SF5029

Purpose

• This bill updates and expands the Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) system in Minnesota. It adds authority to accept gifts for the benefit of patients, changes how x-ray and security screening systems are regulated, extends some one-time funding for DCT projects, and creates new programs to improve mental health treatment and oversight in state and county facilities.

Main Provisions

• Gifts to benefit patients/clients/inmates

  • The commissioners of human services and corrections, and the DCT executive board, can set procedures to accept gifts from individuals or organizations. Gifts must be used only for the direct benefit of patients, clients, or inmates under the accepting state officials’ control.

• Fees for ionizing radiation equipment and security screening

  • The bill updates the fee schedule for facilities with ionizing radiation equipment. Fees include a base facility fee plus an additional per-device fee for various kinds of x-ray equipment (medical, dental, industrial, security screening systems, etc.). Electron microscopy equipment is exempt from the fee.
  • It defines security screening systems as ionizing-radiation devices used to screen people in custody or in secure treatment facilities to find contraband.
  • It defines what counts as a correctional/detention facility and a secure treatment facility.
  • The Commissioner will adopt rules governing how security screening systems are used, and these rulemaking powers do not expire.

• Exemptions related to security screening system examinations

  • Operators of security screening systems in correctional, detention, or secure treatment facilities are exempt from certain examination requirements. They must meet a variance to specific Minnesota Rules if needed, and one provision appears to be temporary with an expiration date.

• Related statutory housekeeping and cross-references

  • The bill makes amendments to existing statutes related to Direct Care and Treatment operations and the security screening provisions and aligns various sections with the new provisions.

• One-time funding and new programs (fiscal provisions)

  • Free communication services for patients and clients: $1,368,000 in 2025, a one-time appropriation available through June 30, 2026.
  • Miller Building replacement facility design: $1,796,000 in 2025, a one-time appropriation available through June 30, 2027.
  • Direct Care and Treatment County Correctional Facility Support Pilot Program: $2,387,000 in 2025 to create a two-year pilot in counties. The program must provide education and support on involuntary medications, help expand access to injectable psychotropic medications in county facilities, and survey capacity and barriers with contracted medical providers.
  • Advisory Committee for Direct Care and Treatment: $482,000 in 2025 to support the operation of the advisory committee.
  • Base Level Adjustment: general fund base increased by $31,000 in 2026; no increase in 2027.

• Administrative and timing details

  • These are onetime appropriations, with specific end dates for availability.
  • Some rulemaking authority is provided, and certain provisions use “notwithstanding” language to set the onetime nature of funding and deadlines.

Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the ability to accept gifts for direct benefit of patients/clients/inmates.
• Reconfigures the fee structure for ionizing radiation and security screening equipment.
• Clarifies and expands the scope of security screening system definitions and the rules governing their use.
• Establishes new one-time funding and pilot programs to enhance patient care, facility planning, and treatment options, while creating an advisory body to oversee DCT operations.

Implications and Who is Affected

• Patients, clients, and inmates could benefit from gifts directed to direct care needs.
• State and county facilities that use ionizing radiation equipment or security screening systems will be affected by new or updated fees and rules.
• Counties and county facilities may receive targeted support and training on involuntary medications and injectable medications, along with capacity assessments.
• The DCT program and its governance will have new advisory support and funding to plan for facility and program improvements.

Relevant Terms - Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) - gifts (to benefit patients/clients/inmates) - security screening systems - ionizing radiation - ionizing radiation-producing equipment - x-ray equipment (medical, dental, veterinary, industrial, etc.) - correctional facility - detention facility - secure treatment facility - involuntary medications - injectable psychotropic medications - pilot program - advisory committee for Direct Care and Treatment - Miller Building replacement facility - free communication services - base level adjustment - one-time appropriation - rulemaking authority - variance (to Minnesota Rules)