BOARD/COMMISSION:  Minnesota Sex Offender Program - Hospital Review Board

Candidates for appointment to the HRB must be an attorney, a psychologist, or a member of the public. All candidates must meet the qualifications listed below. Individuals employed by the Department of Human Services or affiliated with the Department of Human Services within the last year are ineligible for appointment to the HRB.

Minimum qualifications:

• Possess a basic understanding of the Commitment Act (Minnesota Statute Chapters §253B and 253D), particularly those provisions relating to the commitment of individuals as a sexually dangerous person or a sexual psychopathic personality.
• Have at least two years’ experience in the field of mental health.
• Able to participate in initial and ongoing training related to service on the HRB.
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with sexual abusers and general knowledge of sex offender diagnosis and treatment.

Specific Qualifications:

Attorneys:

• Two years’ experience related to civil commitment in Minnesota (preferred).
• Licensed (and in good standing) to practice law in Minnesota.
• Ability to preside over hearings and over deliberations.
• Writing skills to summarize information presented at hearings and articulate the HRB’s recommendations.

Psychologists:

• Licensed to practice psychology in Minnesota.
• Be in good standing with the Minnesota Board of Psychology.
• Writing skills to summarize information presented at hearings and articulate the HRB’s recommendations.
  

The Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) provides inpatient treatment to individuals civilly committed as sexually dangerous persons and sexually psychopathic personalities. The Hospital Review Board (the HRB) is established by and operates under Minnesota Statutes §253B.22 and 253D.04. This HRB hears MSOP clients' concerns regarding the conditions of their care and provides verbal and/or written recommendations to MSOP administrators.

The HRB meets and acts in three-member panels comprised of an attorney, a psychologist, and a member of the public. The HRB will be asked to attend meetings remotely utilizing interactive television (ITV - Vidyo). 

During the HRB's meetings, each client receives up to 15 minutes to present their issues to the HRB. Following the hearing, the HRB may make a written recommendation to MSOP which may require a response from the MSOP administration. HRB hearings may occur up to twice per month (monthly at the MSOP - Moose Lake site and bi-annually at MSOP - St. Peter site) for up to 3 hours per meeting.

Candidates for appointment to the HRB must be an attorney, a psychologist, or a member of the public. All candidates must meet the qualifications listed. Individuals employed with the Department of Human Services are ineligible for appointment to the HRB.