of a majority of the appeal panel.
    Subd. 5. Appeal. A party aggrieved by an order of the appeal panel may appeal from the
decision of the appeal panel to the Court of Appeals as in other civil cases. A party may seek
review of a decision by the appeals panel within 60 days after a copy is sent to the parties by the
clerk of appellate courts. The filing of an appeal shall immediately suspend the operation of
any order granting transfer, discharge or provisional discharge, pending the determination of
the appeal.
History: 1982 c 581 s 19; 1983 c 216 art 1 s 37; 1983 c 247 s 106; 1983 c 251 s 23; 1983 c
348 s 12; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 377 s 4; 1991 c 148 s 5; 1994 c 636 art 8 s 2;
1997 c 217 art 1 s 101-104; 1998 c 313 s 23; 2002 c 221 s 38

253B.20 DISCHARGE; ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE.
    Subdivision 1. Notice to court. When a committed person is discharged, provisionally
discharged, transferred to another treatment facility, or partially hospitalized, or when the person
dies, is absent without authorization, or is returned, the treatment facility having custody of the
patient shall notify the committing court, the county attorney, and the patient's attorney.
    Subd. 2. Necessities. The head of the treatment facility shall make necessary arrangements
at the expense of the state to insure that no patient is discharged or provisionally discharged
without suitable clothing. The head of the treatment facility shall, if necessary, provide the
patient with a sufficient sum of money to secure transportation home, or to another destination
of the patient's choice, if the destination is located within a reasonable distance of the treatment
facility. The commissioner shall establish procedures by rule to help the patient receive all public
assistance benefits provided by state or federal law to which the patient is entitled by residence
and circumstances. The rule shall be uniformly applied in all counties. All counties shall provide
temporary relief whenever necessary to meet the intent of this subdivision.
    Subd. 3. Notice to designated agency. The head of the treatment facility, upon the
provisional discharge of any committed person, shall notify the designated agency before the
patient leaves the treatment facility. Whenever possible the notice shall be given at least one
week before the patient is to leave the facility.
    Subd. 4. Aftercare services. Prior to the date of discharge or provisional discharge of any
committed person, the designated agency of the county of the patient's residence, in cooperation
with the head of the treatment facility, and the patient's physician, if notified pursuant to
subdivision 6, shall establish a continuing plan of aftercare services for the patient including a plan
for medical and psychiatric treatment, nursing care, vocational assistance, and other assistance
the patient needs. The designated agency shall provide case management services, supervise and
assist the patient in finding employment, suitable shelter, and adequate medical and psychiatric
treatment, and aid in the patient's readjustment to the community.
    Subd. 5. Consultation. In establishing the plan for aftercare services the designated agency
shall consult with persons or agencies, including any public health nurse as defined in section
145A.02, subdivision 18, and vocational rehabilitation personnel, to insure adequate planning and
periodic review for aftercare services.
    Subd. 6. Notice to physician. The head of the treatment facility shall notify the physician of
any committed person at the time of the patient's discharge or provisional discharge, unless the
patient objects to the notice.
    Subd. 7. Services. A committed person may at any time after discharge, provisional
discharge or partial treatment, apply to the head of the treatment facility within whose district the
committed person resides for treatment. The head of the treatment facility, on determining that the
applicant requires service, may provide needed services related to mental illness, developmental
disability, or chemical dependency to the applicant. The services shall be provided in regional
centers under terms and conditions established by the commissioner.
History: 1982 c 581 s 20; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 309 s 24; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 105-109; 2005 c
56 s 1

253B.21 COMMITMENT TO AN AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES.
    Subdivision 1. Administrative procedures. If the patient is entitled to care by any agency
of the United States in this state, the commitment warrant shall be in triplicate, committing the
patient to the joint custody of the head of the treatment facility and the federal agency. If the
federal agency is unable or unwilling to receive the patient at the time of commitment, the patient
may subsequently be transferred to it upon its request.
    Subd. 2. Applicable regulations. Any person, when admitted to an institution of a federal
agency within or without this state, shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the federal
agency, except that nothing in this section shall deprive any person of rights secured to patients of
state treatment facilities by this chapter.
    Subd. 3. Powers. The chief officer of any treatment facility operated by a federal agency
to which any person is admitted shall have the same powers as the heads of treatment facilities
within this state with respect to admission, retention of custody, transfer, parole, or discharge
of the committed person.
