Subdivision 1. Licensure. The commissioner of human services shall apply to the commissioner of health to license the secure treatment facilities operated by the Minnesota sex offender program as supervised living facilities with applicable program licensing standards.

Subd. 2. Minnesota sex offender program evaluation. (a) The commissioner shall contract with national sex offender experts to evaluate the sex offender treatment program. The consultant group shall consist of four national experts, including:

(1) three experts who are licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical therapists, or other mental health treatment providers with established and recognized training and experience in the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders; and

(2) one nontreatment professional with relevant training and experience regarding the oversight or licensing of sex offender treatment programs or other relevant mental health treatment programs.

(b) These experts shall, in consultation with the executive clinical director of the sex offender treatment program:

(1) review and identify relevant information and evidence-based best practices and methodologies for effectively assessing, diagnosing, and treating civilly committed sex offenders;

(2) on at least an annual basis, complete a site visit and comprehensive program evaluation that may include a review of program policies and procedures to determine the program's level of compliance, address specific areas of concern brought to the panel's attention by the executive clinical director or executive director, offer recommendations, and complete a written report of its findings to the executive director and clinical director; and

(3) in addition to the annual site visit and review, provide advice, input, and assistance as requested by the executive clinical director or executive director.

(c) The commissioner or commissioner's designee shall enter into contracts as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities under this subdivision.

Subd. 3. Civilly committed sex offender grievance resolution process. (a) The executive director shall establish a grievance policy and related procedures that address and attempt to resolve civilly committed sex offender concerns and complaints. The grievance resolution process must include procedures for assessing or investigating a civilly committed sex offender's concerns or complaints, for attempting to resolve issues informally, and for appealing for a review and determination by the executive director or designee.

(b) Any civilly committed sex offender who believes a right that is applicable to an individual under section 144.651 has been violated may file a grievance under paragraph (a) and attempt to resolve the issue internally, or by a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints, or both. Complaints filed with the Office of Health Facility Complaints under this paragraph must be processed according to section 144.652.

History: 1Sp1993 c 1 art 7 s 29; 1Sp1994 c 1 art 2 s 27; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 6 s 35; 2009 c 111 s 9; 2010 c 300 s 6,7