MN HF3743

Amends Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 253B.04, subdivision 1 to establish requirements for voluntary admission to mental health treatment facilities.

Persons age 16 and older may request voluntary admission for observation, evaluation, diagnosis, care and treatment without formal written application.

Treatment facilities must admit persons who request admission and meet clinical admission criteria; if no bed is available, the facility must arrange safe transport to the closest facility with available capacity.

Persons age 16-17 who refuse personal consent may be admitted with parent or legal guardian consent if independent examination determines reasonable evidence of mental illness, developmental disability, or chemical dependency and suitability for treatment.

Persons voluntarily participating in medically appropriate treatment with informed consent are not subject to civil commitment if participating in clinically appropriate treatment including neuroleptic medication and electroconvulsive therapy.