    Subd. 4. Foreign judgments. The judgment or order of commitment by a court of competent
jurisdiction of another state committing a person to a federal agency for care or treatment in
this state, shall have the same force and effect as to the committed person while in this state as
in the jurisdiction in which is situated the court entering the judgment or making the order. The
committing state consents to the authority of the chief officer of any treatment facility of a federal
agency in this state, to retain custody of, transfer, parole, or discharge the committed person.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
History: 1982 c 581 s 21; 1983 c 348 s 13; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 110

253B.212 COMMITMENT; RED LAKE BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS.
    Subdivision 1. Cost of care; commitment by tribal court order. The commissioner of
human services may contract with and receive payment from the Indian Health Service of the
United States Department of Health and Human Services for the care and treatment of those
members of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians who have been committed by tribal court
order to the Indian Health Service for care and treatment of mental illness, developmental
disability, or chemical dependency. The contract shall provide that the Indian Health Service may
not transfer any person for admission to a regional center unless the commitment procedure
utilized by the tribal court provided due process protections similar to those afforded by sections
253B.05 to 253B.10.
    Subd. 2. Effect given to tribal commitment order. When, under an agreement entered into
pursuant to subdivision 1, the Indian Health Service applies to a regional center for admission of a
person committed to the jurisdiction of the health service by the tribal court as a person who is
mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent, the commissioner may treat the
patient with the consent of the Indian Health Service.
A person admitted to a regional center pursuant to this section has all the rights accorded by
section 253B.03. In addition, treatment reports, prepared in accordance with the requirements of
section 253B.12, subdivision 1, shall be filed with the Indian Health Service within 60 days of
commencement of the patient's stay at the facility. A subsequent treatment report shall be filed
with the Indian Health Service within six months of the patient's admission to the facility or prior
to discharge, whichever comes first. Provisional discharge or transfer of the patient may be
authorized by the head of the treatment facility only with the consent of the Indian Health Service.
Discharge from the facility to the Indian Health Service may be authorized by the head of the
treatment facility after notice to and consultation with the Indian Health Service.
History: 1983 c 251 s 24; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 2002 c 221 s 39; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.22 REVIEW BOARDS.
    Subdivision 1. Establishment. The commissioner shall establish a review board of three
or more persons for each regional center to review the admission and retention of its patients
receiving services under this chapter. One member shall be qualified in the diagnosis of mental
illness, developmental disability, or chemical dependency, and one member shall be an attorney.
The commissioner may, upon written request from the appropriate federal authority, establish
a review panel for any federal treatment facility within the state to review the admission and
retention of patients hospitalized under this chapter. For any review board established for a federal
treatment facility, one of the persons appointed by the commissioner shall be the commissioner of
veterans affairs or the commissioner's designee.
    Subd. 2. Right to appear. Each treatment facility shall be visited by the review board at least
once every six months. Upon request each patient in the treatment facility shall have the right to
appear before the review board during the visit.
    Subd. 3. Notice. The head of the treatment facility shall notify each patient at the time of
admission by a simple written statement of the patient's right to appear before the review board
and the next date when the board will visit the treatment facility. A request to appear before the
board need not be in writing. Any employee of the treatment facility receiving a patient's request
to appear before the board shall notify the head of the treatment facility of the request.
    Subd. 4. Review. The board shall review the admission and retention of patients at its
respective treatment facility. The board may examine the records of all patients admitted and may
examine personally at its own instigation all patients who from the records or otherwise appear to
justify reasonable doubt as to continued need of confinement in a treatment facility. The review
board shall report its findings to the commissioner and to the head of the treatment facility. The
board may also receive reports from patients, interested persons, and treatment facility employees,
and investigate conditions affecting the care of patients.
    Subd. 5. Compensation. Each member of the review board shall receive compensation and
reimbursement as established by the commissioner.
History: 1982 c 581 s 22; 1983 c 251 s 25; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 111; 2005 c 56 s 1

253B.23 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Costs of hearings. (a) In each proceeding under this chapter the court shall
allow and order paid to each witness subpoenaed the fees and mileage prescribed by law; to each
examiner a reasonable sum for services and for travel; to persons conveying the patient to the place
of detention, disbursements for the travel, board, and lodging of the patient and of themselves and
their authorized assistants; and to the patient's counsel, when appointed by the court, a reasonable
sum for travel and for the time spent in court or in preparing for the hearing. Upon the court's
order, the county auditor shall issue a warrant on the county treasurer for payment of the amounts
allowed, excluding the costs of the examiner, which must be paid by the state courts.
