36-502.01. Powers and duties of director of the department of health services; rules; expenditure limitation

A. The director of the department shall make rules that include standards for the state hospital when providing services as an evaluation agency or mental health agency and shall prescribe forms as may be necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of those responsibilities. The rules shall be applicable to patients admitted to, evaluated by or treated in the state hospital as set forth in this chapter and shall provide for periodic inspections of the state hospital.

B. The director of the department shall make rules concerning the admission of patients to the state hospital and the transfer of patients between the state hospital and other mental health treatment agencies. A patient undergoing court-ordered treatment may be transferred between the state hospital and another mental health treatment agency in accordance with the rules of the director of the department, subject to the approval of the court. The director of the department shall consult with the director of the administration on rules relating to transfers to and from the state hospital and other mental health treatment agencies.

C. The director of the department may make rules concerning leaves, visits and absences of patients from the state hospital.

D. The total amount of state monies that may be spent in any fiscal year by the department for mental health services pursuant to this chapter may not exceed the amount appropriated or authorized by section 35-173 for that purpose. This chapter does not impose a duty on an officer, agent or employee of this state to discharge a responsibility or create any right in a person or group if the discharge or right would require an expenditure of state monies in excess of the expenditure authorized by legislative appropriation for that specific purpose.