MN SF1731

Appropriates $35,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2015 to the commissioner of human services to develop an online training program on the Civil Commitment Act under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 253B.

Training program targets county and hospital staff, mental health providers, and interested individuals to understand, clarify, and interpret civil commitment laws as they apply to persons with mental illness.

Requires development in collaboration with the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities, Minnesota County Attorneys Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota, Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network of Minnesota, Mental Health Association, Minnesota Psychiatric Society, Hennepin Commitment Defense Panel, Minnesota Disability Law Center, Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs, Minnesota Hospital Association, and Minnesota Board of Public Defense.

Establishes the training program purpose of promoting better clarity and interpretation of civil commitment laws.