1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to the ombudsman for mental health; imposing a term limit in office;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 245.92.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 245.92, is amended to read:
1.6 	245.92 OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN; CREATION; QUALIFICATIONS; 
1.7 	FUNCTION.
1.8 	The ombudsman for persons receiving services or treatment for mental illness, 
1.9 	developmental disabilities, chemical dependency, or emotional disturbance shall promote 
1.10 	the highest attainable standards of treatment, competence, efficiency, and justice. The 
1.11 	ombudsman may gather information about decisions, acts, and other matters of an agency, 
1.12 	facility, or program. The ombudsman is appointed by the governor,. The term of the 
1.13 	ombudsman is six years, beginning July 1, 2007. The ombudsman may be reappointed. 
1.14 	The ombudsman  serves in the unclassified service, and may be removed during the term in 
1.15 	office only for just cause. The ombudsman must be selected without regard to political 
1.16 	affiliation and must be a person who has knowledge and experience concerning the 
1.17 	treatment, needs, and rights of clients, and who is highly competent and qualified. No 
1.18 	person may serve as ombudsman while holding another public office.