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 each child with emotional disturbance residing in the county and the child’s family. Services may be provided directly by the county through county-operated mental health clinics meeting the standards of chapter 245I; by contract with privately operated mental health clinics meeting the standards of chapter 245I; by contract with hospital mental health outpatient programs certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations; or by contract with a mental health professional. A child or a child’s parent may be required to pay a fee based in accordance with section 245.481. Outpatient services include:

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 245.488

  • children: includes children by birth or adoption;

    (9) "day" comprises the time from midnight to the next midnight;

    (10) "fiscal year" means the year by or for which accounts are reckoned;

    (11) "hereafter" means a reference to the time after the time when the law containing such word takes effect;

    (12) "heretofore" means a reference to the time previous to the time when the law containing such word takes effect;

    (13) "judicial sale" means a sale conducted by an officer or person authorized for the purpose by some competent tribunal;

    (14) "minor" means an individual under the age of 18 years;

    (15) "money" means lawful money of the United States;

    (16) "night time" means the time from sunset to sunrise;

    (17) "non compos mentis" refers to an individual of unsound mind;

    (18) "notary" means a notary public;

    (19) "now" in any provision of a law referring to other laws in force, or to persons in office, or to any facts or circumstances as existing, relates to the laws in force, or to the persons in office, or to the facts or circumstances existing, respectively, on the effective date of such provision;

    (20) "verified" when used in reference to writings, means supported by oath or affirmation. See Minnesota Statutes 645.45

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.

(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 the child’s mental health needs through therapy; and

(6) prescribing and managing medication and evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed medication.

(b) County boards may request a waiver allowing outpatient services to be provided in a nearby trade area if it is determined that the child requires necessary and appropriate services that are only available outside the county.

(c) Outpatient services offered by the county board to prevent placement must be at the level of treatment appropriate to the child’s diagnostic assessment.

Subd. 2.Specific requirements.

The county board shall require that a service provider of outpatient services to children:

(1) meets the professional qualifications contained in sections 245.487 to 245.4889;

(2) uses 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) develops individual treatment plans; and

(4) provides initial appointments within three weeks, except in emergencies where there must be immediate access as described in section 245.4879.

Subd. 3.Mental health crisis services.

County boards must provide or contract for mental health crisis services within the county to meet the needs of children with emotional disturbance residing in the county who are determined, through an assessment by a mental health professional, to be experiencing a mental health crisis or mental health emergency. The mental health crisis services provided must be medically necessary, as defined in section 62Q.53, subdivision 2, and necessary for the safety of the child or others regardless of the setting.