Section 254A.19 Chemical Use Assessments

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

Section 254A.19 Chemical Use Assessments

254A.19 CHEMICAL USE ASSESSMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Persons arrested outside of home county.

When a chemical use assessment is required under Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6600 to 9530.6655, for a person who is arrested and taken into custody by a peace officer outside of the person's county of residence, the assessment must be completed by the person's county of residence no later than three weeks after the assessment is initially requested. If the assessment is not performed within this time limit, the county where the person is to be sentenced shall perform the assessment. The county of financial responsibility is determined under chapter 256G.

Subd. 1a.Emergency room patients.

A county may enter into a contract with a hospital to provide chemical use assessments under Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6600 to 9530.6655, for patients admitted to an emergency room or inpatient hospital when:

(1) an assessor is not available; and

(2) detoxification services in the county are at full capacity.

Subd. 2.Probation officer as contact.

When a chemical use assessment is required under Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6600 to 9530.6655, for a person who is on probation or under other correctional supervision, the assessor, either orally or in writing, shall contact the person's probation officer to verify or supplement the information provided by the person.

Subd. 3.Financial conflicts of interest.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) or (c), an assessor conducting a chemical use assessment under Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6600 to 9530.6655, may not have any direct or shared financial interest or referral relationship resulting in shared financial gain with a treatment provider.

(b) A county may contract with an assessor having a conflict described in paragraph (a) if the county documents that:

(1) the assessor is employed by a culturally specific service provider or a service provider with a program designed to treat individuals of a specific age, sex, or sexual preference;

(2) the county does not employ a sufficient number of qualified assessors and the only qualified assessors available in the county have a direct or shared financial interest or a referral relationship resulting in shared financial gain with a treatment provider; or

(3) the county social service agency has an existing relationship with an assessor or service provider and elects to enter into a contract with that assessor to provide both assessment and treatment under circumstances specified in the county's contract, provided the county retains responsibility for making placement decisions.

(c) The county may contract with a hospital to conduct chemical assessments if the requirements in subdivision 1a are met.

An assessor under this paragraph may not place clients in treatment. The assessor shall gather required information and provide it to the county along with any required documentation. The county shall make all placement decisions for clients assessed by assessors under this paragraph.