(b) Whenever venue of a proceeding has been transferred under this chapter, the costs of
the proceedings shall be reimbursed to the county where the proceedings were conducted by
the county of the patient's residence.
    Subd. 1a.[Repealed, 1997 c 217 art 1 s 118]
    Subd. 2. Legal results of commitment status. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this
chapter and in sections 246.15 and 246.16, no person by reason of commitment or treatment
pursuant to this chapter shall be deprived of any legal right, including but not limited to the
right to dispose of property, sue and be sued, execute instruments, make purchases, enter into
contractual relationships, vote, and hold a driver's license. Commitment or treatment of any
patient pursuant to this chapter is not a judicial determination of legal incompetency except to the
extent provided in section 253B.03, subdivision 6.
(b) Proceedings for determination of legal incompetency and the appointment of a guardian
for a person subject to commitment under this chapter may be commenced before, during, or after
commitment proceedings have been instituted and may be conducted jointly with the commitment
proceedings. The court shall notify the head of the treatment facility to which the patient is
committed of a finding that the patient is incompetent.
(c) Where the person to be committed is a minor or owns property of value and it appears to
the court that the person is not competent to manage a personal estate, the court shall appoint a
general conservator of the person's estate as provided by law.
    Subd. 3. False reports. Any person who willfully makes, joins in, or advises the making
of any false petition or report, or knowingly or willfully makes any false representation for the
purpose of causing the petition or report to be made or for the purpose of causing an individual
to be improperly committed under this chapter, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. The attorney
general or the attorney general's designee shall prosecute violations of this section.
    Subd. 4. Immunity. All persons acting in good faith, upon either actual knowledge or
information thought by them to be reliable, who act pursuant to any provision of this chapter or
who procedurally or physically assist in the commitment of any individual, pursuant to this
chapter, are not subject to any civil or criminal liability under this chapter. Any privilege otherwise
existing between patient and physician, patient and psychologist, patient and examiner, or patient
and social worker, is waived as to any physician, psychologist, examiner, or social worker who
provides information with respect to a patient pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
    Subd. 5. Habeas corpus. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to abridge the right
of any person to the writ of habeas corpus.
    Subd. 6. Court commissioner. The Ramsey County court commissioner may hear and
act upon petitions for commitment.
    Subd. 7. Appeal. The commissioner or any other aggrieved party may appeal to the Court of
Appeals from any order entered under this chapter as in other civil cases. Any district court order
or judgment under this chapter or related case law may be appealed within 60 days after the date of
filing of the order or entry of judgment. A judgment under section 253B.18, subdivision 1, may be
appealed within 60 days after the date of the order entered under section 253B.18, subdivision 2.
Upon perfection of the appeal, the return shall be filed forthwith. The Court of Appeals
shall hear the appeal within 90 days after service of the notice of appeal. This appeal shall not
suspend the operation of the order appealed from until the appeal is determined, unless otherwise
ordered by the Court of Appeals.
    Subd. 8. Transcripts. For purposes of taking an appeal or petition for habeas corpus or for a
judicial determination of mental competency or need for commitment, transcripts of commitment
proceedings, or portions of them, shall be made available to the parties upon written application to
the court. Upon a showing by a party that the party is unable to pay the cost of a transcript, it shall
be made available at no expense to the party. The state courts shall pay the cost of the transcript.
    Subd. 9. Sealing of records. Upon a motion by a person who has been the subject of a judicial
commitment proceeding, the court may seal all judicial records of the commitment proceedings if
it finds that access to the records creates undue hardship for the person. The county attorney shall
be notified of the motion and may participate in the hearings. All hearings on the motion shall be
in camera. The files and records of the court in proceedings on the motion shall be sealed except
to the moving party, the person's attorney, the county attorney, or other persons by court order.
History: 1982 c 581 s 23; 1983 c 247 s 107; 1983 c 251 s 26; 1983 c 348 s 14; 1986 c 444;
1987 c 363 s 13; 1990 c 378 s 3; 1993 c 60 s 1; 1993 c 302 s 1; 1994 c 618 art 1 s 29; 1Sp1994 c
1 art 2 s 30; 1995 c 189 s 8; 1996 c 277 s 1; 1997 c 217 art 1 s 112-116; 1998 c 376 s 4; 1999 c
61 s 1; 1999 c 216 art 7 s 19,20; 2005 c 10 art 4 s 12; 2006 c 221 s 1