2006 Minnesota Statutes

245.470 OUTPATIENT SERVICES.
    Subdivision 1. Availability of outpatient services. (a) County boards must provide or
contract for enough outpatient services within the county to meet the needs of adults with
mental illness residing in the county. Services may be provided directly by the county through
county-operated mental health centers or mental health clinics approved by the commissioner
under section 245.69, subdivision 2; by contract with privately operated mental health centers
or mental health clinics approved by the commissioner under section 245.69, subdivision 2; by
contract with hospital mental health outpatient programs certified by the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Hospital Organizations; or by contract with a licensed mental health professional
as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, clauses (1) to (4). Clients may be required to pay a
fee according to section 245.481. Outpatient services include:
(1) conducting diagnostic assessments;
(2) conducting psychological testing;
(3) developing or modifying individual treatment plans;
(4) making referrals and recommending placements as appropriate;
(5) treating an adult's mental health needs through therapy;
(6) prescribing and managing medication and evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed
medication; and
(7) preventing placement in settings that are more intensive, costly, or restrictive than
necessary and appropriate to meet client needs.
(b) County boards may request a waiver allowing outpatient services to be provided in a
nearby trade area if it is determined that the client can best be served outside the county.
    Subd. 2. Specific requirements. The county board shall require that all service providers of
outpatient services:
(1) meet the professional qualifications contained in sections 245.461 to 245.486;
(2) use a multidisciplinary mental health professional staff including at a minimum,
arrangements for psychiatric consultation, licensed psychologist consultation, and other necessary
multidisciplinary mental health professionals;
(3) develop individual treatment plans;
(4) provide initial appointments within three weeks, except in emergencies where there must
be immediate access as described in section 245.469; and
(5) establish fee schedules approved by the county board that are based on a client's ability
to pay.
History: 1987 c 403 art 2 s 25; 1989 c 282 art 4 s 16; 1990 c 568 art 2 s 38; 1991 c 255
s 19; 1993 c 339 s 2