2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 253B.02 — Definitions

Plain-Language Summary

This section defines all the key terms used in Minnesota's civil commitment law, including 'chemically dependent person,' 'person who poses a risk of harm due to mental illness,' 'treatment facility,' 'patient,' 'examiner,' and 'peace officer.'

Practical Notes
Understanding these definitions is critical because the legal standard for commitment depends on which category a person falls into. For example, a ‘person who has a mental illness and is dangerous’ has a different standard than a ‘person who poses a risk of harm due to mental illness.’