Sections 1 and 2 (246.54, subds. 1a, 1b) modify the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center and community behavioral health hospitals, respectively.  The new language states that a county is responsible for 100 percent of the cost of care, provided the discharge plan does not recommend a referral to the community competency restoration program and the facility meets the new notice requirements under section 3.

Section 3 (246.54, subd. 1d.) requires the facility to send a notice and a preliminary discharge plan, with a discharge date, to the county and commissioner ten days before the discharge of the client. The commissioner and facility shall partner with the county to find an appropriate placement for the client by the discharge date, and if the client is not discharged due to a delay by the facility, the county must not be charged for the cost of care.

Section 4 (246.54, subd. 3) requires the commissioner to share with counties a comprehensive and continuously updated list of providers and facilities that counties can access in order to find timely and appropriate placement of clients.

Section 5 (256.045, subd. 3) allows the county to request a hearing under the fair hearings act if the county disputes the cost of care under section 246.54.