Two bills introduced in the Minnesota and North Dakota legislatures aim to allow people on parole and probation to access mental health care services across state lines. Sponsored by Sen. Rob Kupec in Minnesota and Sen. Tim Mathern in North Dakota, these bills seek to amend existing laws that excluded individuals on parole and probation from using state health benefits for mental health care in neighboring states.
If approved, the bills would enable the North Dakota and Minnesota Departments of Health and Human Services to develop a cooperative agreement allowing individuals to retain their benefits in their home states while receiving treatment in a different state. This change would benefit not only those seeking care but also providers like Prairie St. John’s, a psychiatric hospital in Fargo, which often has to turn away patients from Minnesota due to existing limitations.
This initiative aims to reduce recidivism rates, save resources in the correctional system, and improve the quality of life for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders in both states. Additionally, other states could potentially join the agreement to provide better access to mental health care for individuals on parole and probation.
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