1. (1) The statewide 2-1-1 system shall ensure provision of services in all counties of the state.
2. (2) The statewide 2-1-1 system must be administered by the department. The department shall approve a strategic plan for service delivery and divide the state into no more than eight regions.

3. (3) The statewide 2-1-1 system shall ensure that all approved 2-1-1 service providers provide the following scope of service:

   1. (a) provide information and referral services to each inquirer for the inquirer's designated geographic area through well-trained staff or volunteers who are knowledgeable about local resources;
   2. (b) create and maintain a database of community resources and referrals for the service provider's designated geographic area;
   3. (c) provide appropriate services to crisis callers, which include stabilization or safety assessment and connection to further resources such as crisis lines, domestic violence shelters, and rape victim advocates;
   4. (d) provide information to the department regarding 2-1-1 service usage, including data on callers, service needs, and resource gaps;
   5. (e) provide support to community and disaster and emergency services providers in the case of a disaster or emergency; and
   6. (f) participate in any publicity plan for the statewide 2-1-1 system in Montana.

History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 548, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 81, L. 2017.