Section 253B.20 Discharge; Administrative Procedure

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 financial responsibility, 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; 2010 c 357 s 10